Destiny
Chapter 2
A Woman in hiding
Relena was relieved on how easing the holiday she had taken was. She had gone to America and relaxed as much as possible. She attended as many balls and banquet as possible. Tried to meet as many men as possible, but none of them seemed right. None of them seemed like Heero and she knew deep down that was what she wanted. After her week was up she went back to her home only to find Heero and all the other Gundam pilots there awaiting her. Quatre had found a way to get to her at the airport and tell her. She had no time to catch another flight, so she had no other choice than to go back to her home. Quatre tried to explain that Duo wouldn't leave with out seeing his favorite lady and talked Heero into staying as well. Trowa stayed for Quatre. They hadn't seen each other in so long. Wufei had never liked Relena, so he left. Quatre snuck Relena in and to her room immediately. Quatre explained to Duo that Relena was very tired and that she would see him and Hilde, but that would be it. When Quatre explained this to all the men Heero's expression didn't change. Quatre was sad about this. He wished Heero knew what he was missing. Quatre led Duo and Hilde into the tearoom. Relena stood when they walked in. she remembered Duo's and Hilde's wedding. It was a beautiful day, but Relena knew Duo had had something for Heero. It had bothered her at first, but she learned to live with it. If Heero wanted Duo there would be nothing for her to do to stop it. Relena confronted Duo before the wedding.
"Duo, why are you doing this?" she asked quietly.
"Doing what?" Duo replied and tried to tie his tie.
"Marring Hilde. I know you felt something for Heero."
Duo stopped tying his tie and looked at her. He was silent for a moment then spoke. "I did and to a point still do, but he is not what I need. Hilde is. She loves me and I won't find love like that ever again. I have to take advantage of it and deep down I know I love her or will love her. Heero's just not the one."
"It just seems odd," Relena sighed. Duo began tying his tie again.
"I know, but maybe you should take this into thought as well."
"But I have no one to turn to. You have Hilde. I wish I did have some one to turn to."
"You will someday and maybe he'll see just what he missed. He just struck once. I hope he won't strike out again."
Duo smiled when he saw Relena, as did Hilde. "You don't look tired at all," Hilde remarked and smiled.
"Looks are deceiving," Quatre answered for Relena. Relena looked over at Quatre.
"It's alright, Quatre," Relena said quietly. "Sit down please." Everyone did so. "How is everything going with you, Duo?"
"Well," Duo stared. "Hilde may be pregnant."
"Oh," Relena smiled. "That's wonderful news."
"Well, we're not for sure yet, but we're hopeful," Hilde added.
"I do hope everything works out." Relena said politely. "You do really look tired now, Relena," Duo said quietly. "I think you should get some sleep now. We'll go." Relena nodded and stood up. Quatre led Hilde out of the room. Duo stayed behind. "Relena what's wrong? You've decided something haven't you? You didn't want to see Heero, that's not like you. Are you planning something?"
"Duo, I think you should be told, so ask Quatre. He will tell you. I am very tired. I would be very happy to sleep," Relena replied.
"Okay, Relena," Duo left the room. Relena waited a little while then ventured out into the halls. She wanted to do a beeline to her room. She had just reached the stairs when she saw him. He was wearing a royal outfit, just as Duo had. He watched her with his cold blank stare that told nothing. Relena was shocked. Then looked away. She turned her eyes to the stairs and headed there as fast as she could. She turned back just once and for the first time in her life she saw Heero Yuy with a confused look on his face. She did her best not to let that bother her. She had made her decision and she would stick to it. She turned back to the dark hall and ran the rest of the way to her room.
* * * *
The next morning Duo came up to her as she walked through her gardens as she did every morning.
"Relena, Quatre told me what you have done. I think it's a good decision. I know it's hard, it was hard for me, but haven't been happier in my life now. If Hilde is pregnant I don't know what I will do. I'm afraid I'll whoop so loud that I'll wake up the people on the colonies."
Relena laughed. "I do hope she is. I wish I was." Duo stopped walking and looked at her.
"Is that why you're doing this? Is that why you gave up? You want to have a child?"
