Gundam Wing: Ghosts of the Past
Prologue
It has been four years since the attempt by the Bartons to seize power. The year is
now AC 200, and the people of Earth and the those of the colonies have been living in
peace. The Gundam pilots have separated, but, after the Mariemaia incident, have agreed
to keep in touch. Much has happened within these few years. Duo Maxwell and Hilde Schbeiker
have married, and Quatre Raberba Winner and Dorothy Catalonia are likely to follow their lead.
Trowa Barton is still working at the circus with Cathrine, and Wufei Chang is still working as a
Preventer, though he and Sally Po have long separated. No one is quite sure exactly where
Lucrezia Noin and Zechs Merquise have disappeared off to, but they know they are alive and well...
and with two children. Lady Une has adopted Mariemaia Khrushrenada as her own.
And of course, what of Relena Darlian and Heero Yuy? Well, after disappearing for two
years, Heero returned, still the somewhat cold and emotionless person he was before, but yet
somehow, different. This change in personality gladdened Relena greatly, and she was determined
not to lose him again, and she hasn't, because this time, Heero was determined to stay.
However, they never discussed those two years; it was one of those silent agreements of theirs.
But amid all the joy and peace, there is hidden resentment...A new power has arisen,
fueled by greed and jealousy. Hiding in the shadow, it watches...and waits.
AN: This is my first fic, so please review! I accept all comments, but try to be easy on
the flames, okay? ^.^
Chapter 1
At the sound of the bell, Duo Maxwell hurried to the front of the store.
"Aww...just when I was about to close up too," he protested good naturedly. "Still,
business is business I guess." When he opened the door, he encountered a pair of cold blue
eyes, eyes that would have seemed unwelcoming and dead to the average stranger. But to Duo,
they were the eyes of someone who used to think he was dead, but had now discovered
otherwise. Even in that moment, Duo's sharp eyes could detect a flicker of life in those
eyes, a flicker of light found in those who have feelings and emotions. But he didn't dwell
on it; he was just glad to see the man.
"Heero! How are you? You haven't come by in so long that Hilde and I thought you'd
pulled another one of your disappearing acts again or something!"
The solemn man didn't say anything for a moment, but then the corners of his mouth
twitched in the semblance of a smile.
"Oh come on Heero! Smile! Come on, is a true real smile all that difficult?" Duo
goaded gently. "Really, for someone who has waged war against this entire planet and then some,
a smile can't be all that difficult!"
"Don't push it," Heero said wryly, ending the subject, but he did do another one of his
half smiles, this one somewhat wider. "I've come to ask a favor...", he began, but then trailed
off awkwardly.
"Favor?! You, ask for favors?!" Duo exclaimed, then rapidly subsided when he saw the
steely glint in Heero's eyes. "Alright," he said briskly, "what can I do for you?"
"Well..."Heero began in a strangled voice, then straightened his shoulders and asked in
a much bolder voice, "I need you suggest to me a, ah, romantic place for dinner," he finally
choked out.
Duo stared for a moment, too stunned to speak, and then managed, "Well, ah, sure, Heero,
but WHAT THE HECK FOR?!"
"Don't be so cold Duo!" a new voice chided gently. Hilde walked in, trailed by a
bouncy three year old. "Heero, it's so nice to see you again! Duo and I were afraid you'd
disappeared again!"
"So I've heard."
"So what is it that you need? A romantic restaurant?" she inquired. Encouraged by his
tentative nod, she continued, "A personal favorite of mine is the French restaurant across town.
It can be a little difficult to get reservations, but since we've done the manager a few
mechanical favors, I think we can get you reservations. When do you need them?"
"Tonight."
"Okay," she said. "That shouldn't be too difficult."
Heero nodded. "Thank you, I owe you one."
"Really, Heero! When is the fact that we're friends going to get through to your thick
head? Friends do favors for each other!" Duo scolded.
Heero's mouth twitched again, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked down at
little Jericho, Jerry for short. "Hi Uncle Heero!" the child said enthusiastically.
"Hello Jerry," Heero responded. "I wonder what our children would look like..." he
thought to himself as he unwittingly stared off into space.
Duo and Hilde exchanged glances. Regardless of how much he had changed, it was very
unlike Heero to zone out; rather, he was usually very alert. "Heero," Hilde began gently,
"would this restaurant have anything to do with Relena and the box I saw you walk out of the
jewelry store with this afternoon while I was shopping?"
Heero abruptly jerked himself back to reality and stared at Hilde in shock. "How did
she know?!" he thought to himself furiously. At the same time, Duo whirled around to stare at
his wife. "WHAT?!" he exclaimed. "Jewelry store?!"
"I...I mean..er, well, what I meant was..." Heero stuttered, then gave up; it would be
useless to try to deny it. "I wouldn't have been like this five years ago!" he thought. "Why
did I change?", then answered his own question. "I fell in love, that's what..."
"Wow! Jewelry store, huh? Heero, you son of a gun, you're finally going to do it!"
Duo cheered. Jerry supported his father. "Uncle Heero, are you gonna get married? I like
Auntie Relena. She gives me candy and hugs!"
"She might not say yes you know," Heero said stiffly. "I mean, I've run away enough
times now haven't I? She's probably tired of me."
Going up to Heero, Duo howled into his ear, "HEERO NO BAKA! You idiot! Of course she's
going to say yes! She's been waiting for you ever since she first met you! Really!"
As Duo howled about Heero's lack of sense, Hilde pointedly ignored her
temporarily insane husband and instead focused on Heero. "Heero, that's wonderful!" she said.
"But are you sure you want to propose in a crowded restaurant? Why not take her out for dinner,
then suggest a visit to the park near here and propose there? It'd be much more romantic that
way."
"Alright," Heero agreed. "Thanks for your help."
"Hey, Relena's not the only one who's been waiting for you to propose," Hilde joked.
"We'll get you your reservations, and the rest is up to you, okay?" Heero nodded, then turned
to leave. "Thanks for everything."
"Bye Heero!" Duo called cheerfully. "Good luck, not that you'll need it, hehe."
a few hours later...
"Heero, it was so nice of you to invite me out to dinner," Relena said kindly. "You
don't how much I appreciate this," she continued as Heero pulled out her chair for her.
Heero managed to choke out a few words that made no sense to even him as he nervously
sat in his own seat. Relena regarded Heero curiously. Even if she had known him for so long,
he was sometimes still a mystery to her. But she didn't mind that. That enigmatic air was
something she was used to and admired...and something she loved him for. "But I don't know if
he feels that way too..." she thought. "Then again, he's already promised me he won't leave
again," she reassured herself, and she knew how difficult it was to receive a promise like that
out of someone like Heero. "But still...why is he so nervous?"
