Rae: ok, so I'm back with a new chapter. I revised the other one for a reviewer caught a mistake I didn't realize I had made.
MinekoYuy: Thank you for your kind critizism...I find it helpful. I fixed up the hospital scene, but I'm too lazy to do the high school scene...lol.
Disclaimer: Does not own GW...i wish i did though.
Rae: I hope you enjoy!
Inner Circle Experiment
Chapter Four
"Are you lost, Child?" a voice startled the ten year old orphan.
She looked up to see an older man, slightly short, with his silver-gray hair slicked back into a braid at the nape of his neck. His light, chocolate brown eyes gazed down at the small girl. She looked up, eyes narrowed in distrust.
"I'm not lost," she said curtly, her voice coming off cold.
"Well, what on earth are you doing out here in this horrid wheather?" the man questioned, the rain had paused in its downpour, only to have soft, cool breezes chillt he girl to the bone, which she seemed to not be feeling.
"I don't know," she replied sincerely, closing her eyes as a breeze blew pass.
"Why aren't you at home?" he asked.
The girl's eyes opened softly, deep pools swirling with unforgiving sorrows. Her voice was but a whisper, but the wind drew it to the old man.
"I don't have a home."
I jerked awake, eyes snapping open before blinking, trying to adjust to the ray of light peeking through my drawn curtains. I felt something soft brushing against my arm, looking over I suddenly remembered the little girl. Roxy was her name. Odd, but it seemed to fit. I realized she was dead asleep, slightly surprised she didn't have nightmares of the fire. I know I d-
No! I'm not going to think about that. I could feel my starchy throat begging for a drink, so I carefully slipped out of the bed, careful enough as to not wake the child, and stealthily made my way out of the room.
Making my way down the hall, I enter the kitchen to see Katrina sitting at the island. I ignored her glance, grabbing a water out of the fridge and sat across from her. She was quite, and up early, which meant only one thing.
"Bad memories?"
She looked up at me, "You'd know."
I didn't say anything. I didn't have to and she knew this. Both of us had met under painful circumstances, and unfortunately, on my part, we became somewhat of friends. Her eyes traveled down to her glass of orange juice.
"How can you live with it? All the blood?" she asked softly.
I felt a shiver run up my spine. Her voice had been soft, but held no emotion. I didn't like it when she got all emotional on me and this was one of the times.
I couldn't help but stare at the dark blue tile decorating the top of the island, my words leaving my mouth without any sense behind it.
"I suppose I never live with it. I mean, how can you live with yourself knowing another person's blood is on your hands. I know that anyone I've killed, it's been for the best. I could never kill someone out of cold blood, that would be against my nature."
I could feel her eyes on me, glaring, "How can you justify taking someone's life as a good thing?"
"No! Taking a person's life isn't a good thing."
"Then how the hell is what we do for a living helping people? The people we've killed in the past three years have mounted higher and higher. Those people were taken from their families by us. We destroyed their homes!"
I felt my anger peek, slamming my fist into the tile while standing. I heard the tile shatter, my glare directed toward the blonde in front of me. "You think I don't know that? You think I get a kick out of taking away people's lives? I know I come off as cold, but I'm not as heartless as you and the others seem to think. I hate the feeling of another's blood on my hands. I've hated it when I was eight years old, and I still hate it today! Just cause I can't feel things like the rest of you, doesn't mean it doesn't hurt!"
I noticed her eyes traveled to my hands, so I followed her eyes to my blood soaked hands, clenched in white-knuckled fists. I noticed shards of tile-glass pierced my knuckles, causing me to sigh. I moved to the sink, ignoring the apologetic look on her face, and began running cold water on the freshly made, not-so-serious cuts, pulling out any tile in the process, before washing the blood. I turned off the water, my back to her as I wipe my hands off with the hand towel.
"I don't want your apology. Times get stressful, especially with you and I. I understand you hate fighting, and I've always respected that, but you know if we don't, noone, not even the Gundam Pilots, could stop him. Black's getting stronger, so my identy is still secret. He only knows me as Shadow and I prefer it that way."