"Yes, and I'm afraid if I don't have one when I'm young I won't have the strength to teach him or her the was of pacifism. I can no longer wait for Heero. I chased after him like a wild girl. I've grown up. I now know that that is not the way it is done or can be done. I am so sad by this, but it is the way things go. I did love him."
"So did I," Duo replied.
"I know, but he didn't love either of us. You have found love in Hilde. You were lucky. I just hope I find love with some one else soon too."
"You will. It would be impossible not to love you, Relena once someone got to know you." Duo complemented.
"Thank you, Duo. You are a wonderful man. Hilde is a very lucky woman."
"No, I am a lucky man." Duo sighed. "I'll walk you back to your room, Relena."
"Alright. I will be holding a banquet in two weeks. I want to invite you and Hilde to it, Wufei too. I know he never liked me, but I hope I can change that. I think it was because I was so obsessed with Heero." The two were in the house before Duo answered.
"Wufei is a different man. He's been through a lot and he's just lonely."
"I wish that were just it, but it seems like more." They reached Relena's tearoom and went in. they where surprised and shocked to find Heero setting there waiting. He stood up when he heard them walk in. the two gasped.
"Um, um, Heero come with me. I have a great thing to show you in the rose garden!" Duo tried to coax Heero out of the room.
"No," Heero said strongly. "I want to speak to Relena alone." Relena looked up at Duo who had a confused look on his face. She couldn't allow him to go through this.
"Duo, you can leave. I'll be fine," she said steadily. It surprised her as well as Duo that her voice could be so strong when she was so scared.
"Okay," he said and then turned around and walked down the hall. Relena entered the room. She walked steadily to her seat.
"Sit," she offered. He did as she said. Relena sat. "Now Heero, what was it you wanted?"
"I think there is a rebellion under way." Heero said plainly.
"What! Is it an Oz thing?" Relena said.
"No, although they might have gotten their weapons from the ex Oz. What do you want us to do about it?"
"Are you Gundams still more powerful?"
"Yes,"
"Then go there. Arrest them and bring them up for trial. Do your best not to hurt anyone. Do you understand?"
"Yes,"
"Is that all?" Relena asked.
"No, I, yes," Heero replied.
"Alright, I am leaving today for England, so if you well excuse me..." Relena stood up and turned towards the door.
"Why weren't you here last week?" Heero asked. Relena turned back to him. "I had business."
"You consider balls and dancing business?" Relena's heartbeat went up, but she kept her cool composure.
"If it was it would be no concern of yours," Relena snapped back. Heero's classic expression changed. Relena had never snapped at him before.
" Am leaving now, Heero," Relena turned back to the door.
"Relena, um, goodbye." Relena stopped at the door.
"Good bye, Heero," she whispered. Then walked out of the room. Once Relena reached her room she let her mind go free. 'How did he know what I was doing? How dare he question me! I need to stay away from him!' She sat calmly on her bed. Then there was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Relena called.
"Quatre."
"And Duo!"
"Come in," Relena called back. The door opened and the two Gundam pilots walked in. Relena stood.
"Are you alright?" Quatre asked after he had shut the door.
"Yes, Quatre I'm fine."
"I told you, Duo! You shouldn't have left her!" Quatre whispered harshly.
"I'm sorry. I know I should have. I'm sorry, Relena." Duo said quietly.
"It is alright, Duo. I think it worked out for the best. Please sit down. There are seats over there." Relena pointed to two seats at a small table in the corner of her very large room. Duo and Quatre both got their own and pulled them up to Relena's bed side. She sat down on her bed.
"Does Trowa know yet?" She asked quietly.
"No, but he senses that something is going. Do you think we should tell him?" Quatre asked.
"I don't know. Do you think it would help or would it cause Heero to have even more suspicion then he already has?" Duo replied.
"Do as you see fit Gentle men. I trust you," Relena said quietly. Again there was a knock at the door.
"Miss Relena, You ride is here to take you to the air port." A servant said through the door.
"Thank you. I'll be there in just a minute," Relena replied.
"We should be leaving," Quatre said and stood up.
"Yeah. I have to see how Hilde's doing. I'm so worried about her. Um, I better go check on her right now! Good bye, Relena. I'll see you at your ball in two weeks," and with that Duo was gone. Quatre started laughing.
