I walked down the hallway. The newly waxed floor reflected vibrantly in the
dim light. I stared at my reflection as I walked and glanced over at others
every once in a while. Everything looked so ridiculous in the glossy, blue
floor. The images were bent and twisted since the floor was so thoroughly
worn from years of use.
* BONK *
I'd run into someone. . . forcing me back to reality. It was a boy probably only a year or two younger than I. His brown hair hung over his face covering one of his emerald eyes. He startled somewhat and sized me up for a moment before continuing on his way. I stopped him before he could get far. . . there was something about his eyes. . .
"Intriguing. . ." I said. He refused to look straight at me. "Someone as young as you would have such a fearless gaze. . . almost as if you long for death. . . tell me, what is your name?"
His expression remained constant, but he lowered his head. "I don't have a name." He replied calmly.
I half smiled. "Then what do you call yourself?"
"Trowa. . . Trowa Barton." He replied, looking back up at me.
I tilted my head slightly. "Trowa Barton. . . and what business do you have at an OZ base? You seemed like you were in an awful rush. . ."
He looked at his watch. "Yes, sir. . . I was just leaving. . . I mustn't be late for supper. . ."
"I see. . . let me walk you to the door." As we began to walk he glanced at his watch again uneasily.
"Are you parents very strict about punctuality?"
He swallowed. "I don't have parents. . . I live with some friends. . . of the family."
"Ah. . ." I nodded solemnly. "I've lost my family also."
He looked at his watch again and ground his teeth nervously. "One more minute." I thought I heard him whisper.
"Is this pace too slow for you?"
He took a deep breath. "No, sir. . . It's. . . its fine. . ."
I stopped. "My goodness, boy! You're sweating! If you don't get home on time are they. . ." My voice trailed off. I suddenly had a strange sensation. . . like the time my father died. A bomb had gone off in our home. There was only one thing I could think to do: I grabbed Trowa and hit the deck. The instant we hit the floor, there was a sound like a train going by and a massive heat wave. The floor shook and the walls started to collapse around us. The ceiling began to crumble and fall in great chunks. I braced myself for any impact from the falling debris.
In only minutes silence had fallen, save for the wind. Lucky for me, nothing had fallen directly on top of me, but I was in great pain. From what I could gather my backside was most likely burnt pretty badly.
"T-trowa. . . are you. . . all right?" I asked, finding it very hard to breathe much less talk, and I couldn't move at all.
"I'm fine. Can you get off of me?" He said in an eerily calm voice.
I tried to move. "No. . . I can't move. . ."
He climbed out from underneath me. He looked down at me uncertainly.
"Get. . . get out of here. . . be. . . before it. . . decides to. . . to collapse anymore. . ."
He stared at me for a moment and then slowly backed away before turning and running. I fell unconscious just as he left my view.
When I awoke, I found myself looking at completely blank white wall. This room smelled unusually clean. . . like a hospital. In the near distance I could hear the murmur of machines. My back felt sore but not nearly as bad as I thought it would. Then I heard a voice.
"You're awake! It's been a month. We were beginning to think you'd never make it."
I picked my head up off the little pillow and searched around the white room for the source of this voice. A hand touched me from behind. I turned over and saw who the owner of the voice was. . . but quickly looked elsewhere.
"Sir? Where are you?" I asked. As far as I knew this man was my enemy.
"I'm standing right in front of you! Are you blind?" He put his hand on my face and forced me to look at him, but I looked straight ahead, not exactly at him.
"Actually, I am sir." I replied. I wasn't really though, but he didn't know that.
He took his hand away. "Remove the restraints."
Ah, so that's why I couldn't move. I waited for them to take them off and slowly sat up.
"What is your name?" He asked.
"Failex, sir. Failex Del Monte." I looked around as if I was searching for him again.
"Del Monte?" He asked, his voice full of hate. "As in the General Del Monte of the Alliance?"
I purposely looked frightened. "Yes, sir. But my father died 10 years ago, when I was but seven. My mother perished but a year later. I'm no threat to you. What could I possibly do?"
He touched my shoulder making me wince. "Stop your babbling son. I'm not going to do anything to you."
I let myself relax. "Sorry, sir."
"You can just call me Zechs."
Ah, so this was Zechs. . .
"Now, what were you doing at that base?"
"Well, Zechs, sir, a woman who worked there had taken me in. She figured I was blind and helpless so what was the harm in letting me hang around?"
A door I hadn't noticed swung open and a woman came inside.
"Noin." Zechs announced.
"Evening, Zechs. The kid's awake now, huh?" She stood beside him and looked me over. "He'd be a handsome little thing if he weren't so beat up. . . anyway, does he know anything?"
"I was just getting to that. . . You wouldn't happen to know who planted that bomb, would you?"
"No, Zechs sir."
Noin turned to Zechs. "I guess he's not much help then. What are you going to do with him?"
I looked around blindly.
"Well. . . there's something about him. . . something intriguing. . . but I can't put my finger on it. . ."
"I see what you mean." She came closer to me and bent over to look into my eyes. I looked off to the side.
"Is. . . is someone there?" I reached out and found her shoulder.
She squinted. "He's blind?" She sighed. "Such beautiful silver eyes. yet with no use. That's too bad. . ." She stood up again and walked around the table I was sitting on. I looked around as if I were searching for where she went.
"That's interesting. . . his hair isn't even scorched. . ."
Zechs joined her. One of them took hold of a single braid out of my three.
"Did someone dye your hair these colors?" Noin asked.
"No ma'am." I replied, sounding puzzled.
"Hm. . . red, orange and yellow. That can't be natural. . . Zechs, you should get him some new clothes if he's going to be around."
"I've already thought of that Noin."
She smiled at him. "Of course you have. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." She saluted Zechs with a wink and left. Zechs turned back to me.
"Can you stand?"
"There's no reason why I can't try." I slid off of the table and stood at my full height. I turned out to be just as tall as Zechs. I took a few steps.
Zechs half smiled. "Good, come with me."
He took a few steps.
"Um. . . sir? Could you lend me your arm? Its rather hard to follow something you can't see."
He came to me and placed my hand on his arm.
"Thank you, sir."
We started to walk.
"What was the name of the woman who took you in?"
"I called her Kate. That was the only name I knew her by."
"Hmmmm. . ." Zechs murmured. We went into a room. Zechs' quarters. He stopped and looked me over.
"We're pretty close in size. My clothes should fit you. Wait here." He was gone for a few moments. When he returned he had a uniform much like the one he was wearing only this one was all black
"You might as well wear something that makes you blend in. See if that fits. . . um. . . you don't need any help getting dressed, do you?" He said handing me the clothing.
"I think I can manage."
"Good." He guided me to the bathroom. I went inside and closed the door. I inspected the clothing. It seemed like there was a piece missing, but I put it on anyway. I soon figured out what was different about it. It didn't button up all the way, exposing most of my chest. I didn't mind much though. Whenever I wore a button down shirt I didn't button it anyway. I hated buttons. . . and this had a lot of them. I decided not to deal with them and left the bathroom. Zechs wasn't waiting in the hall like I thought he would be. I lightly touched the wall and moved down the hallway.
"Zechs sir?" I called. He came around the corner. When he got to me he touched my hand to let me know he was there.
"That doesn't look to bad on you." He said, matter-of-factly.
"Does it? I didn't mess with the buttons. . . I wouldn't be able to get them right."
He chuckled. "I see. . ." He fiddled with the uniform until he was satisfied. He tapped the golden tassels on my shoulders. "Come now, I've arranged for a meal, you must be hungry."
I reached for his arm. "Oh, I am sir."
He smiled and gave me his arm. He led me out of his quarter and down to the mess hall. We sat down at one of the more elegantly decorated tables.
/ Switch to Zechs' point of view. /
I watched him get comfortable in his seat and gently graze the table setting with his hand.
"So what did you do at the base?" I asked.
He looked in my direction. "Oh I walked around, talked to people who were waiting for various things. . . you know the copy machine, or to see their over-seeing officer. . . Sometimes I'd go to the training wing. The instructors were always so nice to me. They taught me how to fight in hand- to-hand combat. They wouldn't let me try fencing though. . ."