I felt arms wrap around my shoulders, a head resting against my back. I stay still, allowing her tears to soak my shirt. She needed to cry and I knew she only allowed herself to cry around me. I felt her grip loosen on me, giving me the sign that her tears had slowed, but I didn't move. I waited a few minutes before I felt her eyes were dried up of tears, before turning around. I awkwardly hugged her, me not being use to this show of affection.
"Hey, why don't you grab a shower before Marquis does? God only knows how long he takes to primp," I suggested, getting a small smirk out of her.
She nodded and walked off, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the shards as I slowly pulled the last of them out of my knuckles. I never understood it, I heard it was just disease I had been born with. Most people took it the wrong way, thinking I was unfeeling. I'm not. I feel more than most expect.
I shook my head, breaking away from my thoughts, before heading toward the training room the guys had installed in their house. I have the feeling that I should get back in shape. Just because I'm injured, doesn't mean he wont attack at any point in time. I walked down the East Wing, where the extra rec. rooms where. I passed the music room, the art studio, the indoor swimming pool and instantly opened the doors which formed at the end of the hall, facing me.
Entering, I immediately moved my eyes over the maroon mat laying on the floor against the back wall, up until the middle of the room. From the mat, there was equipment used for lifting weights and cardiovascular work outs. There was a new black punching bag haning from the ceiling in the corner, close to the wall, but not too close to damage it.
I immediately walked onto the mat, standing in a fighting stance, facing my invisible opponent. I visualized it making the first move, for I never start a fight, and blocked it, swinging my other fist and visualizing my opponent ducking. I realized my opponent was going for my stomach so I twisted my body, its fist still in my grasp and flipped it with ease. Unlike most, it broke its fall with its feet, landing perfectly. It dropped its body to the ground, with its back toward me, before its foot struck out trying to take my feet out from underneath me. I flipped backward, giving my opponent time to stand up. Just as I landed on the ground I lunged at it, fist successfully catching it in its stomach. The illusion hunched over for a millionth of a second before using the closeness to catch me in my ribs. I took my foot and hooked it around the back of its legs, sweeping its feet from underneath it and shoving it to the ground. I had it by the throat, hand gripping the sensitive area.
"Raven!"
I gazed up, realizing I wasn't alone anymore. At the edge of the mat stood Marquis and Jacques, the pilots standing behind them. I slowly stood up, looking over my body to make sure no small wounds reopened. I looked up at the group and nodded my greeting.
"What can I help you with?" I asked, walking over to Jacques, who held a white towel and a water bottle in his hands.
I took the items, pours some of the cold water on the towel before letting it hang around my shoulders, looping around the back of my neck. I took a sip of the cool liquid, my eyes switching to the guests. I gave a soft smile, trying to be a good co-host of the house.
"They just stopped by, to see if you were ok," Marquis said.
I couldn't help the grin that pulled at the corners of my lips, "You mean Quatre and Maxwell were worried and pulled the others here kicking and screaming." I noticed their looks of disbelief. "Well, kicking and screaming on the inside. I mean, who would expect strong men to be worried about a girl like me?"
I rolled my eyes before shoving pass the group and walking out of the room, taking another sip of my water. Hearing noises, I enter the living room, the group seemed to be following me. I noticed Katrina and Roxy both shouting at each other, their fingers pressing multiple buttons on a controller, hooked up to a gaming system of some sort. I instantly took to sitting in my overstuffed chair, which matched the one in my room except this one was a deep red.
"So, Miss Raven, are you sure you are feeling ok?" Quatre had asked, sitting on the sofa.
I nodded, "I'm fine. My ribs pull a bit and my back might be slightly sore, but I think I'll survive."
I felt a little guilty for telling them lies, but I don't think the truth should include them. I smiled softly, slightly forced, but smiled nonetheless. I watched as Duo instructed Roxy, coaxing her to move her player here or there. Soon as the game was over, Roxy was jumping up and down, cheering for her victory over the older woman.
"So, can I ask why you are really here?" I asked them.
