Shattered Reality Part 7
Red Dove
by
Sailor Janus
The trio walked in silence, along the dark street towards the cafe in which they knew Trowa and the others would be expecting them to arrive any minute.
Heero was still fairly surprised by Hotaru's abilities, especially the fact that she killed a man without even flinching. Vaguely, he could remember the time back in AC 196 when he promised himself he would not kill again. So far he had succeeded. "Why did you murder that man?"
"I really had no choice. No matter how many times I attempt not to be the cause of death, I still see red," Hotaru softly answered as she glanced down at the grass, moist with fresh dew.
"So what was the deal with the blood you smeared on your shirt?" Duo curiously asked as the girl bit her lip. Clearly, this was not happy territory.
After a deep sigh, Hotaru began to explain everything, "I have killed many times; with and without the device. The only difference is that when I'm programmed with the mind control disk, I can't concentrate on anything but the mission. Because of this, I am always unaware when I am wearing blood or other substances from my kill."
Absentmindedly she took a small handful of hair and gripped it, looking out of the corner of her eye at the ex-pilots. "Brains do not come out of silk."
The two boys froze, as they stared in horror at her. 'What is this girl getting at?' Heero thought as he stared at her.
"That was not to imply that I like to kill, generally, I'd rather find another way to complete a mission. The only reason I said the part about the brains, is because it was my first assassination attempt with that damn device and has been haunting me since I can remember," Hotaru explained as something dark flashed in her eyes.
'Waking up and finding yourself covered in blood and brain matter is not the easiest thing. That was the one and only mission I had the opportunity to decline. He was a peace seeker and a kind, well-known man. I didn't want to murder him, and firmly stated I did not want to be a part of the damn mission. Instead of accepting my refusal, they used that dreadful electronic device on me instead. Manipulating me for their benefit and not caring in the least bit about what type of impact it left.' the girl dropped her head as her thoughts raced in her head, pulling the bag she was carrying much higher on her shoulder. 'I killed him and wore his bodily fluids as a result. They need to pay.'
The three teens continued walking until they found themselves at the cafe, which was pleasantly opened during all hours. Soon the other ex-pilots greeted them.
"How did it go?" Trowa quietly asked as the three exhausted teens took a seat at their booth.
"We ran into some trouble, but got what we needed," Heero explained, as Duo yawned tiresomely.
"Yep, Hotaru, saved our butts twice," the long haired pilot groggily said as he placed his head on the table.
"A weak woman saved your butts?" Wufei question the two boys as he raised his eyebrows.
Hotaru glared at the Chinese pilot. "I am not a weak woman, Wufei. And if you do not believe me then I'll take you on anywhere, anytime, but right now, I am too tired to do so." With that the girl crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat.
Wufei sat speechless, unable to believe that a girl would actually gladly fight him. That thought was just too foreign. There has to be more to Hotaru than what she seems.
"I'd listen to her if I were you Wu-man. She has enough weapons to supply a small army." Duo yawned again; appearing as thought he was about to fall asleep on the tabletop.
"How did you three get here anyway?" Quatre questioned his friends.
The Perfect Soldier stifled a yawn as he answered. "Hotaru, stole a car which self-detonated about a mile back, so now we need a new ride home which is why you were asked to meet us here."
"It self-detonated?" the green-eyed circus performer asked arching an eyebrow.
"Yes, the professor included a self-destruction device in the car so he could blow it up if needed. Why? I have no idea," the dark-haired girl shrugged as she shivered. "All I can say, is at least there was the warning light, otherwise we'd be nothing more than charred pieces of oozing flesh amongst the metal debris strewn across the parking lot."
As a result to Hotaru's dark words, she found herself the center of attention, which was not too favored to the girl. 'I really need to learn to watch what I say,' she decided as she began looking at her hands.
The ex-pilots were suddenly shaken out of their stupor by the loud snores of the braided-haired teen. This made them realize how exhausted they really were deciding it would be a better idea to sleep and figure everything out in the morning.
After shaking the sleeping teen awake and paying for their drinks, mainly consisting of coffee, tea, and a coke, the six teens headed out the door when Hotaru froze in her tracks. "Question, where do I go? I don't exactly have a place to call home anymore," she inquired as she looked at the pilots who exchanged glances.
"Um, what do we do?" Duo asked through a large yawn as he stretched his long arms behind his head.
"Good question, I mean, Trowa and I are staying with Wufei tonight since he has more space. I guess we kind of forgot about you Hotaru," the blonde Arabian sheepishly smiled.