I sat back in my chair as our waiter brought us drinks. "Are you any good at fighting?"
"Well. . . the instructors always said I was just as good as anyone who could see, but I don't really know."
"Interesting. . . Noin is really going to like you, I think. We'll have to go to the training wing later. I want to see how good you are at fighting."
In a few moments the meal arrived. Failex leaned over the table and inhaled the scent. A smile appeared on his face.
"I love Italian food." He said. He took his napkin off of the table, unfolded it, and placed it neatly on his lap. He found his fork and also picked up his soup spoon. I watched him, wondering what he'd do with the spoon. He shoved it underneath the spaghetti and stabbed with the fork. He twirled the fork until he had a nice coil on it and lifted the fork and spoon together. He put the fork in his mouth and chewed, licking his lips.
I've never seen anyone eat spaghetti like that." I said.
"Ah." He said. "This is the proper way to eat it."
I grunted thoughtfully and picked up my own utensils to eat. Then I remembered there was a gathering at the Halinberg residence tonight. I sighed, another get together in which I must waste my time listening to a bunch of air heads gossip. That meant I had to get ready for that instead of taking Failex to the training wing and Failex would have to come to the party with me. Which meant I had to get him ready for it as well.
"Failex?"
"Yes, sir?"
"There's a ball tonight at the Halinberg residence, you wouldn't mind going, would you?"
"No sir."
"Good. . ."
"You sound as if you loathe going. . ."
I sighed. "I suppose I do. . . its to fancy dancy for me and most of the people who show up are rich snobs. They don't have much to show for the educations they pay so much for."
Failex laughed. "You don't seem like the type who would poke sarcastic fun at others. You're never like this on TV." He finished his meal and wiped his face. He folded the napkin and placed it next to his plate.
I snorted. "Having a camera shoved in your face is much more intimidating than battle. I can tell you that."
The waiter came by and cleared our plates.
"Anyway, as I was saying, the ball is in only a few hours. We should start getting ready."
"Why now, sir?" He asked searching for me. He must have heard me get out of my seat. I gave him my arm and we began to walk.
"Well, it takes quite awhile to prepare for such things. This is why I despise it so greatly. We must wear rather painful clothing to be, as they call, "presentable." It's rather grueling work for only standing around and talking to senseless air heads."
"You make it sound like torture."
"It's not much short of that." I kidded.
Failex smiled. "Where are we going exactly?"
"We're going back to my quarters, then we will meet up with Abram. He'll get us ready. Actually. . ." I stopped. "You wouldn't mind if I left you alone would you? I just remembered something. . ."
/ Switch to Failex's Point of View. /
"Not at all, sir. I'm excellent at wandering around and finding myself in the right places at the right times."
"You'll be all right then?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Very well then." He turned his back to me and rushed off.
I heard a door open and turned around. Noin emerged from a doorway and I quickly made my gaze off-center. She spotted me.
"Hey!" She called. "What are you doing out here and all alone?"
"Zechs just left me. He said he had something to do, ma'am."
"He just left you here?"
"Yes, ma'am. But, it's quite all right. I manage very well on my own."
"Here, why don't you come in?"
I reached out my hand. "Where, ma'am?"
She took my hand and led me inside. These were her quarters. She led me into the bedroom and sat me down in a chair.
"Did Zechs tell you about the ball tonight?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Just call me Noin."
"Okay. . . Noin."
She smiled. "I don't believe I know you're name."
"Failex."
"All right. So, Failex, are you going to the ball?" She asked removing her shirt. I let my gaze wander away from her.
"I believe so. . . Zechs said getting ready for it is pain-staking work. . ."
She laughed. "He did, huh? Sounds like something he'd complain about. . ."
"Ma'am. . . a-are you. . . undressing? Isn't that rather uncomfortable with someone else in the room?"
"How can you tell?"
"The way the air moves."
"Hmm. . ." She stood in front of me in only her underwear and socks. "The world must be totally different to you. . ."
I sat back in my chair. "Of course. all I can see is darkness. but then I get to use my imagination. I only get ideas of what things look like by using my other senses. For all I know, people might actually walk on their hands."
She laughed again. "I'm standing right in front of you in just my underwear, did you know?"
I squirmed a little. "Well. . . that's quite interesting. . ."
She looked at me for a moment. "Did Zechs put you in those clothes?"
"Yes. . . is there something wrong with them?"
"No, you look good in them. . . but I didn't think Zechs would put you in something even as revealing as that."
"You mean he wouldn't normally keep something in his closet that exposed more than his head and his hands?" I asked with a smirk.
She snorted. "Exactly what I mean."
There was a short pause.
"You have special feelings for him, don't you? Whenever you say his name. . . you pronounce it in a different way. . ."
"How so?"
"I don't know. . . it's like a slight purr in your voice when you say it. It's not like anyone else would notice it though."
She shrugged. "He's my boss. Why shouldn't I suck up to him a little?" She went to her closet and filed through the clothing, the hangars screeching as she pushed them aside.
I shrugged. "I can't literally see you together, but I think you would make a good couple. Of course, it probably wouldn't be a good idea for lovers to work in the same place, especially one like this."
She paused and pulled a dress out of the closet slightly. She seemed to like it, as she took it out of the closet and pulled the plastic covering off of it. "You really think so?"
"Yes. He definitely needs a strong woman in his life."
She chuckled. "Hey, can you help me with this? The stupid thing ties in the back." She slipped it on.
"Ah, okay. . . where are you?"
"Right in front of you, just reach straight out."
I obeyed. My fingers found her back. It was one of those strapless dresses with lots of lacing in the back. She shivered a little when my fingers brushed her skin, searching for the laces. I found them and pulled slightly.
"How tight?" I asked.
"I'll tell you when. . ."
I pulled harder.
"Okay, that's good."
I tied it off into a bow. She turned around and looked at it in the mirror. "Perfect." She said and helped me up.
"Zechs is probably looking for you. The ball is in an hour and a half. It takes a while to get there, you know? Do you need help finding him?"
I smiled. "Oh, I think I'll be all right."
She led me to the door. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, ma'am." I said with a nod. "May we meet again."
She smiled. "I'll see you later."
I started down the hallway and heard Noin close her door. As I neared the corner I could hear Zechs' voice; how convenient. I went around the corner, lightly dragging my hand across the wall as a "guide."
"Zechs, sir? Is that you?" I called.
"There you are! Excellent timing." He said. The person he was talking to looked confused. "We'll finish this later." He said to the person. "Come, Failex. We must get ready."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The clothes I was made to wear were not quite as bad as Zechs made them out to be. They were stiff and confining, but I adapted to them quickly. All it was is a formal OZ uniform anyway.
When we arrived at the ball, Zechs introduced me to a few people, namely Treize and Lady Une. After the brief formalities, I "found" my way over to the balcony and fixed my gaze on the night sky. It was slightly more peaceful out here. The talking of the people inside was merely a murmur and the music that was playing softly mixed with the song of the breeze. I closed my eyes briefly and felt the cool night air. I loved being outside.
"The stars are beautiful tonight."
I turned to look for the source of that pick-up line. It was a girl around my age. She was pretty at first glance, but her eyes told a story of sadness. That ruined her radiance and I felt a little sick.
"I'm sure they are. . ." I said, pretending to look for her. She walked up beside me and tilted her head.
"You don't think so?"
I lowered my head. "I have never seen the sky, milady."
"Oh. . . you're blind?"
I nodded.
"Oh. . . I'm sorry. . ." She looked away and stared, a silence falling between us.
"Hmm. . . I sense an air of reflection. . . what are you thinking about, milady?"
She looked slightly embarrassed. "Oh, I was just thinking about someone. . ."
I smiled. "Ah. . . a special friend of yours?"
She smiled sheepishly. "Yes. . . you looked a little out of place here and I thought you might have know him. . . but if you're blind. . ." She leaned on the railing and studied the bushes below.
