I realize that this is late and I apologize. School's started again and things are kind of hectic at the moment. Luckily for me, I wrote this up before my one month vacation (that's why there was a long delay for this chapter really) but couldn't find the time to finish it up and send it for edits.
Thanks a bunch for my friends, especially Dewi (aka Cewe Gila). I've just watched Ayashi no Ceres with her and one part of the anime totally threw us into a crying fest. I won't spoil it for those of you who don't know most of the story. It's a really good anime by Watase Yuu, creator of Fushigi Yuugi. All of you FY fans out there (especially you guys who like the many cute guys in the anime), you should watch Ayashi no Ceres. Touya and Yuuhi are worth the watch! (I love Yuuhi!!!)
Thanks also to my friend 'Angel', lu paling nggak baca nih, tapi gue tulis aja. Thanks for all that anime-talk!! And being an Umi fan!! Sorry to all MKR fans, but Umi's the best!
Also thanks to Cher Chan who edit this!! Thank you!! :p
Chapter 2: Escape
By: Lady of Earth
Edited by: Cher Chan
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters mentioned in this fic.
The interrogation room was dimly lit and there were three figures in the middle. One of them sat in a chair with his arms tied behind his back to the chair. His hair was ruffled by the many times he had been struck and some blood from various cuts on his face had matted with hair and sweat. His head hung low, as he choked out more blood. The other two figures, dressed in dark green military uniforms looked at him with disgust.
He tried to move his hands, but found no feeling in them. They were too numb. Whatever it was that they had given him, it was strong enough to immobilize the Perfect Soldier. Heero Yuy looked up once more, to the blonde of the two officers.
"I'm going to ask you again." the blonde lieutenant growled. "Where is the girl?"
He merely grunted in response and his eyes widened and he doubled over in pain as the lieutenant socked him in the stomach. They asked him many questions but not once did he reply. In turn of course, he was used as a human punching bag by various officers.
From what he vaguely remember, there was even an old man dressed up in some sort of General uniform who walked in and asked him questions. After about an hour of no answers whatsoever, the old man decided to take a few punches himself. But no matter how much he wanted to strike back, he couldn't. It was as if his mind was a big blur, he couldn't make himself move.
The dark haired officer grabbed a handful of his hair and yank his face up, snarling, "This is the last time we'll ask you, where is that bitch?"
Despite all injuries and his clouded mind, the idea of anyone calling Usagi, HIS Usagi a bitch cleared his mind slightly. He looked defiantly at the man, before spitting at him, hitting him right in the eye. The officer let out a shout while his friend called out for back up. A split second later, three low ranking officers carried out a battered and bruised Heero Yuy and threw him back in his cell.
As his face hit the cold floor, something snapped back into place in his mind. He could move his arms again and he pushed himself up to his feet. His vision was still blurry and obstructed by the blood pouring from the fresh wounds on his head. He wiped some of the blood away with the back of his hand, but still the blood poured. With a sigh, he moved to the wall and leaned against it.
"Usagi."
Usagi walked quietly into the apartment, scrunching up her face at the smell. The small, cold and damp apartment had a terrible smell, although she had no choice but to take it despite the conditions. After all, she didn't want to bring attention to herself. She could have easily afford a much bigger, odorless apartment, but this way was best, they didn't even check on her.
She was in the kitchen and began to walk to her bedroom, with a glass of water in her hand, moving quietly in the dark. She liked it better there, where no one could see her. It was safe. But then she heard noises. She froze, her mind going on alert at once.
She placed the glass down carefully and pulled out her gun. She looked at the crack of light under the door, only to see shadows obstructing the light. She gritted her teeth, this was not good. Quickly, she ducked under the table, the only hiding place available.
She held her breath as the door was kicked in, the sounds of heavy combat boots hitting the floor. Using her trained senses, she quickly ruled that there were six of them in the apartment. They checked every part of the apartment and she could make out two of them in her bedroom, as she peeked carefully through the long table cloth.
"All clear sir." One of them said finally.
"She's probably left sir." Another supplied. But someone, most probably this 'sir' they were talking to, began to walk to the kitchen. And from what Usagi can make, he stopped approximately in front of where she left her glass of water. She silently cursed at herself, why did she have to get a glass of water anyway?
"She can't be far." This 'sir' grunted. She bit her lip, she was trapped there was no way she could slip out unseen by them. With her combat training, she could actually take them on. But she was having doubts about the leader of this bunch. She could probably take out three in the first attack, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to take another three in the second one. She'd be captured for sure if she pulled a stunt like that.
'At least if I'm captured, I get to see Hii-chan again.' She thought. But almost immediately, she dismissed the thought. 'Iie, if I'm captured, both of us will be killed. Besides, I promised Hii-chan that I won't get myself captured.' Her eyes darted about, seeking for any chance to escape.
