Shattered Reality Part 20
Testing
by
Sailor Janus
Silently, Trowa and Trista crept to the shuttle bay, ducking into the shadows of an overhang. All they needed to do was wait for their friends and then take one of the shuttles by force, throwing out any passengers, pilots, and flight attendants on-board. This was a strictly non-hostage situation.
*~*~*~*
Wufei and Quatre raced through the hallway. It had only been a minute since Trowa sent out the message and the two teenaged boys were insistent on making the flight. The plan was to exit through the kitchen and make a run for the shuttle. Hopefully they could meet up with Duo and Deidra before anyone grew suspicious of the new course of actions.
"There's the kitchen but where are Duo and Deidra? They should be here by now," Quatre said with a worried look on his face.
"Psst. Over here."
Spinning around, they found a large sign leaning lazily against the wall. Upon peering behind the heavy piece of cardboard, it revealed Duo with smeared makeup, ravaged chestnut locks, a swollen nose, and a bruised jaw cradling an unconscious Deidra with her burgundy curls tied up in messy twin braided pigtails. Her left cheek was slightly bruised, and a tell-tale sign of blood stained the left shoulder of the obnoxiously bright pink shirt.
"What happened to you two?" the blonde asked, staring in horror at the appearance of his friends.
Carefully, Duo stumbled to his feet, trying not to dump Deidra on the ground. "We were caught and had to fight our way free. Deidra wasn't so lucky and got hit by a tranquilizer dart. Good thing it wasn't bullet."
"At least you two survived, Maxwell," the Chinese pilot said to Duo's surprise. No matter how much the two Americans annoyed him, Wufei had to admit, he'd hate for anything bad to happen to them. There was already enough stress over Heero and Hotaru. "We better go. Trowa and Trista are expecting us."
*~*~*~*
Hotaru stared at her hands, wishing to anyone that could hear her, that this was only a horrible dream. She refused to even so much as glance at Heero. All she could feel was immeasurable guilt over the fact that she caused this. 'I will not hold it against you to hate me, Heero. In fact, I want you to hate me.' Suddenly she heard a soft groaning and closed her eyes, trying to block out the tears. "Yuy, are you okay?" Not surprising to her at least, she received no answer. Knowing she'd regret it, Hotaru turned at looked at the Perfect Soldier, finding herself gazing into pained dark blue eyes. Her mouth fell open and she quickly closed her eyes. "Heero, we can't take back what happened. We have to fight back."
The teenaged boy remained quiet for a moment, pulling himself up so he was sitting against the wall. "How?"
"I don't know. Somehow, I still believe death would be easier," the dark-haired girl admitted, dropping her head.
"I'd have to agree with you."
Suddenly the heavy door swung open revealing Prof T with ten bulky guards. "It's time to start your training children. Say goodbye."
Hotaru and Heero exchanged looks but did not say single word. They knew what the other was thinking and could feel the pain. Both felt the tears stinging their eyes, granted by the recovered emotions which were soon to be very likely torn away. Neither struggled as they forced to feet, knowing it was a lost cause as they tried to hold each other's gaze as long as possible.
Finally they were forced into two different directions. The two teens tried their hardest to turn their heads to look at each other, knowing that if and when they met again, things would be completely different.
*~*~*~*
"This way!" Quatre shouted as he raced through the maze which was a large kitchen, ignoring the angry yells and orders from the staff. Wufei and Duo who was carrying Deidra in his arms, were close behind.
"Winner, the door is to your right," the Chinese teen called out, running as quickly as possible, gaining on the blonde. Nodding Quatre shoved the door open and bolted through the exit.
The L2 teen dashed after his friends the best he could, cradling the unconscious girl firmly against his chest. Briefly he glanced down at her motionless features before gritting his teeth, picking up more speed, determined to save Deidra from what consequences would occur if they stayed on Earth.
"Move it Maxwell!" Wufei shouted over his shoulder, racing through the back kitchen door. Abruptly he skidded to a stop, pulling the door open before it swung shut in Duo's face.
"Thanks," Duo quipped, running through the exit before Wufei joined him, nodding. 'Sometimes, he really amazes me.'