"Those are quite harsh words to my ears, milady. . ."
"Dreadfully sorry, sir. . . uhm. . . may ask your name?"
"Failex, Failex Del Monte."
"Pardon me, my name is Releena Peacecraft."
"Wouldn't that be Queen Releena Peacecraft?"
She sighed. "Yes, but I'm not very fond of the title. . ."
"I see. . ." Silence fell once more, except for the bustle inside; now the clinking of swords hitting one another had added into the ruckus. I told Releena it was nice meeting her and left the balcony. I entered the ballroom just as a new song started. There was a large group of people off to one corner. Someone tapped my shoulder: Noin.
"Can you dance?" She asked.
"I've never tried." I answered.
She took my hand and led me onto the floor. She put my left hand on her hip and put her right on my shoulder. With her left, she took my free hand and we slowly started moving together.
"You're not too bad." She commented.
"I'm afraid I'm going to step on your foot."
"You won't, you're doing very well. Just follow my lead."
As the song ended, a voice echoed through the room. "Who will challenge me now?" It was Treize.
I thanked Noin for the dance and made my way toward the group of people in the corner, for that is where the voice came from.
"Come on, Zechs! You and me! Let's have a go." Treize said, pointing his sword at Zechs, who was sitting at a table near the mob.
Zechs smiled wearily. "That's quite all right, sir."
"Not even a try?"
"I'll challenge you." I called and the crowd parted for me.
Zechs stood up. "Failex?" He chuckled. "I doubt you can win against Treize."
"Give the boy a chance!" Treize said, tossing me a sword. Zechs looked surprised when I caught it. He slowly returned to his seat.
I whipped the sword around, getting a feel to it.
"Ready?"
I nodded, taking a fighting stance. We touched our blades together and the duel commenced. I could tell right off that Treize was only toying with me. He was probably just as sure of victory as Zechs was. I let him call the shots for a while and nothing too interesting happened. It wasn't until someone yawned loudly that Treize started getting a little more serious. The smirk on his face faded and he actually started to focus.
"Tell me when you've had enough." I said with a sneer.
He glared. "Why don't you do something interesting instead of just defending against my attacks? You've done nothing offensive yet."
"If you insist. . . On your guard!"
I lunged forward and our swords went faster and faster. I did a twirl here and there, ducked a few times, and did a few finger tricks when he was out of striking distance. I even flipped over him a couple times, making the crowd "ooo" and "ahhh." Then, as I was getting bored with the match, with one last fancy move I flung Treize's sword out of his hand and caught it with my left.
"You are defeated." I said with a taunting smile.
Treize grunted. "Wonderfully done. What is your rank?"
Zechs stepped in. "He's not recruited, sir."
"Why ever not?"
"I'm blind, sir."
Treize raised his eyebrow. "Really?"
A murmur rolled around the crowd. Treize turned to Zechs.
"Is this true?"
"Yes, sir." Zechs replied.
"Incredable. . ."
I had wandered away from them. About half of the crowd was following me with their eyes, as I made my way to the balcony, the swords still in my hands. It was just barely noticeable, but the floor was trembling in regular intervals. Something was coming, and it was big.
I dropped the swords with a clang and a hand touched my shoulder.
"Failex? What is it?" It was Noin. Zechs and Treize made there way to us.
"Something is coming. . ." I whispered.
Zechs looked alarmed and glanced at Treize. "Do you know what?"
"Mobile suits. . ." I said. "Gundams."
Zechs took hold of my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes. "Are you sure?"
I pushed his hands away and put my ear to the floor.
"What is he doing?" Treize asked Zechs.
"Shhhhh!" I hissed.
Treize and Zechs looked at each other and then called for silence in the room. After a few moments, I stood up.
"Four of them. One coming from each cardinal direction."
"I'll have a team of scouts sent out to confirm this." Zechs said. Just then Treize's communicator went off.
/Sir, four gundams have been sighted heading you're way. Apporaching north, south, east, west. Permission to deploy the Leos?/
Treize stared at me. "Permission granted." He lowered the radio slowly, continuing to stare at me. "Zechs, tell me again why this man isn't recruited?"
"He's blind, sir."
"I want him recruited for special forces."
A state of panic began to settle in the ballroom like a great cloud. Treize called for order. Zechs turned to me.
"Failex, get out of here." He whispered. "This place will be blown to bits. If we don't get out of here quickly, we all shall perish."
"Why do you only tell me?"
"Because I like you. A lot of these people I could do without. Now go!"
"Yes sir!"
I stalked away as Trieze herded everyone else somewhere down a hallway. The moment I'd gotten outside I spotted a gundam. It fired at a building. I ran and ducked for cover in some ornamental bushes. A group of Leos were firing over head, but were soon blown to bits, their twisted pieces raining from the sky.
Soon I spotted another slicing through the Leos with a gigantic scythe. I stayed where I was and watched for an opportunity to make a beeline for safety. Some air ships took off from a hidden hangar, but were soon destroyed by yet another gundam.
The building was now a blazing fire and only a few struggling Leos remained. They were quickly taken out and the four gundams met in the middle of the destruction they caused. The front of each gundam opened and a boy emerged. They appeared to be talking so I moved closer to listen, dashing out from behind piles of ruble here and there.
"Looks like we're done here." The one with a long brown braid said.
A short haired boy in a green tank top and black spandex shorts waited for their attention. "One ship escaped. . . again." He said.
The blonde boy spoke up. "Shouldn't we get going? Before back up comes or something?"
The last pilot took a step forward on his platform. "That was my fault. . . that the ship got away. . ." He said bowing his head.
I watched him for a moment, not listening to what they were saying. Something was familiar about that last boy.
Then I realized why.
"Trowa. . ." I said, under my breath.
They went back into their cockpits and started to leave. I looked around and spotted a still intact jeep. I hot wired it and started after them. I made sure to follow a good distance behind them. They stopped in a forest and hid their gundams before meeting in a clearing. By this time I'd ditched the jeep and followed them on foot. They were heading towards the city about a mile north. It was almost midnight when they made it into town and found a hotel.
Switch to Trowa's POV
I sat on the bed and sighed.
"You don't need to beat yourself up over this, Trowa. Our mission was to crash the party and that's exactly what we did." Quatre said. "Maybe that ship was full of innocent people. Maybe we got the OZ officers."
"Innocent or not, they were OZ supporters." I said. I got up and went to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I saw some stairs to the roof. . ." I said and left. Quatre was a good friend of mine, but I needed time to myself right now.
I found the stairs and went up them. I came out on the roof and paused for a moment. Someone else was all ready up here. I was going to leave, but I took a second glace. Three red, orange, and yellow braids hung down the back of the person leaning on the railing. They were wearing an Oz uniform too. They looked over their shoulder at me and then turned all the way around to face me. It was then I discovered I knew this person. It was the boy who saved from the explosion. . . but. . . I was so sure he would have died. . .
He leaned back with his elbows on the railing. "It's Trowa, isn't it?"
I nodded.
"You planted that bomb, didn't you?" He said with a smile.
"You saw me checking my watch."
He turned back around and watched the traffic on the street below. "So, you're a gundam pilot. . ."
"Yes. . ." I reached into my shoe for my hand gun and crept up behind him. I pointed it at his head.
"Kill me if you want. I don't have to finish what I want to tell you. . ." He said, without so much as a glance over his shoulder.
I slowly lowered the gun. "What?"
"My name is Failex Del Monte." He said.
I leaned on the railing next to his, still holding my gun. "Like the general?"
"Yes, he was my father."
"Then why are you wearing an OZ uniform?"
"OZ found me after the explosion and nursed me back to health. Zechs put me in this uniform. I'm trying to gain his trust. I'm one of the few double agents that gets the info for your missions."
I stared at him uncertainly. I wasn't sure if he was being truthful or not.
"You don't believe me, do you?" He smiled and began to walk away.
"Wait!" I called after him. I went to grab his shoulder, but some way or another one of his braids ended up in my hand. He stopped and faced me. Together we looked at the braid in my fist. I let it go and looked him straight in the eyes. He hadn't been lying.