Heero sighed, unable to believe what he was about to say or even why he was saying it. "You can stay with Duo and I if you want since you did practically save our lives and gave us the information we needed."
"Thank you. I hate being a burden, but I have no place to go," the dark-haired girl softly said with a nod.
Quietly, they left the restaurant, and headed to the van, departing to their newest destination, home.
*~*~*~*
Hotaru found herself once again fully awake before the sun even had a chance to rise. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up on the couch and reached down into her travel bag, pulling out her laptop.
"Might as well, make use of the time I have and check out the disks," the dark-haired girl, clad in an old navy blue and white tank top with white sweatpants whispered to herself as she popped the disk into the compact computer and turned it on.
The screen soon changed from black to a background consisting of gray and dark blue with the words 'Iron Fist' scrawled across the top. 'Hmm, so now I know the organization's name. Let's see what other secrets you hold.'
Soon the girl's fingers were dancing across the keys as her search for information began. Unfortunately, Hotaru did not find too much. Most was either self-explanatory, or very cryptic.
'Okay, it seems Nitol Stanz is the one in charge. Looks like he has a pretty big ego problem. He is practically posing in every single picture he is in. There is a little on my aborted mission, some reminders on a big meeting and...' the violet-eyed girl thought as she did a run through of the files, when suddenly a new page appeared. "What is this?"
The words 'Project: Red Dove' were placed at the top of the page, but other than those three words, it was blank.
"Red Dove. What could that possibly mean?" Hotaru said aloud as she stared at the computer screen. "Whatever it is, it's serious. Damn it. Why couldn't they have put up more information?"
Carefully she removed the disk, and turned off the computer. 'If only I knew more about what was going on there, I could prevent whatever this Project: Red Dove is. I need something to drink.' she thought heading towards the kitchen.
*~*~*~*
After sleeping for a few hours, Heero was back at his computer searching for information on the newest threat, which seemed to call themselves Iron Fist. 'Hn. Wonder if Hotaru knew of the name,' he speculated as he soon found himself staring at the words: Project: Red Dove.
"Find anything?"
"Duo, Don't..." Heero began to say whipping his head around, expecting to see the braided-haired pilot, he instead found himself facing Hotaru. "Oh, it's you."
The girl stood quietly in the doorway and took a sip of whatever was in her coffee cup. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Does Duo bother you often?"
The boy dressed in a hunter green T-shirt and dark blue sweatpants turned back to his laptop and began typing frantically again. "Only when he comes in babbling that he's bored. He's never up this early which why I did not expect anyone to interrupt me." Heero paused to scratch his nose before continuing on. "Why are you up so early anyway? Can't sleep?"
Hotaru leaned against the doorframe, briefly stretching out her back. "No. I never need much in the way of sleep for some reason." Taking another sip, the girl glanced over the Prussian blue-eyed ex-pilot's shoulder and added, "Looking through the files I see. Find anything useful?"
"Hn."
"Well?" the girl pressed on.
The Perfect Soldier sighed, "There is mention of your mission, and about a Project: Red Dove but it does not give specifics as far as what it means or when it is to take place."
"Hmm, I got the same thing."
Heero turned around in his chair and narrowed his gaze at the violet-eyed girl. "Then why did you ask?"
"To make for certain that I was not missing anything," Hotaru shrugged.
"Hn," the boy grunted again, as he turned his attention back to the information displayed on the laptop. "You have quite a history."
'Great he just had to copy those files too. Oh well,' the girl thought as she dropped her eyes to the floor. "So I see you have located my files as well. Find anything interesting?"
"Your hit list is rather impressive."
Hotaru took another sip from her cup. "And I'm sure your record is pretty colorful as well. The deaths of many world leaders focused on peace."
"We were duped by Oz. Those men were not supposed to have been on that jet." Heero said through gritted teeth.
"I had no control over my actions either. We're even as far as innocence is concerned," the girl explained as she focused on the boy's eyes before turning away. "I'll leave you alone since it's practically impossible talking to you."
"Hn," the dark blue-eyed teen grunted turning his back to Hotaru as she left. 'What is her problem?' Heero thought while shutting down his computer.
*~*~*~*
Hotaru walked back into the kitchen to pour some more tea. She was growing so frustrated over everything. Before her life had consisted of being manipulated into missions and intense training. Now she was in an endless down spiral because the damn programming device just had to bust, allowing her to reason freely. "When did everything change?" she softly said to herself.
"Talk to yourself often?" a voice said from the shadows startling the girl who almost choked on her tea.
Spinning around, she found that it was the voice of the Perfect Soldier.
