Never Impossible
Chapter 7: Sibling Love
Tuesday Morning,
Umi was making a list of the pros and cons of being a Preventer again. Star was sleeping on the ground. Umi smiled and looked at the list. She couldn't help remember what had happened yesterday. She sighed as she thought about Heero. Well, part of the reason to be a Preventer was to meet Heero. Should she take on this job again?
Duo was busy cleaning his office when Trowa came in. " There's a lot of dust around here." Trowa commented. Duo sighed. " Things only collect dust once they are placed too long." Duo told Trowa. Trowa looked around the messy office. " So, did Lady Une ask you?" Duo asked suddenly. Trowa was surprised. " Ask me what?" He asked and took a look at the trophies on Duo's shelf. " About spending the day looking after Mariemaia." He told him.
" I am not a baby-sitter." He told Duo. Duo nodded and continued dusting his shelve. " I know that. I told Lady Une to let Quatre do it. But, she won't. Said that I was too dangerous. Heero was too busy and too stern. Wufei was lovesick. And that Quatre was on leave. Which was true. Why am I dangerous?" Duo asked Trowa. Trowa shrugged. " I won't want to know. You won a gold at 3.6 km cross country?" Trowa asked Duo. Duo nodded.
" Yar, came in first. I was 16 then. I tried to drag Heero along. He didn't turn up. He later told me that he had a job to do." Duo told Trowa. Trowa frowned in return. " Did he say anything else?" Trowa asked and moved on to the next trophy. " Nope, he didn't say anything more than that." Duo told Trowa. Trowa wondered if he should take Lady Une's offer. But, looking after a teenager was nothing good.
" There fore, I want you to get her out of my house and done." The client told him. " Sir, I am not a divorce lawyer nor am I a killer. So, I can't help you here." Quatre told his client. His client looked furious. " What do you mean you can't help me? You are a Preventer! You prevent things from happening. So all I want is you to prevent my wife from entering my house." The client told Quatre. Quatre sighed. " I will arrange it for you." He told him finally. His client left happily. Quatre sighed and phoned the divorce lawyer.
Lunch break,
Heero was reading a thick file. Duo was complaining to Wufei about his client. Wufei seems to be in his own world. Trowa was talking to Lady Une. Quatre was looking at them and sighing.
" Quatre, are you gay?" Duo asked. Quatre looked surprised. " You kept looking at Trowa." Duo pointed it out. Quatre sighed even more. " I keep receiving weird clients. I am not a lawyer, but a preventer. They kept giving me jobs a lawyer should do." Quatre told them. " Yar, speaking of clients, did you know that my client's husband accused me of seducing his wife. The facts…" Duo was cut off by Wufei. " Hey Trowa! Your phone's ringing." Wufei called out. Trowa came over and picked it up. He left. Lady Une watched him walk off.
" What are you reading?" Quatre asked Heero. Heero didn't answer. " Just a file about a target." Heero told them. Wufei and Duo frowned and exchanges their frowns. Trowa came back, he looked a bit puzzled. " I got to go. See ya!" Trowa told them and left, he walked past Lady Une. Lady Une went after him.
" Are you thinking what I am thinking?" Duo asked Wufei. Wufei nodded. " There is something seriously going on between the two of them." Wufei told them.
Umi turned and looked back up at Luke. Luke was standing on the steps, Umi was on the steps nearer to the ground floor. " What do you mean?" She asked him. Luke sighed. " I am sorry, Umi. I didn't mean to betray you or anything, I met Heero." Luke told Umi. Umi's eyes widened. Umi looked very shocked. " I told him that you liked him." Luke told Umi, she looked down at the floor. " I didn't mean harm. I just thought that it would be a good thing for him to know." Luke told Umi. Umi didn't reply. She continued down the stairs and into the limo. The limo drove off. Luke watched her go.
Heero looked up at the building. It took up a lot of land. The Yuy mansion looked very big and talk about tight security. Heero flew over to Colony 5 to meet his parents and see their house. No, it was also his house. Heero stopped his car at the gates. The computer asked for his name.
" Heero Yuy." He told the computer. The computer scanned his eyes and fingerprints. " Data matches. Please enter." The computer told her. Heero went in and parked his car at an empty carpark slot. Heero got out and locked his car. He looked up at the building right before him. He made his way through the garden, which was located before the building. The garden was filled with many flower bushes and trees. Butterflies were seen flying around the garden. Fluttering from flower to flower. Heero walked past a big fountain. He walked up the steps up to the door. Two guards opened the door for him. He went in. It was really spacious.
The design and decoration fits well with the whole atmosphere. It looked grand and high-class. He was ushered to a door. He pushed it opened and was in a room. Wind was blowing in from the opened balcony door. The white curtains were flying in the direction of the wind. No one was in the room. He walked out to the balcony. The balcony had a gate. It seems to lead to the side of the house. Heero opened the gate and walked onto the grass. He followed the pavement there and was led to a swimming pool. There was a fountain in the middle of the swimming pool. Flower bushes surrounded it. Heero saw someone sitting down on an armchair, facing the swimming pool. He walked over.
" Welcome back, Heero." That person told him after he had approached him. He turned to face Heero. " I am Carlton Yuy. I believe we met before." Carlton told Heero. Heero nodded in reply. " Why are you here, Heero?" He asked suddenly. Heero looked at the direction of the swimming pool's fountain. " I just wanted to ask you something." He told him. Carlton closed his eyes. " Go on." He instructed. Heero sighed and closed his eyes. " Why did you abandon me? I never thought about this, but after I found that I still had parents. I started asking myself." Heero told Carlton. Carlton pointed to a chair, Heero sat down.
" Believe me or not is up to you." Carlton told Heero. " We didn't abandon you. Someone took you away. You know, since you were the first heir to our family. We threw a very big party to celebrate your first birthday. It was crowded, but we managed to celebrate your first birthday with you, before someone took you away. There was no way to find out who. All the guards claimed that no one came out. You were not where to be found. That time, we had already named you Christopher. But, looks like someone else gave you the name Heero. So, why not use it. After all, it held so many meanings." Carlton told Heero. Heero then realized that he shouldn't bring up the past, the past was over. What's over can never take place again.
