CHAPTER 4
Evan sighed as he walked down the stairs. He'd been quite surprised when Raven had rang and told him to prepare the guest rooms, as the lads were moving in. But now he'd finished. Reba jumped up at him as he walked past the music room, heading for the living room.
"I haven't got anything for you." Evan told him, "Wait till Raven gets home."
Satisfied by the sly way Reba backed away into the shadows, Evan sank down in one of the sofas, knowing Reba would pounce on Raven when she walked through the door. Just as he was beginning to doze, he heard the door.
'She's home' He thought getting up.
Raven unlocked the front door and walked into Twilight Manor, with the lads walking in behind her. All five of them had two holdalls and a rucksack each, full of their things.
"Evan!" Raven called, shutting the door, after two collies had walked in as well.
"Hi Raven." Evan said, leaning against the door frame of the living room, "Some one wants a word with you."
Raven looked at him puzzled and walked forward. That's when Reba pounced on her. Causing her to fall back and land on her back on the floor, with Reba's front paws on her chest.
"Hello Reba." Raven muttered, pushing herself into a sitting position, and rubbing his ears, "Guess you missed me."
Glancing up, Raven saw Heero, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei and Duo were looking slightly shocked at them. Shaking her head at them, she pushed Reba off her and stood up.
"Reba, meet Lela and Kane. Two new friends for you." Raven said to him, indicating the two collies, "Why don't you show them round."
Reba touched noses with the two collies then led them off down the hall.
"Reba is a highly skilled dog." Evan explained to the lads, "He understands Raven completely. And obeys her alone. Never get on the wrong side of him if Raven isn't around. Or you may find yourself unable to move for a few hours."
Raven smiled, and took one of Quatre's holdall's off him.
"Let's show you to your rooms shall we." She laughed, leading the way to the stairs, "Evan why don't you rest, you look tired."
Evan nodded and disappeared back into the living room.
Once upstairs Raven stopped outside the first door on the right, where Reba was calmly sat outside. She opened the door, and he went in followed by Lela and Kane.
"That's my room." She told the lads, "Evan is the one at the very front on the right. The first door on the left is the attic door. The second is the bathroom. The rest are bedrooms. Pick one."
"Which are Hotaru's and Serena's?" Quatre asked, as Duo and Trowa made to go for a room.
"Oh yeah, forgot bout that." Raven smiled, "Hotaru's is at the very front on the left. Sere's is two door's down from Taru's."
Wufei walked into the room between Hotaru's and Serena's. Trowa chose the one next to Raven's room. Heero went in the one next to him. Quatre and Raven walked into the one next to Evan's room. Leaving Duo with the one next to the bathroom.
Raven put Quatre's holdall down.
"I'll let you settle in then." She said, "If you need out let me know. The units are all at your disposal."
She then left and headed into her own room. There she found Reba sat at the balcony door. She opened it for him, and followed him out onto the balcony. Lela and Kane followed.
"You guys sure have made friends fast." She muttered, to them, "Just let me know if your all staying in my room to sleep or not."
Three tails wagged, but none of the dogs barked. Raven sighed and stared out at the horizon.
'I miss you both.' She thought, resting her arms on the railing, 'Serena… Hotaru…'
Tansa glanced over at Katya. Then looked back down at her work. She couldn't concentrate. Finally the bell went. Katya slipped her arm through Tansa's. They both then left the classroom and headed for somewhere quiet to eat their lunches and talk.
Silently they sat under some trees.
"Remember when Nasta used to hide up there, making us think she was late." Katya muttered, "Tansa I miss her. None of the others remember her."
"We were told that's how it would be." Tansa said, opening her packet of crisps, "It's almost been three months now. I hope she's doing okay. Quatre will most likely keep her busy."
Katya twisted her bracelet round.
"I still can't believe we're getting in trouble for not removing these bracelets." She sighed, "Nasta always was the one who pointed out the fact we couldn't remove them to the teachers."
