Chapter18
An hour later Quatre led all five lads upstairs. Hotaru and Serena were stood arguing outside Hotaru's bedroom.
"Now what's going on?" Quatre sighed, as the other lads noticed the doors on the right had changed.
"Nothing much." Hotaru answered, "Sere's just trying to get help with something in her room. Arguing that she can't reach. I'm only two inches taller then her."
"Exactly why you should be able to reach it." Sere muttered.
"Here I'll get whatever it is." Duo offered, dropping his bag off in his room.
Sere led him into her room. A few minutes later he came out with a lightly red face.
"Duo, perhaps you should have checked what it was she was trying to reach." Hotaru teased.
"Next time I will." Duo agreed, "I doubt I want to see things like that again. Especially when the case isn't fastened properly."
"Fell on him." Sere shrugged, "Always knew the lock was faulty."
"Changing the subject." Wufei said, "What happened to the doors that side?"
"We changed the deco." Hotaru replied, "Wufei. Yours and Duo's rooms are still the same. Heero your room has moved. Slightly."
The door next to Raven's room opened, allowing music to be heard coming from inside. Raven walked out wearing a paint splattered t-shirt and jeans. Her hair was pulled up high and tied in a braid. It too was splattered with paint.
"Oh you finally brought them upstairs." She smiled, folding her arms, a paintbrush still in her left hand, "Heero your bedroom is next door to this room. Everything is roughly how you left it. Trowa you now share with Quatre. He'll explain the reasons behind the move. But it should do you both nicely."
"And the room you're trying to paint?" Wufei teased.
Raven glared at him and flicked the brush. Wufei ended up with paint on his clothes.
"Reba, Kolnu, Kane and Lela are having fun in here at the moment." She stated, "Knocking over the paint tins, and painting me with the brushes they keep picking up. For some reason Evan won't take them out and bath them."
"He remembers what happened last time." Serena giggled, "It's a little dangerous for him to bath them."
"So? I don't think this painting will be done for a while if the dogs keep using the paint and get in my way." Raven retorted, "I've already had to repaint one wall three times. Kolnu and Lela keep chasing each other. Brushes in their mouths."
Quatre smiled and headed for his and Trowa's room. Trowa followed him. Both disappeared inside. Heero headed for his own, after offering to aid Raven out once he changed. The others all retreated to their own bedrooms.
The next day Trowa and Quatre headed down for breakfast together. Both had smirks on their faces as they sat down next to each other on a sofa.
"Take it you slept well." Raven smiled, looking up from her laptop, "You okay with the change of room, Trowa?"
"Thanks Raven." Trowa answered, "It's great. Quatre said our sneaking around disturbed the dogs."
"Yeah well I don't fancy hearing you sneak around as well." Raven grinned, "Remember I'm a light sleeper."
"No you sleep like an Elf." Quatre stated, "I worked out your sleeping pattern is like to what theirs would be. They relax their bodies, getting the rest they need like that. You only truly sleep if you've been working too hard or get injured or fall ill."
Raven rolled her eyes at him, and carried on working on her laptop.
"So what you working on?" Trowa asked, "Seeing as we have a week off college and no homework to do."
"Just some upgrades for your Gundams." Raven answered.
Quatre and Trowa both stared at her.
"Rave is that safe?" Quatre questioned, as Wufei and Heero walked into the room, "You leave your laptop lying around the house. Is it safe to be working on something like that where others could find out?"
"Quatre chill." Heero smiled sitting next to Raven, "The files the stuff is located in are just random files. Besides I doubt anyone can crack the codes to get in them. Raven had me try and I couldn't get past the first barrier. And I know she has six on them protecting the information."
Quatre, Trowa and Wufei stared at Raven and Heero in shock.
"Heero has hardly ever been unable to crack codes." Wufei muttered, "How long you been trying?"
"One month, two weeks and six days." Raven stated, "Oh add three hours to that. I noticed you on my laptop again last night."
"As you can tell I haven't had any luck. Although Raven purposely challenged me to try. And she hasn't changed the codes or anything." Heero told them, "I swear I've never had any harder challenge."
That got the others laughing. Nancy walked in with a tray of plates. On them were pancakes, toast, croissants and a few jams.
"Thought you might like something different." She said as she set them on the table, "Oh and Raven. I would like to speak with you a little later on if I may."
