CHAPTER 5
The door slammed open as Hotaru and the lads ran in.
"EVAN!" Hotaru screamed.
Evan walked out the study with two tall men.
"Hotaru you don't need to scream." He said calmly, "May I introduce Master Leon and Master Diego."
"I don't give a dam who they are." Hotaru raved, grabbing Evan by his shirt, "You're going to tell me what's going on this instance. Or so help me if I don't have you screaming in pain."
The lads looked at each other shocked. Even the two men were unsure what to do.
However it was taken out of their hands by Reba. He dived at Hotaru and pinned her to the ground. Snarling slightly in her face.
"Hotaru, I knew when you first came back that Raven would stay and not return back to where you used to live." Evan explained straightening his shirt, "I saw it in her eyes that she was home. That is why out of the three of you, she received all the information I could give her. As well as the numbers of people who would most likely call on her for her help. I kept silent about it through protocol and at Raven's instance. She wanted to tell you herself once her preparations were complete."
"What are you saying?" Quatre asked, paling.
"Raven has got my cousin and me to do a lot of research for her." Leon told them, "That research has led her to do the tasks she has been committed to these past few days. I have been told you know of the organization called OZ. And that your GW skill makes you a prime target for them, Sohmara. Raven has used this knowledge."
Hotaru pushed Reba back off her so she could sit up. But he prevented her from standing up.
"Your cousin has not been talked into doing what she has." Diego continued, "She made her own choice. We simply gave her all the facts and information. Because of her evaluation of the situation, she has chosen to fight OZ. Her skills are unrivalled as a hacker and fighter."
"Just tell me why you didn't stop her from going in on her own." Hotaru muttered, "Tell me why you didn't think she should at least have had some backup. Or why the people that she is helping haven't helped her!"
Heero, Wufei, Trowa, Quatre and Duo glanced at each other. They hadn't realised that Raven was putting herself at risk aiding them. Yet Hotaru didn't know they were the ones Raven was helping. That they were the Gundam pilots.
It made everyone jump when Reba backed away from Hotaru, whined then wandered over to the front door. Turning everyone saw Raven walk in through the open door.
"What's with the commotion?" She asked, as Reba nudged her hand and walked by her side as she entered.
"It is entirely my fault Raven." Evan said and bowed, "After contact was lost with you. I received a phone call. Unsure what to do, I contacted Hotaru and have now told her. Please forgive me."
Raven glanced round at the lads and noticed the looks on their faces.
'So she doesn't know who you are yet.' She thought, 'I'm not about to tell her. That you will have to do yourselves.'
"Don't worry about it Evan." Raven replied, closing the front door, "You did what you thought was best. Now if you will excuse me."
Raven began walking past everyone, heading for the stairs.
"Oh no you don't" Hotaru muttered, getting up, "I want an explanation Raven. Why the hell did you keep this from me?"
"For your protection." Raven answered simply, "Leon, Diego. The contract's are in the desk draw in the study. I have read and signed them. Evan I would like to speak with you in my room for a few moments."
Diego and Leon nodded and headed into the Study. Evan followed Raven upstairs.
"If anyone needs me, I'll be in the gym." Hotaru stated anger present in her voice.
"I think we best let things calm down." Quatre said, "Let's just stay out their way for now."
The others agreed and they walked into the living room.
Heero was just heading towards the stairs when he heard someone curse. Glancing round he spotted a door slightly open. Peering in, he saw Raven stood with her back to him. She was trying to fasten something round her arm.
"Need a hand?" He asked walking in.
To his surprise he found himself looking down the barrel of a gun. Raven lowered the gun, sighing.
"Typical." She muttered, "I always have to be found out."
Heero glanced over Raven's body. It was then he noticed small tears in her clothes. As well as several blood stains.
"You're injured." He said, moving away some of Raven's hair, so he could check her shoulders.
"Well this is the first aid room." Raven replied, "My Father was the one who built it here. Do you mind cleaning my wounds for me? I'd do it myself, but their kinda in places I can't reach."
Heero nodded, "Tie up your hair, and remove your top."
Raven did as he said, whilst Heero gathered the things he'd need. When he turned back to her, he gasped. Although she was only left wearing a bra, Raven wasn't embarrassed. Heero roamed his eyes over her. He could tell her body was perfectly toned. Her muscles rippled under her skin as she lay down on the examination table. He also saw she had a tattoo on her left shoulder. It was a black elemental dragon curled slightly.