"He just checked on her! It will be a new thing to think of the 'god of death' as a father." Quatre said between his laughter. Relena laughed too.
"I think it will be good for him. I know he will be a wonderful father. Are you and Trowa having a good time?" Relena said and stood up.
"Yes. I am very happy to see him," Quatre replied. "Now Relena you better be on your way. I'm sure Noin and Zechs will be waiting for you."
"Okay, Good bye Quatre," Relena said and walked out. She hoped this trip would be even more comforting than the last.
* * * *
After three years Zechs had returned. He seemed so ashamed when he did. But Relena and Noin welcomed him with open arms. They were so happy he was home. Zechs had changed. He apologized to everyone, but he never talked about what had happened when the piece of the Libra blew up. No one asked either. Relena had felt so whole then, but not now...
Relena sat at her table at the banquet for the baby, Mien. Zechs walked up to her.
"Relena, I have some one I want you to meet. Please come with me," Zechs stuck his arm out to her. Relena took it and got up. He led her to the back of a tall black haired man. He turned around and looked at Relena with shockingly beautiful emerald eyes. "Relena, this is Nicholas Minstro," Zechs explained.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas bowed down. Relena was in utter shock. This man, he was so amazing. She couldn't take her eyes off him and he couldn't take his of her.
"Why don't you two dance?" Zechs said and put Relena's hand in Nicholas's. They stood there for a moment then began dancing.
"My Lady, you look absolutely beautiful, if you don't mind me saying." Nicholas said.
"Of course not," Relena replied. Nicholas whorled her around on the dance floors.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas said. "You looked as if your weren't enjoying yourself, sitting there alone. Please forgive me if I had Lord Zechs interrupt you."
"Oh no, Mr. Minstro. I am very glad that you did," Relena replied. The music stopped and Nicholas led Relena back to her seat. "Please Mr. Minstro, sit with me and my family."
"Thank you, Miss Darlian," he replied and sat.
"My niece, Mien will be presented as princess by me in only a few minutes, so Mr. Minstro please excuse me." Relena got up and walked to where Noin was standing.
"Lady Lucrezia, where is the new princess? I would like to see her before the inauguration, if you don't mind."
"Oh Miss Relena," Noin cried when she saw Relena. Relena smiled. "Come with me," Noin led her into a room. Relena's eyes searched the room. She saw a rocking chair and a playpen and the crib she had specially made for her niece. She walked up to it and saw a beautiful white haired wrinkly angel asleep in it. Noin came up behind Relena
"Oh, Lucrezia, she's beautiful!" Relena whispered.
"Yes, she takes after he father," Noin replied. "And you, she has your eyes." With that the child's eyes opened. Noin was right. Relena felt like she was looking back into her own eyes. "Pick her up," Noin coaxed. Relena reached down and grabbed the baby gently she supported the baby's head on her arm and rocked it. She bit her lip. She wouldn't cry. She couldn't. Noin wouldn't understand and she didn't want any one else but Trowa to know about her plans. Zechs came into the room.
"Noin, Relena, it's time," he said and put his hands on Noin's shoulders. Relena turned with the child in her arms to her brother.
"Milliardo," Relena sighed. "Your daughter is the most beautiful thing I've seen in my life!" The baby whimpered.
"She is beautiful," he agreed and rubbed the back of his hand on his daughter's cheek. "Now lets be going. We don't want to leave our guests waiting." The three left the room and walked onto the plat form in front of the entire guest. The music stopped and everyone looked up at them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Vice Forien Minister, Relena Darlian" an announcer proclaimed. Relena walked up to the podium with the baby in her arms. Everyone clapped.
"We have come here, Ladies and Gentlemen to announce the birth of a beautiful baby, Mien. May she carry on the believes of pacificim." Again everyone clapped. Relena went back to Noin and gave her Mien, but not before kissing the baby on its forehead. She walked back to her table where Nicholas sat waiting for her. She sat down again.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas said after the music started up again. "Would you like to dance?"
"I'd love to, Mr. Minstro," Relena replied and got up.
"Please Call me Nicholas." Nicholas took her hand and pulled her into the circle of people. Relena danced all night. Most of the time with Nicholas, but she did reserve one dance for her brother. She went home the next morning. She had work to do, planning her own ball as well as checking up, with Quatre, on the rebellion and if it was smashed. Quatre met her at the door.