"Of course Nancy. I'll come find you." Raven replied, heading for the table with the lads, her laptop left on the coffee table, "Be a few hours though. I have some work I really want to finish."
Nancy nodded and left them to their breakfast.
Raven walked into the kitchen to find Nancy daydreaming out the kitchen window.
"So what do you want to talk about?" She asked, having made her jump.
"Well it's… er…" Nancy began and stopped.
"Care to take a ride with me?" Raven offered, "I believe the horses need a little exercise."
Nancy caught the hint about being alone to talk and agreed. Both of them headed out the kitchen and over to the stables. Evan watched them leave a knowing look in his eyes. But he knew Raven would be fair and listen to Nancy and take into account her views. He just hoped things would work out for Nancy. He'd hate to lose her from the manor.
Hotaru, Wufei, Quatre, Trowa and Serena eyed the study where they'd just seen a tall young man enter. They didn't recognise him or anything. Together they headed into the living room and found Nancy sat on the sofa with Evan sat beside her.
"Is this a bad time?" Hotaru checked.
"Not at all." Evan smiled, "Nancy is merely waiting to see Raven."
"Yeah but you forget to mention I'm extremely nervous about it as well." Nancy muttered, "At least tell me if he's arrived here yet. I don't want him being late."
"You talking about a tall guy with dark brown hair?" Quatre asked, "If so he entered the study moments before we came in here."
Nancy sighed and relaxed a little. The others glanced at each other before sitting down. Just as Serena was going to voice a question, Raven walked into the room.
"Can you come into the study a moment Nancy?" She asked.
Nancy got up and followed her out the room. Duo and Heero walked in shortly after.
"Why does Nancy seem like she's on trial?" Duo questioned.
All eyes darted to Evan.
"You'll find out." He smiled and left the room.
Leaving them all to puzzle over what was happening.
Nancy smiled at Marcus before sitting beside him. Raven sat on the sofa before them.
"Nancy I've discussed things with Marcus and he has told me you explained most of them to him before hand." Raven said, "Which I am glad of. However seeing as you wish to remain on here, as well as marry Marcus. I must decide whether this is the best course of action for my family."
Marcus and Nancy kept their eyes on Raven. Both holding onto their hope.
"I have to admit I have hacked into several systems to find out all I can about you Marcus." Raven smiled, "And I'm pleased to say what I found has influenced my decision. I find you to be an extremely trustworthy person. This means I can and will allow you to marry and remain on the Manor grounds."
Marcus and Nancy beamed and hugged each other.
"Marcus I will ask if you would become our personal builder." Raven added, "It would mean any and all building work you would be in charge of, and paid accordingly. Also seeing as you have a younger sister and brother that you look out for I would welcome them here as well. So long as you can get it through to them that the secrets of this Family be kept within this family."
"Thank you I'm sure they'd be willing to do so." Marcus replied, "But my brother and sister don't have any jobs at the moment. Will that affect anything here if they tried appling for any?"
"What types of job are they after?" Raven asked, "As there are a fair few going around here. And I'm sure Nancy will tell you I pay a fair wage and you also get accommodation here without having to pay rent."
"Er… Naomi wishes to be a secretary of some sort." Marcus answered, "And Owen wishes to be an engineer. Both still have training to do. Owen the most but they are highly skilled."
"Then how about you ask them to apply to me for jobs." Raven suggested, "I could do with a personal secretary. Naomi, if skilled enough, will gain her own accommodation and be given time off when she chooses. Also the pay will be higher then a normal secretary's."
Marcus nodded, as Nancy squeezed his hand.
"Owen would be able to train to his hearts content." Raven continued, "I intend on having a garage built on the grounds not too close to the stables but not too far either. Mainly so that things that need fixing will be within range. The building of which will be being arranged by my head builder after his honeymoon. I'll also be hiring a few other engineers. Do you think they may like my offers?"
Marcus was staring gobsmacked at her, whilst Nancy laughed.
"I think it's more then he expected." She giggled.
"I look after those who work and look after my family." Raven admitted, "I'm hoping Evan will find someone soon. Mainly due to the fact I know he wishes to pass on the responsibilities he has to another."