" We were very upset. And tried every way we could to find you. But, you were only 1 year old. So, you can be anyone. I mean we won't even know how you will look like. Since you were so young, you will not even remember any events. Which make finding you impossible. We had Isabelle. Isabelle only found out about you when she was 10." Carlton told Heero. " Why she had always been looking for me after that?" Heero asked, Carlton smiled and looked at the swimming pool.
" She wants to meet her long lost brother. Like a gathering and she delayed her wedding with Chase. Because she told me that she wanted to find you before her wedding. So that you will be there at her wedding." Carlton told Heero. Heero looked at the ground, he couldn't help feeling guilty. Isabelle had always wanted her brother to be there for her. But, he wasn't.
" Now that you are here. I don't see why you won't be able to be there. But, she wants to be closer to you first. I don't see anything bad about it. What do you think, Heero?" Carlton asked. " I too think that it's not such a bad idea." Heero told Carlton. Carlton smiled. " I will tell her. She will meet up with you soon. Oh, are you staying for dinner?" Carlton asked. Heero thought for a while. " No, thanks. I have many cases to work on." Heero told him. Carlton sighed. " Too bad, Rachel is cooking tonight. It's a chance that seldom comes. She is as busy as I am. Hardly comes back to the house." Carlton told Heero.
Heero stood up, excused himself and left. He got into his car and drove off. Something tells him that maybe having a family will not be as bad as he thought it would be.
Umi wondered if she should enter the Agents building. She reached for the handle of the door then withdrew her hand. She thought for a while and looked at the door. Maybe she should go back. She had taken a plane to Colony 1, right after Luke told her that he had told Heero about her. Umi looked at the door. The door suddenly opened. Trowa walked past Umi and went down the stairs. Umi blinked and stared after him. Then, the door opened again, this time, it was Lady Une. Lady Une came out and raced after Trowa. " Trowa." She called out. Trowa kept going down the stairs. Umi raised an eyebrow at them. Why was Trowa ignoring Lady Une?
The door opened again. Someone stepped out.
" Funny aren't they?" That person asked. Umi looked at him, to realize that it was actually Heero. Umi looked down at Trowa and Lady Une. Lady Une was blocking Trowa's car, not allow Trowa to leave.
" What happened?" Umi asked Heero. Heero shrugged. " Trowa refuse to tell us anything. Lady Une kept pestering him." Heero told her. Umi didn't respond. Heero checked her out.
" What are you doing here?" He asked politely. Umi didn't know how to answer. After all, Lady Une was talking to Trowa.
" And why did you keep standing outside and not go in?" He asked, Umi turned to look at Trowa and Lady Une, to avoid eye contact. Lie the way through. " I was here to meet Lady Une." Umi told him, Umi noticed Heero raising an eyebrow at her. " Really?" He asked, something told her that Heero didn't believe her. Of course, who would? So Umi had to convince him.
" Lady Une?" Umi called out and went down the stairs. Heero watched her go. Umi was lying, he could tell.
" Look, do you mind just getting out of the way?" Trowa asked. Lady Une shook her head. " No, unless you agree to talk to me." Lady Une told Trowa. Trowa sighed. Umi went over.
" Lady Une, can I talk to you?" Umi asked. " In my office, can't you see that I am busy here?" Lady Une asked. " I know, I can see that. It's about… Preventers." Umi told Lady Une. Lady Une glanced over at Umi. She frowned and looked up at Heero, who was watching them from the top of the stairs. Heero? She mouthed silently to Umi. Umi shook her head. Lady Une walked off towards the Agents building with Umi. Forgetting all about Trowa. Trowa mouthed thanks silently to Umi and then he drove off. " Oh my… I let him off!" Lady Une exclaimed. Umi smiled a little. She looked up to see Heero looking at her. She then looked away.
" You serious about it?" Lady Une, she sounded very surprised. Umi nodded. " I thought a lot about it. And I decided that I do miss the work and action." Umi told her and smiled. Lady Une smiled in return. " Then I believe everyone would be glad that you are back to work with us. As usual, you will be working with Heero. He didn't move your desk. So, I am sure you can start work right away." Lady Une told Umi.
" Thanks." Umi told her. Lady Une shook her head. " No, I should thank you." Lady Une told Umi and smiled.
Umi took the lift to her usual floor. She took a deep breath before walking out. Heero was in his office. Umi looked at her desk and smiled. Looks like she's back. She touched the desk, surprised to find that it was dustless. So was her chair. Umi smiled. Looks like someone had been keeping her place clean. Umi looked back at Heero's office. She went over and knocked on the door. " Come in." She heard. She opened the door.
Heero was busy typing a report. Umi smiled suddenly, suddenly realizing how long she had been gone and how long it had been since she last heard the sound of an office atmosphere.
" Why are you smiling?" Heero asked. Umi looked at him and closed the door. " Nothing. I just realized how long I have not stepped into this office." Umi told Heero. Heero stopped typing and looked at her. " How can I help you?" Heero asked, Umi smiled. " I need assistance on something." Umi told him. He watched her. She smiled suddenly. " What?" He asked.
" Looks like I will be here everyday now. So I need your help, to assist me to be a real Preventer." Umi told him. Heero leaned back in his chair. " Sure, no problem." Heero told her. Umi smiled and turned to leave. As she reached the door and placed her hand on the handle,
" Welcome back, Umi." Heero told her suddenly. Umi turned and looked at Heero, she broke into a grin. " It's always good to be back." Umi told him and left the office. Heero smiled to himself after she was gone.
The next morning, Wednesday Afternoon,
Umi was sorting out the files when the lift doors opened, Lady Une walked in and looked at Umi. She sighed. Umi raised an eyebrow. Lady Une walked towards Heero's office door, then she stopped. She turned back and walked towards Umi's desk.
" Can I ask you a question?" Lady Une asked, Umi blinked and turned to look at Heero's closed office door. " Sure" Umi stacked up the files on her table. Lady Une sat down opposite her.
" Do you know who to get, to help look after Mariemaia?" Lady Une asked. " A babysitter" Umi told her. " Look, Mariemaia doesn't like strangers and you know, there have been many cases of babysitters abusing the children. It's not safe anymore." Lady Une told Umi. Umi raised an eyebrow. " Really? Hadn't noticed." Umi commented.