*~*~*~*
Frantically, Quatre looked around for Trowa and Trista but found no sign of them. Just as he was about to yell out their name, someone yanked him towards an overhang. Glancing up he recognized the dark green eyes and dyed red hair. "Trowa! I thought they caught you for a minute there."
Nodding the L3 teen whispered, "Go get the others. We'll wait for you right here. We're hijacking a shuttle."
"What?!"
Speaking up Trista quietly said, "Don't be alarmed. We're going to let all the pilots, passengers, and flight-attendants off. We are not terrorists, so we have no desire to take any lives. Go."
"I'll be back." Swiftly Quatre took off running to find the others as Trowa and Trista waited in silence.
*~*~*~*
"Where the hell is he? Quatre!" Duo practically, growled, adjusting the unconscious girl still in his arms as he turned a circle trying to find the Sandrock pilot. "He left us!"
"He'll return, Maxwell. Patience."
Suddenly a familiar head of blonde hair came charging at them from around a corner. "I've been looking everywhere for you guys! Come on! We need to hurry!" Spinning on his heel, Quatre sprinted back in the direction he came from with his two friends racing at his heels. A few minutes later, everyone was hidden under the overhang, plotting a way to steal a shuttle.
*~*~*~*
Hotaru found herself led into a darkly lit room. Glancing around, she could not make out what or who was in the room with her. She knew for a fact, that it was not Heero. Sternly she waited for her training or perhaps more appropriately, her torture to begin.
*~*~*~*
Heero found himself in the same predicament, light absent from the foreign room as he stood at full alert, trying to prepare himself for whatever he was about to face.
*~*~*~*
Trowa quietly snuck up behind a guard and quickly knocked him out with a sharp blow to the head. Quickly he grabbed the man's gun and snuck back around to the overhang where the others where waiting. However upon returning he discovered that Trista was holding four pistols, and Wufei had one. "How did you get those?"
"I reduced myself to using Deidra's old tricks; flirt, and take them out anyway possible by pretending you are going to either kiss them, or ask them to inspect an injury," she replied, handing a weapon to the two blue-eyed boys.
Snickering Duo said, "That's my girl." Glancing down at her peaceful face he added while rebraiding his long chestnut brown hair, "I hope she's going to be okay."
"She should be, Duo. Don't worry," Quatre reassuringly said.
"We better head over there. The sooner we get to L1, the better," Wufei quietly said. The group of teens exchanged glances, knowing they had to pull this off, failure could not exist for this particular mission. They had no choice but to succeed.
*~*~*~*
Trista crept towards the shuttle and hopped on the conveyor belt which was slowly carrying luggage on board. A few seconds later, Trowa followed. Once onboard, they rushed to the cockpit, and pulled their guns out. "Everyone, get out of the shuttle in a nice orderly fashion. We do not wish to kill anyone. Please leave and do not attempt to take any drastic measures.
Just then Quatre and Wufei, approached their friends, guns also drawn. "Please go," Quatre quietly said.
Sternly, Wufei, began pushing people out the door, and Duo carried Deidra to one of the seats and buckled her up, before taking the seat next to her.
As Quatre monitored the shuttle for any civilians, Trowa and Trista sat in the cockpit, figuring out exactly how to fly it. "Is anyone else left inside that shouldn't be?" Trowa asked over the intercom.
"No, but there are a few groups of guards that are going to try to force us off. You better take off now, Barton," Wufei answered, scowling at the massive crowd of armed men as he buckled himself into a seat.
Nodding, the L3 teens took hold of the controls, starting up the shuttle. Increasing the speed, they finally took off in the sky heading for outer space.
"That was actually a really impressive takeoff," Trista lightly smiled as they both breathed sighs of relief that unless, Iron Fist tried shooting them down, they were safe for the time being.
"This was a genius plan you had. Not only did you suggest taking a shuttle, but the one we were supposed to board if Iron Fist hadn't gotten in the way," Trowa quietly said.
Lightly blushing the teenaged girl said, "Being trapped on Earth would not have done anyone any good. We need to save your friends, get the rebuilt gundams, and stop Iron Fist before it's too late. As it is, we are racing against time."
"Yes, we are," the Heavyarms pilot agreed. "Are you sure you and Deidra want to take part in this?"
