Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ When Destiny Changed ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter Seven

I couldn't sleep. I didn't know why. Everyone had gone home for the day hours ago. I knew the lab would be empty and for some reason I just had to see her. Something seemed to call to me. What?

The usual scan and then I entered the room. The familiar bluish glow filled the room, the soft sounds of night coming around me. She was as she had always been these past months. But something seemed different.

Going over the panel, I checked the settings, seeing all was all right. I glanced up, placing a hand on the cool glass.

Fair lady, won't you wake? I felt if only I knew the `magic words', she would open those eyes, the same eyes that had once looked at me in fear and pain so long ago on that early spring evening.

Impulsively, I lowered my head, closing my eyes, my hand firmly pressed against the glass. My lady…awake! The words popped up instinctively and I expected nothing. But the glass, it suddenly felt warmer. I looked up quickly and gasped at what I saw.

A glow, a white glow began to grow strong around her, like the ripples in her hair and dress. Stumbling back I could only stare as she began to appear brilliant, the light encompassing her. I covered my eyes against the brilliance and suddenly the light was gone. Looking past my hands I gulped in fear. The tank was empty!

My eyes adjusted again to the calm blue glow and I blinked to the spot in front of the tank. She lay in a crumpled heap on her side, her hair spread about her, and the dress clinging to her damp body. I ran forward, fearing the worse. Checking her pulse I sighed in relief at feeling it steady, if not tiredly beating. Glancing at her face I brushed aside the few silver strands from her face. Such a face, glowing in whiteness and beauty. I could only smile.

A cough, as if first gasping for air, came from her lips. Quickly I sat her up, patting her back. Her hand instinctively, gripped my lab coat, rather weakly but with her own inner strength. I held her close till she could breathe better. Then she slowly pulled away and my breath was taken away.

Her blue eyes, they were the most amazing I'd seen. But then they seemed to glow silvery and then to a pale blue. The fear linger there still as she brought her hands away and clutched at the throat of her dress, her eyes once again wide in terror.

I sat back, raising my hands, "Please, I mean you no harm. Are you all right?"

She only stared, looking around at her surrounding and at her appearance. I moved to rise and she jumped back, sitting against the tank glass, shivering. Slowly I rose and went to a near by closet, fetching a warm blanket. Carefully I approached her and offered the blanket. She didn't move.

I could feel her pain, sadness. Whatever had happened had a deep hold on her. I looked with pity and offered my hand, "You once asked me for help. I offer it to you. Please, let me help you."

She looked fearful and yet her hand slowly moved forward and shakily placed it in his. Gently he helped her to rise, carefully setting the blanket about her. She still seemed afraid but she allowed him to guide her out of the lab, jumping back when the doors had swished open and then carefully following him as he held her hand.

"You must feel rather uncomfortable with the healing effects still on," I mentioned, speaking of the tanks blue goo, "Would you like a shower?"

She looked at me, cocking her head in confusion. Grinning, I tried to explain, "A shower. Water coming from a tap above you?" I gestured and in a similar slower motion, she mimicked me. I blinked and grinned widely.

"Maybe a bath would be better. I'll see if any of the staff is still awake." Leading her to my large office, I tapped at the wall near the door and waited. After a few moments a sleepy voice answered, "*yawn* Y-yes sir?"

"Sorry to wake you, Terra-san, but I have an unusual emergency."

Her voice suddenly became awake, "The lab?"

"It all right. Perhaps you should come to my office."

"On my way."

After about 15 minutes, where I sat at my desk and my guest wandered carefully around, glancing at book, Terra entered the office, looking like one who was ready for anything, dressed smartly in a short blue dress and jacket.

"Dr. Yahmado, what is the…" her eyes suddenly widened as the girl who had held a book for a while, dropped it and ran behind me. Terra blinked her eyes blinking rapidly as if she couldn't believe them. I could only smile as I nodded.

"S-she's… awake. Demo, how? When?"

"Just recently, actually," I said calmly, leading the frightened girl to a soft armchair as I gestured for Terra to take another as I spoke softly to her, "It's all right. Friend, see? She won't hurt you."