Heero, well aware that Relena was observing him, attempted to regain his composure by
donning the cold mask he had often used during his battles in the war years ago. "The steak
looks good," he said stiffly, hoping that there was actually steak on the menu, since he was
too nervous to look at the menu.
"The steak looks delicious," Relena encouraged him. "I think I'll order that too."
The only thing Heero managed was a nod, and he called the waiter over to order their
dinner.
meanwhile...
"Duo, WHY are we doing this?!" Hilde whispered furiously. "Heero is going to KILL you
for spying on him!"
As he struggled to hunch down behind the bush and juggle the camera and answer an
indignant Hilde at the same time, Duo hissed, "Hey, he's going to thank me for this one day!
And besides, they're not here yet!"
"Which is why we should take this opportunity to GO HOME!"
"Oh come on Hilde! I KNOW you want to see Heero Yuy get down on one knee and propose to
Relena just as badly as I do."
"Well...yes, but a camera?! Duo, Heero MIGHT thank you one day, AFTER you've already
died because he had killed you tonight!"
Duo grinned, "Aw, c'mon Hilde! You know just as well that no matter how mad Heero gets,
he will be too dizzy with happiness to care or remember this incident, because all he'll be
thinking about at that point is Relena!"
Hilde sighed. "Fine, FINE!" she said, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "I'm out
of arguments, but I still don't think this is a good..." she started but was abruptly cut off as
Duo kissed her. Regarding his stunned wife with satisfaction, Duo said smugly,
"You were saying?"
an hour later...
Relena regarded Heero with a worried expression. Heero had barely said a word all
evening, besides asking her five times how her steak was without looking at her. He had also
taken barely taken ten bites of his steak. "Heero," she started, "is something wrong?"
"NO!" he nearly shouted, but calmed down and said, "no, I'm just not very hungry, that's
all," then added somewhat awkwardly, "I'm sorry if I spoiled this evening for you."
"Oh no, Heero!" Relena exclaimed. "I'm so glad that you took me out, and bothered to get
reservations here. I know how difficult it can be! Don't worry; I love it!" she blurted in a
rush.
Heero felt a surge of warmth rush through him; she had said she loved it. "Well," he
thought, "may as well get it done with." Standing, he said, "You know, it's too crowded here.
Let's go to the park."
Relena stood also and smiled; Heero was finally warming up. "That would be wonderful,"
she said.
"Let's go then," Heero said, offering her his arm.
at the park...
"Here they come," Hilde whispered.
Readying his camera, Duo smirked, "Who's eager now, huh? Ow!" he added, as Hilde gave
his braid a yank. "Keep it down," she snarled quietly in an effort to hide her
embarrassment.
The two watched Heero and Relena walk down the path. Neither were talking, but both
looked peaceful and happy. As Relena was admiring the moon, Heero would keep sliding his eyes
over to her and then anxiously slip his hand inside his pocket to reassure himself that the
box was still there. Finally, he stopped in front of a bench, near where Duo and Hilde were
hiding. "Let's sit," he said, then berated himself mentally for sounding so strained. Relena,
however, did not notice, and merely sat, smiling at him.
"Isn't it so wonderful out Heero?" she asked, smiling serenely. "It's times like these
that really makes me think that fighting so hard was worth it. What do you think, Heero?
Heero!" she gasped, since he was already on one knee.
"Here is comes!" Duo whispered excitedly, carefully zooming in his lens.
"Relena," Heero choked, "I don't know how to say this because I'm afraid I'm not a
romantic person, but even though I have so many faults...will you...will you...marry me?" he
finally finished.
"Heero!" Relena cried, "Oh Heero!" then she started sobbing. Heero felt his heart sink,
but then Relena flung her arms around him. "Of course I will Heero! Oh, I thought you'd never
ask; this is the happiest day of my life!" she managed. Temporarily stunned by her outburst,
Heero slowly perceived the meaning of her words. "You mean...you mean...you're saying yes?" he
said cautiously, afraid to believe what she had said. "YES!" she cried, "Yes, Heero Yuy, I will
marry you!"
And at that moment the camera flashed.
Chapter Two
a few months later...
"Which is better, the pink or the blue?" Relena asked Dorothy as she whirled around
holding up two sets of flowers.
"Blue," Dorothy said immediately. "It matches your eyes."
"I think the blue is beautiful, Miss Relena," Mariemaia said shyly. After the near
disaster a few years back, Mariemaia had become a much quieter child. In fact, she had been
downright withdrawn for a year before Lady Une had managed to gently coax her out of her shell.
"You think so?" Relena smiled at the solemn girl. "Yes, I have to agree with you two.
I like the blue too. Okay then," she said, turning to the ribbons, "now, which is better, white
with pink and yellow or white with purple and blue?"
"Relena!" her mother laughed. "Relax! You still have several months, and the majority
of the details have all been planned. You just need to decide on the final details."
"Your mother is right Relena," Dorothy agreed. "The church has been found, the plans
with the restaurant and reception arranged, the musicians have been dealt with, your dress and
the dresses of the bridesmaids, and flower girl," she added, acknowledging Mariemaia, "altered,
Heero's found a suit he actually likes, and the same goes for the others, your brother has been
found and has promised to come, the press has been informed..."
"Oh the press!" Relena said disgustedly. "They're so nosy!"
"Yes, well, you ARE Relena Peacecraft," Dorothy said mildly. "It's something a princess
must deal with."
"And I'm sure they can't be as bad as Duo," Hilde remarked, remembering the incident a
few months back. Relena had to laugh at that one. "Yes, I remember the look on Heero's face
quite well," she chuckled. "It was most interesting to see the expressions on his face change
back and forth." At first, Heero had been completely shocked, then livid with rage, and then his
mouth twitched and he burst out laughing. Of course, he had given Duo's braid an extra hard tug
afterwards, but he didn't kill him either, as Hilde had predicted. "He requested copies of the
picture later didn't he," Relena said, and Hilde nodded.
"Exactly what happened?" Dorothy demanded. "I've heard this story so many times, but
I'm still confused."
"Duo went out on a suicide mission to take a picture of Heero proposing to Relena, and he
dragged me with him," Hilde said. "We hid behind a bush for an hour until they came."
"And Heero let him get away with it?" Dorothy said incredulously. "I'm surprised, no,
I'm downright shocked!"
"Yes, well, Heero HAS changed," Relena said softly, staring off into space. "But enough
of that," she said abruptly. "What about these ribbons?"
Everyone gave a small sigh, then burst out laughing.
downstairs...
"So Heero, am I a good photographer or am I not?" Duo said smugly, admiring an enlarged
version of the picture he took months ago. "NOW are you glad you didn't rip the camera from my
hands and tear out the film?"
Heero grunted, trying to ignore Duo, which is what he usually did whenever Duo became
particularly annoying.