"This was our destiny from the very beginning. We got this far, there is no turning back now." Taking a deep breath, Trista debated whether or not to do a move that was customary only for a confident flirt such as Deidra. Turning her head towards Trowa, she realized he was looking at her. Hesitantly she glanced at the floor, before meeting his green eyes again. Abruptly, Trowa leaned over and softly kissed Trista on the lips which she gently returned. Knowing they had a duty to keep the shuttle in the air, both pulled away with a slight red tint on their cheeks.
*~*~*~*
Just as the shuttle landed, Deidra's jade green eyes fluttered open in confusion. "How did I get here?" Glancing to her right, she noted Duo was asleep on her shoulder. Snickering softly she murmured, "At least he isn't drooling."
"Deidra, can you wake up Duo? We're here," Trista softly said, walking towards the door of the plane.
"We're where?"
"Colony L1. You were shot with a rather strong tranquilizer dart and were asleep through the entire flight."
The burgundy-haired teen's eyes widened. "I was?"
"Yes, hurry up or we'll just have to leave you two." Turning on her heel, the L3 girl hopped out of the shuttle.
Blinking, Deidra's eyes darted around the shuttle before landing on Duo again. Nudging him she said, "Duo, wake up! We're....somewhere."
Opening his eyes he frowned at the rude awakening before he realized that it was Deidra who was speaking to them. "Babe! You're awake! Damn, that must have been one intense tranquilizer dart!" Cheerfully, he yanked his seat belt off as she did the same, before grabbing the girl by the wrist, practically dragging her down the aisle and out the door.
"Duo! Slow down! You're going to make me trip!" However, both teens fell silent upon exiting the shuttle, staring in amazement at the destruction and now vacant streets.
"The suppression has already begun. Damn them," Trista quietly said.
Quatre said, dropped his gaze to the ground. "These people didn't even have a chance. We have to stop this."
"We will, Winner," Wufei sternly said, scowling at his surroundings. "They shall pay for this injustice."
"Gundam Pilots. This way," a voice in the shadows said. Quickly the six teens pulled out various weapons, standing in defense against whoever knew that they were pilots. However, once the person stepped into the light, they relaxed.
"Dr. E. Should have known it was you," Deidra, remarked, throwing one braided pigtail over her shoulder.
Smirking, he gestured towards an alley way, which the six teens reluctantly approached, following the man to a large underground warehouse which the gundams were now stationed at.
"You have very little time left. We must test Deidra and Trista immediately through a training module," Prof I sternly said.
"Tests? You never mentioned any tests!" the L2 teen stated, backing away slightly. She still did not trust the scientists.
"It's a simple piloting module to make sure you know how to pilot your own gundams and will not die in battle," George explained. "Please walk this way ladies. We must make sure you still have the knowledge you need in order to combat." Briskly he headed towards a small room as the other pilots followed, curious as far as how exactly the girls would be tested.
The room was metallic and split off into two different sectors, each which resembled a gundam cockpit. Warily, Deidra and Trista took a seat before sliding on a visor. Signaling for the boys to leave the room, they followed the scientists into a much larger room which had two different computers with what appeared to be a game on each screen.
"How is that going to test their skills?" Wufei questioned, crossing his arms in front of him.
"It's a simulator. What they are about to take part in is starting up the gundam and dueling in a combat scenario much like what you have dealt with in AC 195," Dr. E explained as he started up both programs.
"The gundams each girl is using is an exact copy of their own. Each mobile suit gundam design varies in different degrees," Prof. I stated when a smirk let up his face. "Excellent. Both young women remember how to start up the gundam and take off. Let's just see how will they do in an actual battle. You four might be surprised in their abilities."
*~*~*~*
Deidra glanced around the cockpit and smirked. "Hmm, I think a remember exactly how to pilot this puppy. Just turn the key, press a few buttons, flip the switch, and it's time for the party to begin," she said to herself doing the actions as she said them aloud. "Hey cool. It uses my code too!"
Suddenly, Deidra felt herself lift up as the rush of flying at high speed took over her body. Narrowing her eyes, she glanced around her surroundings when suddenly a light began flashing. "Yay! Someone wants to play!" Flipping off her cloaking device, the L2 girl made her presence known.