Each of the pilots looked at each other, asking if they should. Duo rolled his eyes and turned to me, "You see, Relena is having a Masquerade next weekend and we wanted to formally invite you."
Katrina fell silent, her body tense, Jacques and Marquis both glancing at each other. Soon enough I felt three familiar pairs of eyes looking at me. I didn't return the glance. My eyes trained on the five pilots.
"Why, pray tell, did Relena herself not bring this formal invitation?" I asked curiously.
"She's at a confrence with foreign leaders," Quatre replied.
I closed my eyes, not really up to it. Then again, if I recline they may become suspicious. Hm...such difficulty to answer such a painful request. Alright, I guess-
"I'll only go if Katrina and the others are going," I insisted, opening my eyes slowly.
I stood up, walking over to Marquis. Leaning forward, I dropped low enough so I was close to his ear and whispered, "I'll be in the garden."
I felt him nod, so I slipped passed him and walked out of the house. Walking a ways, I found myself at a confusing maze of rose bushes. Slowly walking into the maze, inhaling deeply, suddenly catching a familiar scent.
"Following the untraceable, Yuy?" I asked aloud, turning the corner.
I only received a grunt in reply.
"I see you aren't the talkative type. You are definitely a puzzle Mr. Yuy," I stated.
"Are you implying that you aren't?" his voice traveled through the bushes.
I knew he was lost, for even I got lost the first time I traveled through this. I couldn't help but grin, feeling the annoyance flowing from the Perfect Soldier.
"I only speak when I feel it is needed. What's your excuse?" I questioned, my hands trailing over a bush as I turned a corner, a smirk on my lips.
When he spoke, his voice was close, "I don't know."
"Tell me, what are you afraid of doing?" I asked, turning left, my mind instructing a plan in my head.
I heard a grunt of uncertainty. Shaking my head slightly, "Let me rephrase that Yuy. What are you afraid of?"
"I don't know," his voice rang with confusion, so I knew he was thinking about my quesiton.
"You know what I think?" I questioned, turning another corner silently.
"What?" he asked.
I turned the last corner standing behind him. I noticed he paused in his step and turned to face me, his cold eyes held a thoughtful glint mixed with slightly surprised. I grinned before moving closer to him, noticing his body tense up and withdraw slightly. I moved closer until my lips were beside his ear.
"I think that you, Heero Yuy, are afraid to live a normal life," I whispered.
His hands gripped my shoulders and pushed me back slightly, glaring at me, "What do you mean 'a normal life'?"
"The way you act toward your friends. You always glare at them if they get to close or threaten their lives if they suggest personal things, like a girlfriend. So, I think you are afraid to live," I replied calmly.
He let go of my shoulders, his eyes moving away from mine, "You don't know what you're talking about."
"What? What makes you different than me? Did you play some part in the war? Did you lose someone? Tell me, Heero, how does that make you special? I think everyone has suffered because of the war. Relena, your friends, you, me, the rest of this god damned planet and the colonies. Everyone has suffered some way, so what makes you so damned special?" I demanded, half way through my minor speech his eyes had turned back to me.
His eyes darkened with thought, causing me to sigh. Even if he was the Perfect Soldier, he was still human. My right hand cupped his cheek softly, snapping him out of his thought. I noticed his eyes widened before moving to look at me. I smiled softly before leaning in and kissing his cheek.
"You talk to me when you figure out what makes you so special, or what you're afraid of," I whispered before turning and walking off, my hand slowly slipping from his cheek.
I walked back, knowing he was following me at a distance. I entered the house, noticing the guys were getting ready to leave. Katrina looked up at me before her eyes gazed behind me, causing me to feel a sudden closeness to the Perfect Soldier, who had walked up and paused.
"So, what's the verdict?" I asked, hoping that they decided against it.
"We're going," Katrina said, smiling at Maxwell who grinned back before his eyes gazed at his friend behind me.
I rubbed my forehead, feeling a migrane coming on, before nodding softly. I closed my eyes, when Katrina latched onto my arm. I knew what was coming.
"You know what's next right?" I heard her ask.