" I tried to get Trowa to help me instead, but he just kept on refusing. My work has been piling up, I cannot look after her 24 hourly. I kept rushing back to meet her." Lady Une told Umi. Umi sighed and looked back at Heero's office door again. It was closed. " I suggest you take a week off, sort things out and then come back." Umi told Lady Une softly. " I can't do that! My work has already PILED UP!" Lady Une exclaimed, Umi placed a finger on her lips, to silence Lady Une.
" Look, Sort this out yourself, I don't want to get scolded." Umi told her, Lady Une frowned. " He meeting a client? Why are you behaving like that?" Lady Une asked. Umi looked around.
" Well, Kitty called me yesterday, we only chat for 5 minutes and he came out to scold me." Umi told Lady Une. Remembering what Heero did yesterday. Heero came out of the office. " Look, I know it's your first day after a long break. But, rules are rules. This is an office, not a food court or a pub. Get of the phone, and speak softly." Heero told her firmly, then he went back in and slammed the door. Umi had blinked and she hung up immediately after apologizing to Kitty.
" So, I just had to make sure that I was quiet enough and that he doesn't come out when I am talking to someone." Umi told Lady Une. " I think it's just the stress getting into him. Why don't you go in and give him a little massage?" Lady Une asked, Umi looked shocked.
" I am not his wife." She told her, Lady Une smiled. " Don't you want to be? If you do, I say, you start now." Lady Une told Umi and left. Umi thought for a while. She waited until the lift went down. Before getting up.
There was a knock on the door, Heero looked at the door. " I will get back to you." He whispered to the screen. The screen went blank. " Come in." He said and opened his file. Umi came in, she closed the door and leaned against it.
" Yes?" Heero asked, Umi bit her lower lip. " I am sorry about yesterday." Umi whispered, Heero didn't reply nor even look at her. Umi went over to him. " I was wondering…maybe….maybe… you are… free tonight?" Umi asked. She regretted even saying it when Heero slowly looked up at her. Umi smiled at him. He sighed and pushed back his chair. He stood up and crossed to the glass window.
He stared out of the window. " Why?" He asked, eyes closed. Umi stared at his back and wondered how to phrase it. " I don't know, celebration?" Umi asked. " For who?" Heero asked, looking out of the window again. Umi bit her lower lip. " To celebrate me being a Preventer again?" Umi asked. She watched as Heero turned to look at her. She smiled a bit loss for words. " Sure, why not?" Heero answered and turn back to look out of the window again. " Great, so, see you after work then." Umi told him and walked towards the door. Smiling to herself and her heart was overjoyed. But, she didn't really see where she was going.
She knocked into the door. Heero turned around to look at her. Umi rubbed her head. " I am fine, it's nothing." She told Heero. And walked out of the room. Heero smiled, girls…
Umi left early, to change and prepare herself for the so-called date. Umi changed into a white dress that was plain white, sleeveless and had two spaghetti stripes. She tied her hair up eloquently, leaving two strands of hair infront. She put on Very light make-up and packed a very small white handbag. Star was busy drinking water from her water bowl. Umi chose a white 4 inches high, high heel shoe that had straps to support her feet to the show. The straps were all filled with 10 diamonds each. She checked her reflection, she looked perfect. Heero had called to tell her the location, and the time. So, she wondered if Heero would be here to pick her up. She received a call. She picked it up.
" I wonder if you are ready yet, I am outside." Heero told her. Umi smiled and looked out of the window. To see him waiting beside his car. He was wearing a blue long sleeved, buttoned and collared shirt with a pair of black pants. And a pair of well polished black shoes. And a white tie. Umi smiled. She hung up and took her bag. She pets star before leaving.
Heero looked at her, his eyes widened, she was so beautiful. There was this radiant glow that kept shining on her, and was so obvious. He opened the door for her, she smiled and went in. Heero went in and drove off.
They arrived at the restaurant. Heero parked the car. They got out and walked towards the restaurant. It looked so grand, with candles that were lit and each table had one. There was a dance floor for the people to dance. The waiter showed them the way. Umi looked around to see many couples, holding hands, sitting opposite each other, eyes burning with fire. Couples holding each other closely on the dance floor.
" I hope you don't mind, since it's a celebration…" Heero told hr and trailed off when the waiter opened the double doors. Umi was really surprised to see everyone there. " I didn't see why everyone shouldn't be here. You don't mind do you?" Heero asked, Umi felt upset, so mush about her fantasy. " No, not at all." She lied and walked in. Everyone looked at them
" Let's start ordering, I am starving!" Duo exclaimed. They sat down and took their orders. Everyone was busy chatting. Kitty was holding Trowa's hand and they were looking at each other. Lady Une kept looking at the two of them. Their food came, everyone chatted happily and enjoyed the food. Quatre stood up. " I offer a toast to Umi." Quatre told them. Everyone stood up and took their wineglass. " To Umi, and hope that she will forever be working with us." Quatre told them. " Cheers!" Everyone said at the same time and gently knocked his or her glasses against everyone's before drinking it. Trowa whispered into Kitty's ear. Kitty smiled and the two of them left the room.
" Where are they going?" Duo asked, Wufei shrugged. " Dancing?" Wufei asked. Duo shrugged and tucked into his second plate of lobster. Umi excused herself to go to the washroom. She took her bag. As she left the room, she saw Trowa and Kitty dancing on the dance floor to the slow music.
She went into the washroom, washed her hands. And opened her bag. She touched up her makeup. She couldn't help feeling upset. She put on very light pink lipstick when Angel came in. " Hey." She told Umi and she checked her own reflection.
" I noticed that you weren't very happy." Angel told Umi. Umi closed her lipstick. And packed it back into her bag. " Of course I am not. I thought it was a celebration, you know, only Heero and me. Not everyone." Umi told Angel. Angel smiled. " It happens like that. Too bad we are not as lucky as Kitty." Angel told Umi and she put on her own lipstick. Umi sighed and stared at herself.
" Just get use to it and live through the whole night. Stop looking upset and force yourself to enjoy it. I wish I was Kitty." Angel told Umi. Umi forced a smile, Kitty came in. " Hi girls!" She told them happily. And took a spot at the basin. She touched up her own makeup. Umi and Angel studied Kitty. She was humming happily.