"Who's Nasta?" A voice asked.
Looking up, they saw a few of their friends had come over.
"A friend." Tansa answered, as their friends sat down.
"Does she come here?" Claire said, "Think Steve may like a chance at a new lass."
"No, she doesn't live anywhere around here." Katya replied, whilst Tansa uncurled her fist.
"Anyway, Tansa what's going on with you and Andy?" Tess asked, "Seems things are starting to heat up between you both. Most of the college has noticed it."
"Nothing is going on." Tansa answered, her voice cold, "I don't like him at all. And he won't leave me alone."
"So you say." Claire winked, "We hear he's been dropping off gifts at your house. Your family seem quite taken with him."
Tansa forced herself to think about Nasta and what she would do, if she'd heard the conversation.
'Told them where to go and make a real fool of Andy in front of everyone.' She thought, 'I didn't think I'd miss someone so much…'
Katya realised Tansa had gone quiet. Slyly she rested her hand on Tansa's shoulder. When she looked up, she indicated they leave. Both stood up and left their friends chatting together. Their absence went unnoticed for a long while.
A few days later Tansa was held back at college. She told Katya to leave and that she'd call her later. It was well past nine at night that Tansa found herself walking home from college. The dimly lit street sent shivers down her spine. Her hands wrapped round her chest more. It wasn't cold. But she felt cold. A car's headlights swam over her as the car drove past. It stopped not too far ahead. Keeping her eyes averted from it Tansa began walking past it.
Next minute she felt arms round her. She struggled against them.
"Come on Tansa." Andy's husky voice said, "You know you want me."
Tansa paled as she realised what was happening. Andy pulled her into the backseat of the car. He tore open her top and began fonderling her chest. Tansa managed to push him away. But then arms grabbed her from behind, Andy's hands then travelled onto her legs.
'Please no!' Tansa screamed in her mind, as Andy kissed her forcefully, 'I have to get away! Nasta! Help!'
With her thoughts on Nasta, Tansa kicked out at Andy and succeeded in knocking him out of the car. She then head butted the person pinning her arms. As she climbed out the car, Andy tried pushing her back in. Tansa however punched him full pelt. Causing him to fall back, hard. Wrapping her torn jacket round her, Tansa legged it away from them.
Katya opened the door to find Tansa stood there. She was pale and had a holdall over her shoulder.
"Tans it's six in the morning." Katya said, "We weren't meeting till eight."
"Katya… I need your help." Tansa replied, tears leaking out her eyes.
Katya immediately let her in. They sat down in the kitchen with a hot drink. There Tansa told Katya what had happened.
"What did your parents say?" Katya asked, "And did you ring the police?"
"They didn't believe me. They thought I was just after attention. The police didn't believe me either. Not after talking with my parents." Tansa answered, "Katya, I know you haven't made up your mind. But I have. I'm not staying here. I'm going home."
Katya nodded.
"Let me grab some stuff and I'll go with you." She said, "I may not go the whole way. I'm still not sure whether to leave or not yet. But I will go most of the way with you."
Tansa smiled weakly, "Thank you."
Katya got up and dashed to her room. The quicker they left the less questions and people to prevent them from going.
The plane landed. Katya and Tansa got off. They found Carlos waiting for them.
"You needed a ride, thought I'd comply." He smiled.
They all got in his car and he drove off.
"Heading into the mountains for a few days then." He said, as they neared the mountains, "You haven't brought much with you Katya."
"I'm not staying as long as Tansa." Katya replied, "Got too much to do."
Carlos nodded. Tansa watched the mountains growing larger. They finally stopped at a small mountain chalet. Carlos left them, saying he'd return in two days to take Katya back home.
"We have two days to get to the place, and for you to get back." Tansa muttered, "Sure it's enough?"
"It will be." Katya said, "Let's go. I don't want Carlos finding out we don't have reservations here."
Tansa smiled and they set off down the mountain trail.