"Did Evan notice your injuries?" Heero asked, as he began cleaning the knife wound on her lower back.
"No." Raven answered, "I doubt he will miss the blood stains in my room though. Please don't inform any of the others."
"Only if you tell me how you got them." Heero stated, now cleaning a bullet graze.
"I infiltrated a small OZ building." Raven told him, "I wanted to find out more about the people they'd killed who had GW. All the information I wanted I retrieved and deleted their copies. I also managed to gather some data on other things. However I was noticed on my way out. A stupid mistake got me into a fight. I was spotted by two drunken soldiers. They thought I was some form of entertainment, and decided to have some fun. When I didn't allow them, they set off the alarms."
Heero shook his head, bandaging one of the larger wounds.
"You haven't told Hotaru about us have you?" He confirmed.
"No I haven't. That is for you to do when you're ready." Raven smiled, turning over onto her back and allowing Heero to tend the wound on her abdomen, "I thought it unfair for you to be dropped into it by me. Considering Taru would have been as much at your throats as Evans."
Heero finished tending her wounds and helped her to sit up. Silently he removed his shirt and handed it to her. Raven took it off him and put it on.
"Thanks." She whispered, glancing out the window.
They both then left the first aid room closing the door behind them. As they headed for the living room, Wufei spotted them. He also noticed, Raven was wearing Heero's shirt.
"Seems like he's starting to really care for her." He muttered, "Heero, just don't let her do anything drastic. Look after her."
He then wandered back into the library.
Friday came, and with it a storm. Hotaru had calmed down since the incident on Tuesday. But she had made Raven swear not to do out like that again, without gaining help from others. Raven had spotted Heero's look and realised he would be there to help her if she needed him. So she knew she could get away with doing it again, but with Heero's help.
Now Raven was stood looking out at the storm. Hotaru had been collared by Relena and dragged off somewhere to talk. Quatre and Duo had agreed to follow and help get Hotaru away from her. Trowa and Wufei were sat on seats close by. Heero was leant against the wall watching her. They'd retreated to the college library since their lesson had been cancelled.
"Rave, what's so great about the storm, that it's got your full attention?" Wufei asked, "You've been staring out at it for the past half hour. I'm afraid it's here to stay."
"It eases my mind, Fei-chan." Raven answered, using the nickname she'd given him, "Besides I need to relax before I face Peacecraft."
That got all three lads staring at her.
"She's just walked in." Raven warned them quietly, "No doubt she's seen us."
Trowa and Wufei looked back down at their books. Heero moved over to stand beside Raven.
"Your shoulder still isn't fully healed." He whispered to her, "You don't need this sort of tension. Let's leave whilst we can."
Raven nodded, and allowed Heero to drape his arm round her shoulders and steer her away from the window and towards the library door. They passed by Relena but ignored her, even as she tried talking with them.
"Seems you're right." Trowa said, watching Heero and Raven leave, "He does care for her. I also have a feeling he knows something we don't."
"Raven got injured when she gathered information, on Tuesday." Wufei explained quietly, "I got it out of Evan late last night. He was worried about her wounds. But told me Heero had tended them and was keeping an eye out for her."
Trowa looked over at Wufei.
"We all do care for her. She's made us feel like part of her family." He muttered, "So naturally we all want to help where we can. I expect Hotaru isn't meant to know of Raven's injuries. Duo and Quatre won't know either. Let's keep it between us for now."
Wufei nodded and went back to reading his book.
"No wonder she nicknamed you Silencer." He teased.
Trowa smiled into his book, and carried on reading.
A week passed by, without much happening. Except that Relena had tried and failed to convince Hotaru that Pacifism was the only true way to gain peace. Especially since she'd been collaring her, to talk with her each day about it.
"If that bloody Peacecraft tries talking with me again, I swear I'm gonna kill her." Hotaru muttered as they walked in from college, "She already collared me three times today."
"Sorry, Taru." Duo apologised, "We couldn't stop her. Wait till she starts on you when Rave is with you."
Hotaru sighed.
"Hotaru is that you?" Evan called walking out the study, "You're home, good. Raven wants to talk with you in the Private library."