"I still don't understand why you let him get away with it," Wufei remarked, "I probably
wouldn't have if I were in your position."
"Relena has changed him," Trowa said calmly from his usual position, leaned against
the wall with his arms crossed. "Not that I'm saying it's a bad thing."
"Oh come on you guys, leave Heero alone," Quatre offered.
"Leave him alone?! Oh come on Quatre, have some FUN! Be adventurous!" Duo teased.
"I usually leave that up to Dorothy," Quatre said somewhat weakly. Wufei let out a
snort. "I don't understand why you let that WOMAN stomp all over you. Have some pride!"
"Dorothy's changed!" Quatre said defensively. "She doesn't pretend to love war like she
used to, and she's different now!"
"With just the occasional extreme mood swing," Duo snickered.
"Lay off of Quatre now," Trowa said. "It's not his fault that Dorothy was raised the way
she was."
"It's okay Trowa," Quatre smiled. "I know that they're just joking around. Anyway,
isn't Zechs supposed to be coming back today? I haven't seen him or Miss Noin, er, Mrs.
Merquise, for years!"
Heero nodded. "They said they would come at two. It's almost two now."
Just then Relena, Dorothy, Hilde, and Mariemaia came downstairs.
"Hey how's the bachelor party coming along?" Dorothy called out in greeting as she went
to wrap her arms around Quatre. Quatre blushed and smiled a somewhat silly grin.
Wufei rolled his eyes, and everyone else hid a smile. It was common knowledge that Dorothy
definitely was the dominant one in the relationship. Duo had even joked once that she probably
had a leash that she chained him to, which had earned him a hard smack on the head from Dorothy
and a painful tug on his braid from Hilde.
"We're just fine," Quatre said, still with the silly grin plastered on his face. Just
then the door opened, and in walked Lady Une. Though Mariemaia was the illegitimate daughter of
Lady Une's late lover, Treize Khrushrenada, and Leia Barton, Lady Une still loved Mariemaia like
her own. "Mariemaia, it's time to go home. You have school tomorrow," she said after greeting
the others with a brief nod. Obediently, Mariemaia stood to go.
"Going so soon?" a voice remarked. As everyone turned around, in walked Zechs, Lucrezia,
and their two children, identical twins Reena and Aelis, who were three years old.
Leaping to her feet, Relena ran over to her brother. "Zechs!" she cried, flinging her
arms around him, "it has been so long!"
Smiling faintly down at her, Zechs reprimanded her gently, "I am no longer a Peacecraft,
and so therefore I am not your brother." But he still returned the embrace, and then turned his
attention to Heero. The two stared at each other for a minute, finally Zechs extended his hand.
"Heero Yuy," he began formally, "we meet again, and finally under joyous circurmstances."
Heero simply nodded, and everyone held their breath. Zechs and Heero had once been
enemies; how would they react now that they would have a common link between the two of them?
Finally, Heero extended his hand also, and everyone breathed again. Relena stopped looking
anxiously from one to the other, relieved that the two men had accepted each other.
Next she turned her attention to Lucrezia. "Miss Noin, I'm glad to finally see you
again! I never got a chance to thank you for helping with my terra forming project! Or wait,
it's Mrs. Merquise now isn't it?"
Lucrezia smiled and said, "For old time's sake, let's just call me Miss Noin. I've never
really liked the concept of changing last names."
Wufei let out another snort, though this time a discreet one. Though he had to admit to
himself grudginly that Miss Noin had indeed proven her prowess on the battlefield, Wufei still
had difficulties overcoming his chauvanistic beliefs, mainly because he saw no reason to. As he
took a closer look, he saw the two little girls. "Twins," he mused to himself, and then an
unexpected pain went through him, like a icy hand gripping his heart. Jerking himself upright,
he quickly suppressed the feeling, but he didn't look at the twins again for the rest of the
day.
Chapter 3
"Where are my flowers?" Mariemaia nearly cried with frustration. "I'd hate to ruin this
day for Miss Relena, especially after what happened three years ago," she thought miserably.
"Are these it?" Hilde asked, holding out a basket of rose petals.
"Yes, thank you!" Mariemaia said, breathing a sigh of relief. Even though Lady Une and
the others had told her repeatedly that it wasn't her fault; that she had simply been a puppet
of her power-hungry grandfather Dekim, she still felt guilty. Even at school, some of her
classmates still regarded her with mistrust, and being called names had been commonplace for the
first month or so. She could still remember herself, a foolish little girl, dressed in the
ridiculous clothes of the Barton regime, boldly declaring war on Earth, and threatening to drop
a colony on it, taking thousands of lives with it. Mariemaia couldn't help but shiver a little;
she was glad those days were over! As she hurried out to get ready to walk up the aisle, she
couldn't help but pray silently, "Please let nothing go wrong; please let nothing go wrong..."
Elsewhere, Relena was being fussed over by at least ten people.
"Mother, I am so nervous!" she said.
Fluffing her daughter's veil, Mrs. Darlian said soothingly, "Don't worry Relena,
everything is going to be fine. I felt the same way when I married your father."
At the mention of Vice Foreign Minister Darlian, mother and daughter fell silent,
remembering the horrible day five years ago when he had been assassinated, and by Lady Une.
"I wish Father could be here with me today," Relena said softly. She still had
difficulty with the fact that she would have to walk down the aisle alone, with no father to
give her away, no father to smile through teary eyes at his daughter...
Relena quickly shook herself out of that trance; it would do no good to cry. And
besides, she thought somewhat ruefully, the press would have a field day if they saw her walk
out with puffy eyes and smeared makeup.
"Relena, it's time," Miss Noin called from the doorway. "Mariemaia has already taken her
place, and the bridesmaids have almost completely entered the chapel also. Oh yes," she added
humorously, "Jerry called out, 'Hi Mom! Hi Dad!' but other than that, everything is going
perfectly."
Relena nodded. "Thank you Miss Noin," she called. Then taking a deep breath, she
stepped out.
after the wedding...
Relena was exhausted. There simply was no other word for it. She had thought flying
around on shuttles to attend meetings around the clock had been difficult, but standing through a
ceremony, taking hundreds of pictures, shaking hundreds of hands, posing for the media, and all
the while keeping a smile on her face had exhausted her. As she glanced over at Heero, who had
not shaken anyone's hand and had only inclined his head slightly to each well-wisher, she could
tell he felt the same. Despite the fact that he was an ex-soldier, the fatigue was faintly
visible in his eyes, or maybe it was boredom, she thought wryly. She sighed, but then slipped
her hand through his, and was comforted when he intertwined his fingers with hers.
After the long line of well-wishers had passed, Relena and Heero escaped to the
limousine that awaited them to take them to the restaurant for the reception. Once inside,
Relena heaved a big sigh.
"Heero, sometimes I wish I weren't a princess," she couldn't help but complain to him.