It was about three in the morning when both lasses woke up to humming. Getting out the small tent they had, they saw the mist was nearby.
"I'll wait till it gets lighter." Tansa said, "We can have breakfast together then."
Katya nodded and began sorting out the breakfast things.
By half past four they were eating their breakfast. Both had also freshened up in a nearby stream. Tansa then helped Katya to clean up everything and to pack up the tent. It was then time for her to leave.
"Take care Katya." Tansa said, "I'll let Nasta know your okay."
"You take care too." Katya replied, hugging her, "Now go. These goodbye's will drive me crazy otherwise."
Tansa smiled at her then shouldered her holdall.
"Say hi to her for me." Katya muttered, as Tansa walked into the mist, tears falling down her face, "Bye Hotaru…"
It was eight o'clock before Hotaru arrived at the garage. There she found the old man they'd met when they'd first come to the future.
"Excuse me? But you don't happen to have a bike or any sort of transport for sale have you?" She asked.
The man looked at her.
"I have a dirt bike." He answered, "You can have it for twenty five pound."
Hotaru paid him. She then fastened her bag to her back and climbed onto the bike.
Thanking the man she rode off.
'Raven… I'm coming home…' She thought as the wind whipped her hair back.
Wufei glanced over Raven's stance. In the two months he'd lived with her, he'd never seen her so deadly in a fight before. She was only training with Heero, but the way she was stood, indicated to him that something was wrong.
"Rave what's up?" He asked finally, "You're all ready to fight to the death."
Raven shook her head and stood up out of her stance.
"I just had this really weird feeling." She answered, "Like something had happened to someone I cared for and I wanted to kill the one responsible. Sorry Heero."
"It's okay Rave." Heero smiled, "We'll train another time."
Shocking all of them, Reba sat up and howled.
"Reba what's wrong?" Raven asked walking over to him.
Only he ran out the gym door. Raven followed him with Wufei and Heero. Trowa and Quatre had come out the music room curious to what was happening. Duo and Evan were walking over from the stairs.
"Raven what's happening?" Evan asked.
"I have no idea." Raven answered, "Reba just sat up and howled."
Just then the front door banged open. There stood in the doorway was Hotaru.
"Hotaru!" Raven cried, moving forward.
Hotaru dropped her bag and ran to her. Raven caught her in her arms and sank to the floor holding her.
"Raven…" Hotaru sighed.
Duo moved forward. Raven felt Hotaru flinch and move more into her arms away from Duo.
"Shit!" Raven swore, "What the hell happened Hotaru?"
Hotaru looked down, and wouldn't meet Raven's eyes. Evan walked over, and everyone saw Hotaru tense up.
"Hotaru! Tell me what the hell is going on!" Raven demanded.
Then it clicked.
"I felt you needed me." Raven said softly, "I was training with Heero. I felt the urge to kill someone for hurting one I cared for. Tell me why I felt that Hotaru."
"I did need you." Hotaru replied, still not looking up, "That Andy got worse when we returned. He began making things seem like we were serious. They believed him. All of them! Then when he attacked me, no one believed me. They all believed I was lying to gain attention. They took his side!"
Tears fell down Hotaru's face and she buried her face into Raven's shoulder.
"Shit!" Evan swore, surprising the lads, "Raven control yourself."
The lads looked at Raven and saw she was furious. Her eyes were stone cold. Her face was emotionless. Cold fury burned in her stone cold eyes.
Raven stood up, pulling Hotaru up with her. Silently she lifted Hotaru into her arms and carried her upstairs.
"I think we should leave them alone for now." Evan muttered, "Raven will get the full tale out of Hotaru."
They all headed into the living room, after Evan shut the front door, and moved Hotaru's bag.
"I don't get it." Quatre said, "No one believed Hotaru had been attacked and almost raped, if my guesses are right."
It was twenty minutes later and the lads were all trying to figure out what was best to do.
"Your guessing is correct." Hotaru replied walking in the room with Raven.
