The Missing Soldier

Chapter 7 - Solo

Story by: Lady of Earth

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this story. I don't own the song "I'm a slave 4 U" (not that I want to), "I want it that way" or "Which Backstreet Boy is gay". The song "Which Gundam Boy is gay" is merely a parody of the parody of the original BSB's song.

Warning: Bitchified Relena (It's not really a word...I know), more insanities and most especially, more Wufei-teasing! Oh yeah and there's still the element of angst. I can't seem to let that go. But then again, I've been mixing angst and insanities (my attempts at humor) for some time now, ne?

The lone huddled form of Tomoe Hotaru was hidden in the shadows of the cold prison. Her lithe form shivering as the cold wind swept past the prison. But the shivers were soon replaced by silent sobs. Her hunched form and her shaking shoulders could hardly be seen by anyone outside.

But she was trying hard not to be seen. Not to be heeded by anyone. Anything so she could disappear.

"Helios." She whispered, squeezing her eyes shut, but the tears continued to fall. There was a painstakingly slow feeling of dread that was creeping up on her. Something was going to happen. But that feeling was suddenly masked by the heartache she felt. The only time she had found love...

She choked out yet another sob.

They killed him. The only man she had ever loved, the only man who had ever loved her. Killed by Mamoru....

What was it again that the girl pilot said? Double cross?

Hotaru vaguely remembered the girl, just bits and pieces of her. The look of realization that passed over the blonde Preventers officer's face as she looked at Hotaru for the first time. She remembered thinking that this was a woman worthy to be by the side of the Perfect Soldier. She had showed courage and determination above all others.

But how come...she looks and sounds so familiar?

She clutched her throbbing head. Every single time she tries to remember her past, the headache would take over. Sometimes it would come and pass but other times...she would pass out because of the pain. She shivered again, looking around the dark prison.

For the first time since she had arrived at the base, she felt frightened. She had never felt so alone before. Staring helplessly at the walls of her prison, she closed her eyes and prayed for the only person that is constantly in her mind. The last pillar left standing in her crumbling world.

"Wufei."

Minako woke up with a start, looking around her dark room, body drenched with sweat. She placed a hand on her forehead, trying desperately to calm herself down. Or at least, steady her breathing a little. But this last premonition...it scared her. Especially because she could even feel the girl's sense in the room. She looked down at her hands and saw them shaking uncontrollably.

Whatever it is that she's feeling, she had to set it aside. She had to report her newest premonition to Usagi. After all, from what she could make out from the premonition, it seems that the girl is none other than Tomoe Hotaru. Who else would say Wufei's name while sitting in a dark prison all by herself? She tried lying back down, but found herself too restless.

Finally she gave up.

She tossed the covers of her bed and got to her feet. She grabbed a robe to cover herself with, despite her usual T-shirt and shorts, she didn't want anyone to find her wandering around in the clothes she sleeps in. She stumbled towards the door, sighing softly at the lit hallway. She walked soundlessly to the place where she always go, the library.

By the time she got to the door however, she halted her footsteps, surprised to see light streaming in from the cracks of the door. Frowning, she thought of who could be in there at that time of the night. Slowly, she pushed the heavy doors open.

And her eyes widened at the sight that greeted her eyes.

One Duo Maxwell was having a little too much fun to sleep apparently. He had books lined up across the floor in a single file. One empty row on one of the shelves prove that he had taken a whole bunch without bothering to look at the titles. One thing she knew for sure...he wasn't there to read.

And surely he wasn't, as he pushed a book on the end of the line, creating a domino effect as the other books tumbled one by one. There was an ecstatic, child-like grin on his face. The pure childish bliss on his face caused Minako to smile and then giggle.

Duo turned around from his little game to see Mina standing at the doorway in a yellow, loosely-worn bathrobe. He could see the white T-shirt she always wears and the gray shorts that accompany the shirt, revealing her legs...just enough to make anyone with a dirty mind to think hentai thoughts. He raised an eyebrow slightly, giving her a quick look over.

Mina must have sensed his eyes roaming over her body and blushed.

"Anno, pardon my intrusion, Maxwell-san, but what are you doing?" Mina asked. Duo grinned.

"I got bored." He stated simply, as he went to stack up the row of books again. Apparently he wanted to try out his little game again.