"All this protocol to follow, and all these fancy details! It gets so aggravating!"
Heero's mouth twitched. "Understood," he said simply, but looked at her with such
tenderness that Relena felt some of her exhaustion slip away. Sighing, she leaned against him.
"But you know what Heero?" she said softly, "I couldn't be happier right now. Odd, isn't it?"
Heero didn't respond, but she knew he felt the same.
However, this tender moment would not last.
Chapter 4
The private moment Heero and Relena had been sharing was suddenly interrupted. As they
were heading towards the restaurant, Heero suddenly stiffened and stared out the window.
Sensing his tension, Relena promptly sat up.
"Heero, what's wrong?"
Heero didn't respond, only looked grimly through the window. Relena was shocked to see
the expression on his face; it was the "perfect soldier" face, the same look that he had had
during the war. It was a face Relena was terrified of, the expression of being totally devoted
to a cause, whether it be right or wrong, and willing to shove aside anything it its path. Then
she looked out the window.
"Why are all those people gathered around that sky scraper staring at the screen?
Wait...there's someone on that screen! But I can't tell who it is...Heero, do you know who that
is? Heero?!"
But Heero had already opened the door to the slowly stopping car and jumped out. "Stop
the car!" Relena ordered, and followed Heero.
Heero grimly strode towards the mob of people gathered around the building, or more
specifically, the giant screen mounted on the building. As he walked, he couldn't help but
feel a shadow of resentment. Here he was, on the happiest day of his life, and suddenly this
mysterious figure appeared. Though nothing seemed to have happened so far, Heero had not spent
his years fighting in vain; his instinct told him that something was very wrong.
Relena followed Heero, squeezing through the still growing mob. She could barely keep
up with Heero, who was heading his way towards the front of the crowd. As she neared the front,
she could already see Duo and Hilde, Zechs and Noin, Trowa, Wufei, Quatre and Dorothy, and Lady
Une with Mariemaia. Finally, she fought her way through the hushed crowd and looked up.
On the screen was a figure in shadow. It was impossible to identify the speaker, let
alone determine whether it was male or female. It appeared to be regarding the Gundam pilots
with a cooly appraising look. As Relena went to join Heero, it shifted its stare towards her.
"Greetings, Miss Relena Peacecraft Darlian Yuy," the figure said, but the voice was so
icy and devoid of human emotion that Relena was taken aback.
"Greeti-" she started to respond, but a swift look from Heero convinced her otherwise.
"I am the pilot of the mobile suit known as Phoenix, and I am addressing you on behalf of
an elite organization. This organization is small, nameless, but I can assure you, not to be
trifled with. For these past years, they have been watching this planet and the space colonies
closely, and-
"What is your point?" Zechs demanded in a harsh voice.
The figure curled its lips upward in a mockery of a smile. "Mr. Zechs Merquise, yes, you
have always disliked elaborate speech. Forgive me," the figure said sarcastically, "for
offending you. But per your request, I will cut to the chase, so to speak. Mrs. Yuy, they are
declaring war."
"War?! But why? There has been continuous peace for the last few years."
"Exactly. I won't try to hide it; the ones I represent lust after power and wealth, so
therefore, with the colonies and Earth completely defenseless, thanks to your plan for
disarmament, they will be easy targets. One bold stroke, and you will all be at their mercy."
"You speak as if you are not a part of this 'elite organization,'" Heero spoke up cooly.
"What about you? What do you plan on getting out of this?"
"Nothing...absolutely nothing. I have simply sworn loyalty to those I represent."
"Then why fight?!" Relena cried in frustration. "Surely you are skilled enough to break
away from these tyrants!"
"That is my concern, and none of yours, Mrs. Yuy."
"So now what?" Wufei spoke up. "You've declared war; we are defenseless; what now?"
Even though he spoke calmly, inside, Wufei was seething. "How could I have been so stupid?! As
a Preventer, I should have been able to detect this a long time ago! How long have they been
planning this takeover?"
"My superiors are in favor of striking now, as we speak. But I...have convinced them
otherwise."
"Why? To humiliate us?"
"You are truly a member of the Chang clan; the emphasis you place on your pride is
obvious. Be careful; it will be your downfall."
"And just what concern is that of yours?!"
"Touche, Wufei, I admit your point."
"And you STILL haven't answered my question!"
"Patience, Chang Wufei. I have my reasons, which are not your concern. But I will tell
you this: I have bought you three years. On this day, AC 203, we will attack. You have until
now to then to prepare yourselves. Arm yourselves however you wish."
Quatre spoke up, "Who is we? Who will attack?"
A brief silence, and the figure smiled again. "Phoenix and I will be waiting for you.
But our fight is not with the civilians. It is YOU we wish to fight."
"Why do you wish to attack only the Gundam pilots? Why not others?" Hilde demanded.
"No one stands else stands even a small chance against us," the figure stated flatly.
"In fact, I have doubts about the abilities of you pilots as well, but that doesn't matter. You
will represent the people of Earth and the colonies. Defeat myself and Phoenix along with the
very few other members of our little group, and you have saved your future. Lose..." and the
figure let the sentence hang. "Also, by fighting you alone, the number of casualties will be
minimized, though others are welcome to committ suicide by attempting to challenge me," the
speaker added sardonically.
"Since when were you concerned about civilian casualties?!" Dorothy snapped. Shrugging
off Quatre's arm, she continued, "Your dictatorship that you are threatening to establish will
result in the loss of lives as it is; no one will be willing to accept your tyrannical rule, and
we will all fight and die rather than accept it!"
The crowd cheered, and Dorothy smiled smugly. But the figure was not at all
intimidated. "Miss Dorothy, let us worry about that later. Focus yourselves instead on
rearming yourselves. My advice to you is to establish a base in space; the little 'summer home'
you and Quatre have used for many a, ah, interesting, evening, will suffice." Dorothy could
feel her cheeks turn red, and Quatre groaned. But the speaker seemed oblivious, simply
continuing with, "And one more thing: if you plan on rebuilding your gundams the exact way as
they were four years ago, forget it. You will be crushed, and I hate wasting time. I look
forward to meeting you in battle in three years."
"Wait!" someone in the crowd. "How do we know you're not bluffing, huh? This could be
some joke for all we know!"
"Quiet!" Heero hissed, whirling around, but it was too late; the damage was done.
"So you need proof, is that it?" the figure said coldly. "Well, then, here is your
proof. I hope you enjoy the fireworks." Turning around, the figure barked, "Detonate satellite
MO4 now!"
"NO!" shouted Relena. "There are civili-"
Her words were cut off as a bright flash lit the area. Fearfully, the entire crowd
turned towards its source: a ball of explosive light as bright as a supernova was in the sky.
"There's your proof. Goodbye," the figure said dully, and disappeared.
