Milliardo and Nightmares
Hotaru's room once again slowly changed to suit her growing years. The baby change table was replaced by a small child size rocking chair. More dolls had been added and the stuff cats now have their place on the shelves. The crib had been replaced with a bed with a white canopy with a hue of purple. On the far end of the room were two small doggie beds for Shadow and Neo and doggie toys cluttered that end of the room. There was also a desk with a laptop. Naturally Heero provided the laptop, and Hotaru didn't just work on it. She did several things, like go on the Internet. Another week passed and it was about time Hotaru got her own bed. Six years old and there were times it was hard to believe she was ever a baby. Unfortunately for Heero, the same day they got the new bed was the same night the first nightmare came. Cribs maybe big and comfy, but they were also easier to get out of.
It was dark and foggy; it was the kind of endless fog where you didn't know where it started or where it ended. For all the little girl knew the foggy plane might not have an end. It wasn't even the gray or white mist that normally came with a fog. Instead it was a dark cloud that seemed to hover to the ground. She knew she had to go. She couldn't stay any longer there were those that needed her and yet she didn't want to leave neither. The girl ran, she ran as far as her legs could carry her. Slowly the dark fog parted to reveal a young teenage girl. The teenage girl was dressed in a dark purple dress that flowed down, touching the ground and spreading out around her. Straps of small stringed beads held the dress up. Little Hotaru could not see the older girl's face or any features. Only the steady glow of a purple 'h' looking kind of like a scythe from her forehead could be seen.
The air seemed to echo with voices.
Must grow up. Must leave. Duty. Destiny. Life. Death.
Glittering, crystal tears seemed to flow down the older girl's hidden face. They splashed onto the ground. For each splash it sounded like crystal was shattering.
Must grow up. Must leave. Must go back. Go back.
Hotaru covered her ears, "I don't want to leave! They're bad people! I'm not going back! I want to stay with my daddy, my mommy and my uncles!"
Darkness. Death.
The tears came faster; the sound of crystal shattering became louder. Everything around the mysterious girl and Hotaru shattered like glass. There was still the void of nothingness only now there were bodies. Of people Hotaru was sure she had never seen before but felt familiar. Many were in sailor outfits, ripped and torn. They were bleeding and they were beaten. Hotaru was becoming scared; very scared she knew this could happen. She didn't want these people to die, but who were they?
It will burn. Must go back, go back and fight.
"No, I don't want to fight," Hotaru whimpered, "I need to stay with my daddy."
Duty first. Destiny forever.
The scene shattered again, only this time Hotaru saw a city. A city made completely crystal. It was burning; flames leaped around the crystal city. The light from the flames reflected off the crystal creating a morbid kind of dance. The highest flames were around the tall crystal tower in the middle. They were like banshees, with their wild hair dancing around a fragile fairy. The mysterious girl that Hotaru had forgotten until now raised a staff with a wicked blade into the air. Power of dark light came down from the sky, striking the fire banshees. Killing them, making them go away. Leaving only the city of crystal.
To save a future for us all. Must go back.
"No!" Hotaru was crying.
The crystal city faded from view something darker took its place. It was her home; only it looked darker and twisted. There were no creamy white wallpaper only dark browns and blacks. The hallways weren't straight, only crooked.
"Daddy? Mommy? Uncle Duo? Uncle Trowa?" Hotaru called out as she stepped forward.
Something squished underneath her feet. She lifted up one foot to see something dark red sticky stuff in a puddle on the floor. Something wasn't right. Shrieks and howls filled the air; Hotaru turned quickly expecting to see something jump out at her. Without another thought she ran down the hallway to where the living room was suppose to be. There was a dim light ahead, that's where everyone is!
"Mommy! Daddy!" Hotaru ran in.
She froze, there before her was a huge dark thing. Like a shadow, only it had spikes and horns and sharp teeth dripping with something dark and sticky. Slowly it came towards her. She looked passed the monster to see people sitting in the shadows. Though she couldn't see them clearly Hotaru was sure they were her family. Why weren't they moving? Didn't' they see the monster? Hotaru looked around for the mysterious girl, hoping the girl would save her. She saw the girl, slumped over in a corner bleeding. Seeing the girl, Hotaru screamed.
Could it be I'm growing up too fast?
Heero ran down the hallway to where Hotaru's room was. It was three o'clock in the morning when he heard her scream. He ran, that was the only thing he could think of. Get to her as fast as possible. Heero was only briefly aware that the others including Relena was right behind him. The Perfect Soldier burst into Hotaru's room. She was in her bed thrashing about, screaming and crying. With a few large strides Heero was by her side in a heartbeat holding her and trying to calm her down.
"It's okay Hotaru. It was only a nightmare," Heero stroked her hair as she sobbed on his shirt.
Hotaru shook her head, "I don't wanna leave. I don't want people to get hurt."