Making a small face, she noticed the model was a little different compared to Deathscythe, which was the gundam she was trained for, but determined she could easily adapt. Instead of a scythe, she had twin beam bladed fans which could connect together to become one large one. Flipping the switch, the fans glowed with an eerie silver light. Firing a few times almost as if playing a game with her opponent, she swiftly, moved in for the kill. Charging head on, she did a quick spin, slashing across the chest of the Taurus suit. "And your ass is cooked flame broiled, extra crispy."
*~*~*~*
With a calm look on her face, Trista easily started up with the gundam with complete knowledge, even though the model she was using for the simulator differed from Heavyarms, but she knew exactly what to do as she if were trained to use this particular mobile suit from the very beginning. "Hmm, I still have my homing missiles, and the machine cannon doubles as a staff. Interesting design, Prof. I."
Just then, the garnet-eyed teenager became aware of a mobile suit in the vicinity. Realizing that this suit was also equipped with cloaking, she quickly flipped it off and began firing her double-gatling gun. In the matter of minutes, the Taurus suit exploded.
*~*~*~*
The four teenaged boy gundam pilots, watched the girls' first battle with interest. It was hard to believe that this had been the first time they actually worked with the new gundam models.
"They are really good," Quatre praised, staring in disbelief at the two fighter's maneuvers. "Deidra's skill are very similar to Duo's and Trista's are similar to Trowa's. It's really amazing."
"Yeah, makes you kinda wonder about Hotaru," Duo nodded before realizing what he just said.
Trowa glanced at Duo, knowing that the braided-haired teen didn't really want to mention their missing friend. "It is quite likely her skills would be close to Heero's. Their strategies and attacks I suspect would be very similar if not the same." Looking Duo in the eye he added, "And we will not give up on either of them."
"That might also mean Hotaru may take risky measures in completing a mission as well," Wufei quietly said pointing out the negative aspect. "However, I do not think either have a death wish any longer at least. Just a sense of duty."
Nodding, the pilots turned their attention back to the screen, as the scientists advanced the level for the two newest gundam pilots.
*~*~*~*
Pouting, Deidra glanced around her 'gundam.' "Damn, there's no stereo system in here. Oh well. mental, note: Install one." Out of the corner of her eye three serpents come into view. Raising her eyebrows she stared at the suits. "Okay, these boys look tough."
*~*~*~*
"You are putting Deidra against three serpent suits?! Are you insane? Do you even KNOW how strong those things are?!" Duo shouted, staring in disbelief at the screen.
Chuckling Dr. E reassured the braided-haired. "Do not fret, Duo. She can handle much more than that. Remember, her skills compare to your own."
"Not to mention it's a simulator. She'll be fine," Quatre softly said. As Duo nodded, glaring at the approaching mobile suits.
*~*~*~*
Deidra smirked as the three suits quickly approached. Her jade green eyes glittered evilly as she kept her gundam completely still, watching the serpents rush towards her. When they were almost completely on top of her, spraying her gundam with bullets, she jumped high, spinning and landed directly behind them. Quickly she sliced into the serpents with her fans before taking off to avoid the explosion. Bursting out laughing she looked down at the damage. "That's got to cost an arm and a leg.....if not an entire body. Too bad!"
*~*~*~*
"Damn! Where the hell did that move come from?!" Duo shouted, staring in disbelief at the screen.
"She is quite gutsy and does not seem to have any fear. Deidra is a Gundam pilot," Trowa noted before turning his head towards the screen where Trista was in battle.
Quatre nodded in agreement. "Having these two young ladies fighting along side us, may better our odds immensely."
"They do seem qualified as worthy pilots," Wufei admitted, having witnessed their skills for himself.
*~*~*~*
Trista sat in her gundam completely alert, as she monitored the area for enemies. Suddenly three serpent suits came into view. As they neared, she blasted them with bullets, before using a few homing missiles on one. With the first two taken out, she turned the double-gatling gun into a staff, smashing it into mobile suit before firing a few missiles, destroying it.
*~*~*~*
Typing something into a computer Dr. E said, "I think that is enough. The girls are ready and may return."
Raising an eyebrow Duo stared at the man as if another head had sprouted up. "What do you mean that is enough? That's not even a battle. Are you going to try to get them killed in the fight?"