I tensed up, nodding. I opened my eyes just briefly, noticing the confusing looks on every guy's face. I then felt a knot in my stomach when her grip tightened on my arm.
"We have to go," I heard her voice trail off, feeling the sudden tension from the guys as they became intrigued. "SHOPPING!"
I flinched at her booming voice as it filled my ears, a soft ringing sound vibrated my ear. I opened my eyes, seeing her emerald eyes shining with life. I knew this meant a lot, so I forced a smile and nodded.
"Alright, we'll go shopping tomorrow," I replied relunctantly.
She let go of my arm and her old, real, hundred-double-watt smile painted on her face. I watched as she turned to the guys, bowing respectfully before running off to her room. I slowly dropped my smile, her mind was so easily manipulated. I turned to the group, noticing Marquis picking up Roxy, who smiled. Jacques walked over to me and kissed my forehead.
"Marquis and I have decided to take Roxy out for some ice cream. Do you wanna join us?" he asked, his eyes gazing at me sadly.
I smiled softly, shaking my head, "No. Go ahead without me. Ice cream isn't my priority right this moment."
Jacques nodded, "Change your bandages."
"I will," I replied. Marquis walked over with Roxy, who wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me. "Go enjoy your time with the guys Rox. I'll be here when you get back."
She let go of me and the threesome walked out of the house, leaving me alone with the pilots in the living room. I smile at the softly, feeling their bodies tense. I understood them, for they barely knew me and they are the pilots. I motioned for them to sit down.
"It seems as though I have most of my classes with you and since we are all going to be at the Masquerade, I believe we should get to know each other," I suggested half-heartedly.
I noticed the blond blushed slightly, "We appreciate the offer, but we must be going. How about we do this sometime over dinner? You and the others may come to the mansion if you wish."
I walked over and ruffled his hair, "You remind me of my sister."
I noticed Maxwell had paled, his cobalt-blue eyes darken with remembrance of his comment the day she came to their school. I ignored the braided boy-wonder and smiled sadly at the blond, who blushed even harder at the attention. I felt my mouth leave any common sense behind and it continued to babble.
"She was always polite, never raised her voice above her normal tone. She was beautiful beyond all reasonable doubt, often reminded me of an angel. Her heart was warm, always open to meeting new people. Not once did she do something for herself. I respected her because when I was little I always wanted to be like her. Now that I'm older, I've come to learn I could never be like that."
I snapped out of my thoughts, my voice trailing off. I noticed Quatre's blush had subsided and his eyes gazed at me with sympathy. I then felt his arms wrap around me, pulling me into a comforting hug only Jacques was able to provide. He must've realized my tension because he let go of me and gave me a genuine smile.
"You never mourned her, did you?" he asked softly, his voice barely a whisper.
I looked away from him, my eyes traveling to the tile floor. I felt myself smile at the irony, "I mourn her death everyday of my life."
Maxwell touched Quatre's shoulder, stopping the blond from prying into more business. I was thankful, because Quatre was too much like her. I doubt I would've stopped myself from answer the questions I knew he would ask, but Maxwell had stopped him in time.
"Come on Quatre, it's getting late," he said before turning toward me. "Thank you and Quatre's offer stands."
I watched as they each left, one-by-one. Chang seemed slightly sympathetic but his eyes held confusion. Trowa nodded curtly as he left the house, Heero following after the whole group. He had paused, his eyes glancing at me in understanding before exiting the house.
I sighed, turning toward the living room, suddenly feeling completely alone. I could hear and feel Katrina's sorrows as she cried herself to sleep. It was barely six in the evening and knowing her she'd emotionally exhaust herself. I felt like exhausting myself physically and I knew just how.
I entered my room of complete solitude, for no one, exceptRoxy, came in this room. It still wasn't home, but I preferred my privacy above all other things. I instantly walked to the desk, loading up my computer before I gazed at the information portrayed on it. I realized the information agreed with my statement. The Perfect Soldier isn't so perfect. Seems like he made a mistake. I'll just have Shadow figure this puzzle out.
Rae: well...R&R...I do take critizism..not flames...hope you liked...