" When did it happen, you lucky girl?" Angel asked, Kitty blushed. " Oh, after that day, we just got together. And, well, that's it." Kitty told them, she looked at Umi. " You didn't seem very happy." Kitty pointed out and turned back to check her reflection. " Obviously, Umi wants to spend the night with Heero alone." Angel told Kitty. Kitty smiled. " You should have told him that in the first place." Kitty commented and wet her hair to style them.
" Then he will know." Umi told them and sighed. " I just suck at relationships. I guess that's what happen when you have never been to a mixed school in my entire life." Umi told them sadly. Kitty and Angel became silent. " Cheer up, Umi. I am sure you will get it right." Angel told her. " I hope so." Umi told them sadly.
They all went back, Umi couldn't bring herself to enjoy the night at all. Heero drove her back to her house. She was silent throughout the whole trip, holding onto the handle of her handbag. Heero didn't speak a single word. He pulled up right outside her house. Umi thank him softly and opened the door.
" Tell me why you look so upset tonight. There's a huge difference in you when we left for the restaurant and left for your house." Heero told Umi. Umi didn't say anything. " It's nothing, I am fine." She told him and got out of the car. Heero frowned and went got out of his car.
" Why don't you tell me, Umi?" He asked, Umi stopped walking towards the door. " It's really nothing." She told him and walked towards the door. She hoped that Heero will pursue more, but he didn't. Umi opened the door and turned to see Heero looking at her. Umi looked at the ground and went in.
The Next Day, Thursday Morning,
Quatre received a phone call after his client left. She picked up the phone. " Hello?" He asked, and looked at the clock on the wall. " Is this Quatre?" Quatre sighed. " Speaking, how can I help you? Are you looking for a Preventer?" Quatre speak into the phone.
" Hey, Quatre. It's me, your father." That person said, Quatre's eyes widened. " Father, I am sorry. I have been busy at work, that I didn't have a chance to meet you and my sisters." Quatre told his father. His father's laughter was heard from the other end of the phone. " How have you been, my son?" His father asked. Quatre smiled.
" I am fine, you?" Quatre asked. " As fine as always. You should come and visit me often. It's boring here." His father told him
Luckily, his father had escaped from the explosion 5 years ago. And had settled down on a colony before regaining his memory about who he was. And came back to his own house.
" Anyway, are you free? Can you come over and visit me? I have something to tell you." His father told him. Quatre checked his appointments. None left on his list. " I am free. Sure, I will come." Quatre told his father.
The servant poured tea and left. Quatre drank it, sitting opposite him was his father. " You have been so busy these 4 years that you didn't even know that your sisters were married. And you missed so many of their weddings." His father commented. " 10 of them." Quatre told his father, who shook his head. " No, it was 20." His father told him. Quatre nearly choked on his tea. " What, so many? I hope they are not upset about me not attending their weddings." Quatre told his father.
" Well, I don't think they will mind. Anyway, I have to tell you something. You see, all your sisters knew about it except you. I didn't want to bother you but I am getting busy. That I can't look after… the house." His father told Quatre. Quatre nodded, to show that he understood. His father sighed and placed his cup of tea on the table.
" 10 years ago, I met this nurse in a Colony. I was having a meeting but there was an explosion set by the OZ. So, I was sent to this hospital and I met her." His father told Quatre. Quatre was old enough to know where this was leading. His father was telling him that there was another woman? " I fell in love with her at first sight. I spent some time there trying to win her heart, lying that I need time to recover over my injuries. I knew that your mother had died. But, I was just lonely. And it just kicked in, the fact that I was lonely. So, we loved each other and we…" He trailed off.
" You know what I mean. Then, I left, leaving her there. I found out that she had our child, a daughter. I looked after her for 3 years now. She's ten this year. And still childish, after all she's a kid. And so much like her mother. Her mother died in the war 4 years ago. Her relatives took her in. Before they asked me to look after her. Your sisters understand that I was just looking for another chance at love. And they love her too. I love her as much as I love all of you. I hope that you can understand that and also love her." His father told Quatre. Quatre blinked, a bit lost for words.
" I understand that you were looking for someone to love. And, I know that mother will always be in your heart. What about her now?" Quatre asked. His father smiled. " Your 20 sisters no longer live with me. The rest of the 9 are getting busier. And I need to go off to Earth for 1 month. And I want you to look after her." His father told Quatre. Quatre's jaw dropped, he couldn't help exposing his shockness.
" But I am busy too." He told him. " I am a Preventer so I will have to go on very dangerous missions. I will endanger her." He told his father. " No really, you seldom have customers now. I asked Lady Une. She told me about the plans for you for the month. And you are very free. It's the chance to get closer to your sister. Well, I know she's your half sister. But it doesn't matter, you can take the chance to know her. So, what do you say?" He asked, Quatre sighed. He had no other excuses. " Fine. Can I meet her?" Quatre asked. Just then, the door opened.
A girl, with long blonde hair that reached her back came in. She had eyes, the same colour as Quatre's. She was wearing a dark blue coat and white pants. She was wearing leather gloves and boots. Her hair shone in the light, they were straight and a bit wavy at the ends. She was fair and she looked very pretty, for a child. There was a servant behind.
" I am sorry sir, she insisted on seeing you." The servant told his father. " It's okay." He told the servant whom left. The girl looked at Quatre. " Come here." Quatre's father said. The girl walked over.
" Quatre, I want you to meet Stephanie Destinee Winner. She is you sister." His father told him. Quatre stood up. Stephanie regarded Quatre and looked at their father. " Who's he?" Stephanie asked softly. Quatre smiled. " He's Quatre Raberba Winner, your brother and the only one. You will be spending one month with him. So be a good girl and don't go around making trouble for Quatre." Their father told them. It felt weird to meet his half-blooded sister. He held out his hand to her.
" Nice to meet you Stephanie." Quatre told her, Stephanie looked at his hand then shook it. " I hope this month will be a great one." Quatre told Stephanie and smiled. " Now, Stephanie, you will be leaving on Saturday. So I want you to start packing tomorrow. Were you riding horses?" Their father asked. Stephanie nodded. " Why don't you show your brother here your excellent skills." He told her. Stephanie nodded and walked towards the door. " Follow me." She told Quatre softly. Quatre was happy that she was talking to him.