The girl held the blanket tightly about her and settled uneasily into the chair as I went to get the fire in the fireplace going again (AN: Yeah, well where else would it be?). Terra sat down slowly, watching the girl stare back.

"Sir, is she all right?"

I stoked the fire once again as it roared to life and took a seat, "I believe she has suffered something very traumatic, perhaps something that may have caused injury to her mind as well as to her body. She appears very afraid and somewhat confused. I really think it will take quite a while before she will even speak to us."

Terra was quiet but I saw the same pity in her as I had felt, "Do you believe it happened here? Is she from around here?"

I shook my head, "I really don't think she is. Some of my people believe she may not even be of Earth. But that idea doesn't seem plausible. More then likely she was a victim of some terrible attack, perhaps an accident at sea even."

Terra actually smiled softly, looking dreamily at the night sky out the window, "Sounds much like a faery tale I know. Rather romantic."

I chuckled, "Little Mermaid, I believe. But no, I doubt anything about this is `romantic'. You know my feelings on the subject."

She blinked and nodded, "Forgive me sir."

I waved it off, "Really, Terra-san. You have been given permission to use my name. I do so approve it better then what my techs wish by calling me `sir'. Makes me feel so much older."

She grinned and nodded, "Gomen, Teno-san. I will in future." She glanced at the girl, "What is it you wish to be done?"

"I think she could use a bath as well as a new set of clothes. Some quarters would be good as well. Can you see to it? I know it is rather late…"

"No trouble. It wouldn't be right for her to feel anymore uncomfortable then she already has. The tank isn't the most wonderful experience," she winked.

With a reddened face I scratched my face, "Well, I really had not choice." But she just laughed. Slowly, she rose and carefully approached the girl who was once again apprehensive.

"How old is she? Her appearance makes her seem much like 17 and yet her eyes seem ageless."

I rubbed my chin, "I'd accept 17 for now. But yes, her eyes do hold a secret, I'm sure of it. Perhaps in time she will tell."

Terra smiled softly, offering her hand. The girl looked to me and I nodded. Shyly, she lifted her hand and took Terra's. Soon she was being led to the door and the baths that would follow. Terra stopped suddenly and turned, "What shall we call her?"

I was thoughtful before I came upon the perfect thing; "How about… Etain?"

She smiled, "'Love of the Faery King Midir.' A Celtic fable, very lovely."

The girl turned to me and her eyes were still wide, but it almost seemed in her eyes, that she too approved. The corner of her mouth twitched and she turned away as Terra lead her out the door.

I smiled at my choice. It seemed right. This beauty was in deed worthy of such a title. I went to my window, looking up to the moon.