"I can see that." Mina said with amusement, as she walked into the room, sitting down on the nearest chair. Her blonde hair flowing down her back as she played with the strands.

"Ne, Minako, call me Duo." Duo said, as he set the last book in place.

"Alright then, Duo."

"What are you doing up anyway?" Duo asked, as he gave the book a little nudge and the entire row came tumbling again.

"Couldn't sleep." Well, it wasn't exactly a lie. There was an element of truth in there. If she had stayed in her bedroom, she wouldn't have gone back to sleep.

"Guess insomnia is common after all." Duo said, walking over to sit next to her.

"I'm not insomniac. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, that's all."

"That's not very healthy. Relena must be working you too hard." Duo said, snorting as he said Relena's name. Mina sighed, knowing too well that the pilots don't exactly like Relena. But she really didn't want to speak about her employer at the moment. Leave thoughts of work for working time.

"How about you? Aren't you tired after being chased around by Chang-san the whole afternoon and most of the evening?" Mina asked. Duo threw his head back and laughed.

"No, that's just normal stuff. I'm used to it. I don't exactly tire easily." He said with a wink. "Besides, Wu-man doesn't usually stay mad at me for long."

"From what I could make out from Usagi, he seems pretty...um, upset."

"Upset? You do mean pissed off, right?" Duo said with a chuckle. Mina laughed.

"I have to agree." And the two went chatting away until the early signs of light.

"Nande?" Piped up Usagi. Duo had been sitting next to her during breakfast, telling her something in hushed voice. Heero was scowling, but he didn't say anything. Instead, the Perfect Soldier was shooting murderous looks at Duo. Unknowing, that Relena had thought the looks were meant for her and thought yet again, Heero will be willing to kill her. (Get in line)

"Come on, Usa-girl!" Pleaded Duo. Usagi gave Duo a straight answer with just one look. "Usa-girl! You're my last hope!" He whined.

"After yesterday, I think I prefer not to be at the other end of the katana, thanks." Usagi said dryly. Duo pouted at her answer. Mina, who was sitting across the table from the pouting pilot stared at him with amazement. After realizing Usagi wasn't going to agree, Duo sighed and shifted his gaze away. It was then that blue met with blue. And Mina quickly looked down at her plate, blushing. Duo, however, smiled at the blonde.

"Minako, have you finished those reports?" Relena asked suddenly. Mina snapped up to attention.

"Ah! No, not yet Darlian-san." She replied, knowing she was going to get it. And sure enough, Relena glared at the blonde.

"Did I not specifically said that I wanted those reports by today?" She growled.

"A-anno, Darlian-san, you said you won't need them until-"

"I know what I said! But I've changed my mind!" Shouted Relena, cutting Mina off completely. The blonde looked down, face burning with embarrassment. Why did Relena have to do this in the middle of breakfast? And in front of everyone as well? "Must I do everything myself?" She asked. Heaving a dramatic sigh, she stood up. "I hope you can excuse me. Because of some new developments, I must take care of this...problem." She said, looking directly at Mina when she said 'problem'.

Usagi glanced at Mina with worry when Relena left the room. "Are you alright Mina?" She asked softly. She had noticed the other woman had turned slightly pale.

"Wha-Oh! I'm fine Usagi!" Exclaimed Mina, forcing a smile. But the worry never disappeared from Usagi's face. And even Mina had to admit to herself, it was really a lost cause. Duo too was concerned with the well-being of this one blonde. Luckily, Wufei had just entered the room.

The Chinese pilot had hardly slept the night before, as he had searched high and low for both Usagi and Duo. He finally gave up the search at about 3:30. But by that time, he had realized he had dropped the key to his room. He had locked it just in case any of the two would get in there and cause more mischief. So, he had taken to sleeping in front of the door of his room until someone woke him up and gave him access to his room by using a spare key.

Duo's face lit up at the sight of the pilot. Now he knew the perfect plan to cheer Mina up! And to cheer himself up too. It wouldn't hurt right? Well, not much anyway. He nudged Usagi and the blonde looked at him with curiosity. He quickly whispered something in her ear, causing her eyes to widen.

"What are you planning?" She hissed.