Stephanie rides her horse and went through the jumping course swiftly and gracefully. Without making a fault. Quatre smiled and clapped. After she had sent her horseback to the stables, Quatre walked with her, to the house.
" Want to go out for ice-cream? It's a hot day." Quatre told her. Stephanie thought about it. " Sure, after I get changed." She told him. Quatre smiled. " I will wait for you." He told her. She smiled and ran off. Quatre felt that this might not be such a bad month.
Stephanie looked around the restaurant. It sold the best ice cream in the colony. The waiter led them to a seat. They sat down and took their orders. " So, you like spending time with your sisters?" He asked her. Stephanie smiled. " Yar, I do. They treat me well. They often bring me out to theme parks and movies and they get me what I want. Too bad 20 of them are married and living with their own family now." She told him. Quatre felt a sense of guilt running through him.
" You been to all the 20 sisters' wedding?" He asked, Stephanie nodded. " I missed a few, since I wasn't there yet. But I went to the rest's entire wedding. I like going to weddings. It makes me feel happy." She told him, she noticed that Quatre didn't look very happy.
" You?" She asked, Quatre sighed. " None at all. I was too busy being a Preventer." Quatre told her. Stephanie blinked. " You shouldn't have missed them. They were nice and who won't want their brother to be there on their wedding?" She asked him. That made Quatre feel worse. " I know that. But, I was too busy. Besides, they never mentioned their wedding to me." Quatre told her.
" Well, you should make a point to know." She told him. Their orders came. They tugged in. Stephanie loved the feeling of icy cold and delicious, sweet ice cream in her mouth. Quatre smiled watching her reaction to the ice creams. " You like eating ice-cream?" He asked, she nodded. " I love them. They just taste so good." She told him, Quatre smiled. " Eating too much is bad for your teeth. It may cause tooth decay." He told her. Stephanie smiled. " I am a good girl, I brush 3 times a day." She told him and scooped up a spoonful of ice cream.
" That's a good thing, keep it up." He told her and ate his ice cream. Stephanie beamed. " So, what's a Preventer?" she asked. Quatre smiled and ate another spoonful.
" It's a special kind of job where by only specially trained people can do. We are like agents. We help to prevent things from happening. Like war, murders, kidnap cases bombings, death, theft and so on. We help to get the culprit and save the day. So called. It's tough and complicated but I am glad to help people." He told her happily. Stephanie smiled. " It sounds cool." She told him, Quatre smiled. " Well, people joined to be cool. But were rejected. They don't need people who just want to be good. They want people who won't fail a single mission." He told her.
" Too bad, I guess it's not a job for me." She commented and ate more. Quatre shrugged and ate his ice cream too. Somehow, spending time with Stephanie made him feel happy.
Evening,
Quatre returned back to his office, to be called by Lady Une for an urgent meeting. Everyone was there when he got in. He was late. Lady Une looked very impatient. He sat down, Lady Une cleared her throat.
" Now, everyone's here. I have decided that we all go on a two week trip." Lady Une told them. The room was fill with many protests and arguments. Lady Une silenced them. " Everyone of us is going there, we will stay there and enjoy ourselves. To get closer and see the world kind of thing. There will be some missions there to keep all of you busy. You are allowed to bring someone with you. But, please, one person only." Lady Une told them.
" I had booked 22 rooms in the hotel. It's a five storey high building that had many rooms. So, tell me who is going with you. And it's compulsory for everyone to go. There are cities, so you don't need to bring that many luggage. But just in case. We will set out on Sunday question, call me. Meeting dismissed." Lady Une told them. They all didn't move. Quatre wondered if Stephanie wanted to go with him.
The next day, Friday Afternoon,
They guys had gathered to discuss about the trip during lunchtime.
" Lady Une must be up to something. I have a very bad feeling about this." Duo told them and cut his pizza into smaller slices. " Who are you taking with you?" Wufei asked duo. Duo shrugged and ate his pizza. " Don't know. But, I don't think it's a wise choice to take a girl with you. Who knows what Lady Une will do. What about you Trowa?" Duo asked. Trowa looked up, when he heard his name. He had been staring at his drink for some time.
" I don't know, I don't feel like bringing anyone. After all, it may be dangerous." Trowa told them and excused himself, to buy another drink. " What about you Quatre?" Duo asked. Quatre sighed. " I found out that I had another younger sister." Quatre told them. Duo and Wufei nearly choked on their food. Heero looked at Quatre.
" How come? Your mother died right after you were born." Heero asked. Quatre sighed and leaned back. Everyone was watching him. Trowa came back and was puzzled, since he didn't know what was going on.
" He met a nurse when he was injured 10 years ago. They got together. Loved each other. But my father left. He found out 3 years ago that he had a daughter. It appeared that her mother had died in the war 4 years ago." Quatre told them. Duo, Wufei and Trowa still watched Quatre. Heero looked at the ground. He looked a bit sad.
" She was taken in by her relatives for one year. They phone my father. He took her in. He didn't tell my anything before. All my sisters treated her well, loved her like their very own sister. My father and sisters are busy, he wanted me to look after her for 1 month. She's not a very bad person, I enjoyed being with her. She will be under my care since Saturday. I wondered if she wants to go to the trip with me." Quatre told them.
" Have you asked her?" Trowa asked, Quatre shook her head. " You should ask her today. But, she will still have to go, since it's compulsory." Duo told him. " I know, I just hope she doesn't hate me or anything." Quatre told the, softly. " Heero?" There was a voice. They all turned to see Umi running towards them.
" Heero, you have to come with me." She told him. Heero only looked at her, the rest raised an eyebrow at her. " It's Isabelle, she had an accident." Umi told him. They all turned to look at Heero. They all knew that Heero and Isabelle were siblings. But, they hadn't been together for a long time until they just found out that they were siblings. So, they weren't that close with each other. They didn't even know about the other's interest. Just knew that fact that they were siblings. They all waited for Heero to respond.