Prologue
It has been four years since the attempt by the Bartons to seize power. The year is
now AC 200, and the people of Earth and the those of the colonies have been living in
peace. The Gundam pilots have separated, but, after the Mariemaia incident, have agreed
to keep in touch. Much has happened within these few years. Duo Maxwell and Hilde Schbeiker
have married, and Quatre Raberba Winner and Dorothy Catalonia are likely to follow their lead.
Trowa Barton is still working at the circus with Cathrine, and Wufei Chang is still working as a
Preventer, though he and Sally Po have long separated. No one is quite sure exactly where
Lucrezia Noin and Zechs Merquise have disappeared off to, but they know they are alive and well...
and with two children. Lady Une has adopted Mariemaia Khrushrenada as her own.
And of course, what of Relena Darlian and Heero Yuy? Well, after disappearing for two
years, Heero returned, still the somewhat cold and emotionless person he was before, but yet
somehow, different. This change in personality gladdened Relena greatly, and she was determined
not to lose him again, and she hasn't, because this time, Heero was determined to stay.
However, they never discussed those two years; it was one of those silent agreements of theirs.
But amid all the joy and peace, there is hidden resentment...A new power has arisen,
fueled by greed and jealousy. Hiding in the shadow, it watches...and waits.
AN: This is my first fic, so please review! I accept all comments, but try to be easy on
the flames, okay? ^.^
Chapter 1
At the sound of the bell, Duo Maxwell hurried to the front of the store.
"Aww...just when I was about to close up too," he protested good naturedly. "Still,
business is business I guess." When he opened the door, he encountered a pair of cold blue
eyes, eyes that would have seemed unwelcoming and dead to the average stranger. But to Duo,
they were the eyes of someone who used to think he was dead, but had now discovered
otherwise. Even in that moment, Duo's sharp eyes could detect a flicker of life in those
eyes, a flicker of light found in those who have feelings and emotions. But he didn't dwell
on it; he was just glad to see the man.
"Heero! How are you? You haven't come by in so long that Hilde and I thought you'd
pulled another one of your disappearing acts again or something!"
The solemn man didn't say anything for a moment, but then the corners of his mouth
twitched in the semblance of a smile.
"Oh come on Heero! Smile! Come on, is a true real smile all that difficult?" Duo
goaded gently. "Really, for someone who has waged war against this entire planet and then some,
a smile can't be all that difficult!"
"Don't push it," Heero said wryly, ending the subject, but he did do another one of his
half smiles, this one somewhat wider. "I've come to ask a favor...", he began, but then trailed
off awkwardly.
"Favor?! You, ask for favors?!" Duo exclaimed, then rapidly subsided when he saw the
steely glint in Heero's eyes. "Alright," he said briskly, "what can I do for you?"
"Well..."Heero began in a strangled voice, then straightened his shoulders and asked in
a much bolder voice, "I need you suggest to me a, ah, romantic place for dinner," he finally
choked out.
Duo stared for a moment, too stunned to speak, and then managed, "Well, ah, sure, Heero,
but WHAT THE HECK FOR?!"
"Don't be so cold Duo!" a new voice chided gently. Hilde walked in, trailed by a
bouncy three year old. "Heero, it's so nice to see you again! Duo and I were afraid you'd
disappeared again!"
"So I've heard."
"So what is it that you need? A romantic restaurant?" she inquired. Encouraged by his
tentative nod, she continued, "A personal favorite of mine is the French restaurant across town.
It can be a little difficult to get reservations, but since we've done the manager a few
mechanical favors, I think we can get you reservations. When do you need them?"
"Tonight."
"Okay," she said. "That shouldn't be too difficult."
Heero nodded. "Thank you, I owe you one."
"Really, Heero! When is the fact that we're friends going to get through to your thick
head? Friends do favors for each other!" Duo scolded.
Heero's mouth twitched again, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he looked down at
little Jericho, Jerry for short. "Hi Uncle Heero!" the child said enthusiastically.
"Hello Jerry," Heero responded. "I wonder what our children would look like..." he
thought to himself as he unwittingly stared off into space.
Duo and Hilde exchanged glances. Regardless of how much he had changed, it was very
unlike Heero to zone out; rather, he was usually very alert. "Heero," Hilde began gently,
"would this restaurant have anything to do with Relena and the box I saw you walk out of the
jewelry store with this afternoon while I was shopping?"
Heero abruptly jerked himself back to reality and stared at Hilde in shock. "How did
she know?!" he thought to himself furiously. At the same time, Duo whirled around to stare at
his wife. "WHAT?!" he exclaimed. "Jewelry store?!"
"I...I mean..er, well, what I meant was..." Heero stuttered, then gave up; it would be
useless to try to deny it. "I wouldn't have been like this five years ago!" he thought. "Why
did I change?", then answered his own question. "I fell in love, that's what..."
"Wow! Jewelry store, huh? Heero, you son of a gun, you're finally going to do it!"
Duo cheered. Jerry supported his father. "Uncle Heero, are you gonna get married? I like
Auntie Relena. She gives me candy and hugs!"
"She might not say yes you know," Heero said stiffly. "I mean, I've run away enough
times now haven't I? She's probably tired of me."
Going up to Heero, Duo howled into his ear, "HEERO NO BAKA! You idiot! Of course she's
going to say yes! She's been waiting for you ever since she first met you! Really!"
As Duo howled about Heero's lack of sense, Hilde pointedly ignored her
temporarily insane husband and instead focused on Heero. "Heero, that's wonderful!" she said.
"But are you sure you want to propose in a crowded restaurant? Why not take her out for dinner,
then suggest a visit to the park near here and propose there? It'd be much more romantic that
way."
"Alright," Heero agreed. "Thanks for your help."
"Hey, Relena's not the only one who's been waiting for you to propose," Hilde joked.
"We'll get you your reservations, and the rest is up to you, okay?" Heero nodded, then turned
to leave. "Thanks for everything."
"Bye Heero!" Duo called cheerfully. "Good luck, not that you'll need it, hehe."
a few hours later...
"Heero, it was so nice of you to invite me out to dinner," Relena said kindly. "You
don't how much I appreciate this," she continued as Heero pulled out her chair for her.
Heero managed to choke out a few words that made no sense to even him as he nervously
sat in his own seat. Relena regarded Heero curiously. Even if she had known him for so long,
he was sometimes still a mystery to her. But she didn't mind that. That enigmatic air was
something she was used to and admired...and something she loved him for. "But I don't know if
he feels that way too..." she thought. "Then again, he's already promised me he won't leave
again," she reassured herself, and she knew how difficult it was to receive a promise like that
out of someone like Heero. "But still...why is he so nervous?"