"Relena, I'm glad you're back," he said quietly.
"So am I, Quatre," She replied.
"You have a visitor." Relena looked over at Quatre her eyes wide.
"Who?"
"Wufei," Quatre said plainly.
"Wufei?" Relena mocked.
"Yes, he said he needed to speak to you at once."
"Alright. Where is he?"
"In the tearoom." Relena wasted no time. She headed strait there. She opened the door. Wufei stood up. He was wearing his normal outfit. This did not surprise Relena. He had never done anything for her sake. Relena walked in.
"Please, Mr. Chang sit down," Relena offered. He was the only one of the Gundam pilots she was still so very polite to. He did so and she sat too. "What is it that you need, Mr. Chang?"
"I heard of the rebellion. I want to help," he said plainly.
"Do as Quatre sees fit. He is the leader of those choices," Relena replied.
"No, I wanted to ask you."
"Then, yes you have my permission, just as long as you try not to hurt as many people as possible."
"Done," he stood up. Relena stood with him. He bowed slightly. She bowed back. He began to leave.
"Wufei," Relena said quietly. Wufei looked back at her. "I respect you. I know you have hard feelings against me, but I plan on changing that. It would be a very big honor to have your respect." Wufei looked at her for a while then opened the door and walked out. Relena sat down in her chair again and looked out the window.
"Those eyes," she whispered to herself. "I can't get them out of my head. His eyes, that green, it's unbelievable how he effected me. It was; it was just like Heero when I saw him at the school. I know he has something, I know he's here on a mission, but what?"
"My lady?" Quatre said after over hearing a little of the conversation Relena was having with herself. Relena looked over at him. "I couldn't help over hearing. Does this mean you've found some one?"
"I don't know Quatre. Maybe, maybe he's who I was waiting for." Relena took a deep breath. "Quatre, how is that rebellion being handled?"
"Quite well, Relena, Heero, I mean..."
"Don't worry about it, Quatre. Continue."
"He has successfully over taken that area, but," Quatre explained. "Heero said that it's not the main head quarters. None of the men are talking. He wants to use force to get it out of them. That's why Wufei is going. He's going in your place. To up hold your ideas and make sure Heero does not hurt them." Relena's eyes widened. "That does not sound like Wufei. I thought he would be on Heero's side about this."
"Apparently not. I want to head there myself soon with Trowa. Duo is going to stay here. I'm hoping it won't take long."
"Do we know who the leader of this or why they are doing this?" Relena asked.
"We do not know who the leader is, but we do have some sort of idea of why and what their plains are. Here," Quatre pulled out a tape recorder. "Listen to this. This is a conversation Heero had with one of the ones caught." Quatre hit play.
"Who is your leader?" Heero's voice came though.
"I won't tell you anything, except that this peace is a fraud! True peace is only made by military power and this is what we're proving. All Gundams and their pilots should be eliminated. They are a threat to the colonies and Earth. You are a threat to the Earth. Relena Darlian approves of you, there for she is the enemy too!" a man cried. Quatre turned off the tape.
"That doesn't make sense, Quatre. I don't see why..." Relena said quietly.
"I know," Quatre replied. "That is why I'm going down there."
"Then Quatre, I bid you fair well. I do hope you come back soon." She stood up and walked over to him and embraced him. She let go and looked at him. He was shocked. "Quatre, please be careful. I love you, my brother."
"Relena, I,"
"Please Quatre, you are like my brother and I love you as one, so please except this, that I do love and care about what happens to you. I'm worried about this. I have a very bad feeling. The Earth is in trouble again. It needs you, I need you, so please do not do anything to get yourself hurt."
"You sound as if I'm going into battle," Quatre smiled.
"I have a feeling you are. Promise me, Quatre, you'll be careful."
"I promise, Relena," Quatre replied and stepped back. He soluited her. "Good bye." He left.
"Good bye Quatre," Relena whispered long after he left. This was becoming more than she thought it would be. She felt that the Earth was again on the verge of war. This banquet she was holding would be the announcement of it. She would have to tell the people what was going on. It was her duty.