He stood up at last. Umi looked at him. " Let's go." He told her softly and walked towards the door. Umi smiled and followed behind him. The rest watched the two of them leave. " You know, they look like a perfect couple." Duo told them, the rest nodded in agreement.
Heero and Umi got into Heero's sports car. They drove off towards the hospital Umi told Heero where Isabelle was. They were silent ever since they got into the car.
" How did you know?" Heero asked her suddenly, breaking the silence. " Your mother phoned." Umi told him softly. He didn't respond. " Heero, about Wednesday night…" Umi told him softly. He looked at her for a second before turning his attention back to the road.
" I am sorry that I behaved weirdly. I was just upset about the celebration." Umi told him. Heero didn't know what came over him. " What's wrong with you? What's wrong with the celebration? Is it because it's not grand enough?" He asked suddenly, he seems to be shouting.
" Why are you so tensed? Is not what you think it is." Umi told him. " Then what is it? Why don't you just tell me?" Heero shouted. Umi looked a bit hurt, Heero could see it in her eyes. " It's nothing much…" She whispered, Heero felt very vexed. " Why can't you just answer the question properly? And not keep saying nothing much?" He shouted at her. Umi didn't reply. Silence surrounded them for the whole trip. Heero parked his car at the carpark. And got out. Umi followed behind him. He pushed opened the door and went to the counter. And ask for the room Isabelle was in. They took the lift to that floor. They didn't speak a single word to each other when they were in the lift.
The lift stopped and the door opened. They came out and went to the room. Heero knocked on the door and went in. He saw Isabelle sitting on the bed, her head was bandaged. Her hand was also bandaged. His parents were there. Chase was there too. He was squeezing her good hand. Isabelle looked at him and Umi. Umi closed the door.
" Heero, you came. I am relieved that you got my message." Rachel told Heero. Heero looked at Isabelle. " What happened?" He asked. Carlton sighed, it was a car accident. Someone tried to shoot the limo Isabelle was in. They succeeded. They killed the driver and the bodyguards. The limo crashed into a building. Isabelle was injured in the crash and couldn't get out. The limo exploded. She was lucky, she managed to get out at the last minute. She wasn't burned, just suffered a head and hand injury." Carlton explained. Isabelle started crying.
Chase hugged her and was coaxing her. " She will have to stay here for a few days. She lost quite an amount of blood. But other than that, she's fine. She didn't lose any memory." Carlton told them. " Where were you when it happened?" Heero asked Chase. " In my office." He told Heero. " I heard about it and then rushed to the hospital." Chase told Heero. Heero's eyes narrowed. Umi could tell that something was wrong too. " Umi, I will be spending the rest of the days till Monday to get to the bottom of this." He told her softly. " No one injures my sisters and goes on unanswered." He told them. Isabelle looked at Heero. A phone rang. Chase picked it up and excused himself and told them that he had to leave. Isabelle looked upset when he left. Umi went over to Isabelle.
" It's okay, he will be back." She told Isabelle. Isabelle looked at Umi. " You think so?" She asked her. Umi nodded. " Be careful, I think someone may be hunting you two too." Heero told his parents. They nodded. " I will send my friends to protect the two of you." He told them. " I am sorry, Isabelle daring. We will be back to see you. Your father and I have to attend an urgent meeting. I promise we will be back." Rachel told Isabelle. And gave her a pat on her good hand. They left. Heero looked at Umi.
" Protect her. I had some things to attend to." He told her. Umi nodded, Heero was about to leave. " Don't leave me, Heero." Isabelle told Heero. Heero stopped walking and looked at Isabelle. She was crying. " I am scared that they are after me again. Stay with me, Heero." Isabelle told Heero. Heero looked at Umi, Umi gave him back the same expression. " Isabelle, I have to go and find out who did it and kill him or her. Umi will protect you. She's a Preventer too. I will be back as soon as possible." He told her and squeezed her good hand.
" Promise?" Isabelle asked, Heero looked at Umi, she smiled. " Yes, I promise." Heero told her and left the room. Isabelle looked upset. Umi smiled. " It's okay. Heero will be back, trust and believe in him, Isabelle." She told her. Isabelle looked at Umi.
Hours past, Chase and Heero were not back yet. Umi was getting tired of waiting, but everytime she saw Isabelle's face, she didn't complain. Isabelle sighed and looked at Umi. " You love Heero, don't you?" Isabelle asked suddenly. Umi was so shocked and surprised that Isabelle actually found out. " We met at the wedding. I saw the way you talk to Heero. There's something in your eye and your action tells me all." Isabelle told Umi. Umi looked at the glass of water she was holding. " Is it that obvious?" Umi asked her. Isabelle smiled and nodded. " Only stupid people will not know." Isabelle told Umi. Umi was convinced that Heero already found out. After all, Luke told him…
Heero came back, after Isabelle was asleep for hours. Umi was staring into white space. He pulled out a chair and sat next to Umi, beside Isabelle's bed. " How did it go?" He asked her. " It's fine, nothing happened. You found anything?" She asked him, he shook his head. " No one saw anything. They didn't say anything about the men using cars or motorcycles." He told her. " That will make it harder to get solved." Umi told Heero and looked at Isabelle. " Use your powers, Umi. Tell me what you can see." Heero whispered. Umi looked at Isabelle and sighed. She touched Isabelle's hand and closed her eyes.
She saw two black cars, following Isabelle's limo. The car numbers… They were CC 100C, for the two of the cars. The same car number? The car then drove off after the limo crashed and exploded. Umi saw someone calling the ambulance and there were many onlookers. She opened her eyes. " The car numbers are CC 100C, the same for two black cars." She told him. Heero nodded and took out his laptop. He set it up and started checking. Isabelle turned to her right. Umi smiled.
" I was right." Heero told Umi. Umi went over to look at the screen. It showed that the car number matched a person's. It showed Chase Chandler. Umi raised an eyebrow. " Why will he want to kill Isabelle?" Umi asked. Heero sighed. " Looks like the case is solved. Now is the questioning part. It's easier than I thought it would be." Heero told her. Umi stared at Heero. " Are you killing him?" Umi asked softly. He shrugged. " Depends. I will watch over her. You can go back." He told her. Umi looked over at Isabelle. " I think she will be devastated when she finds out that her boyfriends wants to kill her." She whispered and walked towards the door. Heero closed his laptop.