Both were refreshed. Hotaru no longer looked upset, nor did she flinch if the lads came near her. And Raven had calmed down.
"Quatre, what you need to realise is that where we used to live, most people believed what they wanted to believe." Raven explained, "They also looked after their favourite child. Their least favourite was often over looked, or classed as an attention seeker. It's just the way it was. Now I ask you all not to reflect on this matter anymore. It's best left unspoken."
"So Rave, do the guys come here everyday or something?" Hotaru asked.
"Sorry, Taru." Raven laughed, "I forgot to tell you. They live here now. They have the guest rooms."
"Great then at least it won't be dull around here!" She teased.
Raven just hit her playfully on her shoulder. But joined in with her laughing.
The next day Raven sent Hotaru out to the shopping mall with all five lads.
"So why'd you do that?" Evan asked, after they'd left.
"Hotaru needs to get used to being round them. Plus it'll help her to get over her ordeal. I know she's upset still. Taru can hide it from most people but not me." Raven answered, heading for the stairs, "Besides it gives me chance to sort out the attic. I have some very good plans for it."
"I take it that's why Terry, Clive and Stuart are sorting out all the building materials out back." Evan said, "Raven, will you grant me the permission to have a private interview with you as soon as you've finished with the attic. There are some things I really need to talk to you about."
Raven faced Evan and saw he was totally serious.
"The only things I will be able to get done today in the attic, is to lay down flooring and fix up dividers. As I have yet to decide what it will be used for." She replied, "I have a feeling the talk you wish to have will enable me to make my mind up. I'll schedule that talk for Tuesday before lunch."
"Thank you." Evan smiled, "Do you need any help in the attic? I'm sure I have a few contacts that will aide you discreetly."
"Why does that not surprise me?" Raven smirked, beginning to climb the stairs, "Your contacts I may need aide from at a later date. All this we must keep from the others though. I'm sure the guys have realised only me and you know them to be the Gundam pilots. But I don't want them to find out what I'm planning."
Evan nodded, and headed off to organise the transport of the materials to the attic.
Ten hours later, Hotaru and the lads arrived home. All six of them carried bags and boxes. Evan met them in the living room as they deposited them on the floor.
"Why didn't you just buy the full store?" He joked, seeing all they had.
"Couldn't carry that home." Hotaru retorted, "Where's Rave? I bought a few things for her. Oh and Evan, all this isn't just mine. The guys did do some shopping too."
Lela and Kane ran into the room and jumped up at Quatre.
"Raven is busy in the study." Evan told her, "And I advise you don't disturb her. She's put Reba on guard outside the door."
Hotaru rolled her eyes.
"Perhaps we should take our stuff to our rooms for now." Quatre sighed, "I need to lie down."
Quatre then picked up three boxes and two bags. Just as he was about to pick up two more, Trowa beat him to it.
"I'll carry them." He said, "You look dead on your feet."
Quatre sighed and headed for his room. Trowa followed after picking up his own shopping.
"So where exactly did you go?" Evan asked, "You've been gone for ten hours."
"Well, we basically went round the shops." Hotaru answered, as Heero left the room with only two boxes and a single bag, "The guys needed some new gear. And I haven't got that much here. So we kinda bought a bit."
Wufei shook his head. Grabbing five boxes and three bags he left for his room. Evan glanced round at what was left. Ten boxes and fifteen bags.
"Please tell me their not all yours Hotaru." He sighed.
"Course not." Duo muttered, picking up five bags and four boxes, "These are mine!"
With that he took them to his room. Evan shrugged and helped Hotaru to get her shopping to her room. He also placed two bags and a single box in Raven's room, as instructed by Hotaru.
"Why do you think there's this private room here?" Duo puzzled, looking round the locked cabinets, "It's not like they need more books. They have a full library."
"These may be more valuable." Quatre guessed, "Anyway I think we shouldn't be in this room. The cabinets are locked, so we aren't meant to read the books."