Chapter 2
A Woman in hiding
Relena was relieved on how easing the holiday she had taken was. She had gone to America and relaxed as much as possible. She attended as many balls and banquet as possible. Tried to meet as many men as possible, but none of them seemed right. None of them seemed like Heero and she knew deep down that was what she wanted. After her week was up she went back to her home only to find Heero and all the other Gundam pilots there awaiting her. Quatre had found a way to get to her at the airport and tell her. She had no time to catch another flight, so she had no other choice than to go back to her home. Quatre tried to explain that Duo wouldn't leave with out seeing his favorite lady and talked Heero into staying as well. Trowa stayed for Quatre. They hadn't seen each other in so long. Wufei had never liked Relena, so he left. Quatre snuck Relena in and to her room immediately. Quatre explained to Duo that Relena was very tired and that she would see him and Hilde, but that would be it. When Quatre explained this to all the men Heero's expression didn't change. Quatre was sad about this. He wished Heero knew what he was missing. Quatre led Duo and Hilde into the tearoom. Relena stood when they walked in. she remembered Duo's and Hilde's wedding. It was a beautiful day, but Relena knew Duo had had something for Heero. It had bothered her at first, but she learned to live with it. If Heero wanted Duo there would be nothing for her to do to stop it. Relena confronted Duo before the wedding.
"Duo, why are you doing this?" she asked quietly.
"Doing what?" Duo replied and tried to tie his tie.
"Marring Hilde. I know you felt something for Heero."
Duo stopped tying his tie and looked at her. He was silent for a moment then spoke. "I did and to a point still do, but he is not what I need. Hilde is. She loves me and I won't find love like that ever again. I have to take advantage of it and deep down I know I love her or will love her. Heero's just not the one."
"It just seems odd," Relena sighed. Duo began tying his tie again.
"I know, but maybe you should take this into thought as well."
"But I have no one to turn to. You have Hilde. I wish I did have some one to turn to."
"You will someday and maybe he'll see just what he missed. He just struck once. I hope he won't strike out again."
Duo smiled when he saw Relena, as did Hilde. "You don't look tired at all," Hilde remarked and smiled.
"Looks are deceiving," Quatre answered for Relena. Relena looked over at Quatre.
"It's alright, Quatre," Relena said quietly. "Sit down please." Everyone did so. "How is everything going with you, Duo?"
"Well," Duo stared. "Hilde may be pregnant."
"Oh," Relena smiled. "That's wonderful news."
"Well, we're not for sure yet, but we're hopeful," Hilde added.
"I do hope everything works out." Relena said politely. "You do really look tired now, Relena," Duo said quietly. "I think you should get some sleep now. We'll go." Relena nodded and stood up. Quatre led Hilde out of the room. Duo stayed behind. "Relena what's wrong? You've decided something haven't you? You didn't want to see Heero, that's not like you. Are you planning something?"
"Duo, I think you should be told, so ask Quatre. He will tell you. I am very tired. I would be very happy to sleep," Relena replied.
"Okay, Relena," Duo left the room. Relena waited a little while then ventured out into the halls. She wanted to do a beeline to her room. She had just reached the stairs when she saw him. He was wearing a royal outfit, just as Duo had. He watched her with his cold blank stare that told nothing. Relena was shocked. Then looked away. She turned her eyes to the stairs and headed there as fast as she could. She turned back just once and for the first time in her life she saw Heero Yuy with a confused look on his face. She did her best not to let that bother her. She had made her decision and she would stick to it. She turned back to the dark hall and ran the rest of the way to her room.
* * * *
The next morning Duo came up to her as she walked through her gardens as she did every morning.
"Relena, Quatre told me what you have done. I think it's a good decision. I know it's hard, it was hard for me, but haven't been happier in my life now. If Hilde is pregnant I don't know what I will do. I'm afraid I'll whoop so loud that I'll wake up the people on the colonies."
Relena laughed. "I do hope she is. I wish I was." Duo stopped walking and looked at her.
"Is that why you're doing this? Is that why you gave up? You want to have a child?"
"Yes, and I'm afraid if I don't have one when I'm young I won't have the strength to teach him or her the was of pacifism. I can no longer wait for Heero. I chased after him like a wild girl. I've grown up. I now know that that is not the way it is done or can be done. I am so sad by this, but it is the way things go. I did love him."