"No one's making you leave Firefly," Heero rocked her slowly, "No one will get hurt. I won't let that happen."
Hotaru murmured, "You promise?"
"I promise," Heero repeated, "No one is going to come and take you away."
Hotaru fell asleep with that promise and soon she forgot about the girl, the crystal city, the strangers that were hurt and the dark shadow monster.
The next morning Hotaru was her old self. It was like nothing had happened, which was good because it was one of Heero's going to work days. The other pilots were also going to HQ, mostly to update on what was going on and to see if there was anything to be done. Though Hotaru had only been to HQ five times she had become the little darling of the place. Despite the fact she grew at an unusual rate, everyone thought that Heero knew what it was like to be her and adopted her because of that. Beside Hotaru had to come today, since Sally was going to give Hotaru her first check-up.
Today was also a treat for everyone else too. Hotaru was allowed to bring her two new puppies to show off to everyone. It was only when Hotaru could prove that the dogs would listen to her when she said stop. After all they didn't want Hotaru to get dragged off like the first time she got them. The office was filled with greetings to the five Commanders as well as 'Hello Hotaru', 'How are you today?', 'You've grown again!' and 'What cute puppies!'.
Sally preparing a medical file for Hotaru when the little girl and Heero came in. The doctor stood up from her desk and smiled. She had been wanting to see this little girl since Wufei admitted it seemed like the rumors were true and more so.
"Hello Heero," Sally turned to Hotaru, "And you must be Hotaru. You've grown, the first time I heard about you, you were a little baby."
Hotaru grinned, "I get that a lot."
Sally smiled, "So Heero, is there anything I should know about her?"
"She grows one year every week, and she's very smart," Heero answered.
Sally chuckled, "So I've heard. I was also wondering Heero if you wanted any IQ tests done. To see where she stands."
"I don't know," Heero said thoughtfully, "Better not. I don't want to attract any attention."
"Good point," Sally nodded, "Come on Hotaru. Let's see just how healthy you are."
"Kay! Can my puppies come in?"
"Sorry, but we have to keep this place clean," Sally shook her head, "But they can wait for you outside."
Hotaru looked a bit sad, "Oh, okay."
While this was going, somewhere else in Preventers HQ Milliardo Peacecraft was filling out some paperwork. He had just come back from shore leave with Noin. Though he wasn't really sure at first, he was glad that Noin asked Lady Une for that shore leave. It was just too bad that Relena decided to stay somewhere else. Neither he nor Noin had the time to ask where she went. As he was finishing up, one of the Ensigns came in. The Ensign put some papers on his desk and Milliardo only briefly looked up to show he knew the Ensign was there.
"Welcome back sir," the Ensign saluted.
Milliardo nodded, "Thank you."
Ensign nodded, "I'll leave you to your work. I'm sure you want to get home as soon as possible to see the rest of your family."
Milliardo nodded again absently as the Ensign left. Little did he know that the Ensign had meant more to it than just Relena. The Ensign was one of the many Preventers that had taken a likening to Hotaru. He had thought that Milliardo knew about Hotaru, after all Milliardo was Hotaru's Uncle. The Ensign whistled as he made his rounds. His rounds led him to where Hotaru was sitting. She had brought her laptop along for something to do. The Ensign shook his head and smiled. The girl was only six and she was becoming a lot like her father. Laptop and all it seemed.
"Hello there Hotaru!" the Ensign waved.
Hotaru looked up, "Hello Mr. Peer, have you met my puppies?"
Peer stopped, "I don't think I have."
Hotaru snapped her fingers, "Shadow! Neo! Up and sit!"
Out of the shadows came two Lab puppies, one black and the other yellow. They both stopped in front of her and sat down. She petted them while giving them some doggie treats.
"Good dogs," she chirped.
"They're very well trained," Ensign Peer smiled as he petted them.
Hotaru smiled proudly, "Uncle Trowa helped me."
"Well, now you can show them off to your Uncle Milliardo."
The little girl blinked, "My Uncle Milliardo?"
"That's right. You know, you're mother's older brother, Milliardo Peacecraft," Peer nodded.
Hotaru just looked more confused, "I didn't know I had an Uncle Milliardo."
"I guess they forgot to tell you. After all you were just a baby when he went away on his mission. He just came back from shore leave," he explained, "You should say hello to him."
Hotaru thought about this before closing her laptop, "I should, shouldn't I? After all he is my uncle. Where's his office?"
Peer pointed down one hallway, "That way."
She stood up, "Thank you for telling me."
Hotaru motioned for her dogs to follow her and they obeyed without her repeating her command. As she walked down to see Milliardo she found it strange that she was never really told about him. Maybe it was because her parents and uncles were too busy. After all, everyone said she was a baby more than a month ago. Hotaru stopped in front of the door that was suppose to be her uncle's office. She knocked.