"Sorry. Guess we're even," he quietly said, while opening a cupboard to retrieve a coffee cup and then some coffee grounds from a bag in the adjacent cupboard. "What is that?"
Hotaru looked quizzically at the boy who was now boiling water before realizing that he meant what was in her cup. "Green tea with honey. Want to try some? It won't kill you. It's a lot better for you than coffee actually, but I'll admit, I'm addicted to that as well."
Heero glanced up at the dark-haired girl from the steaming kettle of water. "No, thank you."
Hotaru picked up her cup and strolled over to the table taking a seat. "Have any idea what Red Dove means?"
The ex-pilot leaned over the counter top and shook his head. "I'm concerned about it though."
"That makes two of us," the girl softly said as she nodded her head, ending the conversation.
*~*~*~*
The morning passed practically in silence. Duo was probably going to be sleeping in until noon like he usually did when he didn't have work or any missions to report to. Heero and Hotaru both retreated back to their respected laptops in hopes of cracking the mystery concerning Red Dove, but it was no use, the secrets remained concealed.
Later however, the day became a chaotic mess, which Hotaru could not seem to understand why Duo was freaking out. Sure he woke up late, but the cobalt blue-eyed teen shouldn't have to run around like a headless-chicken muttering something about, he can't find his tie, which was actually wrapped around his head.
Sighing from both boredom of attempting to solve the Red Dove mystery and of curiosity, she decided, to check in with Heero. 'Perhaps, he can fill me in with whatever is going on.' Hotaru thought as she lightly knocked on his door.
Abruptly the door swung open revealing a rather annoyed looking Heero.
"Sorry, but I was hoping you could tell me whatever is going on," the violet-eyed girl said as Duo ran frantically past them yelling something about his tie. "Well?"
'Great should I tell her? Not to mention no one is going to be in the apartment and I do not like the idea of leaving her here alone.' Heero thought, not even realizing that the girl was staring at him expecting an answer. "Fine. We are expected at the Prime Minister of ESUN, Relena Peacecraft's Peace Summit tonight. It's also formal dress which is why Duo is probably running around like an idiot."
"And why you are in tuxedo pants and a white dress shirt," Hotaru stated indicating to the teen's uncommon choice of clothing.
Stiffly, Heero nodded. "Do you have a dress by any chance?"
The girl blinked at the question. "Yes, but are you asking me to attend?"
"Good, you can change in my room if you want. I'll finish up elsewhere, but hurry," the Perfect Soldier said walking out of the room with a jacket draped on one arm and his dress shoes and socks in the other hand.
Hotaru spun around quickly, catching Heero's arm, "Wait, why are you asking me?"
"Because I don't trust you here alone. Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, trust is very vital. It should be earned and not handed out. I perfectly understand," the dark-haired girl said as she removed her hand.
Heero nodded his head and walked off as Hotaru watched from the doorway before leaving to find her favorite gown.
*~*~*~*
"That was nice that you to ask Hotaru to accompany us," Quatre smiled from the couch up at Heero wore was adjusting the collar to his jacket.
"Hn. I only asked because I didn't want her left alone in my apartment."
Just then Duo finally made his entrance, dressed in a black tuxedo. "Do we look sharp or what?!" he grinned.
"So are we all ready?" Trowa asked as he dusted a speck of lint off his gray pants.
"Still waiting for Firefly," Heero said as he fixed his sleeves. He really hated wearing dress clothes. It wasn't like he was going to impress everyone with all the money he did not possess.
"Stupid slow weak woman has to keep us all waiting, " Wufei grumbled as he crossed his arms over his navy blue jacket.
"Um, Wufei, I'm standing right here," Hotaru softly said from the doorway of Heero's room.
The five guys turned at the sound of the girl's voice and appeared stunned as they stared at her.
She wore a long black lace dress with bright purple satin underneath which appeared to be a rich dark violet color granted by the black lace. Two thin black velvet spaghetti straps held up the empire waist top as the rest of the dress fell to floor covering her black high heel sandals. The black lace was covered in small black velvet flowers with a tiny amount of silver glitter. Hotaru also wore a thin silver choker as well as a bracelet. The sides of her hair were pulled back, held in place by a silver barrette, sparing only a few face-framing ringlets.
"Wow," Duo managed to say as he continued gawking at the girl.
"You look beautiful," the blonde Arabian quietly complimented as Trowa nodded in agreement.
Wufei nodded as well, slightly blushing from embarrassment because Hotaru heard him insult her.
Um, thank you. You all look great too," Hotaru said quickly, not really knowing what to expect. She hated being the center of attention.