"So did I," Duo replied.
"I know, but he didn't love either of us. You have found love in Hilde. You were lucky. I just hope I find love with some one else soon too."
"You will. It would be impossible not to love you, Relena once someone got to know you." Duo complemented.
"Thank you, Duo. You are a wonderful man. Hilde is a very lucky woman."
"No, I am a lucky man." Duo sighed. "I'll walk you back to your room, Relena."
"Alright. I will be holding a banquet in two weeks. I want to invite you and Hilde to it, Wufei too. I know he never liked me, but I hope I can change that. I think it was because I was so obsessed with Heero." The two were in the house before Duo answered.
"Wufei is a different man. He's been through a lot and he's just lonely."
"I wish that were just it, but it seems like more." They reached Relena's tearoom and went in. they where surprised and shocked to find Heero setting there waiting. He stood up when he heard them walk in. the two gasped.
"Um, um, Heero come with me. I have a great thing to show you in the rose garden!" Duo tried to coax Heero out of the room.
"No," Heero said strongly. "I want to speak to Relena alone." Relena looked up at Duo who had a confused look on his face. She couldn't allow him to go through this.
"Duo, you can leave. I'll be fine," she said steadily. It surprised her as well as Duo that her voice could be so strong when she was so scared.
"Okay," he said and then turned around and walked down the hall. Relena entered the room. She walked steadily to her seat.
"Sit," she offered. He did as she said. Relena sat. "Now Heero, what was it you wanted?"
"I think there is a rebellion under way." Heero said plainly.
"What! Is it an Oz thing?" Relena said.
"No, although they might have gotten their weapons from the ex Oz. What do you want us to do about it?"
"Are you Gundams still more powerful?"
"Yes,"
"Then go there. Arrest them and bring them up for trial. Do your best not to hurt anyone. Do you understand?"
"Yes,"
"Is that all?" Relena asked.
"No, I, yes," Heero replied.
"Alright, I am leaving today for England, so if you well excuse me..." Relena stood up and turned towards the door.
"Why weren't you here last week?" Heero asked. Relena turned back to him. "I had business."
"You consider balls and dancing business?" Relena's heartbeat went up, but she kept her cool composure.
"If it was it would be no concern of yours," Relena snapped back. Heero's classic expression changed. Relena had never snapped at him before.
" Am leaving now, Heero," Relena turned back to the door.
"Relena, um, goodbye." Relena stopped at the door.
"Good bye, Heero," she whispered. Then walked out of the room. Once Relena reached her room she let her mind go free. 'How did he know what I was doing? How dare he question me! I need to stay away from him!' She sat calmly on her bed. Then there was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Relena called.
"Quatre."
"And Duo!"
"Come in," Relena called back. The door opened and the two Gundam pilots walked in. Relena stood.
"Are you alright?" Quatre asked after he had shut the door.
"Yes, Quatre I'm fine."
"I told you, Duo! You shouldn't have left her!" Quatre whispered harshly.
"I'm sorry. I know I should have. I'm sorry, Relena." Duo said quietly.
"It is alright, Duo. I think it worked out for the best. Please sit down. There are seats over there." Relena pointed to two seats at a small table in the corner of her very large room. Duo and Quatre both got their own and pulled them up to Relena's bed side. She sat down on her bed.
"Does Trowa know yet?" She asked quietly.
"No, but he senses that something is going. Do you think we should tell him?" Quatre asked.
"I don't know. Do you think it would help or would it cause Heero to have even more suspicion then he already has?" Duo replied.
"Do as you see fit Gentle men. I trust you," Relena said quietly. Again there was a knock at the door.
"Miss Relena, You ride is here to take you to the air port." A servant said through the door.
"Thank you. I'll be there in just a minute," Relena replied.
"We should be leaving," Quatre said and stood up.
"Yeah. I have to see how Hilde's doing. I'm so worried about her. Um, I better go check on her right now! Good bye, Relena. I'll see you at your ball in two weeks," and with that Duo was gone. Quatre started laughing.