Heero, well aware that Relena was observing him, attempted to regain his composure by
donning the cold mask he had often used during his battles in the war years ago. "The steak
looks good," he said stiffly, hoping that there was actually steak on the menu, since he was
too nervous to look at the menu.
"The steak looks delicious," Relena encouraged him. "I think I'll order that too."
The only thing Heero managed was a nod, and he called the waiter over to order their
dinner.
meanwhile...
"Duo, WHY are we doing this?!" Hilde whispered furiously. "Heero is going to KILL you
for spying on him!"
As he struggled to hunch down behind the bush and juggle the camera and answer an
indignant Hilde at the same time, Duo hissed, "Hey, he's going to thank me for this one day!
And besides, they're not here yet!"
"Which is why we should take this opportunity to GO HOME!"
"Oh come on Hilde! I KNOW you want to see Heero Yuy get down on one knee and propose to
Relena just as badly as I do."
"Well...yes, but a camera?! Duo, Heero MIGHT thank you one day, AFTER you've already
died because he had killed you tonight!"
Duo grinned, "Aw, c'mon Hilde! You know just as well that no matter how mad Heero gets,
he will be too dizzy with happiness to care or remember this incident, because all he'll be
thinking about at that point is Relena!"
Hilde sighed. "Fine, FINE!" she said, throwing up her hands in exasperation. "I'm out
of arguments, but I still don't think this is a good..." she started but was abruptly cut off as
Duo kissed her. Regarding his stunned wife with satisfaction, Duo said smugly,
"You were saying?"
an hour later...
Relena regarded Heero with a worried expression. Heero had barely said a word all
evening, besides asking her five times how her steak was without looking at her. He had also
taken barely taken ten bites of his steak. "Heero," she started, "is something wrong?"
"NO!" he nearly shouted, but calmed down and said, "no, I'm just not very hungry, that's
all," then added somewhat awkwardly, "I'm sorry if I spoiled this evening for you."
"Oh no, Heero!" Relena exclaimed. "I'm so glad that you took me out, and bothered to get
reservations here. I know how difficult it can be! Don't worry; I love it!" she blurted in a
rush.
Heero felt a surge of warmth rush through him; she had said she loved it. "Well," he
thought, "may as well get it done with." Standing, he said, "You know, it's too crowded here.
Let's go to the park."
Relena stood also and smiled; Heero was finally warming up. "That would be wonderful,"
she said.
"Let's go then," Heero said, offering her his arm.
at the park...
"Here they come," Hilde whispered.
Readying his camera, Duo smirked, "Who's eager now, huh? Ow!" he added, as Hilde gave
his braid a yank. "Keep it down," she snarled quietly in an effort to hide her
embarrassment.
The two watched Heero and Relena walk down the path. Neither were talking, but both
looked peaceful and happy. As Relena was admiring the moon, Heero would keep sliding his eyes
over to her and then anxiously slip his hand inside his pocket to reassure himself that the
box was still there. Finally, he stopped in front of a bench, near where Duo and Hilde were
hiding. "Let's sit," he said, then berated himself mentally for sounding so strained. Relena,
however, did not notice, and merely sat, smiling at him.
"Isn't it so wonderful out Heero?" she asked, smiling serenely. "It's times like these
that really makes me think that fighting so hard was worth it. What do you think, Heero?
Heero!" she gasped, since he was already on one knee.
"Here is comes!" Duo whispered excitedly, carefully zooming in his lens.
"Relena," Heero choked, "I don't know how to say this because I'm afraid I'm not a
romantic person, but even though I have so many faults...will you...will you...marry me?" he
finally finished.
"Heero!" Relena cried, "Oh Heero!" then she started sobbing. Heero felt his heart sink,
but then Relena flung her arms around him. "Of course I will Heero! Oh, I thought you'd never
ask; this is the happiest day of my life!" she managed. Temporarily stunned by her outburst,
Heero slowly perceived the meaning of her words. "You mean...you mean...you're saying yes?" he
said cautiously, afraid to believe what she had said. "YES!" she cried, "Yes, Heero Yuy, I will
marry you!"
And at that moment the camera flashed.
Chapter Two
a few months later...
"Which is better, the pink or the blue?" Relena asked Dorothy as she whirled around
holding up two sets of flowers.
"Blue," Dorothy said immediately. "It matches your eyes."
"I think the blue is beautiful, Miss Relena," Mariemaia said shyly. After the near
disaster a few years back, Mariemaia had become a much quieter child. In fact, she had been
downright withdrawn for a year before Lady Une had managed to gently coax her out of her shell.
"You think so?" Relena smiled at the solemn girl. "Yes, I have to agree with you two.
I like the blue too. Okay then," she said, turning to the ribbons, "now, which is better, white
with pink and yellow or white with purple and blue?"
"Relena!" her mother laughed. "Relax! You still have several months, and the majority
of the details have all been planned. You just need to decide on the final details."
"Your mother is right Relena," Dorothy agreed. "The church has been found, the plans
with the restaurant and reception arranged, the musicians have been dealt with, your dress and
the dresses of the bridesmaids, and flower girl," she added, acknowledging Mariemaia, "altered,
Heero's found a suit he actually likes, and the same goes for the others, your brother has been
found and has promised to come, the press has been informed..."
"Oh the press!" Relena said disgustedly. "They're so nosy!"
"Yes, well, you ARE Relena Peacecraft," Dorothy said mildly. "It's something a princess
must deal with."
"And I'm sure they can't be as bad as Duo," Hilde remarked, remembering the incident a
few months back. Relena had to laugh at that one. "Yes, I remember the look on Heero's face
quite well," she chuckled. "It was most interesting to see the expressions on his face change
back and forth." At first, Heero had been completely shocked, then livid with rage, and then his
mouth twitched and he burst out laughing. Of course, he had given Duo's braid an extra hard tug
afterwards, but he didn't kill him either, as Hilde had predicted. "He requested copies of the
picture later didn't he," Relena said, and Hilde nodded.
"Exactly what happened?" Dorothy demanded. "I've heard this story so many times, but
I'm still confused."
"Duo went out on a suicide mission to take a picture of Heero proposing to Relena, and he
dragged me with him," Hilde said. "We hid behind a bush for an hour until they came."
"And Heero let him get away with it?" Dorothy said incredulously. "I'm surprised, no,
I'm downright shocked!"
"Yes, well, Heero HAS changed," Relena said softly, staring off into space. "But enough
of that," she said abruptly. "What about these ribbons?"
Everyone gave a small sigh, then burst out laughing.
downstairs...
"So Heero, am I a good photographer or am I not?" Duo said smugly, admiring an enlarged
version of the picture he took months ago. "NOW are you glad you didn't rip the camera from my
hands and tear out the film?"
Heero grunted, trying to ignore Duo, which is what he usually did whenever Duo became
particularly annoying.