"I'm sure the Fae King himself would have approved."

~~~

2 weeks later

The place was a buzz with activity. I rushed to my destination, opening the doors quickly, "Terra, is everything set?"

"Yes, Teno-san. The bags are packed and the chopper is on its way." She grabbed a side bag rushing to the window where our living beauty clung to the long over coat she wore.

"Come Etain, we must go." Terra said gently but very agitated. I came quickly to her other side and soothe her fearful face, "It'll be all right, Etain." I stroked the soft strands from her long braid away from her face as her lips trembled, her eyes filling.

"D-don't l-leave… me." She whispered and I kissed her forehead, taking her arm and quickly exiting the room, grabbing the bag from Terra, "Quickly, get ahead to the roof and alert the others!" A crash was heard from the lower floor near the stairs and some cries followed as security did it's best to keep the intruders at bay. I could see many of the techs rushing about, some shouting orders.

"Secure the lab!" "Make sure the files are gone." "Secure the doorways, now!"

I rushed with my frightened Etain to the stairs leading to the roof. Again a shot rang out and a cry of surprise. They were getting closer. We had to hurry.

"Forgive me, my lady," I swooped her up in my arms and began to run up the stairs, bursting out the door, meeting Terra on the roof as the chopper landed. One of the men jumped out coming quickly forward and helping us in. I knew there were security bursting from the door, trying to keep the doors safe. As we lifted into the sky, they were knocked away by an unknown force. As we reached a safe distance I peered far below.

Two hooded cloaked persons rushed onto the pad and stared into the sky. I couldn't make out their faces but fear suddenly gripped me as one raised his hands. The other rushed forward to stop them, shaking their head. Fiercely they looked into the sky and could only watch as we flew away.

Away from the only home I'd ever known. With a sigh, I wrapped an arm around Etain, calming her fears and looking to Terra, "What about the lab?"

"Secure. An ant couldn't get in there."

"These people shouldn't have even got in the mansion. What happened?"

"I-I don't know. Only the guards were able to hold them off long enough for our escape. I heard they had some kind of `powers'."

I pondered this, "But why? Why would they attack? Do they know of our research? What were they after?"

Again she shook her head, "Unknown." She glanced sadly at Etain's sleepy face, "Perhaps…" she let it hang as I nodded, holding Etain close.

"Perhaps. It would make sense." I glanced at the scenery below us as we flew farther away, "Where will be going now? This place, perhaps the country isn't even safe for us now."

"It's all been taken care of," she took out a pad from her bag, "I called up the airport and talked with our people while I waited for you. We'll be leaving on a private plane, heading not spoken over the phone for fear of tapping. These people are good, whoever they are. I suspect they know what happened with Tye."

"We can't be sure with that. He just came back to work over tired. I suppose a vacation would easily make him forget what's been happening."

Terra looked skeptic, "But her?" she said softly as Etain had fallen asleep, "You know how bad he had it for her. Do you suppose he let something slip and then they wiped his memory?"

I shook my head, "I won't believe it. Tye wouldn't sell us out. Besides, he cares for her as much as any of us do. Her safety is important to him as well." I glanced at her once, smiling as she seemed much calmer in her sleep.

"The others, will they be all right?"

"They should be okay. Security made the halls clear as quick as they could. Once they leave, they should be all right." Her head lowered, "But there may be a few…" she said nothing more. I knew as well as she did. There would most likely be casualties. These people seemed swift and if the cry outs were any indication, they were also deadly.

After about half an hour, we reached the hangar at the airport where the plane waited. Disembarking the helicopter, Etain in my arms and a bag over my shoulder, Terra, Etain and I boarded the plane. Setting Etain gently in a soft chair by a window, I strapped her in, letting her sleep as I sat across, Terra across the aisle. After the preliminary check off and tower clearance, we headed down the runway and were soon in the air.

At this I could breath with relief. Terra rose from her seat to speak with the pilots. After about 10 minutes she came back, went to the back cupboard used by stewards and pulled out two cups and a thermos. Pouring the fragrant liquid into the cups, she handed me one as she set aside the thermos on a side table and took her seat, turning to me.

"Chai tea?" I asked.

"No, Chamomile. Something to get used to for where we're going."

Sipping the hot liquid, I felt a little more relaxed at its sweet taste, "Very good. Now, where might we be going?"

Grinning, she sipped her tea and then looked to me, "A nice little island to call home. Your family had real-estate there and it is quite private."

I arched an eyebrow, " Hawaii?"

"No. Prince Edward Island."

~~~

He awoke in a sweat, gripping the blankets like a last resort. Breathing heavily, he regained his breathing, a hand to his head. The dream…no, nightmare played out in his head over and over. He threw aside the covers, going to his kitchenette and grabbing a glass, filling it with cold water. In a swift motion he gulped it down, setting the glass down hard without breaking it.

He padded to the living room window and leaned against the pain, staring at the moonlit sky. Already the horizon was streaked with a faint red. Morning soon.

He felt the frustration rise in him again as he smacked the wall. Still nothing. He had checked every where, gone to every information place he could find. Nothing was known of what he sought. It was like this research place didn't exist. Well he still had another card to check out.

With a grunt, he went to his room to change. It was 4 am but he didn't care. He wouldn't be able to sleep after his dreams. No, they were memories: ones that would never cease. They had manifested into nightmares to plague him in hard times and when he least expected it.

Throwing on his long pleather coat, he grabbed his apartment keys and closed the door, heading for the streets below out of the building.

He had grown fond of this drink known as coffee and found its effects quite awakening. It gave him energy for some strange reason and people said it was the caffeine. Whatever the case, he knew of a little shop that was open at all hours and headed there.