"You never know, maybe she's hiding under the table or something." A soldier whispered. Usagi froze, her hair was standing on end as she watched for any movement of the table cover.
"Don't be stupid." Another muttered.
"Just a thought."
"The bedroom window is wide open!" One of them yelled from her bedroom.
Her bedroom window...she left it open on purpose, just in case she couldn't get through the front door and have to go through somewhere else. And of course, for exiting the building when it's necessary. She silently prayed that they would think she'd ran off.
"Blast! Move out! We'll find that little bitch." 'Sir' growled, rushing out of the apartment. The thundering footsteps of the soldiers followed him out and Usagi was able to breathe freely again. Although she didn't come out of her hiding place. But the same thought ran inside her head.
She needed to get out of there...Fast.
Duo groaned, hearing the sound of the ringing doorbell. He rolled over and took a peek through heavy eyelids at his alarm clock. 5:30 AM.
No, waking up was not an option, it was far too early and there was no way he was getting out of bed. But still the infernal bell wouldn't stop ringing. He grabbed one of his pillows and buried his head underneath it. But the ringing doorbell was then accompanied by a loud banging on his door. Not to mention someone calling out his name.
Suddenly he sat up. It was someone female calling his name. And her voice sounds all too familiar. He headed out of his room and to the door of his apartment. Sure, Quatre had offered all of the pilots to stay at the Winner Mansion. But none of them took up the offer.
He opened the door, to see Usagi, wearing the same outfit as before standing in front of his door. She rushed inside immediately and hissed, "Close the door." He frowned and closed the door.
"Come in." He muttered. She rushed towards the window, drawing the curtain slightly just for a quick peek. What she saw didn't seem to make her happy. The men who had broken into her apartment were heading towards Duo's.
"Shimatta!" She cursed. She turned to Duo. "Get some clothes on, quickly." She ordered. He scratched his head.
"Why?"
"Because the men who captured Heero and are trying to capture ME are heading this way!" She exclaimed. His eyes widened and he rushed to his bedroom. He came out a split second later, fully dressed and ready to head out the door.
"Do you have another exit? I'm sure they'd use the front door." Usagi said. Duo grabbed her hand, heading towards the door.
"What are you doing? They'll come here through that door!"
"No they won't. They don't know which apartment you went to." He said, opening the door and walking towards the fire exit. He was about to say something else, but he got cut off by a bullet ripping through the air. "Shimatta!" He cursed, pulling her towards another hallway, bullets flying over their heads.. He pressed his back against the wall and checked the bullets in his gun. Two left. He cursed himself silently for not refilling his gun.
"Now what?" She whispered. He turned the safety off and looked over the corner. He pulled his head back just in time, a bullet flew an inch over his head.
"Usually, I'd stay and fight. But I'm feeling kindda tired today, so I think I'll switch to plan B." He told her.
"What's plan B?" She asked.
"Oh, just this." He quickly pulled her hand and led her to the fire exit, the soldiers on their heels.
"What the hell are you doing?" Usagi asked, her eyes wide.
"Trust me." And he flashed her a broad grin and they descended the stairs. The soldiers were still on their tail, firing away at them, so they constantly kept their heads down and dodged oncoming bullets. Before they reached the second level, however, Duo stopped and turned to look at the wall.
"I always forget this part." He muttered, looking closely at the white wall. Usagi stared at him with disbelief. In a life or death situation, he's looking at a WALL??? But before she could grab his neck and strangle him, he pressed his thumb on the wall and to her surprise...the wall opened up to a corridor.
"Let's go." He said, taking her hand. The wall closed behind them. She watched it close with amazement, just as she tried keeping up with him.
"How did you-"
"I had it built here just in case. After all, you don't know when people'll start blowing up stuff and start finding us Gundam pilots again. And besides, I may look and act stupid at times, but I've got brains too you know. And the Shinigami isn't planning to die before meeting his old buddy Heero again." Duo said with a grin. Usagi smiled.
"Now I know why you're Heero's best friend." She said. He looked at her in surprise.
"Did he say that?" He asked. She nodded.
"Well his way of putting it was, 'The most annoying imbecile in the history of time.' But you know Heero's never been too good with words." She said.
"Which part of that sentence says that I'm his best friend?" He asked, scratching his head. She smiled softly, looking at him.
"It wasn't in the sentence, but he was smiling when he said it. And as you know, Heero's smiles don't come for free." He looked at her with amazement. Heero, smiling? Of course the smile doesn't come for free, he's never smiled before. Not that Duo has ever seen one.
"You sure he wasn't on anything?" He received a nice whack on the head for that comment.
"Moshi, moshi." Duo grinned, upon hearing Quatre's voice on the line.
"Quatre, old buddy! How are ya?" He exclaimed.
"Duo?"
"Yup, it's me. Hey, I need a big favor from you."