"Then I believe you'll be okay with that." Nancy smiled, "Evan and Lynn have formed a couple but are keeping it quiet for now. I think mainly because they don't wish to hassle you too much. And because Lynn doesn't wish to upset her sister."
"I see. Well since you fell for one of the builders. Perhaps Nina will fall for one of the engineers." Raven teased, "I'll have to have a word with Evan about it later on. Besides I need to sort out a few things anyway. Especially if he get's married. Oh that reminds me, will you be okay in the side house? Or does it need expanding?"
"It's fine." Nancy assured her, "There is still plenty of room in there, and some rooms aren't even being used at the moment. So I'm perfectly sure we'll fit in there nicely."
Raven nodded, and handed Marcus a contract.
"It's the contract stating you will be my family's personal builder." She told him, "Read through it then get back to me if you want anything changing before signing it. Now I suggest you both go tell the news to everyone else. As I'm sure their waiting to hear it."
Nancy and Marcus stood up and left the study together, holding hands. Raven returned to her desk and began typing, she had a few things to work on whilst everyone else was out the way.
By the end of the holiday week, everyone was feeling a little drained. Mainly due to the celebrations for the up coming wedding between Nancy and Marcus. Raven had interviewed Marcus's younger siblings and declared them as hired. Both had been shocked at the amount they were to gain from working for the family. Yet they were glad not to be separated from their brother. Already Naomi was taking up her duties as personal secretary. Owen was to be kept on hold till the garage had been built, and he'd finished the course he was taking in a neighbouring town.
"Raven, there are several documents that need checking over before you need to sign them." Naomi said as she placed them on the desk before Raven, "They're the agreed plans of the garage and the firm that will be doing the building. I believe a Mr Bond was the one to draw up the designs for you."
"Yes Harry was the one who designed the stables for me." Raven smiled as she read over the documents, "I must admit Naomi you are actually better then I thought you would be. Although Quatre is extremely pleased by the fact."
"May I ask why?" Naomi questioned.
"He kept telling me I was working too hard to keep on top of everything." Raven answered, "With you helping me, I'm not working so hard and get to relax as well. How are you liking your new position then? Is it what you expected or not?"
"Not entirely." Naomi grinned, "I always saw myself working at a large firm. But it's more pleasant being a personal secretary. I don't have to travel far to get to work. And because you attend college my hours are fairly random, which keeps me on my toes. Nancy has warned me though that I will become a light sleeper in case the family ever needs help with anything."
"And you're okay with that?" Raven checked, as she stood up, having signed all the documents, "That and the fact you'll have to check with me about who you end up marrying. I know it's a little personal and can be a pest. But I must keep my family safe."
"I understand totally. Although I doubt you have to worry about me marrying." Naomi laughed, "There's no one in particular I'm interested in. But I will admit the eldest Naylor is rather fetching."
Raven laughed with her and shook her head.
"The triplets are in a league of their own." She told her, "It takes a keen eye to spot the differences between them."
"I already know Raul from his brothers." Naomi admitted blushing, "But I see you may be beating me down the aisle. Especially with the hunk you get to call your boyfriend."
Raven blushed a little, as Naomi tidied up the documents.
"True, but first comes the divulging of the BIG family secret." She sighed, "So far Heero, Trowa, Duo and Wufei know nothing of our Hells Angels Genes. That needs to be told before any marriage can take place."
Naomi nodded understanding showing in her eyes. Together they left the study and Naomi excused herself and headed to the side house to sort through some work. Raven headed to the private library, deciding to do a little reading.
The door creaked open and Raven peered out the room. It was still fairly early and no one was up. A smile slid onto her lips as she crossed the hall to the attic door. Reba at her heels.
"You need to go fetch Marcus for me." She whispered to him, "He'll be waiting already. And try not to get caught heading back up here."
Reba nudged her gently then hurried off downstairs. Raven entered the attic making sure to shut and lock the door behind her. It was time to set the plans in motion.
Hotaru opened her eyes to find Lela stood on her bed looking down at her.
"Guess it's time." She muttered getting out her bed and grabbing her dressing gown.
Lela followed her out her room, where they joined Kolnu, Kane and Serena.
"Any ideas why we have to be up so early?" Serena asked.
"Because you're sorting something out that isn't to be known to the lads." Evan answered, opening the attic doorway, "Now hurry up. Raven and Marcus are already up there. The dogs will be the watchers and make sure no one figures out where we all are."