Heero however stood frozen, unable to take his eyes off of her. Thankfully the girl didn't notice because she was too busy locating her gun in the small purse she was holding.
Finally the Perfect Soldier shook himself out of his previous shocked state and looked away as he cleared his throat. " We should go now."
"Right, Relena would hate it if we were late," the blonde said as all six teens headed for the door.
*~*~*~*
The large conference hall was immensely crowded. The chatter of the multitudes of people was almost deafening as the teens tried to carefully inch their way to the front before the summit was to begin.
"At least with this many people Relena won't notice that we are a little tardy," Quatre shrugged as he tried to keep up with the others.
Hotaru felt extremely uncomfortable. Being here was rearing so many haunting memories of past missions, that the girl was almost terrified of being recognized.
Suddenly a tall white-haired man spun around and pointed at the girl as he shouted, "You!"
Hotaru felt all the color in her face drain as she stared at the man like a deer caught in headlights. "I-"
Heero, at this moment, realized that the dark-haired girl was no longer following them, and quickly turned on his heel, surprised that Firefly was right behind him, gaping at an elderly gentleman. 'Why is she just standing there?' he contemplated, reaching out and grabbing the girl by the arm, and pulling her away. "Come on."
Hotaru blinked as she came to her senses. "I think he recognized me."
"Don't turn into a statue next time," the Prussian blue-eyed ex-pilot muttered, as he walked Hotaru to where the others were waiting.
"What happened?" Trowa asked quizzically, as Heero and Hotaru finally caught up with them.
"She thinks she was recognized." the boy said, crossing his arms.
Just then, Relena Peacecraft walked out on to the stage as everyone began to applaud.
Relena smiled and began her speech, "Thank you. I am very pleased to see every one of you here tonight. It has been two years since peace as reigned over Earth and the colonies alike."
As the pacifist princess continued, Hotaru however, could not seem to pay attention. Something was gravely troubling her.
"Oh, I think I'm going to die from boredom," Duo grumbled as Wufei smacked him in the back of the head.
"Shut up."
The violet-eyed girl bit her lip as she tried to contemplate further on the mystery of Project: Red Dove. 'Maybe it's a code which means something completely different.' she thought. 'Red Dove. What could it possibly mean? There is no such thing as a red dove..... Wait, a dove symbolizes peace and they are traditionally white. However when a dove is killed, it bleeds, staining the feathers red. Red Dove, blood is red. For a dove to become red, it would have to lose a large amount of blood, which would kill it. A killed dove?' Slowly, Hotaru glanced up at Relena Peacecraft, hoping she didn't appear as if she lacked interest in the speech.
Blinking, the girl suddenly gasped. 'Peacecraft. Red Dove isn't a dead bird it's....' Hotaru wildly thought as she realized exactly what the mission was. "Oh shit." she said, racing towards the stage.
"What is her problem?" the Chinese teen asked he along with his friends watched the girl run.
"Something isn't right," Heero muttered as he stalked off, to figure out exactly why Hotaru freak out like she did.
"Huh?" Duo said as his friend leave.
Shrugging the ex-pilots that were left turned their attention back to the Prime Minister Peacecraft's boring speech. "Peace could not have taken place if it..."
*~*~*~*
Hotaru frantically looked around the stage. 'Damn it, where are you?' she thought when suddenly a guard from the left wing of the stage took out a pistol, aiming it at a very unaware Relena Peacecraft.
Everything then sickenly seemed to happen in slow motion.
Hotaru snatched her gun from inside her purse, firing at the assassin who shot twice at Relena, each successfully hitting their target, as Hotaru's own bullet, pierced the killer in the heart. Suddenly, screams filled the air as the blonde pacifist fell on top of the podium. As the dark-haired girl stared in shock, blood was gushing out of the holes in Relena's back and head, staining her blonde hair a red color.
"NOOOO! MISS RELENA PEACECRAFT IS DEAD!"
*~*~*~*
Author's Notes: Sorry it took me so long to write this chapter but finals are evil.
This is also begins my R rating as well as subject change. I feel suspense is the best rating for this story. Oh, I have also revised the previous chapters so yay me.
Anyone wondering why I killed Relena off, I will tell you there is a very valid reason that does not consist of keeping her from mooning after Heero. Kind of follows under the whole Shattered Reality theme. More will be explained in the next chapter.
Oh, and if anyone wonders who the couple is. I have a hint for you. Read carefully how each guy interacts with Hotaru. I think I have made it pretty much obvious right now, but their romance won't officially begin for a few chapters I'm guessing, 10 or 11 but it's a really touching moment ^_^
That's it for now!