Umi stopped walking and turned to face Heero. " If anything goes wrong, call me." Umi told Heero. Heero stood up. " I don't see how this is related to you, Umi." He told her. Umi felt like they were going back to a fight again. She looked at Isabelle, Umi knew that Isabelle will be very upset and that no one will comfort her. But she knew that her relationship with Heero was already bad, she won't want to make it worse. Umi left the room without looking back.
At night,
Heero sat on a chair and closed his eyes, he doesn't really slept but just rest his eyes. Isabelle woke up. " Umi?" She asked, Heero opened his eyes to look at Isabelle. " She went back." Heero told Isabelle. " Heero, is that you?" Isabelle asked. " Yes, it's me." Heero told Isabelle. He felt like asking about Chase. " Isabelle, tell me about Chase, how you meet him and how you two got together." He told her. Isabelle sat up on her bed.
" It was in University. I met him, as I was a cheerleader there. And still studies there. He had a girlfriend, the captain of the cheerleading squad. He often turns up after school to watch his girl practice. And I just happened to be there. I overheard he and his girlfriend quarreling. There was a homecoming ball that time. And he was still fighting with his girl. And he asked me t go with him. I agreed. I didn't know him well at all.
" That night, we enjoyed ourselves. We talk a lot and got to understand each other better. His girlfriend went with someone else. They had a huge fight that day. He broke up with her. He left with me. Then, after that we were just always together. His ex-girlfriend was getting jealous and angry. She made every practice like hell to me. Until my mother found out and complained, she was expelled from the university. She begged Chase to help her to beg me to forgive her. I didn't. She hated me ever since. But I didn't get to see her anymore." She told him.
Heero thought for a while. " Heero, can I ask you a question?" Isabelle asked, Heero looked at her. " Sure." He answered, Isabelle smiled and switched on the table light. " What do you feel about Umi?" Isabelle asked, Heero blinked. " Why ask?" He asks her in return. " Well, I am your sister and I just want to know if there's anyone you like. You know, my future sister-in-law…." She whispered. Heero sighed. " I don't like her, I just have to protect her. She's a bit annoying." He told Isabelle frankly. " Pity, she told me what she felt about you in the afternoon." She told him. He raised an eyebrow.
" She knows that you don't like her and has been suffering deep inside. I could tell she looked very upset whenever I mentioned you. Not that I mentioned you on purpose, I just wanted to know you better. And see if she knew you. I pity her. She told me about her family. She does nothing at home. Everyone in her family wants her to get married and she doesn't like matchmaking. She had been waiting for someone, to love her." Isabelle told Heero.
Heero felt that Isabelle was telling him all of these on purpose. " Go to sleep." He coaxed. Isabelle sighed. " Look, she's a girl. Treat her better. I know you don't want to give her the wrong impression, but at least try to understand her." Isabelle told him. Heero didn't reply.
The next day, Saturday Morning,
His parents just visited Isabelle. They left after that. Heero was waiting for Chase to show up. There was a knock on the door. The doctor came to give Isabelle a check up. He told Heero that she was getting better. But still have to be hospitalized. The doctor and the nurses left. Isabelle called Chase. " Funny, he doesn't pick it up." She told Heero. Heero felt that something was wrong here.
Quatre placed Stephanie's luggage in the boot of his car. Stephanie hugged their father. " Take good care of her, Quatre." His father told him. He nodded and smiled. Stephanie got into the car. Quatre waved goodbye to his father and then, they drove off, towards the airport. This car was rented. " Stephanie, are you interested to go on a camping trip for 2 weeks with me?" Quatre asked. Stephanie looked at him with her blue eyes. " Sure, why not? What do I do there?" She asked. Quatre laughed. " Well, just enjoy the fun." He told her. Stephanie smiled.
There was a knock on the door, it opened and a golden retriever came it. It went over to Heero and licked his hand. " Star?" Heero asked, Umi was here. " That's Star?" Isabelle asked, sounding excited. The door opened and Umi came in. Heero walked towards the door. " I will be outside if you need me." He told Isabelle and walked past Umi. Umi didn't answer. The door closed behind him. He leaned against the wall, nest to the door and closed his eyes.
" You brought Star, thanks for bringing her here. I wanted to meet your dog." Isabelle told Umi. Star jumped onto the bed and licked Isabelle's good hand. She pats her. Umi smiled and looked at the door. " Don't mind him, he's just weird." She told her. Isabelle ran her hand through Star's smooth and shining coat. Star barked, Umi smiled.
" She likes you." Umi told Isabelle. " If only my brother is as gentle as Star and treats everyone well." Isabelle said loudly. Umi looked at the door. " Isabelle…" Umi told her. " Can't even Believe that there are still so heartless people in the World, like someone I know." Isabelle boomed loudly. " Down." Umi told Star. She jumped down the bed and stood next to Umi. " Sit." She ordered, Star followed and sat down on the floor.
" Good girl." Umi told Star and pat her. She barked. " Isabelle, did Heero tell you anything?" Umi asked, Isabelle shook her head and frowned. " What is he supposed to tell me?" Isabelle asked Umi. Umi just shrugged. " Are you feeling better?" Umi asked Isabelle. Isabelle nodded. " I still have to be hospitalized for the next few days." He told her. Umi smiled and looked at the door. " I have to go, I won't want to make someone unhappy." She told Isabelle. Isabelle smiled. " Well, he is already VERY UNHAPPY." Isabelle said loudly. Umi smiled walked towards the door. " So, I will see you then. Hope you get well soon. You can come to visit me at my house." Umi told Isabelle and opened the door. Star stood up and went out first. She licked Heero's hand. Heero looked at her. Umi closed the door. " Come Star." She told Star softly. Star looked at Heero then followed Umi towards the lift.
Umi stopped walking halfway, she stopped and looked back at Heero. " Heero, don't let Chase go." Umi told him suddenly. Heero looked at her, puzzled. Umi looked serious. " Don't let him off, he will injure and kill many others. Change their future Heero. Let them live." Umi told Heero and then she turned to walk away. What did Umi mean?