"I believe you."
Switch to Failex's POV
I stared at him. He'd blushed slightly when he accidentally grabbed my braid. I couldn't blame him though. Everyone liked to touch my hair.
"Why?" I asked. "I don't really have any proof. . ."
He turned away. "I saw it in your eyes." He put his gun away and went back to the railing. I followed him and leaned on it beside him. A breeze blew and I closed my eyes, taking a whiff of the air.
"Smells like rain." I stated.
Trowa looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Are you a gundam pilot?"
"No, but I know how to pilot one."
Trowa was silent for a few moments. "Are you staying here for the night?"
"No, I only followed you here."
He stood up straight. "You can stay with Quatre and I. . . if you want. . ."
I smiled. "That's generous of you. . . are you sure?"
He started for the stairs. "Let's just say it's payback for saving my life."
I followed him down the stairs and into a hotel room. Inside were the blonde boy and the boy with the long braid. They seemed to be in deep conversation, but looked up when we entered. They both looked rather startled at my uniform.
"Hey, this is Failex. . . he's one of us." Trowa said.
The two of them instantly looked relieved. The boy with the braid jumped up.
"Wild! Nice ta meetcha! The name's Duo." He shook my hand. "By the way, love the hair." He made a clicking noise and winked, sticking up both his thumbs. "I'm gunna go see what Heero's doin. . . prolly nuthin. . . but, yeah." He left.
I heard the shower turn on. Trowa must have escaped to the bathroom, leaving me alone with the innocent looking blond. This must be Quatre. He smiled at me pleasantly.
"Trowa said you could stay with us didn't he?" He asked.
I nodded and sat down on the bed across from him. "So, you're Quatre, right?"
He nodded. "Mm hm! Trowa and I will share this bed. You can have that one. . . now, care to tell me why you're wearing an OZ uniform?"
"I'm a double agent. I get information for your missions."
He raised his eyebrows at me. "Wow. . . that sounds even more dangerous than what we do. . . anyway! Welcome to the family!"
I puzzled at him. Family? That was a word I used to know. It meant unconditional love and refuge from anything. I wondered if that's what Quatre meant, or maybe he was just being sarcastic. . . I hoped not. I could use a refuge where no one would judge me.
Trowa emerged from the bathroom and immediately had to answer the door. It was Duo and the other boy, Heero. Duo bounded in, leaving Heero at the door, and vaulted over the first bed. He landed right next to Quatre and they instantly started a conversation. Heero glanced at Trowa in his pajamas and then turned his gaze to me. He made his way to a chair just to the left of the beds and sat down with out a word. He looked somewhat annoyed.
"Hi." I said to Heero, attempting at conversation, but I soon discovered that was nearly impossible. He merely shifted his gaze in my general direction to acknowledge me.
"My name is Failex Del Monte." I said hopefully.
He looked me straight in the eyes. A small spark of interest ignited in his eyes.
"General Del Monte's son." He said. It was like he was thinking out loud though. It hadn't been a question and it was directed at anyone. He just said it.
"Yes." I said, not knowing what else to say. So, I guessed that confirmed his conclusion because he smirked and his eyes wandered elsewhere. Trowa came and sat down next to me.
"Do you want to borrow some of my night clothes?"
I nodded. "Yes, please. Mind if I use the shower?"
He shook his head and handed me some flannel pants and a cotton shirt.
"Thanks." I said with a slight smile.
I stared at the papers on my desk. It was getting late, and I was tired. I hadn't got any sleep the previous night. I was too worried about Failex, and I had a lot of work to do.
I sighed and flicked my pen into the pencil cup. There was so much I wanted to ask Failex about. He was the son of the best Alliance General in history. He must be able to tell me something about the operations.
I took off my mask and rubbed my eyes. I was so tired. . .
Switch to Failex's POV
With two days and another mission gone by, I'd leaned the basic personalities of the four boys. Duo was loud and obnoxious, but lovable all the same. Quatre was very gentle and caring and always cheerful. Trowa was considerably quiet and had a melancholy air about him. Then there was Heero. Heero was silent and, by the glare in his eyes, deadly.
Quatre and Duo were obviously good friends. One was never seen without the other nearby. Trowa and Heero had some kind of relationship. It seemed like they could tell each other things without actually speaking. What I didn't understand, though, was why Trowa and Quatre always roomed together. They didn't really talk much as far as I knew.
This morning we were to split up. Three different missions needed carrying out. I have to admit that I was pretty dog gone surprised when Trowa approached me and asked if I would accompany him. Quatre and Duo were also going as a team and Heero was going alone.
Before Trowa and I left tow we stopped at a sporting goods store and picked up camping supplies. Trowa informed me that the base we were assigned to destroy was out in the middle of nowhere. Trowa had one of those wonderful plastic cards capable of buying almost anything.
We hi-jacked an 8-wheeler from a nearby rest stop and dumped its contents so we could hide Trowa's gundam in it. Then we hit the road. We drove for about 26 hours before stopping. We pulled off the road and found a clearing where we could set up camp. I helped Trowa set up the tent and unrolled the sleeping bags. While he set up the rest of the equipment I went to look for firewood. Just when I'd picked up as much as I could carry, I spotted a cave. I would have just ignored it if there wasn't a light emitting from the entrance. I set down the logs I'd collected and went to look inside. A small fire was going, casting shadows on the cave walls. . . and something covered by a green tarp. I went inside to take a peek at whatever was under the tarp, but as soon as I had touched it I noted a shadow moving my way.
I drew the sword I'd confiscated from an antique armory we'd passed on the road (hey, we were hungry and there was a nice little restaurant right next to it), and whirled around just in time. My blade met the other boy's with a loud clang. His teeth were bared and he even let out a snarl.
"What are you doing in here, intruder?" He growled, his jet-black hair which was slicked back into a little pony tail almost reflected the flames of the fire perfectly. He put more pressure on my blade.
"I wanted to know why there was light coming from a cave in the middle of nowhere." I said through clenched teeth. I threw him off of me, but he came back quickly, whirling his sword all around. I met his every attack. He started getting impatient and roared as he attacked more fiercely.
That was when I advanced on him. I forced him outside and kept him at bay. Then I noticed the cliff. We were just at the edge of it and his heels were probably hanging off the edge. He lost his balance and I tried to catch before he could fall backward, but I wasn't fast enough and missed. I carefully looked over the edge. He'd caught a ledge! He was barely hanging on with one hand while the other clutched his sword. I sheathed my sword and lay down on the cold stone. I extended my hand out to him.
"Grab my hand! I'll pull you up!" I called down to him.
"Not on my life!" He spat, swinging at my hand with his sword. I pulled my hand away before he could strike. I stared down at him and then looked back at the cave.
"You wouldn't be a gundam pilot, would you?" I asked suddenly.
"What's it to you?" He yelled and started to slip.
"Because, if you are, we're on the same side! Trowa and I have set up camp not far from here! Were you instructed to destroy the base in Timbuktu?"
He yelled as he slipped another foot. His knuckles turned white as he struggled to hang on.
"Please! Let me help you!" I said, reaching for him again.
He sheathed his sword and reached for my hand. "I can't reach! And your stupid braids keep hitting me in the face!" He snarled. I stretched as far as I dared and felt his finger tips brush mine.
"I still can't reach!" He said, swatting at my braids.
My braids. . .
That's it!
"Grab my braids!"
"What?"
"Grab my damn braids!"
He grabbed two of them and held on tight. I winced when he let go of the ledge. I grabbed hold of my hair and started to pull him up. My eyes were watering by the time I could reach over the side and hoist him up by his shirt. Both of us collapsed onto the ground and waited for our adrenaline to stop pumping.
I sat up after a deep breath. "So, what's your name?"
"Wufei. Chang Wufei." He said, standing up and dusting himself off. "You?"
"Failex Del Monte."
He stared. "Del Monte?" He erased his expression of surprise and replaced it with disappointment. "I should have known. . . with fighting skills like that. . ." He harshly kicked a rock and it flew over the cliff. "What were you doing out here anyway?"