"Who, innocent little me?" He asked, blinking his eyes for effect. She narrowed her eyes.

"You're neither innocent nor little. You better not be dragging me into your stupid plans, Duo!" She warned him. He shook his head.

"I take full responsibility this time." He said, then shot a glance at Mina. "Besides, some of us here could use a little laugh." Usagi caught his look and then smiled.

"Alright. Just this last time." She said with a nod.

"Now that's my Usa-girl!" He exclaimed.

"Since when is she your Usa?" A monotonous voice spoke up. An angry monotonous voice. Duo turned around and gulped. Heero was standing right behind him. And apparently had heard his every words.

"Now, Heero," Duo began, but Usagi interrupted.

"Hii-chan, it'll cheer Mina up tremendously." She said. "Besides, Duo's my friend and your best friend. You can't kill him now!" She pointed out. Heero growled, agreeing grudgingly. Usagi smiled, taking a hold of his hand. "You can kill him later." She added with a sly grin.

"Hey!" Exclaimed Duo. But there was no mistaking the smile on Heero's face.

"What's this all about anyway?" A confused Quatre asked. Usagi gave an innocent shrug. She was seated next to Heero on the couch. Relena would not be back until the evening and it was the perfect time for all of them to get together without the hag.

Duo stood in the middle of the library, a microphone and its stand in front of him. He grinned to everyone in the room. "Ladies and pilots!" He exclaimed. "Welcome to the Duo Show! This morning we will present to you the very handsome, the very talented and the original...the one and only, Dup Maxwell!" He announced, clapping loudly for himself. There was a couple of claps for him, coming from Mina and Usagi and one uncertain Quatre.

"Thank you my fans!" He began, earning not one...but three snorts! And he knew them right away. He glanced at the perpetrators, one Perfect Soldier, one Chinese Dragon and one...one-eyed pilot? 'Great, now Trowa's joining the act.' He thought to himself.

"I just wanted to say, first off, that this is dedicated to Wufei. I apologize for my behavior yesterday." He began. Wufei blinked. Now that was some surprise. First, the baka deshi didn't call him Wu-man as usual and second, he was apologizing for his stupid behavior?

"I have prepared this song yesterday. Dedicated to my fellow pilots. My friends." He said seriously. He then nodded his head. Usagi moved to the sound system purposely placed in one corner of the room. The familiar tune to Backstreet Boys' "I want it that way." came on. The pilots groaned, thinking that Duo was about to sing the same song. What they didn't know, however, was that this one braided pilot had prepared his own version of the song. And they were about to find out...

"Yeah...
We are retired, we had desires
But one is that way. One Gundam Boy is gay!

But we don't want to tell,
Or else we're goin' to hell!
Don't ask please,
Which Gundam boy is gay!

Tell me who, I tell you it ain't Trowa!
Tell me who, I tell you it ain't Heero!
Tell me who, I never want to hear you say,
Which Gundam Boy is gay?

Now I can see him, he's wearing grass skirts,
But he's not the next Britney, yeah
He likes singing the slave song,
But he will never say,
He sleeps with his blankie!"

By the time he got to this part of the song, he was faced with one blushing blonde, one dangerous looking brunette, a gun pointed to his forehead by a glaring Perfect Soldier...and one heaving, puffing and overly furious Chinese dragon.

"MAXWELL!" Wufei's shout echoed throughout the library. Everyone, minus one soldier, winced at the noise. But one blonde in particular was trying hard to contain her laughter. Actually, Usagi looked close to losing it as well.

Pretty soon, even Heero had burst out laughing. The four pilots and two women had started laughing, leaving one still pissed off Chinese pilot to stare at them all dangerously.

"I'll get you for this one and last night, Maxwell, if it's the last thing I do!" He vowed. The he paused. "And I'll start that mission right now." He growled, then whipped out his katana out of nowhere. "SHINE!"

"Shinigami-sama! Feet, don't fail me now!" Exclaimed Duo, seeing the murderous look on Wufei's face. He took off in a dead run with Wufei close on his heels.

"You think he'll make it?" Asked Quatre.

"I'm not entirely sure." Trowa said. "Wufei looks pretty pissed."

"You're stating the obvious." Heero said, smirking.

"There is something that I'm wondering though." Usagi said, looking thoughtful.