Hotaru raised an eyebrow waiting for an explanation. But Evan didn't give one. Throwing her hands up in the air she headed for the library.
"Evan, why did you call Raven home?" Quatre asked, "Did something happen?"
"It's nothing to worry about Quatre." Evan answered, "Just had to talk with her about a few things, that's all."
Evan then walked back into the study. Leaving the five lads to themselves.
Hotaru walked into the private library to find Raven sat on one of the sofas. Stacks of books were piled up on the table in front of her. And she was reading through another on her lap.
"Close the door Taru." She said, laying the book down.
Hotaru did as she said, then sat down next to her.
"What is it?" She asked, "You seem so serious."
Raven smiled.
"You know like me, that the books in this room are all locked away in the cabinets." Raven began, "And like me, you know that Evan doesn't have the key, nor do we. However, I have been told by Evan we do have the key. Our DNA is the key."
"Wait a minute are you saying we can unlock the cabinets with our DNA?" Hotaru puzzled, "Why would they be locked that way?"
"If you want to have a go at anyone, about what I'm about to tell you. Make sure its Evan." Raven stated, "I only just found out today myself."
Hotaru looked up at Raven and saw she was just as confused as she was.
"Okay. Just tell me everything you know." She said.
"Our family for generations has carried a certain gene. This gene allows us to do things that aren't normally possible." Raven explained, "The gene is called the Hells Angels Gene. Those it is active in gain abilities. It was dormant in our Fathers'. But is active in us. This our Father's found out, and alerted Evan and his Father. That way they would be prepared to tell us when the time came."
Hotaru nodded she understood.
"The Gene allows us to use our DNA as a key. Making sure that only the ones with the gene can unlock the lock." Raven continued, "Evan has the gene slightly. But we have it fully. All the books in this room are what we can learn. The only problem is we won't be able to learn them fully until our power has reached a certain level. The last cabinet in this room holds the most powerful spells and other things we can do. But we will only be able to learn them once we've awakened to our power fully. Or so Evan says. Anyway, this gene allows us to learn Magic. Hence all the books in here are to do with Magic."
Hotaru looked round in shock. Raven raised her hand over the pile of books on the table.
"Aiyawa!" She whispered.
The books flew off the table and began putting themselves away in the cabinets.
Hotaru stared at Raven.
"Evan told me to begin with the simplest spells, as those I'd be able to do straight away, once I'd memorised the spells." Raven smiled, "Also after a short time I would only have to think the spell. I wouldn't have to say it."
"So I can do this as well." Hotaru muttered, "I'm gonna have fun with this."
"Then let us sort out some rules for it." Raven said, "It's unadvisable to come here each day. We'll do it alternative days. Also it would be best if we both aren't here together."
"Yes. The lads I take it aren't to know of this." Hotaru replied, "If I'm to start where do I start from?"
"The cabinet closest to the door." Raven answered, "All the simple spells are in there. I tried learning some of the ones in the cabinet next to it, but I couldn't even read the pages. My power level hasn't rose high enough yet."
Hotaru grinned and got up.
"I'll let you carry on for a while." She smirked, "Like you said before. I best go see Evan."
Hotaru left Raven laughing, and went in search of Evan.
Late that night Heero was just heading back from the bathroom, when he heard a dog whine. He knew straight away it came from Raven's room, as all three dogs slept in her room. Silently he walked over to her door.
"Raven." He called.
No answer. He tapped on the door. No answer. Quietly he opened the door. There by the bottom of the bed was Kane and Lela. Reba was sat near the head of the bed. His front paws were on the bed as he nudged Raven.
"What is it Reba?" Heero asked, walking over.
That's when he heard the whine again. It was coming from Lela.
Bending down next to her, Heero stroked her gently.
"What is it?" He asked, unsure what was wrong.
A bark behind him startled him. Reba had barked in Raven's ear. She sat up with a jerk.
"Reba what is with you?" She asked, rubbing her ear.
"I think he was trying to get your help." Heero explained, "Something's wrong with Lela."
"Heero? What are you doing in my room?" She said, getting out of bed, "Never mind, let's see what's up with her."
Heero stared at Raven in surprise. She was only wearing a pair of hotpants and a vest top for bed. Something he thought she wouldn't be wearing.