The lift door opened, Umi saw Chase coming out of the lift. She knew that he was coming. She had foreseen it last night. Star barked at Chase. Chase looked pissed, he kind of pushed Star out of his way and walked off. Star wanted to chase after him. Umi ordered him to sit.
There was a knock on the door. Chase came in. Heero went over to Chase and stopped him from going nearer to Isabelle. " What's wrong, Heero?" Isabelle asked. Chase looked at Heero. " Isabelle, I found out who sent those men to kill you. And that person is none other than Chase." Heero told her. Isabelle's eyes widened in shock. " There's no prove." Chase told Heero. Heero showed him the car number matched his name, meaning he owned the car. Heero pointed a gun to Chase. " Either you explain yourself or I will pull the trigger." Heero ordered.
" Look Heero, I am sue we can talk about this. Put the gun down." Chase told Heero. Heero pressed the safety of the gun down. The bullet was being loaded. " Look, fine I will explain. I did it." Chase admitted. Isabelle looked stunned.
" Why?" Heero asked, with his gun still pointed to Chase's head. " All of this is a set up. I knew that you were a rich girl. I never stopped loving my girlfriend. I acted like we broke up so that I had a reason to get close to you. And I did, I was actually using you. I wanted fame and glory and I got it, by being with you. Everyone now knows who I am. My family business has been getting better. Then, I wanted to break up with you. But I won't want you coming after me when I go back to Katie. So, I sent people to kill you. So that once you are dead, I can still have my fame and glory and be with Katie without being bothered by you." Chase told them. Isabelle looked very shocked.
Heero punched Chase in his face. He fell to the ground. Heero punched him again and again. " And you still dared to come back?" Heero asked Chase. " Because, I wasn't expecting you today." Chase told Heero. And got up. He opened his jacket to reveal 6 connected bombs. " I was here to kill Isabelle. But, since you are here too, I might as well kill you too." Chase told Heero.
" You will kill yourself too." Heero told him. " No, I won't. Because, I have already set some other bombs elsewhere. In this room. This 6 bombs are for other uses." Chase told Heero. And walked towards the door. He was holding a control. " Goodbye, Isabelle, Heero." Chase told them, and pressed a button on the control. He left he room. " How come he can leave just like that?" Isabelle asked. Heero looked around. Why didn't he notice that the room had already been installed with Bombs. He looked at the glass window. It was a high drop. No choice.
" Isabelle, do you trust me?" Heero asked, aware that he was wasting time. " Yes, why?" Isabelle asked. Heero broke the glass window. " We jump." He told her, her jaw dropped. " It's the 20th floor!" She exclaimed. " Believe in the impossible and it will be possible." Heero told her and kept his gun. He carried Isabelle and he jumped down through the window. He hadn't brought any weapon this time except gun… He was falling with Isabelle.
They touched ground, it was a blown-up, big and high pillow. It was a fire fighter's. There were many people staying there to watch the "show". Heero placed Isabelle down and looked up. The room exploded, everyone below screamed, pieces of glass was smashing down. And umbrella shielded them from the pieces. Heero looked up to see Umi holding onto the umbrella. " You knew?" Heero asked, Umi nodded and closed the umbrella. Isabelle looked shocked. The paramedics were attending to her. Heero saw Chase getting into his car. His eyes narrowed. " Heero, the six bombs, he was going to use them if he was going to die. So that the person who kill him will die too. Be careful." Umi told him. Heero pressed a button on his remote. His car came. He got in and drove off.
He followed Chase's car. He took out his gun and lowered the driver's window. He fired at Chase's car. It hit the tires and they wear out. The car crashed into a shop. That was an easy one. Chase got out. Heero got out of his car and aimed his gun at Chase.
" You are not going anywhere Chase." Heero told him. Chase smiled and took out his control. " I am not, but so do you. You will die here, with me!" He shouted. And pressed the button on his own remote. Heero fired at Chase, it was a direct hit. It shot right through his heart. Chase fell. The timing reached 0 before anyone could react.
" Heero!" Isabelle shouted, Umi looked at the place the explosion was. " Umi, will he survive?" Isabelle asked. Umi closed her eyes and shook her head. Isabelle stated crying.
The explosion was so great that it shattered many windows and burned many people alive. The buildings were collapsing. Many people had died. The fire fighters were busy putting out fires. Chase died easily, but he had dragged many others with him. Even if Heero didn't go after Chase, he will still try to kill Isabelle. Umi just hoped that Heero survived the explosion. Star was sniffing the pile of burned windows. She barked suddenly. Umi went over. She couldn't see anything from the pile. Then, something moved, the pile fell to the ground again. Star barked and ran over to where the injured Heero was standing. His left arm was bleeding and he looked burnt. Blood was dripping from his head. Umi rushed over. As Star went to find help.
" You okay?" She asked him, he didn't reply. Umi checked his arm, it was bleeding badly. Umi looked around. Star came back with a few paramedics. They placed Heero on stretcher and carried him into the ambulance. Umi went in too, Star followed. His eyes were closed. Umi hoped that Heero would be fine for tomorrow's trip.
Heero had been in the emergency room for 2 hours now. Umi was still waiting outside. Isabelle was admitted and placed in a ward. Star was whining. Umi squat down and hugged Star. " I hope that he's fine." Umi told Star. She waited for another 3 hours before the doors opened. The doctor came out. " How is he?" Umi asked, the doctor sighed. " He's fine, but suffers from a head and arm injury. He wasn't burnt, he was cut in his back. He can still walk. We had already sent him to his room. He will be staying for weeks." The doctor told Umi. Umi knew that the trip had to be delayed or cancelled.
Lady Une delayed the trip for 2 more weeks, so that Heero could recover by then. Umi had asked Kitty to bring Star home and she had been waiting for Heero to wake up. Isabelle was sleeping, she didn't want to wake her up. She sighed, worried and happy that he had survived without much serious injuries. Umi hoped that he wouldn't be in a coma. The doctor told her that if he woke up, then the situation might be different. Since he suffered from a head injury, they will only know his condition after he wakes up.
Umi watched Heero, feeling bad that she wasn't there to help him. So that this won't have happen. She took Heero's right hand and squeezed it. " Please, Heero, wake up…" Umi whispered.
To be continued…