"Duo has a valid point. They only fought four mobile suits total. Neither of the scenarios were too much a challenge. Are you for certain that is all the training they will need without dying in combat?" Trowa questioned.
"You aren't planning on letting them die while fighting, correct?" the L4 teen inquired.
Sighing, Wufei joined his friends, "It would be injustice to allow harm to come to them if they are improperly trained." Everyone was surprised that the Altron Pilot was actually inquiring about Deidra and Trista's safety, but realized, after everything they have gone though with the girls, that they really did prove themselves well as fighters.
Cackling Prof. I said, "Gentlemen, we rest assure you, that Deidra and Trista are fully trained. They could probably duel with you four at once and survive. That was only a test to be for certain they still attained their skills and both have passed with flying colors. They are ready."
Just then George entered the room. "The girls have successfully stabilized the simulator gundams."
"Excellent. Now I believe it is time to introduce you young folk to some friends, both new and old," Dr. E grinned, rising to his feet . Together he and Prof. I headed towards the door. "Please follow us, gentlemen. It is time for your given destiny to begin."
Exchanging glances, the four gundam pilots followed, each having a vague idea concerning their 'friends'. Silently they walked into a huge room, containing the missing gundams as well as the two girl pilots who stood in awe at newest mobile suits.
"Please listen carefully. We have much to tell you in a short amount of time. Iron Fist is about to unleash their highly advanced Mobile Dolls, Daemons," Prof. F urgently said.
Crossing his arms, Wufei scoffed, "And just how, may I ask, do you know that?"
"Because I have been undercover at their headquarters as a scientist. I once worked with Prof. T," George quietly said. "I was there during Hotaru Tomoe's training and also aided Heero Yuy in locating the antidote to the virus."
"Wow, you guys really did think of everything!" Deidra exclaimed, pulling her hair out of the braided pigtails. This action however caused Duo to snicker because her long curly hair was now a huge poofy mess. Lightly she growled, throwing a glare at him over her shoulder as she lightly shoved him. "Next time you have to dress as a girl, you'll wear pink passion lipstick!"
"Deidra, Shh," Trista whispered, silencing her friend as Duo pouted at the girl's response.
"Now I would like to reintroduce you to Wing Zero, Deathscythe Hell, Heavyarms, Sandrock, and Altron as well as introduce you to Ultra Violet, Dualblade and Timewarp. These are the Mobile Suit Gundams you and your comrades when they return, shall use built to perfection," Master M announced, gesturing towards their masterpieces.
Each pilot stared at the Gundams, knowing this particular battle could begin or end everything. Only they could change events for the better or the worst.
*~*~*~*
Hotaru was lying motionless on the dirty vinyl tiled floor flat on her stomach. The thick metallic taste of blood lingered in her mouth as sweat dripped down her face. She had been put through more tests that day than she could remember, each exhausting and painful in one form or another, pushing her past her limits. The last test Hotaru had to take on ten guards at once, leaving her bloody mess but she at least defeated them, feeling emotions begin to painfully be ripped away. Ten men were dead because of her and more were probably soon to come. Generally speaking, she would rather die than continue on. Death would be much kinder.
She couldn't help but think of Heero. 'He doesn't deserve to experience this horror again. Damn my father. I don't even want to think of what he is being put through right now. I'm sorry.'
*~*~*~*
Heero was in a chair, his wrists were cuffed onto the arms of the chair with iron shackles as were his ankles. Gritting his teeth, he tried to ignore the pain felt from his last battle. A fight against ten large guards and only he stayed standing, and breathing for that matter. Those men died at his hands yet, he almost didn't care. Already they were succeeding in stripping Heero of his regained emotions.
Oddly he thought of Hotaru as a large helmet was pulled onto his head. 'She tried so hard to prevent this yet nothing could stop her father. To have that man as a parent must be maddening.' Sadly those were his last normal thoughts when suddenly everything went blank.
*~*~*~*
Author's Notes: Writer's block is evil! I am so sorry for this not having been updated sooner, but a severe case of writer's block, school, work, and moving will do the trick.
I'd like to thank my good friend Mudpie for coming up with the name for Deidra's Gundam. ^__^ I love the name!
And that's it. If anyone wants to see what Deidra looks like then go to my profile and click on my homepage link. From there click on OC and there she is with Duo ^_^