"I still don't understand why you let him get away with it," Wufei remarked, "I probably
wouldn't have if I were in your position."
"Relena has changed him," Trowa said calmly from his usual position, leaned against
the wall with his arms crossed. "Not that I'm saying it's a bad thing."
"Oh come on you guys, leave Heero alone," Quatre offered.
"Leave him alone?! Oh come on Quatre, have some FUN! Be adventurous!" Duo teased.
"I usually leave that up to Dorothy," Quatre said somewhat weakly. Wufei let out a
snort. "I don't understand why you let that WOMAN stomp all over you. Have some pride!"
"Dorothy's changed!" Quatre said defensively. "She doesn't pretend to love war like she
used to, and she's different now!"
"With just the occasional extreme mood swing," Duo snickered.
"Lay off of Quatre now," Trowa said. "It's not his fault that Dorothy was raised the way
she was."
"It's okay Trowa," Quatre smiled. "I know that they're just joking around. Anyway,
isn't Zechs supposed to be coming back today? I haven't seen him or Miss Noin, er, Mrs.
Merquise, for years!"
Heero nodded. "They said they would come at two. It's almost two now."
Just then Relena, Dorothy, Hilde, and Mariemaia came downstairs.
"Hey how's the bachelor party coming along?" Dorothy called out in greeting as she went
to wrap her arms around Quatre. Quatre blushed and smiled a somewhat silly grin.
Wufei rolled his eyes, and everyone else hid a smile. It was common knowledge that Dorothy
definitely was the dominant one in the relationship. Duo had even joked once that she probably
had a leash that she chained him to, which had earned him a hard smack on the head from Dorothy
and a painful tug on his braid from Hilde.
"We're just fine," Quatre said, still with the silly grin plastered on his face. Just
then the door opened, and in walked Lady Une. Though Mariemaia was the illegitimate daughter of
Lady Une's late lover, Treize Khrushrenada, and Leia Barton, Lady Une still loved Mariemaia like
her own. "Mariemaia, it's time to go home. You have school tomorrow," she said after greeting
the others with a brief nod. Obediently, Mariemaia stood to go.
"Going so soon?" a voice remarked. As everyone turned around, in walked Zechs, Lucrezia,
and their two children, identical twins Reena and Aelis, who were three years old.
Leaping to her feet, Relena ran over to her brother. "Zechs!" she cried, flinging her
arms around him, "it has been so long!"
Smiling faintly down at her, Zechs reprimanded her gently, "I am no longer a Peacecraft,
and so therefore I am not your brother." But he still returned the embrace, and then turned his
attention to Heero. The two stared at each other for a minute, finally Zechs extended his hand.
"Heero Yuy," he began formally, "we meet again, and finally under joyous circurmstances."
Heero simply nodded, and everyone held their breath. Zechs and Heero had once been
enemies; how would they react now that they would have a common link between the two of them?
Finally, Heero extended his hand also, and everyone breathed again. Relena stopped looking
anxiously from one to the other, relieved that the two men had accepted each other.
Next she turned her attention to Lucrezia. "Miss Noin, I'm glad to finally see you
again! I never got a chance to thank you for helping with my terra forming project! Or wait,
it's Mrs. Merquise now isn't it?"
Lucrezia smiled and said, "For old time's sake, let's just call me Miss Noin. I've never
really liked the concept of changing last names."
Wufei let out another snort, though this time a discreet one. Though he had to admit to
himself grudginly that Miss Noin had indeed proven her prowess on the battlefield, Wufei still
had difficulties overcoming his chauvanistic beliefs, mainly because he saw no reason to. As he
took a closer look, he saw the two little girls. "Twins," he mused to himself, and then an
unexpected pain went through him, like a icy hand gripping his heart. Jerking himself upright,
he quickly suppressed the feeling, but he didn't look at the twins again for the rest of the
day.
Chapter 3
"Where are my flowers?" Mariemaia nearly cried with frustration. "I'd hate to ruin this
day for Miss Relena, especially after what happened three years ago," she thought miserably.
"Are these it?" Hilde asked, holding out a basket of rose petals.
"Yes, thank you!" Mariemaia said, breathing a sigh of relief. Even though Lady Une and
the others had told her repeatedly that it wasn't her fault; that she had simply been a puppet
of her power-hungry grandfather Dekim, she still felt guilty. Even at school, some of her
classmates still regarded her with mistrust, and being called names had been commonplace for the
first month or so. She could still remember herself, a foolish little girl, dressed in the
ridiculous clothes of the Barton regime, boldly declaring war on Earth, and threatening to drop
a colony on it, taking thousands of lives with it. Mariemaia couldn't help but shiver a little;
she was glad those days were over! As she hurried out to get ready to walk up the aisle, she
couldn't help but pray silently, "Please let nothing go wrong; please let nothing go wrong..."
Elsewhere, Relena was being fussed over by at least ten people.
"Mother, I am so nervous!" she said.
Fluffing her daughter's veil, Mrs. Darlian said soothingly, "Don't worry Relena,
everything is going to be fine. I felt the same way when I married your father."
At the mention of Vice Foreign Minister Darlian, mother and daughter fell silent,
remembering the horrible day five years ago when he had been assassinated, and by Lady Une.
"I wish Father could be here with me today," Relena said softly. She still had
difficulty with the fact that she would have to walk down the aisle alone, with no father to
give her away, no father to smile through teary eyes at his daughter...
Relena quickly shook herself out of that trance; it would do no good to cry. And
besides, she thought somewhat ruefully, the press would have a field day if they saw her walk
out with puffy eyes and smeared makeup.
"Relena, it's time," Miss Noin called from the doorway. "Mariemaia has already taken her
place, and the bridesmaids have almost completely entered the chapel also. Oh yes," she added
humorously, "Jerry called out, 'Hi Mom! Hi Dad!' but other than that, everything is going
perfectly."
Relena nodded. "Thank you Miss Noin," she called. Then taking a deep breath, she
stepped out.
after the wedding...
Relena was exhausted. There simply was no other word for it. She had thought flying
around on shuttles to attend meetings around the clock had been difficult, but standing through a
ceremony, taking hundreds of pictures, shaking hundreds of hands, posing for the media, and all
the while keeping a smile on her face had exhausted her. As she glanced over at Heero, who had
not shaken anyone's hand and had only inclined his head slightly to each well-wisher, she could
tell he felt the same. Despite the fact that he was an ex-soldier, the fatigue was faintly
visible in his eyes, or maybe it was boredom, she thought wryly. She sighed, but then slipped
her hand through his, and was comforted when he intertwined his fingers with hers.
After the long line of well-wishers had passed, Relena and Heero escaped to the
limousine that awaited them to take them to the restaurant for the reception. Once inside,
Relena heaved a big sigh.
"Heero, sometimes I wish I weren't a princess," she couldn't help but complain to him.