Serena and Hotaru slipped past him into the attic. Evan then closed and locked the door, and followed then up the stairs.
"Good you're here." Raven smiled, raising an eyebrow at her cousin and sister seeing as both of them were still wearing their bed gear.
"What's this all about then?" Hotaru checked, looking over the blue prints Marcus had of the whole mansion.
"Marcus is going to help us sort out the attic so we can use it as our base." Raven explained, "We've also discovered there's a cavern underneath the manor we can use as well. It has an entrance further out in the grounds. Hidden behind a waterfall."
Everyone sat down on the floor, and looked round the blue prints.
"What I was thinking of suggesting for you, is that we create a passage way down from the attic straight to the cavern." Marcus said, "More then one so you don't have to go down the stairs all the time. Plus I was thinking of adding exits on the ground floor, in case you need to cover your tracks."
"Sounds good." Serena smiled, "Let me guess you watch a lot of spy movies?"
"Sere." Raven scolded, "This isn't a laughing matter. The war will be getting fairly active soon. If we wish to protect our family and friends we need help and ways to create a base no one can find."
"Actually spy movies do have a few good ideas in them." Marcus admitted, "We can create a barrier down in the cavern and make it look just like a wine cellar or something. Access from the kitchen. Then behind the barrier we can create your base."
"Raven I have a fair few people who have been declared as trustworthy by your Fathers before they died." Evan said, "It may be a good idea to get them involved. They are highly skilled mechanics and engineers. It could be possible that they could create Gundams for you three to pilot. They'd also be able to create a training room and other things in the cavern, so we can have others trained."
"That's not a bad idea." Hotaru agreed, "We can at least make sure those who live on this estate are trained to defend themselves. And we could add securities to the whole estate. That way nothing could get through."
"Already ahead of you." Raven smirked, holding up a small book, "Unfortunately you won't be able to read this book, as it's only for the Head of the Family to read. But in it, it has a list and detailed description of all the protections that have been placed on this estate. One being that this whole estate can be secured into a bunker that even missiles will find hard to get through."
"Hang on just what did our Father's think was going to happen with us?" Serena gasped, as Marcus stared in shock.
"Sere, our Fathers new we possessed the Pure Hells Angel Gene." Raven sighed, "Hence they made sure our home and all who lived here were shielded."
"Okay enough about the cavern and securities. Seeing as I think we've roughly covered them now." Hotaru stated, "What about the attic?"
"We can turn this place into your equipment room and as well as a place you can observe the securities of the whole estate. Not to mention create new weapons and other things." Marcus suggested, "We can make sure you have room for all types of weapons you may use and make any gadgets and other things. Not to mention a place to conceal the clothes you'd wear as Hells Angels."
"So it's basically our storage room for all Hells Angels business." Serena summed up, "With added features of being able to create more weapons and things. Not to mention have computers for hacking and security."
Everyone agreed. Raven then passed Marcus a laptop.
"This laptop has been made secure. Only you will be able to access any data on it, as it'll be DNA locked." She told him, "If others try they'll only find random things. Say pictures of your friends or family. Or of your wedding, after it's taken place. Just remember this is YOUR laptop. Use it for whatever you want. Only things to do with the family secret use the DNA locks to protect them."
Marcus nodded and tucked the laptop under his arm.
"I'll start designing up some things for the attic first. The Cavern can wait a little, as I doubt you'll be using it for a while." He said, before Evan saw him out the attic, making sure no one else saw him.
When Evan returned the lasses glanced up at him.
"These friends of yours will they be okay with living in an underground base?" Raven checked, "I mean their welcome to show themselves on the grounds but it will seem odd to have so many people coming and going so often."
"They'll be fine." Evan assured her, "They already keep under ground at the moment. Mainly because they have a lot of intelligence and information on all sorts of new mechanics and gadgets that OZ may want to get their hands on. They asked if you three would be willing to allow them to aide you in the war."
All three lasses nodded. Then all of them left the attic, knowing full well they weren't seen, seeing as they could hear the five lads downstairs arguing with the dogs.
Heero glanced over at where Raven was typing away on her laptop. They'd all somehow ended up separated in pairs during a lesson. Luckily he hadn't ended up working with Relena. Yet he knew for a fact that Raven would have got most of the work finished by now. But she hadn't stopped typing on her laptop for twenty minutes straight. She had a look of determination on her face.