"What is it? Where are you?"
"Well, you can start by opening the door to your house and then you'll get your answers."
Quatre rushed to the front door, seeing a grinning Duo and a slightly worn-out looking Usagi. "Come in, both of you." He said, ushering them inside.
"Arigatou Winner-san." Usagi said, but Quatre held up his hand.
"It's just Quatre. I'll call one of my sisters to get a room ready for you." He said. She shook her head wearily.
"Iie, that wouldn't be-"
"I insist, Tsukino-san. And besides, from the look of it, you won't be able to stand much longer." Quatre said, looking at her wavering form. Duo caught her arm to steady her. Not long, two of Quatre's sister came by and led Usagi to her room so she could rest.
"I don't think she's had any sleep yet, some men broke into her apartment and she went to mine. They followed her to my place and we had to get away." Duo explained, as the two men watched her being led away.
"Well, you'll be safe here. And this way, she can rest." Duo yawned, looking at his watch.
"Great, I wouldn't mind catching some sleep myself." He muttered.
Quatre nodded. "I'll inform Trowa and Wufei right now."
Wufei arrived an hour later and Trowa followed, half an hour later. Quatre was explaining the situation to the two of them when he heard a knock on the door of his study. "Come in." He called out.
Usagi entered, wearing what seem to be one of Quatre's sisters' clothes. It was a contrast to the black clothes she wore before. She wore instead a long-sleeved blue shirt and jeans and her golden hair was let loose, instead of braided.
"I see you wasted no time Win-I mean, Quatre." She said, correcting herself.
"If you don't mind, Tsukino-san, would you explain to us about the current situation?" Quatre asked.
"No, I don't mind, you deserve to hear everything. And please, it's Usagi." She said, before beginning her explanation.
"When Heero left Earth, he came to the base of our operation as a member of the Preventers." Usagi began.
"Heero, a Preventer?" Duo asked, appearing in the doorway. Usagi frowned.
"Is that so hard to imagine?" She asked, half-growling. Duo gulped. Just what he needed at the moment, a female version of Heero. And this cat has claws too.
"I think he took the job because our branch had been investigating for new mobile suits."
"What do you mean? What new mobile suits?" Asked Quatre.
"We had reasons to believe that one of the colonies had been secretly making new mobile suits based on your Gundam models."
"Care to elaborate a bit more?" Asked Trowa suddenly.
"Well, I'll just cut to the chase. We infiltrated the compound where we suspected these mobile suits were manufactured and confirmed our suspicions. They were indeed building new mobile suits. We made copies of the plans for these new suits and I'm sorry to say, the technology used for these suits are far advanced than that of your Gundams. These suits let the pilot control and the system won't do the pilot any harm."
"What else do you know of these suits?" Asked Quatre.
"The models are code named Senshi, but each suit has a different code name. There were five in total the names were...." She paused, thinking for a moment. "Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn and Pluto."
"Any other information, as to who designed them?"
"We have some information about her-" Usagi was cut off by an outburst from Wufei.
"Her? The creator's a woman?" He shouted. Usagi scowled but nodded.
"Hai. Do you have a problem with that?" She asked.
"Please continue." Quatre said quickly, as to avoid an argument between the two. It was obvious they couldn't lose time and especially not so that the two can argue over something as little as that. Their own safety as well as Heero's is at stake at the moment.
"We don't have her real name, in fact, no one knows who she is exactly."
"Why is that? Surely someone must know something about her."
"Just that she was found by the leader of this operation, his code name is Helios, years ago. Apparently she had an accident while in a mobile suit, she was left to die at the time. When Helios found her she was half-dead, but apparently he managed to bring her back to health. Although not to a full 100%."
"Why do you say that?" Asked Duo.
"She's in a wheelchair. But she has excellent piloting skills, so she's been instructing the new pilots. She knows the Gundam model top to bottom and decided to rearrange it and make modifications."
"But still, how is it that they don't know her real name?" Duo pressed on.
"She had amnesia. All that she could remember was her ability to pilot a mobile suit and her knowledge of the Gundams."
"Selective amnesia. That can happen actually." Remarked Trowa. There was a pause before someone spoke again.
"Because she didn't have a name, she did choose one for herself. And a strange one at that." Usagi said thoughtfully.
"What is it?"
"Well, apparently she believes in this legend and she took the name out of the legend. I think the name is Nataku." She said. Wufei's face turned pale in a millisecond at the sound of the all too familiar name.
That was a good place to stop, don't you think? ^-^ Hope you guys liked this chapter as much as the last. Sorry there's not much of Heero in this chapter either. Next chapter will make it up for these first two chapters, I promise! And don't get me wrong, I like Wufei, but I also like picking on him. So expect a lot of Usagi-Wufei arguments and of course Wufei-Duo arguments. Don't forget to review!!!