"Come in," a male voice said.
She stepped in, "Are you Milliardo Peacecraft?"
Milliardo looked up from his paperwork to see a young girl with two puppies standing in his doorway. He was slightly surprised, he didn't recognize the girl from anywhere and it wasn't like she was ordinary. On one hand, if she was quiet enough with her small size she could disappear into the shadows without anyone noticing. On the other hand she could also stand out of the ground with her pale skin and dark hair and dark eyes.
"Yes, I am. Can I help you?"
The little girl walked up to him until she stood in front of his desk, "I was told you're my Uncle Milliardo. Since that's the case I thought I should say hello to you."
"Sorry kid," Milliardo smiled at her, "I don't have a niece."
Hotaru's face dropped, "Oh… I thought that you were. I'm sorry. I guess that Ensign was pulling my leg. After all I have so many uncles it wouldn't surprise me if I had another."
"Well, you shouldn't believe everything you hear," Milliardo said.
Hotaru nodded, "That's what daddy told me. Never believe anything unless the person can prove, most of all if it comes from Uncle Duo."
"Duo's your uncle?" Milliardo asked in slight surprise.
He had no idea; after all he wasn't aware that Duo had any family. At least he thought Duo didn't have any family. Now that he thought about Milliardo thought he knew the children of every Preventer in the building at least. He didn't recognize her from anywhere. Maybe he met her before and forgot about it.
"Tell me, what's your name?" Milliardo asked.
Hotaru smiled, "Hotaru, Hotaru Yuy."
Milliardo blinked; did she just say her last name was Yuy? Nah… it couldn't be, it had to be another Yuy.
"Who's your daddy?"
"Heero Yuy," Hotaru answered.
Heero? A father? Milliardo couldn't believe he was hearing this. There was no way Heero could be a father, unless he married and even then he doubted it.
"Do you have a mommy?"
Hotaru nodded, "Of course silly. I have to have a mommy. Uncle Trowa said so!"
Milliardo sat back in surprise. Heero married? This kid was way too old to really be his kid. His guess was that she was the child of the woman's previous marriage, but Heero wouldn't marry anyone like that. As much as Milliardo didn't have a high opinion of Heero, Heero would never do that.
Milliardo couldn't help but find out more about this child, "Sit down Hotaru. Would you like something to drink? Tell me about yourself."
Ensign Peer poked his head into Duo's office giving him his papers. Duo just waved him over to his desk.
"Morning Commander Duo."
"Hiya Peer, what's new on the grapevine?"
"Hotaru just went to say hello to her Uncle Milliardo."
"Oh shit."
Milliardo got himself some water while Hotaru drank some apple juice. Now that he got a good look at her there were several things he was able to figure out about her. It was reflex to study people like that, even if it was a child. The way she talked said she was older, but she was small for her age. She had to be. Her short legs swung over the chair, swinging back and forth.
"So, who are you're other Uncles?" Milliardo could probably guess that one though.
Hotaru smiled, "There's my Uncle Wufei, my Uncle Quatre, and I already told you about my Uncle Trowa and Uncle Duo."
Milliardo decided to kill his curiosity right now, "What's your mommy's name?"
"Relena Peacecraft."
In the office of Heero Yuy, Heero had hung up the phone when Duo came rushing in. Heero looked at him.
"What is it Duo?"
Duo closed the door behind him, "Milliardo is back."
"I know."
"You do?"
Heero pointed to his side, beside him was a gun, "Why else would my gun be out? If I'm lucky Milliardo won't find out."
"No luck," Duo shook her head, "Hotaru went to see him."
"YUY!!!!!"
Hotaru watched with fascination, as Milliardo suddenly turned pale and then to an interesting shade of red and purple. She had never seen anyone look like that before. At first Hotaru wondered if she should get Sally. That was until he yelled loud enough for the whole building to hear her last name.
"Are you all right?" Hotaru asked innocently.
Milliardo growled, "I will be," then he added silently, "After I kill that ."
Sally and Noin were talking in Sally's office when they heard the war cry from Milliardo's office. Noin looked up from her cup of coffee in confusion. As far as she knew unless Heero admitted he liked Relena Milliardo had no reason for screaming out Heero's name.
Sally sighed, "Uh oh… I think Milliardo has met Hotaru."
"Hotaru?" Noin asked.
"We better go and make sure Milliardo doesn't tear down the building trying to kill Heero," Sally got up, running out of her office.
Meanwhile Milliardo was storming down the hall, gun in hand and ready to kill, while poor little Hotaru who had a rough idea what was going on tried to stop him. If it weren't for the fact it was quite clear that Milliardo was off, it would been funny. Hotaru was pulling on Milliardo's jacket, trying to get him to stop. Only the end up being dragged down to her father's office, while Milliardo was taking out his gun and switching off the safety. The sound of the safety going off sent Hotaru in a panic.