Shaking his head clear of thoughts he turned back to the situation at hand. Raven was running her hand down Lela's body.
"Dam it I'm gonna kill Quatre." Raven muttered, "He could have told me. Reba, fetch Evan. Now."
Reba ran out the room.
"What is it?" Heero asked, as Raven coaxed Lela to relax.
"Lela is pregnant." Raven answered, "By the looks of it, she's about ready to have her pups. Only Quatre forgot to mention she was pregnant to me. Now I'm unprepared."
"I don't think he knew." Heero said helping Raven to move Lela into a more comfortable position.
"…Raven what is it?" Evan asked tiredly from the door.
"Lela is about to have pups." Raven answered, "A little help would be great, since I've never done this before."
Evan stood still for a few moments before beginning to move.
"Heero, go with Raven down to the main kitchen. You'll need hotwater bottles, and soft warm towels. Also something old of Quatre's. That's the only way she'll relax." Evan said, taking over, "Annabel should still be up. She'll know where everything is. Make sure you tell her it's the first litter for Lela. She'll know what else we'll need. Now go."
Raven and Heero hurried out the room, and downstairs.
"Reba, take Kane out of here." Evan ordered, "He'll only stress Lela out."
Reba nosed Evan's arm then gently pushed Kane out the room.
Raven ran through the main kitchen and unlocked the back door. She then ran over to the side house door and knocked on it. Heero dashed to her side. Realising it was slightly damp outside. The door opened after a few moments.
"Raven, what is it?" A tall man asked.
"Is Annabel still up?" Raven answered, "We have a problem. I've just discovered Lela is pregnant and expecting her first litter. Evan's with her now."
"I'm coming." A female voice said.
Into view hurried a tall woman, her long red hair was tied back in a bobble.
"Terry, look after Mai." She smiled at her husband.
She then led Raven and Heero back into the main Kitchen. Once there they found Trowa and Hotaru.
"Reba decided to lock Kane in my room." Hotaru explained, "So I came to help out. Bumped into him on my way down."
Raven smiled as Annabel rushed around the kitchen. In a matter of minutes she had a pile on the counter of everything they needed.
"Let's get it upstairs." She said.
They all took their fair share and carried it upstairs to Raven's room.
Three hours later, they were all feeling very tired but happy. Lela had given birth to seven puppies. Three female and four male. They were all laid with her on an old jumper of Quatre's, they'd found for her.
"Thanks Annabel." Raven sighed, as she stroked Lela's head, "I'm glad someone knew what to do."
Annabel smiled and headed back downstairs.
"So what now?" Hotaru asked, as Evan cleared away everything they'd used.
"They'll need watching for the next few hours." Evan answered, "Lela's tired. So she won't be able to deal with any problems if there's any."
"Hotaru can you keep Kane and Reba in your room for now." Raven said, "I'll stay up with Lela."
Hotaru nodded and returned to her own room. Evan left with the things they'd used. Trowa helped him out by carrying some of the things too. Heero stayed back.
"Will you be okay, staying up all night?" He asked, as Raven settled onto the floor beside Lela.
"I'll be fine." She answered.
Heero smiled and left her alone.
The next morning Quatre, Wufei and Duo were sat eating their breakfast, when Hotaru, Trowa and Evan walked in.
"You all look tired." Duo muttered, buttering some toast, "Didn't you sleep well."
"Quatre, tell us next time when Lela's pregnant." Hotaru sighed sitting down at the table, "I don't fancy being woken up late at night and having to keep Kane in my room all night."
"What!" Quatre gasped, "Lela's pregnant! I didn't know!"
"Not any more." Trowa said, "She gave birth to seven puppies last night."
"Seven puppies." Quatre smiled, "I'm sorry if it caused you any trouble."
"Might want to change that to nine pups." Heero said walking in looking exhausted, "I checked on Raven earlier. Had to help her as Lela gave birth to two more pups. Male and female."
"One must have got stuck then." Hotaru yawned, "Bet it was the male one. Their normally the bigger ones."
Heero shook his head and made up a hot drink. He also buttered some toast and put all of it on a tray. Wufei and Trowa shared a knowing look. Where as the others looked at him puzzled.
"That for Raven?" Evan asked.
"Yeah. She's staying with Lela and the pups for now." Heero answered, and walked out the room.
Leaving the others to their breakfasts.