"What's that?" Asked Mina. Usagi gave a sly grin as she said,

"Which Gundam boy is gay?" There was a chorus of protest from the three remaining pilots, causing the two girls to burst into a fit of giggles.

"Kuso." She cursed.

"Aa, I have to agree with you there."

"When...and how?"

"Just two days ago."

"What did your sources say?"

"They couldn't do anything. The plan was secret, only the top officers knew of the planned assassination."

"Poor Helios." She whispered, shaking her head sadly.

"All he wanted to do was fulfill his father's last wishes."

"Too bad for him that his otou-san just happened to be the most notorious and one of the most twisted leader of the underground crime network."

"Aa, too bad indeed."

"And aino-chan?"

"She's doing well, unexpectedly. None of us would have ever guessed that the suit would explode."

"An unfortunate accident." She sighed. "I warned her not to test it."

"But think about it, she sacrificed herself for you. You were going to test it, remember?"

"Hai." She said quietly. "Another one of my secrets."

"We need you on this. We were continuing the research because it was YOUR otou-san's last wishes. We were going to save the suits for when they're needed."

"But our plan blew up on our faces. The suits were made in enemy territory, the suit exploded, Hota-chan's stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of her life and Helios had to pay with his life. It was stupid to proceed with the plan in the first place!" She exclaimed in anguish.

"Calm yourself. We all made a vow. Hotaru joined us because she wanted to do something good, in the memory of her sister. And Helios...he was on our side until his honor got the best of him."

"Too many people are getting hurt. I-I don't think I can stand it anymore."

"Just stay low for a while. Keep a low profile."

"Aa, I'll do that." There was an uncomfortable pause.

"I don't know if I should tell you this..."

"Tell me what?"

"I saw him today."

She visibly paled. "You didn't tell him did you?"

"I didn't have to. He heard from one of ours."

"Shimatta." She ran her fingers through her long hair.

"He's bound to find out sooner or later."

"I would have preferred later." She muttered.

"We need his help."

"Hai, I know. Hota-chan needs our help."

"He's proceeding with the mission tonight."

"He's carrying out the mission?"

"Yes. He'll be bringing Hotaru in tomorrow. I've told Minako about it. She seems to have everything in order."

She snorted. "Right." She said dryly.

"You shouldn't be too hard on her. It's hard to be the Oracle."

"I know. But she has to learn to stand up for herself."

"Like you?"

"No, unlike me. If I had stood up for myself, we would never have been stuck in this mess. Helios would still be alive, Hotaru wouldn't be in a wheelchair and everyone would be safe."

"True. But then you would never have met him."

"If this is the cost of finding love...I'd rather have my friends back. Even though I love him, I can't possibly bear the burden of the guilt." She finished off in a whisper.

"Don't think of that for now. Figure out a way to explain your ex to your boyfriend. And find a way to keep yourself safe."

"I'll do that."

"And Usagi?"

"Hai?"

"Keep an eye on Minako and Duo."

"Nani?"

"It seems that our Oracle has fallen for the American."

"Isn't that interesting." She grinned. "Well, I think I saw this one coming."

The older woman chuckled. "Until next time, Usagi."

"Next time, Meiou-san." And she shut off the communication link. She looked around the empty room. Luckily she had found it, or not she'd have no idea where she could safely contact the leader of Preventers of the secret division. But it seems that the time of unfolding of the secrets would be approaching soon. Whether or not Heero would forgive her for keeping it all a secret, she doesn't know.

Whether or not they all would forgive her for bringing them into this mess...no, she can't even forgive herself.

But what Usagi didn't realize, was the presence of another person in the room. Someone who had heard all and seen all. And his dark eyes glinted in the darkness, narrowing when hearing of the secrets discussed between Meiou-san and Usagi.

When Usagi stepped out of the room and closed the door, the figure stepped out of his hiding place. He could tell that there was something greater within the mess that they're all in. But the question is of course, how much are they involved and how much do they really know?

He stepped closer to the open window, where the light from the moon streamed into the room and revealed his face. As he gazed at the wall, half of his face was lit by the moon's rays and the other half hidden in the darkness of the room.

Trowa Barton wants to get to the bottom of this mystery.