"I was getting firewood for Trowa. . . speaking of which, he's probably wondering what's taking so long."
* BONK *
I'd run into someone. . . forcing me back to reality. It was a boy probably only a year or two younger than I. His brown hair hung over his face covering one of his emerald eyes. He startled somewhat and sized me up for a moment before continuing on his way. I stopped him before he could get far. . . there was something about his eyes. . .
"Intriguing. . ." I said. He refused to look straight at me. "Someone as young as you would have such a fearless gaze. . . almost as if you long for death. . . tell me, what is your name?"
His expression remained constant, but he lowered his head. "I don't have a name." He replied calmly.
I half smiled. "Then what do you call yourself?"
"Trowa. . . Trowa Barton." He replied, looking back up at me.
I tilted my head slightly. "Trowa Barton. . . and what business do you have at an OZ base? You seemed like you were in an awful rush. . ."
He looked at his watch. "Yes, sir. . . I was just leaving. . . I mustn't be late for supper. . ."
"I see. . . let me walk you to the door." As we began to walk he glanced at his watch again uneasily.
"Are you parents very strict about punctuality?"
He swallowed. "I don't have parents. . . I live with some friends. . . of the family."
"Ah. . ." I nodded solemnly. "I've lost my family also."
He looked at his watch again and ground his teeth nervously. "One more minute." I thought I heard him whisper.
"Is this pace too slow for you?"
He took a deep breath. "No, sir. . . It's. . . its fine. . ."
I stopped. "My goodness, boy! You're sweating! If you don't get home on time are they. . ." My voice trailed off. I suddenly had a strange sensation. . . like the time my father died. A bomb had gone off in our home. There was only one thing I could think to do: I grabbed Trowa and hit the deck. The instant we hit the floor, there was a sound like a train going by and a massive heat wave. The floor shook and the walls started to collapse around us. The ceiling began to crumble and fall in great chunks. I braced myself for any impact from the falling debris.
In only minutes silence had fallen, save for the wind. Lucky for me, nothing had fallen directly on top of me, but I was in great pain. From what I could gather my backside was most likely burnt pretty badly.
"T-trowa. . . are you. . . all right?" I asked, finding it very hard to breathe much less talk, and I couldn't move at all.
"I'm fine. Can you get off of me?" He said in an eerily calm voice.
I tried to move. "No. . . I can't move. . ."
He climbed out from underneath me. He looked down at me uncertainly.
"Get. . . get out of here. . . be. . . before it. . . decides to. . . to collapse anymore. . ."
He stared at me for a moment and then slowly backed away before turning and running. I fell unconscious just as he left my view.
When I awoke, I found myself looking at completely blank white wall. This room smelled unusually clean. . . like a hospital. In the near distance I could hear the murmur of machines. My back felt sore but not nearly as bad as I thought it would. Then I heard a voice.
"You're awake! It's been a month. We were beginning to think you'd never make it."
I picked my head up off the little pillow and searched around the white room for the source of this voice. A hand touched me from behind. I turned over and saw who the owner of the voice was. . . but quickly looked elsewhere.
"Sir? Where are you?" I asked. As far as I knew this man was my enemy.
"I'm standing right in front of you! Are you blind?" He put his hand on my face and forced me to look at him, but I looked straight ahead, not exactly at him.
"Actually, I am sir." I replied. I wasn't really though, but he didn't know that.
He took his hand away. "Remove the restraints."
Ah, so that's why I couldn't move. I waited for them to take them off and slowly sat up.
"What is your name?" He asked.
"Failex, sir. Failex Del Monte." I looked around as if I was searching for him again.
"Del Monte?" He asked, his voice full of hate. "As in the General Del Monte of the Alliance?"
I purposely looked frightened. "Yes, sir. But my father died 10 years ago, when I was but seven. My mother perished but a year later. I'm no threat to you. What could I possibly do?"
He touched my shoulder making me wince. "Stop your babbling son. I'm not going to do anything to you."
I let myself relax. "Sorry, sir."
"You can just call me Zechs."
Ah, so this was Zechs. . .
"Now, what were you doing at that base?"
"Well, Zechs, sir, a woman who worked there had taken me in. She figured I was blind and helpless so what was the harm in letting me hang around?"
A door I hadn't noticed swung open and a woman came inside.
"Noin." Zechs announced.
"Evening, Zechs. The kid's awake now, huh?" She stood beside him and looked me over. "He'd be a handsome little thing if he weren't so beat up. . . anyway, does he know anything?"
"I was just getting to that. . . You wouldn't happen to know who planted that bomb, would you?"
"No, Zechs sir."
Noin turned to Zechs. "I guess he's not much help then. What are you going to do with him?"
I looked around blindly.
"Well. . . there's something about him. . . something intriguing. . . but I can't put my finger on it. . ."
"I see what you mean." She came closer to me and bent over to look into my eyes. I looked off to the side.
"Is. . . is someone there?" I reached out and found her shoulder.
She squinted. "He's blind?" She sighed. "Such beautiful silver eyes. yet with no use. That's too bad. . ." She stood up again and walked around the table I was sitting on. I looked around as if I were searching for where she went.
"That's interesting. . . his hair isn't even scorched. . ."
Zechs joined her. One of them took hold of a single braid out of my three.
"Did someone dye your hair these colors?" Noin asked.
"No ma'am." I replied, sounding puzzled.
"Hm. . . red, orange and yellow. That can't be natural. . . Zechs, you should get him some new clothes if he's going to be around."
"I've already thought of that Noin."
She smiled at him. "Of course you have. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." She saluted Zechs with a wink and left. Zechs turned back to me.
"Can you stand?"
"There's no reason why I can't try." I slid off of the table and stood at my full height. I turned out to be just as tall as Zechs. I took a few steps.
Zechs half smiled. "Good, come with me."
He took a few steps.
"Um. . . sir? Could you lend me your arm? Its rather hard to follow something you can't see."
He came to me and placed my hand on his arm.
"Thank you, sir."
We started to walk.
"What was the name of the woman who took you in?"
"I called her Kate. That was the only name I knew her by."
"Hmmmm. . ." Zechs murmured. We went into a room. Zechs' quarters. He stopped and looked me over.
"We're pretty close in size. My clothes should fit you. Wait here." He was gone for a few moments. When he returned he had a uniform much like the one he was wearing only this one was all black
"You might as well wear something that makes you blend in. See if that fits. . . um. . . you don't need any help getting dressed, do you?" He said handing me the clothing.
"I think I can manage."
"Good." He guided me to the bathroom. I went inside and closed the door. I inspected the clothing. It seemed like there was a piece missing, but I put it on anyway. I soon figured out what was different about it. It didn't button up all the way, exposing most of my chest. I didn't mind much though. Whenever I wore a button down shirt I didn't button it anyway. I hated buttons. . . and this had a lot of them. I decided not to deal with them and left the bathroom. Zechs wasn't waiting in the hall like I thought he would be. I lightly touched the wall and moved down the hallway.
"Zechs sir?" I called. He came around the corner. When he got to me he touched my hand to let me know he was there.
"That doesn't look to bad on you." He said, matter-of-factly.
"Does it? I didn't mess with the buttons. . . I wouldn't be able to get them right."
He chuckled. "I see. . ." He fiddled with the uniform until he was satisfied. He tapped the golden tassels on my shoulders. "Come now, I've arranged for a meal, you must be hungry."
I reached for his arm. "Oh, I am sir."
He smiled and gave me his arm. He led me out of his quarter and down to the mess hall. We sat down at one of the more elegantly decorated tables.
/ Switch to Zechs' point of view. /
I watched him get comfortable in his seat and gently graze the table setting with his hand.
"So what did you do at the base?" I asked.
He looked in my direction. "Oh I walked around, talked to people who were waiting for various things. . . you know the copy machine, or to see their over-seeing officer. . . Sometimes I'd go to the training wing. The instructors were always so nice to me. They taught me how to fight in hand- to-hand combat. They wouldn't let me try fencing though. . ."