"Please stop Milliardo-san," Hotaru pleaded, "Daddy's really nice. Really!"
"How dare he touch my sister!" Milliardo was on the rampage.
"But daddy would never touch your sister," Hotaru didn't know Relena was his sister, "I mean… daddy always spends time with me and mommy!"
That just sent Milliardo's blood boiling. The idea of his sister and that pilot made him see red. Strange, with him just thinking of Heero and Relena it seemed that he forgot to add Hotaru into all of this, and Hotaru was physically six.
"Please, please, please don't Milliardo-san," Hotaru tried to dig her feet in.
Milliardo just kept on walking, sure he had to lean forward, but no one, not even a little girl was going to stop him.
Hotaru was at her wits end, "If you don't stop Milliardo-san, I'll- I'll – I'll cry!"
It was the magic word, Milliardo stopped in his tracks causing Hotaru to ram into him. Quickly he whirled around in surprise at what she just said. From the look of it, she was telling the truth. It wasn't hard for Hotaru to come with tears; it was her father was in trouble.
Milliardo looked down to see Hotaru looking back up at him. Her eyes were big pools of purple sorrow. The little girl's dark purple hair had fallen on one side, part of it covering her cheek making her look small and helpless. Hotaru's eyes were brimming with tears. She sniffed.
Milliardo froze, she wouldn't. She couldn't do this to him. This was emotional blackmail! Still the six-year-old girl all dressed in green overalls and yellow shirt was too innocent to resist. No, she was Yuy's daughter, but she was also Relena's…
A big fat tear rolled down her cheek, "Please Milliardo-san…" she whispered in a small voice.
Her hands were clasped together, begging him to stop was held to her chest. She was so small compared to him and seemed so fragile. Hotaru's puppies were also there, they had followed their mistress knowing her distress. They both lay down at her feet, wagging their tails and looking up at her for orders. They whimpered along with her, wishing that she would tell them what bothered her so. It was like something from a picture. Hotaru felt that she wouldn't get her way. Milliardo was just too determined. She stopped looking at him and looked at her feet.
Drip. Drip.
One tear, then two and then three; she sniffed again, "I guess if you don't like daddy… I guess you don't like me neither… I'm sorry for making you mad Milliardo-san."
Now that tore at his heart. As much as he hated Yuy, it didn't mean he hated her as well. She did come to greet him didn't she? Hotaru was a child, and though her father maybe a in every right, she was a sweet little girl.
Milliardo went down on his knees and pulled her into a hug, "I don't hate you Hotaru," he said softly.
Hotaru looked up, "But you hate daddy."
"Yes," Milliardo said slowly, "But…"
He was going to have to admit it. Whether he liked it or not, Hotaru was also his sister's child. Though only now did he notice, since all of his anger was gone and only guilt for making Hotaru cry. Hotaru didn't look anything like Heero or Relena. No brown hair or sandy blond, or any kind of blue eyes. He would think about it later, right now he had to set this right.
Milliardo gave her a small smile, "I may not like your daddy, but you're still my little sister's daughter and her I like very much. I'm very proud to have you for a niece."
Hotaru's eyes seemed to light up as she tackled Milliardo into a bear hug.
"Does that mean you'll leave daddy alone?" Hotaru asked.
Milliardo had a funny feeling if he didn't say yes the waterworks would start, "I'll leave your father alone, but…" he looked at her in the eye, "It doesn't mean I'll like him."
Hotaru just hugged him again, "Don't worry, you will when you get to know him better! I'll make sure of it."
A year ago Milliardo would have scoffed at anyone who'd say he would come to like Heero Yuy. Two years ago he would have yelled at them for even suggesting he would get along with the ex-pilot. Now Milliardo had a feeling Hotaru was going to make sure her Uncle and Father got along even if it killed her.
Author's Note: Finally! Yes! Success! Originally a part of this was written during my vacation. Unfortunately I didn't like the first reaction that I did for Milliardo and with school and writer's block I rewrote it. Even then, well… I was trying to decide what Milliardo was going to do to Heero. Fistfight or shoot, both were too violent for poor Hotaru. So emotional blackmail.
Now about that dream, I know I didn't mention anything about it, but alas, as much as I'd like to. I can't forget why Hotaru is there in the first place. In other words I can't forget the bad guys. It doesn't mean they'll be the main part of the story. It's about Heero being a daddy, but yea… when she's older they'll have to show up. Then I'll have to get off my lazy butt and make up the bad guys. Also this gives me an excuse to slow Hotaru's aging. I hated the idea now she aged so fast, but on the other hand I couldn't write a lot with her being younger.
Also, I'm very sorry if Hotaru sounds a lot older. I figured there would be times she would sound older than she was and then sound like a kid again. At least at the age of six I can make her speech a bit more mature or a lot it depends.