"Your right." Raven said, startling them both, "The books in this room have special value to my family. Even I don't know fully what contents they hold."
"Rave where have you been?" Duo asked, "We haven't seen you since Saturday morning, when you sent us shopping with Taru."
"Duo, as head of the Sohmara family I do have responsibilities to take care of." Raven answered, "It was that I was dealing with. As well as a few other things. Please apologise to Heero for me."
"Why?" Quatre asked, "Aren't you coming to college today? You already skipped Monday."
"I know but I must get on top of everything." Raven answered, "I should be done by tonight. But please tell Heero I'm sorry I cannot prevent him from being hassled today by others. And ask Hotaru if she minds taking my place for today. Since she's now enrolled, it should be no problem."
Quatre sighed, "So long as you don't tire yourself out working too hard."
Evan walked in carrying some papers.
"Raven I need you to look over these documents as soon as possible." He told her, "They were sent by Master Leon and Master Diego."
"Great, they'll be the contracts I asked for." Raven replied, "I'll sort it out in the study."
Evan nodded. Then both he and Raven left.
"I have a feeling we may need to get Raven to have some fun soon before she ends up…" Duo began but stopped as Heero and Wufei walked in.
"We'll be late for college." Heero said, "And no need to pass on Rave's message. She just saw me and gave me it herself."
Quatre smiled and followed them back out. Duo followed shutting the door to the private section of the library.
Hotaru glanced round at all the other students. They kept eyeing her.
'Must be because I'm new and walking round with the guys.' She thought, 'Rave could have warned me better.'
"Taru, this is our favourite spot for lunch." Duo said, sitting down near the tree, "Everyone basically leaves us alone when we're here. Apart from Peacecraft."
"Raven did warn me of that." Hotaru replied, "And I will keep her away from you, Heero, in Raven's place."
Quatre opened his bottled drink and sighed.
"Hotaru do you actually know what Raven is doing?" He asked, "I'm afraid she'll burn herself out working too hard."
"Evan will make sure she doesn't. So will Reba." Hotaru answered, taking a bite of her sandwich, "Besides it seems she's planning something big."
"What makes you say that?" Wufei questioned.
"The Master Leon and Master Diego, Evan mentioned are cousins." Hotaru explained, "They are extremely good lawyers too. Their family has had close ties with the Sohmara family for decades. It's natural they'd be Raven's lawyers."
Surprising everyone, Hotaru's phone rang. She answered it.
"Hello? ... Yes we're still at college. … … … … … Eating lunch outside… … WHAT! … … … Are you telling me you've let her do that! … … … Why didn't you tell me before? ... … … I don't care if it was protocol… … … She's my cousin dam it! … … … … … … … … … You should never have talked with her on her own… … … … … You are so dead Evan… … … Fine I'll yell at you later… … … Just tell me what's going on… … … Right we'll come straight home. Bye."
Hotaru's face had paled whilst she was on the phone.
"I know it's my first proper day at college. But where do you sign out?" She said, putting her phone away and disregarding her lunch, "I need to get home immediately."
"We'll go with you." Heero replied standing up, "But we need to know what's going on."
The others stood up and packed their lunch away.
"Let's just say there were a few reasons Raven has been staying off college for." Hotaru muttered, "One being she was renovating the attic. Another was the fact she needed to meet with her lawyers. And third because she was sorting out things to help some people."
All of them ran to the reception. Trowa darted off to get the jeep. Quatre went in to sign them all out. Whilst the others waited outside.
Just as Quatre came out, and Trowa drove up, Relena appeared.
"Ahh Sohmara, I'd like to talk with you." She said.
"It can wait." Hotaru replied, as Quatre, Duo, Heero and Wufei climbed in the back of the jeep.
"No I'm afraid it can't." Relena retorted, "Come with me now please."
Ignoring her, Hotaru walked over to the jeep and got in.
"I said it can wait." She stated coldly.
Trowa glanced at her, and then drove off. Leaving Relena to speculate over the whole thing.