"Hey, Usa-girl!" Usagi turned around, only to see Duo half-hidden behind a pillar.

"Duo, what the heck are you doing there?" She demanded.

"Shh!" Shushed the braided pilot.

"What's with the secrecy?" She asked, although dropping her voice.

"I don't want Wufei to find me." Explained Duo in a whisper.

"Why?"

"The last time I saw Wu-man, he was in a murdering rampage. He's out to get me!"

"Duo, I know Wufei was angry yesterday. But surely, he's probably cooled down today." Usagi said reasonably. Duo shook his head.

"No, that was this morning." The blonde winced.

"Then maybe you should stay out of his way for a while?" She suggested.

"Usa-girl, fate has cursed me so that everywhere I turn, I would come face to face with the Chinese dragon." Duo said. But as he continued to talk, Usagi spotted Wufei heading towards the unsuspecting pilot. Her eyes widened and her jaw hung open. But the Chinese shot her a look that simply said 'Say anything and you die'. She kept her mouth shut.

"Look, the man is delusional! He keeps on saying that everything is my fault and that I'm always pissing him off. But that's not true! I just like to lighten things up a little! And everyone knows that there's no better way to lighten the mood by pulling pranks on the murderous dragon!"

"Is that so?" Growled Wufei. Duo jumped out of his skin, falling to Usagi's feet as the furious Chinese pilot stalked towards him with his katana at hand. "Murderous dragon, you say? You're damn right! A murderous, furious, DELUSIONAL dragon!"

"Maa, maa Wu-man!" Pleaded Duo, getting to his feet. "Have mercy!"

"I'll show YOU mercy!" Snarled Wufei. "SHINE!"

"Holy Shinigami! Even worse than Heero's 'omae o korosuuuuuuuuuuu'!" Shrieked Duo as he tore down the hallway. Usagi shook her head at the scene.

"And I thought Haruka was bad." She muttered.

Gomen ne that this chapter isn't as long as the last. But come on, minna, I've been very generous with the length of the chapters, ne? So please have patience.

A little note: aino-chan is referred to as a pet-name. I'm not talking about Aino Minako here. It's a pet name like sweetheart.

I'm working on Chapter 8, where we get the character of Usagi's ex boyfriend to appear. He's not going to be here for long. He might appear in chapters afterwards, but he won't be one of the main characters.

Heero's going to be hearing Usagi's confession not to mention the story of her relationship with her mysterious ex-boyfriend. How will the Perfect Soldier react?

And what about the little sparks between Duo and Minako? And what about Hotaru? And Wufei?

All questions will be answered in the next chapter.

A little competition:

Anyone who can guess who Usagi's ex-boyfriend is will have chapter 8 sent directly into their mailbox (er...that is, if anyone wants to find out chapter 8 ahead of the others). Here are the hints:

"The second was a different story, being one of her partners for her start-out missions. The compatibility between the two was great and they worked together nicely. How unfortunate that she had to find out she actually liked him more than a friend. Straight away, she asked for a transfer. She left without a word to him, just so he wouldn't find her. That was probably why she had been quite reluctant to be in a relationship with Heero at first, denying her feelings for him completely. She still remembered her last boyfriend, with his shoulder-length dark hair and piercing dark eyes and one heck of a killer instinct. He was a warrior alright." (excerpt from Chapter 5)

More hints come from the 'deleted scenes' from Chapter 5:

"There was something in him that resembles royalty. She vaguely noted that if her mother was to see him, she would have approved right away. Despite being the caring mother that she is, her okaa-san can't really help herself around the issue of status."

"He wasn't like the others, preferring to use a sword instead of the common use of gun power. It's really hard to see him as a warrior because he has a certain gentleness in him that others would have perceived as frailty...but never judge a book by its cover."

"His sword can be clearly distinguished, with the marking of the letter 'H' on its blade, engraved with precision."

That's it, no more clues. The first person to answer it correctly gets to see Chapter 8 before anyone else. And not that I want to be mean or anything...Mamoru re-enters the scene, Relena finds out about Heero and Usagi (which means major Relena bashings) and more Wufei-Duo moments. (Now which pilot will be singing next? And which song will he sing?)

Answers should be written in the review or in an e-mail.

E-mail address: kawaii_lady@notme.com