The usual crew was there: cops getting off late shift or ones going on early, some people going to work and a few no names. Sitting at a table he leaned his arms on the table, glancing outside. A lady in jeans, blue top and apron came forward.

"Hey hun, you're early."

"Couldn't sleep," he muttered, "needed some air."

She winked at him, "Got just the thing for you," she grinned as she poured some coffee, "Tye! Make another breakfast special!" she said loudly as she went back to the counter.

"Sure thing mom," came the reply of a younger man behind the tall metal wall, a small window open for orders. He glanced over and found he recognized this youth. He gestured for the lady as she came back.

"Kyla-san, who is that boy?"

She smiled, looking back, "That's my boy. He's been going to school and working this big job after for college. Only works here late shifts when I need him. He's a real bright thing."

"Can I meet him?"

"Sure hun," she beamed and went to fetch her son. Soon a tall boy with scruffy brown hair, wearing a large apron and cap came out, wiping his hands on the apron.

"You wished to see me, sir?"

He nodded, quite surprised by this chance meeting, "Your mother speaks highly of you." He grinned, a bit red.

"Ah, mom likes to brag. Just working like everyone else."

"She said you have an important job you work at besides helping here? What might that be?"

He sat down, lowering his voice, "Well, it's just part time and a way to get my education and money at the same time. I work for a research center but it's all hush, hush." He frowned a little, looking away, "Well, at least I did. I'm not sure if I still am."

"You seem capable," he said, adjusting his dark shades, "What happened that would change it?"

"Oh… an accident. I'm not really supposed to speak of it. Gomen."

He nodded, "It's all right. It wouldn't happen to be in the city would it? It would be a rather long walk otherwise." He chuckled.

The boy laughed, "No, it's only out of town by the coast, about half an hours drive from here. An hour on my bike. But it's kinda out of the way so most people don't know its there. Gomen, that's all I should really say."

He smiled, nodding, "I'll let you get back to your work." As the boy left, he grew serious, looking outside as morning became closer.

He would need a ride.

~~~

The landlady had kindly offered her old '76 Cobra II, as long as he was careful. Having learned some driving from her earlier, he was competent and soon was heading down the coast by noon that day. He noted that he was close to a familiar site. After about the time the boy had mentioned he came upon a side road turning away from the coast. Following the road, he eventually came to some closed gates.

Hopping out he went and peered through. He saw nothing but trees along the drive. Pushing on the gate he found it swung open freely and he drove by, continuing on for a few minutes before he came to a large mansion. But something looked wrong.

Parking the car he jumped out and went closer to the door, removing his glasses at the site.

The doorframe had faded black marks here and there and the door had obviously been replaced. Besides that the place looked deserted. Taking a chance, he approached the door and was about to open it when it swung open and two guns were pointed at him.

"What's your business here?" demanded one of the black suited men in front of him. Raising his hands and backing away he spoke.

"I was looking for someone. I was told this was a research facility and that my friend might work here."

"This place has been closed for three days," spoke the other, "No one is allowed on the property. How did you get in here?"

"Uh, the gates were open.'

"Damn!" muttered the first, "Should have seen to that."

"Um, guys? Could you possible point that somewhere else?"

"You are unarmed?" demanded the first.

He waved his glasses, "Unless you consider this a dangerous weapon."

They lowered their guns, holstering them as he dropped his hands. "Might I ask what happened and why you two are here then?"

"Security," muttered the first as he answered a radio call, "Yeah, just another snoop. Ten four."

"We had an attack…" said the second as his colleague cut him off.

"Hey man, he could be from the press. Gomen, demo you will have to leave or I will report you. Whatever friend you may have had here, they won't be here anymore." With that the door closed with a bang, leaving him staring.

He replaced his shades on his face and walked away, hands in his pocket. He wasn't sure what the attack was but unbeknownst to the two uniforms he'd seen enough to guess the damage done.

The place inside was in shambles, blast shots in different places as well as slash marks. He calmed his agitated mind as he jumped back in the car, roaring away.

He'd found the place… too late.

~~~

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