"He just checked on her! It will be a new thing to think of the 'god of death' as a father." Quatre said between his laughter. Relena laughed too.
"I think it will be good for him. I know he will be a wonderful father. Are you and Trowa having a good time?" Relena said and stood up.
"Yes. I am very happy to see him," Quatre replied. "Now Relena you better be on your way. I'm sure Noin and Zechs will be waiting for you."
"Okay, Good bye Quatre," Relena said and walked out. She hoped this trip would be even more comforting than the last.
* * * *
After three years Zechs had returned. He seemed so ashamed when he did. But Relena and Noin welcomed him with open arms. They were so happy he was home. Zechs had changed. He apologized to everyone, but he never talked about what had happened when the piece of the Libra blew up. No one asked either. Relena had felt so whole then, but not now...
Relena sat at her table at the banquet for the baby, Mien. Zechs walked up to her.
"Relena, I have some one I want you to meet. Please come with me," Zechs stuck his arm out to her. Relena took it and got up. He led her to the back of a tall black haired man. He turned around and looked at Relena with shockingly beautiful emerald eyes. "Relena, this is Nicholas Minstro," Zechs explained.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas bowed down. Relena was in utter shock. This man, he was so amazing. She couldn't take her eyes off him and he couldn't take his of her.
"Why don't you two dance?" Zechs said and put Relena's hand in Nicholas's. They stood there for a moment then began dancing.
"My Lady, you look absolutely beautiful, if you don't mind me saying." Nicholas said.
"Of course not," Relena replied. Nicholas whorled her around on the dance floors.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas said. "You looked as if your weren't enjoying yourself, sitting there alone. Please forgive me if I had Lord Zechs interrupt you."
"Oh no, Mr. Minstro. I am very glad that you did," Relena replied. The music stopped and Nicholas led Relena back to her seat. "Please Mr. Minstro, sit with me and my family."
"Thank you, Miss Darlian," he replied and sat.
"My niece, Mien will be presented as princess by me in only a few minutes, so Mr. Minstro please excuse me." Relena got up and walked to where Noin was standing.
"Lady Lucrezia, where is the new princess? I would like to see her before the inauguration, if you don't mind."
"Oh Miss Relena," Noin cried when she saw Relena. Relena smiled. "Come with me," Noin led her into a room. Relena's eyes searched the room. She saw a rocking chair and a playpen and the crib she had specially made for her niece. She walked up to it and saw a beautiful white haired wrinkly angel asleep in it. Noin came up behind Relena
"Oh, Lucrezia, she's beautiful!" Relena whispered.
"Yes, she takes after he father," Noin replied. "And you, she has your eyes." With that the child's eyes opened. Noin was right. Relena felt like she was looking back into her own eyes. "Pick her up," Noin coaxed. Relena reached down and grabbed the baby gently she supported the baby's head on her arm and rocked it. She bit her lip. She wouldn't cry. She couldn't. Noin wouldn't understand and she didn't want any one else but Trowa to know about her plans. Zechs came into the room.
"Noin, Relena, it's time," he said and put his hands on Noin's shoulders. Relena turned with the child in her arms to her brother.
"Milliardo," Relena sighed. "Your daughter is the most beautiful thing I've seen in my life!" The baby whimpered.
"She is beautiful," he agreed and rubbed the back of his hand on his daughter's cheek. "Now lets be going. We don't want to leave our guests waiting." The three left the room and walked onto the plat form in front of the entire guest. The music stopped and everyone looked up at them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Vice Forien Minister, Relena Darlian" an announcer proclaimed. Relena walked up to the podium with the baby in her arms. Everyone clapped.
"We have come here, Ladies and Gentlemen to announce the birth of a beautiful baby, Mien. May she carry on the believes of pacificim." Again everyone clapped. Relena went back to Noin and gave her Mien, but not before kissing the baby on its forehead. She walked back to her table where Nicholas sat waiting for her. She sat down again.
"Miss Darlian," Nicholas said after the music started up again. "Would you like to dance?"
"I'd love to, Mr. Minstro," Relena replied and got up.
"Please Call me Nicholas." Nicholas took her hand and pulled her into the circle of people. Relena danced all night. Most of the time with Nicholas, but she did reserve one dance for her brother. She went home the next morning. She had work to do, planning her own ball as well as checking up, with Quatre, on the rebellion and if it was smashed. Quatre met her at the door.