I sat back in my chair as our waiter brought us drinks. "Are you any good at fighting?"
"Well. . . the instructors always said I was just as good as anyone who could see, but I don't really know."
"Interesting. . . Noin is really going to like you, I think. We'll have to go to the training wing later. I want to see how good you are at fighting."
In a few moments the meal arrived. Failex leaned over the table and inhaled the scent. A smile appeared on his face.
"I love Italian food." He said. He took his napkin off of the table, unfolded it, and placed it neatly on his lap. He found his fork and also picked up his soup spoon. I watched him, wondering what he'd do with the spoon. He shoved it underneath the spaghetti and stabbed with the fork. He twirled the fork until he had a nice coil on it and lifted the fork and spoon together. He put the fork in his mouth and chewed, licking his lips.
I've never seen anyone eat spaghetti like that." I said.
"Ah." He said. "This is the proper way to eat it."
I grunted thoughtfully and picked up my own utensils to eat. Then I remembered there was a gathering at the Halinberg residence tonight. I sighed, another get together in which I must waste my time listening to a bunch of air heads gossip. That meant I had to get ready for that instead of taking Failex to the training wing and Failex would have to come to the party with me. Which meant I had to get him ready for it as well.
"Failex?"
"Yes, sir?"
"There's a ball tonight at the Halinberg residence, you wouldn't mind going, would you?"
"No sir."
"Good. . ."
"You sound as if you loathe going. . ."
I sighed. "I suppose I do. . . its to fancy dancy for me and most of the people who show up are rich snobs. They don't have much to show for the educations they pay so much for."
Failex laughed. "You don't seem like the type who would poke sarcastic fun at others. You're never like this on TV." He finished his meal and wiped his face. He folded the napkin and placed it next to his plate.
I snorted. "Having a camera shoved in your face is much more intimidating than battle. I can tell you that."
The waiter came by and cleared our plates.
"Anyway, as I was saying, the ball is in only a few hours. We should start getting ready."
"Why now, sir?" He asked searching for me. He must have heard me get out of my seat. I gave him my arm and we began to walk.
"Well, it takes quite awhile to prepare for such things. This is why I despise it so greatly. We must wear rather painful clothing to be, as they call, "presentable." It's rather grueling work for only standing around and talking to senseless air heads."
"You make it sound like torture."
"It's not much short of that." I kidded.
Failex smiled. "Where are we going exactly?"
"We're going back to my quarters, then we will meet up with Abram. He'll get us ready. Actually. . ." I stopped. "You wouldn't mind if I left you alone would you? I just remembered something. . ."
/ Switch to Failex's Point of View. /
"Not at all, sir. I'm excellent at wandering around and finding myself in the right places at the right times."
"You'll be all right then?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Very well then." He turned his back to me and rushed off.
I heard a door open and turned around. Noin emerged from a doorway and I quickly made my gaze off-center. She spotted me.
"Hey!" She called. "What are you doing out here and all alone?"
"Zechs just left me. He said he had something to do, ma'am."
"He just left you here?"
"Yes, ma'am. But, it's quite all right. I manage very well on my own."
"Here, why don't you come in?"
I reached out my hand. "Where, ma'am?"
She took my hand and led me inside. These were her quarters. She led me into the bedroom and sat me down in a chair.
"Did Zechs tell you about the ball tonight?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Just call me Noin."
"Okay. . . Noin."
She smiled. "I don't believe I know you're name."
"Failex."
"All right. So, Failex, are you going to the ball?" She asked removing her shirt. I let my gaze wander away from her.
"I believe so. . . Zechs said getting ready for it is pain-staking work. . ."
She laughed. "He did, huh? Sounds like something he'd complain about. . ."
"Ma'am. . . a-are you. . . undressing? Isn't that rather uncomfortable with someone else in the room?"
"How can you tell?"
"The way the air moves."
"Hmm. . ." She stood in front of me in only her underwear and socks. "The world must be totally different to you. . ."
I sat back in my chair. "Of course. all I can see is darkness. but then I get to use my imagination. I only get ideas of what things look like by using my other senses. For all I know, people might actually walk on their hands."
She laughed again. "I'm standing right in front of you in just my underwear, did you know?"
I squirmed a little. "Well. . . that's quite interesting. . ."
She looked at me for a moment. "Did Zechs put you in those clothes?"
"Yes. . . is there something wrong with them?"
"No, you look good in them. . . but I didn't think Zechs would put you in something even as revealing as that."
"You mean he wouldn't normally keep something in his closet that exposed more than his head and his hands?" I asked with a smirk.
She snorted. "Exactly what I mean."
There was a short pause.
"You have special feelings for him, don't you? Whenever you say his name. . . you pronounce it in a different way. . ."
"How so?"
"I don't know. . . it's like a slight purr in your voice when you say it. It's not like anyone else would notice it though."
She shrugged. "He's my boss. Why shouldn't I suck up to him a little?" She went to her closet and filed through the clothing, the hangars screeching as she pushed them aside.
I shrugged. "I can't literally see you together, but I think you would make a good couple. Of course, it probably wouldn't be a good idea for lovers to work in the same place, especially one like this."
She paused and pulled a dress out of the closet slightly. She seemed to like it, as she took it out of the closet and pulled the plastic covering off of it. "You really think so?"
"Yes. He definitely needs a strong woman in his life."
She chuckled. "Hey, can you help me with this? The stupid thing ties in the back." She slipped it on.
"Ah, okay. . . where are you?"
"Right in front of you, just reach straight out."
I obeyed. My fingers found her back. It was one of those strapless dresses with lots of lacing in the back. She shivered a little when my fingers brushed her skin, searching for the laces. I found them and pulled slightly.
"How tight?" I asked.
"I'll tell you when. . ."
I pulled harder.
"Okay, that's good."
I tied it off into a bow. She turned around and looked at it in the mirror. "Perfect." She said and helped me up.
"Zechs is probably looking for you. The ball is in an hour and a half. It takes a while to get there, you know? Do you need help finding him?"
I smiled. "Oh, I think I'll be all right."
She led me to the door. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, ma'am." I said with a nod. "May we meet again."
She smiled. "I'll see you later."
I started down the hallway and heard Noin close her door. As I neared the corner I could hear Zechs' voice; how convenient. I went around the corner, lightly dragging my hand across the wall as a "guide."
"Zechs, sir? Is that you?" I called.
"There you are! Excellent timing." He said. The person he was talking to looked confused. "We'll finish this later." He said to the person. "Come, Failex. We must get ready."
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
The clothes I was made to wear were not quite as bad as Zechs made them out to be. They were stiff and confining, but I adapted to them quickly. All it was is a formal OZ uniform anyway.
When we arrived at the ball, Zechs introduced me to a few people, namely Treize and Lady Une. After the brief formalities, I "found" my way over to the balcony and fixed my gaze on the night sky. It was slightly more peaceful out here. The talking of the people inside was merely a murmur and the music that was playing softly mixed with the song of the breeze. I closed my eyes briefly and felt the cool night air. I loved being outside.
"The stars are beautiful tonight."
I turned to look for the source of that pick-up line. It was a girl around my age. She was pretty at first glance, but her eyes told a story of sadness. That ruined her radiance and I felt a little sick.
"I'm sure they are. . ." I said, pretending to look for her. She walked up beside me and tilted her head.
"You don't think so?"
I lowered my head. "I have never seen the sky, milady."
"Oh. . . you're blind?"
I nodded.
"Oh. . . I'm sorry. . ." She looked away and stared, a silence falling between us.
"Hmm. . . I sense an air of reflection. . . what are you thinking about, milady?"
She looked slightly embarrassed. "Oh, I was just thinking about someone. . ."
I smiled. "Ah. . . a special friend of yours?"
She smiled sheepishly. "Yes. . . you looked a little out of place here and I thought you might have know him. . . but if you're blind. . ." She leaned on the railing and studied the bushes below.
"Those are quite harsh words to my ears, milady. . ."
"Dreadfully sorry, sir. . . uhm. . . may ask your name?"
"Failex, Failex Del Monte."