"Okay that should do it for today's lesson." Harunna called out, "You may all leave."
Raven grabbed her things and practically ran out the classroom. Relena smirked and made her way over to Heero. Only Serena got in her way, as she argued over something with Duo. Heero took his chance and slipped away. Worry over Raven seeping into him.
"Hey don't worry over it." Hotaru told him, as he joined her, Wufei and Quatre in the queue to get their lunches, "Rave just has something she's doing in a set time. Which reminds me I best get her lunch as well."
Heero picked up double of the food he was getting, as she paused over what to get.
"I take it Heero is getting Rave's food for her." Sere giggled as she, Duo and Trowa caught up to them.
The others laughed and paid for their food. They then headed outside and found Raven sat at a bench, typing on her laptop. They all joined her.
"Having fun?" Hotaru checked.
"No. They keep trying to outbid me." Raven answered, tapping her fingers on the bench top.
"Outbid you?" Duo mused, "You on some auction sight or something?"
"Duo. Nancy and Marcus both asked that my wedding gift to them be their honeymoon, seeing as I'd given them enough already." Raven sighed, "Actually they refused to allow me to get them anything at first. But then relented after a few choice words."
"So I take it you're trying to get tickets somewhere or something." Serena guessed.
"Nancy has always wanted to go to Cyprus." Raven shrugged, "I got them two weeks there. Or I have if this bugger doesn't stop trying to outbid me."
"That all inclusive?" Hotaru checked, as Raven typed again on her laptop.
"Yeah. Get a really nice kind of suite. Room service and everything. Even got a private pool." Raven told them, "It's all getting paid for them, so they only need spending cash really. Apart from that they have an exclusive dinner and a few other things included. So I know they'll enjoy it. Stuff this, you wanna outbid me, then try this you bastard."
Raven typed something in, whilst the others stared at her. She smirked as she refreshed the page. The time had ran out on the auction.
"Hhmmm, don't ever try to outbid a bloody billionaire you idiot." She chuckled, and confirmed the price she was going to pay and sorted it out, "Done and dusted. Honeymoon sorted."
The others all laughed. Raven closed her laptop down and joined the others in eating their lunch. Heero slipped his arm round her waist as they ate and talked. A soft smile on his face.
Naomi cried into her handkerchief as she watched her brother and his new wife get into the car and drive off. Raven walked up beside her.
"I'm glad Owen was able to make it here today." She said, "And don't worry about them. They'll be fine. Although I doubt I will be after they discover the envelope in there."
"What did you do?" Naomi asked, "I mean you and your family already helped to organise this beautiful wedding."
"They wouldn't let Raven get them a wedding gift." Hotaru smiled, stepping up beside her cousin, "So she sorted out their honeymoon instead for them. Made sure they couldn't argue."
"It's only fair." Raven smirked, "They let you get them gifts."
Naomi laughed. Together the three of them walked back into the manor. There was still some celebrating to do.
The end of October came and went, with the Haunted house being a success. Raven, Serena and Hotaru had outdone themselves in decorating the whole manor. Now they were in the middle of November. Serena's birthday had come and gone, with a fair amount of laughs and jokes being played. Marcus and Nancy were back at the manor and construction had begun on the garage being built in the grounds. Marcus and Evan had started on sorting the cavern out as well. With only highly trusted workmen being involved there. The attic was all furnished and just waiting to be filled with supplies and other things. Serena had been busy developing clothing for the Hells Angels. Where as Hotaru had been developing substances and a few gadgets to aide them out. Raven had had the least dealings with it all. Mainly due to the fact she was dealing with the securities round the manor. Having learnt all she could from the book, she'd also pushed herself into learning more spells and things. So much so that she'd hardly been seen outside the library for days, except for meals and college. Something that made the others worry.
"How is this supposed to get her out the library?" Duo puzzled, "I know Keith has redecorated the club and everything, but I doubt that is going to get her out the house."
"Dummy." Serena muttered, "Keith wants Raven there as a V.I.P. guest when he reopens. Hence we get her out the house. Besides we all could do with a night out."
"Agreed." Raven said, walking into the room, and making them all jump, "Oh did you think I was going to hibernate in the library? I realised thanks to Reba I'd been spending a little too much time there. So we might as well go out and have some fun."