"Relena, I'm glad you're back," he said quietly.
"So am I, Quatre," She replied.
"You have a visitor." Relena looked over at Quatre her eyes wide.
"Who?"
"Wufei," Quatre said plainly.
"Wufei?" Relena mocked.
"Yes, he said he needed to speak to you at once."
"Alright. Where is he?"
"In the tearoom." Relena wasted no time. She headed strait there. She opened the door. Wufei stood up. He was wearing his normal outfit. This did not surprise Relena. He had never done anything for her sake. Relena walked in.
"Please, Mr. Chang sit down," Relena offered. He was the only one of the Gundam pilots she was still so very polite to. He did so and she sat too. "What is it that you need, Mr. Chang?"
"I heard of the rebellion. I want to help," he said plainly.
"Do as Quatre sees fit. He is the leader of those choices," Relena replied.
"No, I wanted to ask you."
"Then, yes you have my permission, just as long as you try not to hurt as many people as possible."
"Done," he stood up. Relena stood with him. He bowed slightly. She bowed back. He began to leave.
"Wufei," Relena said quietly. Wufei looked back at her. "I respect you. I know you have hard feelings against me, but I plan on changing that. It would be a very big honor to have your respect." Wufei looked at her for a while then opened the door and walked out. Relena sat down in her chair again and looked out the window.
"Those eyes," she whispered to herself. "I can't get them out of my head. His eyes, that green, it's unbelievable how he effected me. It was; it was just like Heero when I saw him at the school. I know he has something, I know he's here on a mission, but what?"
"My lady?" Quatre said after over hearing a little of the conversation Relena was having with herself. Relena looked over at him. "I couldn't help over hearing. Does this mean you've found some one?"
"I don't know Quatre. Maybe, maybe he's who I was waiting for." Relena took a deep breath. "Quatre, how is that rebellion being handled?"
"Quite well, Relena, Heero, I mean..."
"Don't worry about it, Quatre. Continue."
"He has successfully over taken that area, but," Quatre explained. "Heero said that it's not the main head quarters. None of the men are talking. He wants to use force to get it out of them. That's why Wufei is going. He's going in your place. To up hold your ideas and make sure Heero does not hurt them." Relena's eyes widened. "That does not sound like Wufei. I thought he would be on Heero's side about this."
"Apparently not. I want to head there myself soon with Trowa. Duo is going to stay here. I'm hoping it won't take long."
"Do we know who the leader of this or why they are doing this?" Relena asked.
"We do not know who the leader is, but we do have some sort of idea of why and what their plains are. Here," Quatre pulled out a tape recorder. "Listen to this. This is a conversation Heero had with one of the ones caught." Quatre hit play.
"Who is your leader?" Heero's voice came though.
"I won't tell you anything, except that this peace is a fraud! True peace is only made by military power and this is what we're proving. All Gundams and their pilots should be eliminated. They are a threat to the colonies and Earth. You are a threat to the Earth. Relena Darlian approves of you, there for she is the enemy too!" a man cried. Quatre turned off the tape.
"That doesn't make sense, Quatre. I don't see why..." Relena said quietly.
"I know," Quatre replied. "That is why I'm going down there."
"Then Quatre, I bid you fair well. I do hope you come back soon." She stood up and walked over to him and embraced him. She let go and looked at him. He was shocked. "Quatre, please be careful. I love you, my brother."
"Relena, I,"
"Please Quatre, you are like my brother and I love you as one, so please except this, that I do love and care about what happens to you. I'm worried about this. I have a very bad feeling. The Earth is in trouble again. It needs you, I need you, so please do not do anything to get yourself hurt."
"You sound as if I'm going into battle," Quatre smiled.
"I have a feeling you are. Promise me, Quatre, you'll be careful."
"I promise, Relena," Quatre replied and stepped back. He soluited her. "Good bye." He left.
"Good bye Quatre," Relena whispered long after he left. This was becoming more than she thought it would be. She felt that the Earth was again on the verge of war. This banquet she was holding would be the announcement of it. She would have to tell the people what was going on. It was her duty.