"Pardon me, my name is Releena Peacecraft."
"Wouldn't that be Queen Releena Peacecraft?"
She sighed. "Yes, but I'm not very fond of the title. . ."
"I see. . ." Silence fell once more, except for the bustle inside; now the clinking of swords hitting one another had added into the ruckus. I told Releena it was nice meeting her and left the balcony. I entered the ballroom just as a new song started. There was a large group of people off to one corner. Someone tapped my shoulder: Noin.
"Can you dance?" She asked.
"I've never tried." I answered.
She took my hand and led me onto the floor. She put my left hand on her hip and put her right on my shoulder. With her left, she took my free hand and we slowly started moving together.
"You're not too bad." She commented.
"I'm afraid I'm going to step on your foot."
"You won't, you're doing very well. Just follow my lead."
As the song ended, a voice echoed through the room. "Who will challenge me now?" It was Treize.
I thanked Noin for the dance and made my way toward the group of people in the corner, for that is where the voice came from.
"Come on, Zechs! You and me! Let's have a go." Treize said, pointing his sword at Zechs, who was sitting at a table near the mob.
Zechs smiled wearily. "That's quite all right, sir."
"Not even a try?"
"I'll challenge you." I called and the crowd parted for me.
Zechs stood up. "Failex?" He chuckled. "I doubt you can win against Treize."
"Give the boy a chance!" Treize said, tossing me a sword. Zechs looked surprised when I caught it. He slowly returned to his seat.
I whipped the sword around, getting a feel to it.
"Ready?"
I nodded, taking a fighting stance. We touched our blades together and the duel commenced. I could tell right off that Treize was only toying with me. He was probably just as sure of victory as Zechs was. I let him call the shots for a while and nothing too interesting happened. It wasn't until someone yawned loudly that Treize started getting a little more serious. The smirk on his face faded and he actually started to focus.
"Tell me when you've had enough." I said with a sneer.
He glared. "Why don't you do something interesting instead of just defending against my attacks? You've done nothing offensive yet."
"If you insist. . . On your guard!"
I lunged forward and our swords went faster and faster. I did a twirl here and there, ducked a few times, and did a few finger tricks when he was out of striking distance. I even flipped over him a couple times, making the crowd "ooo" and "ahhh." Then, as I was getting bored with the match, with one last fancy move I flung Treize's sword out of his hand and caught it with my left.
"You are defeated." I said with a taunting smile.
Treize grunted. "Wonderfully done. What is your rank?"
Zechs stepped in. "He's not recruited, sir."
"Why ever not?"
"I'm blind, sir."
Treize raised his eyebrow. "Really?"
A murmur rolled around the crowd. Treize turned to Zechs.
"Is this true?"
"Yes, sir." Zechs replied.
"Incredable. . ."
I had wandered away from them. About half of the crowd was following me with their eyes, as I made my way to the balcony, the swords still in my hands. It was just barely noticeable, but the floor was trembling in regular intervals. Something was coming, and it was big.
I dropped the swords with a clang and a hand touched my shoulder.
"Failex? What is it?" It was Noin. Zechs and Treize made there way to us.
"Something is coming. . ." I whispered.
Zechs looked alarmed and glanced at Treize. "Do you know what?"
"Mobile suits. . ." I said. "Gundams."
Zechs took hold of my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes. "Are you sure?"
I pushed his hands away and put my ear to the floor.
"What is he doing?" Treize asked Zechs.
"Shhhhh!" I hissed.
Treize and Zechs looked at each other and then called for silence in the room. After a few moments, I stood up.
"Four of them. One coming from each cardinal direction."
"I'll have a team of scouts sent out to confirm this." Zechs said. Just then Treize's communicator went off.
/Sir, four gundams have been sighted heading you're way. Apporaching north, south, east, west. Permission to deploy the Leos?/
Treize stared at me. "Permission granted." He lowered the radio slowly, continuing to stare at me. "Zechs, tell me again why this man isn't recruited?"
"He's blind, sir."
"I want him recruited for special forces."
A state of panic began to settle in the ballroom like a great cloud. Treize called for order. Zechs turned to me.
"Failex, get out of here." He whispered. "This place will be blown to bits. If we don't get out of here quickly, we all shall perish."
"Why do you only tell me?"
"Because I like you. A lot of these people I could do without. Now go!"
"Yes sir!"
I stalked away as Trieze herded everyone else somewhere down a hallway. The moment I'd gotten outside I spotted a gundam. It fired at a building. I ran and ducked for cover in some ornamental bushes. A group of Leos were firing over head, but were soon blown to bits, their twisted pieces raining from the sky.
Soon I spotted another slicing through the Leos with a gigantic scythe. I stayed where I was and watched for an opportunity to make a beeline for safety. Some air ships took off from a hidden hangar, but were soon destroyed by yet another gundam.
The building was now a blazing fire and only a few struggling Leos remained. They were quickly taken out and the four gundams met in the middle of the destruction they caused. The front of each gundam opened and a boy emerged. They appeared to be talking so I moved closer to listen, dashing out from behind piles of ruble here and there.
"Looks like we're done here." The one with a long brown braid said.
A short haired boy in a green tank top and black spandex shorts waited for their attention. "One ship escaped. . . again." He said.
The blonde boy spoke up. "Shouldn't we get going? Before back up comes or something?"
The last pilot took a step forward on his platform. "That was my fault. . . that the ship got away. . ." He said bowing his head.
I watched him for a moment, not listening to what they were saying. Something was familiar about that last boy.
Then I realized why.
"Trowa. . ." I said, under my breath.
They went back into their cockpits and started to leave. I looked around and spotted a still intact jeep. I hot wired it and started after them. I made sure to follow a good distance behind them. They stopped in a forest and hid their gundams before meeting in a clearing. By this time I'd ditched the jeep and followed them on foot. They were heading towards the city about a mile north. It was almost midnight when they made it into town and found a hotel.
Switch to Trowa's POV
I sat on the bed and sighed.
"You don't need to beat yourself up over this, Trowa. Our mission was to crash the party and that's exactly what we did." Quatre said. "Maybe that ship was full of innocent people. Maybe we got the OZ officers."
"Innocent or not, they were OZ supporters." I said. I got up and went to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"I saw some stairs to the roof. . ." I said and left. Quatre was a good friend of mine, but I needed time to myself right now.
I found the stairs and went up them. I came out on the roof and paused for a moment. Someone else was all ready up here. I was going to leave, but I took a second glace. Three red, orange, and yellow braids hung down the back of the person leaning on the railing. They were wearing an Oz uniform too. They looked over their shoulder at me and then turned all the way around to face me. It was then I discovered I knew this person. It was the boy who saved from the explosion. . . but. . . I was so sure he would have died. . .
He leaned back with his elbows on the railing. "It's Trowa, isn't it?"
I nodded.
"You planted that bomb, didn't you?" He said with a smile.
"You saw me checking my watch."
He turned back around and watched the traffic on the street below. "So, you're a gundam pilot. . ."
"Yes. . ." I reached into my shoe for my hand gun and crept up behind him. I pointed it at his head.
"Kill me if you want. I don't have to finish what I want to tell you. . ." He said, without so much as a glance over his shoulder.
I slowly lowered the gun. "What?"
"My name is Failex Del Monte." He said.
I leaned on the railing next to his, still holding my gun. "Like the general?"
"Yes, he was my father."
"Then why are you wearing an OZ uniform?"
"OZ found me after the explosion and nursed me back to health. Zechs put me in this uniform. I'm trying to gain his trust. I'm one of the few double agents that gets the info for your missions."
I stared at him uncertainly. I wasn't sure if he was being truthful or not.
"You don't believe me, do you?" He smiled and began to walk away.
"Wait!" I called after him. I went to grab his shoulder, but some way or another one of his braids ended up in my hand. He stopped and faced me. Together we looked at the braid in my fist. I let it go and looked him straight in the eyes. He hadn't been lying.
"I believe you."
Switch to Failex's POV
I stared at him. He'd blushed slightly when he accidentally grabbed my braid. I couldn't blame him though. Everyone liked to touch my hair.
