Disclaimer: idun own any of the characters
A bundle in the seat beside Heero started moving. He moved over and wrenched off the cover, saying, "Wake up you sleepy pig. You're goanna be late for school."
The bundle revealed a beautiful little girl with amethyst eyes and flowing blonde hair. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and replied, "I would not be late if you learn not to take excursions in the morning."
"You're the one who insist that I fetch you to school when you could just take a ride with anyone else," pointed out Heero.
"It's more fun than listening to Oscar sing all the time. Besides, he has more interviews in the morning than anyone else. He has no time to fetch me."
"He would if you could get up on time everyday," chided Heero.
"I do. See I'm all ready for school."
"My. There must be a lapse in the school rules if they let you go in like a ghost on bare feet," said Heero dryly.
The girl's eyes flew open. "Oh no. I forget to ask Mrs. Doubtfire to braid my hair this morning. Have you seen my shoes? I think I left them back in the mansion…"
"Calm down Gretel. Your shoes are in the back. There are some nice hair ties in the drawer, which are meant for you. Quit tugging my arm or we'll make a bigger impression than you in braids on the road. Don't you realize that I'm driving at 80miles/hr to make sure you go to school on time?" Heero said calmly as he used one hand to extract hers from his arm.
The girl identified as Gretel turned to the rest of the astonished gang and asked, "Does anyone know how to tie braids?"
Sally looked at the little girl and replied, "Sure. Me and Noin will help you tie two lovely braids."
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. See Heero, your friends have more compassion than you do," complained Gretel.
"That's because you don't bother them every hour of the day. I wonder how that friend of yours, Liam stands you."
"He likes me because I'm nice. Unlike some people who take forever to smile."
"Don't push it, Gretel. I may consider kicking you out of this car," warned Heero as he glared at her at the rear mirror. Gretel had settled in the back to let Sally and Noin tie her hair.
"You wouldn't. You're supposed to take care of me because I'm younger."
"The things I get myself into," grumbled Heero as he drove in to a road off a brick building. There was a boy dressed in the same uniform as Gretel waving at them. Gretel pulled on her shoes and grabbed her school. Then she shoved Heero her hand.
"No more pocket money. I just gave you a hundred bucks yesterday," said Heero sternly. "You can't keep spending money like water."
"I spent that hundred on new school uniforms for Liam. His had many holes in it. Now I need more money for today's lunch," argued Gretel with her braids flying.
Heero merely sighed and took out his wallet. "Here's two hundred. Get him some new clothes while you're at it and invite him over for dinner. I'll be home late and so will the others. Tell him to accompany you until one of us gets home."
Gretel pout turned into a smile as she took the money. She kissed him on the cheek before leaving the car to join Liam.
"She's hopeless," commented Heero out loud as he drove off.
"I thought she was quite adorable," commented Sylvia.
"She has the most beautiful eyes," added Relena.
"You only think so because you look deep into her eyes. People who look there have a tendency to fall head over heels just like that poor boy you just saw," explained Heero.
"What do you mean, that little girl is harmless," exploded Duo.
"You wouldn't think so if she tossed you up a tree," Heero chuckled. "She can probably fight better than you."
"You're kidding. We're quite good fighters," defended Wufei.
"Wait till you actually fight her before giving me a response."
"Where are we heading?" asked Trowa as he noted the change in scenery.
"To the slave mines. Since you all are so eager to see the child laborers and weaponry, I'll show them to you," answered Heero nonchalantly.
"You mean you actually use child labor," swallowed Quatre.
"Of course. Children have a higher profit margin."
"But that's inhuman. Not even you work at such a young age," exclaimed Relena.
"Actually I did. I started working at the age of one, right after I learnt how to walk. You don't live very long if you can't support yourself."
"But what kind of work could a one year old possibly do?" asked Sylvia.
"I would help a group of soldiers disguise as a family. From there I will climb under the cars, since no took another look at a kid, and plant bombs and such," Heero answered without as much as twitching. "Don't worry. I don't mistreat the children in my care." He said in response to the gang's astonished faces. "They could not be happier," he declared as they pulled into the compound.
It looked dim and gray, just like all the factories in town. People where like bees in a hive, buzzing around carrying out all sorts of activities. The inside was a different matter.
It was like stepping into a five star hotel. The floor was carpeted and the walls were decked in gleaming silver. There was an enormous portrait of Heero and someone else at behind the reception. Heero had a pair of black feathery wings while the other lady looked like a cyber from neck down. She possessed a pair of dark brown eyes, which held the same cold look as Heero. They looked like a pair from the tenth planet where angels and cyber existed.
"Good morning, Yuy san," greeted the receptionist as she gave Heero a form sign.
"Good morning, Passionflower. Has Patience arrived yet?" asked Heero.
"Yes, sir. She is stalling a group of Preventers who are trying to conduct a search," replied Passionflower as she winked at him. "Are you sure you don't want some company tonight, Yuy san?" she purred while leaning forward to display her ample cleavage. She was undeniably a living 'passionflower'.
"No thank you, Passionflower. I already have a date. Besides, it would not improper to go out with someone who happens to be more mature. Where are they?"
Passionflower pouted, "I can't believe a date with the cars is half as interesting as my offer. They are in hall 2," she said waving them off.
"Interesting reception, Heero," commented Duo. "Why did you shake her off?" he was having a calculative look on his face.
"She is older than you are, so forget it. Don't you already have Hirde?" rebutted Heero, correctly assessing his look.
"One must keep an open mind," Duo replied cheekily.
"You are hopelessly fickle," scolded Quatre.
"Where are we heading?" asked Noin.
"To join the tour. Tell me, how many of you were planning to pay my humble abode a visit?" asked Heero as he led the way.
"Lady Une did say something about checking this place out she didn't specify when," replied Wufei.
"She thought it would be better not to inform us so we could focus on our mission at hand," continued Sally.
"This is just great. I'm accused of mistreatment of children and illegal manufacturing of weapons. This is a great report card to show Godfather. He'll be happy to know I've stepped over so many toes," grumbled Heero as he opened the door to a mess. Lady Une and Patience were arguing like there was no tomorrow.
"You can't just come in here and touch anything you want. You can barely comprehend how valuable this equipment are," hollered Patience. She was the one they had seen in the photo, the lady with brown eyes, which were now burning with rage.
"I have permission from the President himself to conduct a search anytime I wish and want. If you don't make way, I'll charge you with obstruction of justice," Lady Une shouted back.
"No you will not," yelled Heero over all the verbal fights. The room fell silent instantly. "Patience, do me a favor. Go back to you office and let me handle this. I'll have a hard time explaining why you seriously injured any of the Preventers to Zariach when I go home."
Patience huffed and stormed off. She knew better to evoke Zariach's wrath.
"We must have made a mistake to call her Patience," muttered Heero out loud. "Good morning Lady Une. Welcome to my factory. Is there anything I can help you?"
great great thanks to LOst-remberance, Dark Devotions and TEnshi.
sorry i took so long to update.....thanks for the great reviews....
i'm trying to get at least 50 for this story.....pls help me.....
by the wayyys happy New Year
hugs from junkojunko