"Reba got you out the library?" Wufei mused, "How? Everything we've tried never worked."
"Yeah well you aren't Reba." Evan said as he walked in, "Needless to say I think she got the point when he started throwing the books around the room."
Hotaru and Serena burst out laughing. Where as the lads stared at the dog in disbelief. He was sat all innocent by Raven's side.
"Anyway I heard Keith is re-opening his club now that it's all redecorated." Raven smiled, "How about we all head over there tomorrow night. It is a Friday after all. Plus I hear he's got quite the band to play for him. Had a lot of advertisement because of it."
"How the hell have you had the time to find out all that as well?" Hotaru snapped, "I swear you must be multitasking all the time."
"He rang me a few moments ago." Raven giggled, "Asked that we come. Has the V.I.P. section sorted for us. Not to mention the fact the band has the other section."
"Well we all finish early this Friday so I'm sure it'll be fine." Serena smiled, "Not to mention college finishes soon for the Christmas holidays."
Hotaru and Raven shook their heads, where as the lads just laughed. It was well known to them now that Serena loved her holidays.
Lady Une looked up as the five lads walked into the office. They were followed by Raven, Hotaru, Serena and one extremely annoyed Relena.
"I'm glad you could all make it here." Lady Une said, as they all sat down round the table, with the Doctors, Zechs and Noin, "To get straight to it then. Our intelligence has come up with some disturbing news. I'm afraid this war is going to escalate very shortly. We have no idea where or when. All we know is that the enemy has gathered enough strength and power to become active. As much as I regret asking this, we need you five lads to be on alert and resume your positions as Gundam Pilots."
"Hang on you just told them who they are!" Relena almost yelled, pointing at Raven, Hotaru and Serena, "It isn't something that should have been told to them."
"Peacecraft get a clue." Raven sighed, "I've know the guys are the Gundam Pilots for a while now. Serena was the last to find out as she was the last to return here. But we all have known for a while and quite frankly who the hell do you think you are to state who can be told what?"
Relena glared at her.
"Raven please." Lady Une muttered.
"I'm not here to start any arguments Lady Une, although I will state that what is known about my family not be told to Peacecraft." Raven said calmly, "Otherwise I will take the law into my own hands. Not to mention mine and my family's help will not be given to you."
"How can you threaten such things?" Relena argued, "You have no idea what is going on here! Nor do you understand! Just what the hell kind of help can you give the Preventors?"
Heero placed his hand on top of Raven's to calm her, ignoring the look he got from Relena from doing so.
"Raven I understand what you are saying and it will not be told." Lady Une sighed, "As for you Relena, I advise you calm down and be quiet. Out of everyone here, you are the only one who does not really need to be here. Everyone else has tasks that they can do for the war. You don't."
Relena fell silent and glared at Raven. Noin passed over some files to the lads for them to look through. She raised an eyebrow at the fact Heero allowed Raven to read his with him. But seeing as Lady Une made no comment on it she left it.
"It seems you don't have too much information." Raven muttered, scanning some statistics, "Hotaru show her what we discovered."
Hotaru passed over a single file. Lady Une opened it and her eyes widened in shock at the information that was there.
"We checked it through six times. Each time it came up with this." Serena assured her, "Whoever is backing this war, is being kept quiet. The forces are not revealing who they are. They call them Gin. A sort of nickname, but why that I have no idea. We didn't have enough time to work it out."
"And who thinks you could have worked it out." Relena scoffed.
"Relena another comment like that from you and I will ask you to leave the meeting." Lady Une stated, "Raven, Hotaru and Serena have been working for the Preventors for a while now. Each have been helpful in their own right. I trust the information they gather. You need not know everything just because you are the Princess of the Sanq Kingdom. I recall you giving speeches about peace and dropping hints about things without really realising it. Those things you dropped hints about, caused the missions the lads were on to be far more dangerous. Several times they were injured. So you will not be getting to know everything that goes on. It will be far safer for the lads that way."
Relena stared at her in disbelief. Her glance turned to the Doctors, Zechs and Noin. She could tell by their looks that they agreed with Lady Une. Tears in her eyes, she stormed out the office and disappeared off. The others left her alone and carried on discussing what was to be done about the war.