"All this protocol to follow, and all these fancy details! It gets so aggravating!"
Heero's mouth twitched. "Understood," he said simply, but looked at her with such
tenderness that Relena felt some of her exhaustion slip away. Sighing, she leaned against him.
"But you know what Heero?" she said softly, "I couldn't be happier right now. Odd, isn't it?"
Heero didn't respond, but she knew he felt the same.
However, this tender moment would not last.
Chapter 4
The private moment Heero and Relena had been sharing was suddenly interrupted. As they
were heading towards the restaurant, Heero suddenly stiffened and stared out the window.
Sensing his tension, Relena promptly sat up.
"Heero, what's wrong?"
Heero didn't respond, only looked grimly through the window. Relena was shocked to see
the expression on his face; it was the "perfect soldier" face, the same look that he had had
during the war. It was a face Relena was terrified of, the expression of being totally devoted
to a cause, whether it be right or wrong, and willing to shove aside anything it its path. Then
she looked out the window.
"Why are all those people gathered around that sky scraper staring at the screen?
Wait...there's someone on that screen! But I can't tell who it is...Heero, do you know who that
is? Heero?!"
But Heero had already opened the door to the slowly stopping car and jumped out. "Stop
the car!" Relena ordered, and followed Heero.
Heero grimly strode towards the mob of people gathered around the building, or more
specifically, the giant screen mounted on the building. As he walked, he couldn't help but
feel a shadow of resentment. Here he was, on the happiest day of his life, and suddenly this
mysterious figure appeared. Though nothing seemed to have happened so far, Heero had not spent
his years fighting in vain; his instinct told him that something was very wrong.
Relena followed Heero, squeezing through the still growing mob. She could barely keep
up with Heero, who was heading his way towards the front of the crowd. As she neared the front,
she could already see Duo and Hilde, Zechs and Noin, Trowa, Wufei, Quatre and Dorothy, and Lady
Une with Mariemaia. Finally, she fought her way through the hushed crowd and looked up.
On the screen was a figure in shadow. It was impossible to identify the speaker, let
alone determine whether it was male or female. It appeared to be regarding the Gundam pilots
with a cooly appraising look. As Relena went to join Heero, it shifted its stare towards her.
"Greetings, Miss Relena Peacecraft Darlian Yuy," the figure said, but the voice was so
icy and devoid of human emotion that Relena was taken aback.
"Greeti-" she started to respond, but a swift look from Heero convinced her otherwise.
"I am the pilot of the mobile suit known as Phoenix, and I am addressing you on behalf of
an elite organization. This organization is small, nameless, but I can assure you, not to be
trifled with. For these past years, they have been watching this planet and the space colonies
closely, and-
"What is your point?" Zechs demanded in a harsh voice.
The figure curled its lips upward in a mockery of a smile. "Mr. Zechs Merquise, yes, you
have always disliked elaborate speech. Forgive me," the figure said sarcastically, "for
offending you. But per your request, I will cut to the chase, so to speak. Mrs. Yuy, they are
declaring war."
"War?! But why? There has been continuous peace for the last few years."
"Exactly. I won't try to hide it; the ones I represent lust after power and wealth, so
therefore, with the colonies and Earth completely defenseless, thanks to your plan for
disarmament, they will be easy targets. One bold stroke, and you will all be at their mercy."
"You speak as if you are not a part of this 'elite organization,'" Heero spoke up cooly.
"What about you? What do you plan on getting out of this?"
"Nothing...absolutely nothing. I have simply sworn loyalty to those I represent."
"Then why fight?!" Relena cried in frustration. "Surely you are skilled enough to break
away from these tyrants!"
"That is my concern, and none of yours, Mrs. Yuy."
"So now what?" Wufei spoke up. "You've declared war; we are defenseless; what now?"
Even though he spoke calmly, inside, Wufei was seething. "How could I have been so stupid?! As
a Preventer, I should have been able to detect this a long time ago! How long have they been
planning this takeover?"
"My superiors are in favor of striking now, as we speak. But I...have convinced them
otherwise."
"Why? To humiliate us?"
"You are truly a member of the Chang clan; the emphasis you place on your pride is
obvious. Be careful; it will be your downfall."
"And just what concern is that of yours?!"
"Touche, Wufei, I admit your point."
"And you STILL haven't answered my question!"
"Patience, Chang Wufei. I have my reasons, which are not your concern. But I will tell
you this: I have bought you three years. On this day, AC 203, we will attack. You have until
now to then to prepare yourselves. Arm yourselves however you wish."
Quatre spoke up, "Who is we? Who will attack?"
A brief silence, and the figure smiled again. "Phoenix and I will be waiting for you.
But our fight is not with the civilians. It is YOU we wish to fight."
"Why do you wish to attack only the Gundam pilots? Why not others?" Hilde demanded.
"No one stands else stands even a small chance against us," the figure stated flatly.
"In fact, I have doubts about the abilities of you pilots as well, but that doesn't matter. You
will represent the people of Earth and the colonies. Defeat myself and Phoenix along with the
very few other members of our little group, and you have saved your future. Lose..." and the
figure let the sentence hang. "Also, by fighting you alone, the number of casualties will be
minimized, though others are welcome to committ suicide by attempting to challenge me," the
speaker added sardonically.
"Since when were you concerned about civilian casualties?!" Dorothy snapped. Shrugging
off Quatre's arm, she continued, "Your dictatorship that you are threatening to establish will
result in the loss of lives as it is; no one will be willing to accept your tyrannical rule, and
we will all fight and die rather than accept it!"
The crowd cheered, and Dorothy smiled smugly. But the figure was not at all
intimidated. "Miss Dorothy, let us worry about that later. Focus yourselves instead on
rearming yourselves. My advice to you is to establish a base in space; the little 'summer home'
you and Quatre have used for many a, ah, interesting, evening, will suffice." Dorothy could
feel her cheeks turn red, and Quatre groaned. But the speaker seemed oblivious, simply
continuing with, "And one more thing: if you plan on rebuilding your gundams the exact way as
they were four years ago, forget it. You will be crushed, and I hate wasting time. I look
forward to meeting you in battle in three years."
"Wait!" someone in the crowd. "How do we know you're not bluffing, huh? This could be
some joke for all we know!"
"Quiet!" Heero hissed, whirling around, but it was too late; the damage was done.
"So you need proof, is that it?" the figure said coldly. "Well, then, here is your
proof. I hope you enjoy the fireworks." Turning around, the figure barked, "Detonate satellite
MO4 now!"
"NO!" shouted Relena. "There are civili-"
Her words were cut off as a bright flash lit the area. Fearfully, the entire crowd
turned towards its source: a ball of explosive light as bright as a supernova was in the sky.
"There's your proof. Goodbye," the figure said dully, and disappeared.