"Why?" I asked. "I don't really have any proof. . ."
He turned away. "I saw it in your eyes." He put his gun away and went back to the railing. I followed him and leaned on it beside him. A breeze blew and I closed my eyes, taking a whiff of the air.
"Smells like rain." I stated.
Trowa looked at me from the corner of his eye. "Are you a gundam pilot?"
"No, but I know how to pilot one."
Trowa was silent for a few moments. "Are you staying here for the night?"
"No, I only followed you here."
He stood up straight. "You can stay with Quatre and I. . . if you want. . ."
I smiled. "That's generous of you. . . are you sure?"
He started for the stairs. "Let's just say it's payback for saving my life."
I followed him down the stairs and into a hotel room. Inside were the blonde boy and the boy with the long braid. They seemed to be in deep conversation, but looked up when we entered. They both looked rather startled at my uniform.
"Hey, this is Failex. . . he's one of us." Trowa said.
The two of them instantly looked relieved. The boy with the braid jumped up.
"Wild! Nice ta meetcha! The name's Duo." He shook my hand. "By the way, love the hair." He made a clicking noise and winked, sticking up both his thumbs. "I'm gunna go see what Heero's doin. . . prolly nuthin. . . but, yeah." He left.
I heard the shower turn on. Trowa must have escaped to the bathroom, leaving me alone with the innocent looking blond. This must be Quatre. He smiled at me pleasantly.
"Trowa said you could stay with us didn't he?" He asked.
I nodded and sat down on the bed across from him. "So, you're Quatre, right?"
He nodded. "Mm hm! Trowa and I will share this bed. You can have that one. . . now, care to tell me why you're wearing an OZ uniform?"
"I'm a double agent. I get information for your missions."
He raised his eyebrows at me. "Wow. . . that sounds even more dangerous than what we do. . . anyway! Welcome to the family!"
I puzzled at him. Family? That was a word I used to know. It meant unconditional love and refuge from anything. I wondered if that's what Quatre meant, or maybe he was just being sarcastic. . . I hoped not. I could use a refuge where no one would judge me.
Trowa emerged from the bathroom and immediately had to answer the door. It was Duo and the other boy, Heero. Duo bounded in, leaving Heero at the door, and vaulted over the first bed. He landed right next to Quatre and they instantly started a conversation. Heero glanced at Trowa in his pajamas and then turned his gaze to me. He made his way to a chair just to the left of the beds and sat down with out a word. He looked somewhat annoyed.
"Hi." I said to Heero, attempting at conversation, but I soon discovered that was nearly impossible. He merely shifted his gaze in my general direction to acknowledge me.
"My name is Failex Del Monte." I said hopefully.
He looked me straight in the eyes. A small spark of interest ignited in his eyes.
"General Del Monte's son." He said. It was like he was thinking out loud though. It hadn't been a question and it was directed at anyone. He just said it.
"Yes." I said, not knowing what else to say. So, I guessed that confirmed his conclusion because he smirked and his eyes wandered elsewhere. Trowa came and sat down next to me.
"Do you want to borrow some of my night clothes?"
I nodded. "Yes, please. Mind if I use the shower?"
He shook his head and handed me some flannel pants and a cotton shirt.
"Thanks." I said with a slight smile.
I stared at the papers on my desk. It was getting late, and I was tired. I hadn't got any sleep the previous night. I was too worried about Failex, and I had a lot of work to do.
I sighed and flicked my pen into the pencil cup. There was so much I wanted to ask Failex about. He was the son of the best Alliance General in history. He must be able to tell me something about the operations.
I took off my mask and rubbed my eyes. I was so tired. . .
Switch to Failex's POV
With two days and another mission gone by, I'd leaned the basic personalities of the four boys. Duo was loud and obnoxious, but lovable all the same. Quatre was very gentle and caring and always cheerful. Trowa was considerably quiet and had a melancholy air about him. Then there was Heero. Heero was silent and, by the glare in his eyes, deadly.
Quatre and Duo were obviously good friends. One was never seen without the other nearby. Trowa and Heero had some kind of relationship. It seemed like they could tell each other things without actually speaking. What I didn't understand, though, was why Trowa and Quatre always roomed together. They didn't really talk much as far as I knew.
This morning we were to split up. Three different missions needed carrying out. I have to admit that I was pretty dog gone surprised when Trowa approached me and asked if I would accompany him. Quatre and Duo were also going as a team and Heero was going alone.
Before Trowa and I left tow we stopped at a sporting goods store and picked up camping supplies. Trowa informed me that the base we were assigned to destroy was out in the middle of nowhere. Trowa had one of those wonderful plastic cards capable of buying almost anything.
We hi-jacked an 8-wheeler from a nearby rest stop and dumped its contents so we could hide Trowa's gundam in it. Then we hit the road. We drove for about 26 hours before stopping. We pulled off the road and found a clearing where we could set up camp. I helped Trowa set up the tent and unrolled the sleeping bags. While he set up the rest of the equipment I went to look for firewood. Just when I'd picked up as much as I could carry, I spotted a cave. I would have just ignored it if there wasn't a light emitting from the entrance. I set down the logs I'd collected and went to look inside. A small fire was going, casting shadows on the cave walls. . . and something covered by a green tarp. I went inside to take a peek at whatever was under the tarp, but as soon as I had touched it I noted a shadow moving my way.
I drew the sword I'd confiscated from an antique armory we'd passed on the road (hey, we were hungry and there was a nice little restaurant right next to it), and whirled around just in time. My blade met the other boy's with a loud clang. His teeth were bared and he even let out a snarl.
"What are you doing in here, intruder?" He growled, his jet-black hair which was slicked back into a little pony tail almost reflected the flames of the fire perfectly. He put more pressure on my blade.
"I wanted to know why there was light coming from a cave in the middle of nowhere." I said through clenched teeth. I threw him off of me, but he came back quickly, whirling his sword all around. I met his every attack. He started getting impatient and roared as he attacked more fiercely.
That was when I advanced on him. I forced him outside and kept him at bay. Then I noticed the cliff. We were just at the edge of it and his heels were probably hanging off the edge. He lost his balance and I tried to catch before he could fall backward, but I wasn't fast enough and missed. I carefully looked over the edge. He'd caught a ledge! He was barely hanging on with one hand while the other clutched his sword. I sheathed my sword and lay down on the cold stone. I extended my hand out to him.
"Grab my hand! I'll pull you up!" I called down to him.
"Not on my life!" He spat, swinging at my hand with his sword. I pulled my hand away before he could strike. I stared down at him and then looked back at the cave.
"You wouldn't be a gundam pilot, would you?" I asked suddenly.
"What's it to you?" He yelled and started to slip.
"Because, if you are, we're on the same side! Trowa and I have set up camp not far from here! Were you instructed to destroy the base in Timbuktu?"
He yelled as he slipped another foot. His knuckles turned white as he struggled to hang on.
"Please! Let me help you!" I said, reaching for him again.
He sheathed his sword and reached for my hand. "I can't reach! And your stupid braids keep hitting me in the face!" He snarled. I stretched as far as I dared and felt his finger tips brush mine.
"I still can't reach!" He said, swatting at my braids.
My braids. . .
That's it!
"Grab my braids!"
"What?"
"Grab my damn braids!"
He grabbed two of them and held on tight. I winced when he let go of the ledge. I grabbed hold of my hair and started to pull him up. My eyes were watering by the time I could reach over the side and hoist him up by his shirt. Both of us collapsed onto the ground and waited for our adrenaline to stop pumping.
I sat up after a deep breath. "So, what's your name?"
"Wufei. Chang Wufei." He said, standing up and dusting himself off. "You?"
"Failex Del Monte."
He stared. "Del Monte?" He erased his expression of surprise and replaced it with disappointment. "I should have known. . . with fighting skills like that. . ." He harshly kicked a rock and it flew over the cliff. "What were you doing out here anyway?"
"I was getting firewood for Trowa. . . speaking of which, he's probably wondering what's taking so long."