At The End of the Day
~ Chapter Ten
December 20, AC200
-- Dorian Residence, Earth's European Nation
It was almost five months and there was still no word about their captured comrade. Everyone was feeling uneasy. It was around three months ago when the search was changed from immediate to desperate. It made Wufei's stomach churn. Some news was somewhat bearable, but with no news at all, he had nothing to face his friends with and as he walked into the house of one Relena Dorian, only one thought plagued his mind. Trowa had it worse.
"It's not your fault honey," Sally consoled him for what seemed like the thousandth time since then. "They should understand. The blame is not on you."
"Regardless," Wufei said with a frustrated tone of voice. "Our method was flawed. There should have been a better alternative."
That better alternative would have come from Quatre. It was something he couldn't deny. The Preventers had wasted a good three hours thinking up a plan that never formed and Quatre had been contacted a mere hour before the deadline. When he was informed of the situation, Quatre had been upset that he was not informed of the situation sooner. He could have come up with something better. Wufei was sure of it. In the end, all Quatre could do was arrange for his extended absence while flying by shuttle to L3 to be offered as sacrificial lamb.
A hand reached out to massage his shoulder but Sally did not say any more. She pushed on the doorbell once. It was just as well. There was nothing more to say to make the situation any better. In fact, it was Trowa he should have been worried about. After the exchange of hostages that day, Trowa didn't say a word aside from requesting to be dropped off at some random alley. The next day at work, he came in with both hands bandaged. Wufei had inkling that it was from punching the large metal trash bins he'd seen as he drove away from the scene. The guilt must have been eating at him.
"Wufei, Sally, everyone is inside. Please come in," their hostess welcomed. Relena also looked troubled because Heero must have been just as worried as the rest of them. Quatre was his best friend. Those two conversed on the vid-phone everyday according to Duo.
Both he and Sally followed her to the living room where they met a somber scene which was disrupted three seconds later by Duo's always anarchic ways.
"Why can't you just track him down?" Duo said with frustration and that frustration was directed at Heero. Wufei could already see the hysterics that would result from it. Heero was obstinate when he wanted to be and today, he wouldn't even listen to a word Duo was saying.
"You should know why."
All the while, Trowa remained silent. Wufei could see that his partner was merely watching the scene, unable to give his input. Thankfully, Duo did not draw him into the argument. If he'd done so because of his impulsive attitude, he didn't know how Trowa would react since he deemed the matter his own responsibility.
"I should know why?" Duo echoed. He was getting angrier by the second. Wufei could tell by the way his lengthy braid swung with the movement of his body.
"He said not to come looking for him," Wufei answered for Heero as he took his seat. Sally left them alone, probably to check on Lina and Jin who they'd left under Relena's care two days ago. They would be staying over for the next week to celebrate the holidays. Wufei thought it was inappropriate, but he wasn't one to spoil the holidays for everyone.
"Forget what Quatre said," Duo started again. "If the Preventers can't do anything about it then we might as well do something."
Duo's statement was the wrong trigger because it prompted Trowa to stand and leave. They were the Preventers. Wufei could only shake his head in disapproval. Sometimes, Duo didn't think before letting his mouth run. He really needed a lesson in sensitivity.
"What? Was it something I said?" Duo said when the sound of Trowa's footsteps disappeared.
"He handed Quatre over himself," Wufei responded. It was getting out of hand. His partner had been unable to function properly for months now.
"It wasn't his fault. He had no choice," Duo said. He sounded confused, as if he didn't know why Trowa would continue to make such a big deal about it.
"But there's the matter of still feeling guilty," Wufei extrapolated. "You didn't see how it happened. They had to act like they didn't know each other. Quatre had his hands cuffed behind his back and Trowa pushed him forward. The bastard at the other end was hiding some brass knuckles and punched Quatre square in the face. You wouldn't believe the amount of blood splattered on Trowa when he was ordered to pick Quatre up and hand him over to the guy again. Barry the Croc was just playing with him. Even then, Trowa managed to keep a straight face."
"Oh," Duo said, suddenly taking a seat. He didn't know what to say afterwards.
Wufei couldn't blame him. No one other than Wufei and Trowa had witnessed what happened since the exchange was kept a private matter as much as possible by Quatre's request. There was no media despite Mr. Croc's belief that everyone was watching. An uproar in his company was not what he wanted and for Winner Corporation to continue functioning as normal, secrets had to be kept. Wufei supposed it was the right decision. The company was running smoothly even without Quatre around. Apparently, the resourceful Mr. Winner had managed to devise a plan to keep operations moving without him physically in charge. He could only wonder how he managed to do that within the time he was given.
July 23, AC200
-- Preventers Colony L3 Headquarters, Colony L3-X18999
"You're not giving me enough time."
"We don't have time."
"Try stalling."
"We don't have time."
"Companies don't run themselves. Like it or not, L4 is run by me. When I'm gone, everything I've worked to rebuild will go along with me. While I don't mind serving as your bait for the day, there are several significantly damning consequences to consider."
"You're smart. You'll think of something."
"As long as I serve my purpose, right, Trowa?"
December 20, AC200
-- Dorian Residence, Earth's European Nation
"Don't worry about it too much," Wufei said, knowing that Duo too would take things to heart. "Just try to be more sensitive around him. It wasn't easy. Had it been me, I would have faltered and the plan wouldn't have worked out. Those hostages also have Trowa to thank for managing to keep his cool."
"There is nothing more we can do," Heero voiced.
Wufei almost jumped at the sound of his voice since Heero had not said anything since answering Duo's earlier question.
"I don't agree with you on that," Duo answered. This time, his voice was more subdued.
"You should be realizing the reason for Quatre's request not to look for him."
"Geez man, it isn't like we all have this strange Quatre mind-reading ability like you do," Duo said with a roll of his eyes. Wufei had to agree since he too didn't know what was going through Quatre's mind as he gave those instructions.
"We're no longer soldiers," Heero said simply. "As normal citizens, it is our responsibility to follow the laws and since tracking him down without the consent of the proper authorities is illegal, we're not supposed to be doing it. And before any of you request that I hack into whatever systems you have in mind, I've already made an oath to stop involving myself in illegal activity. Quatre wants nothing more than for all of us to live normal lives post-war. It's only right that we respect that request."
"That's too easy to say," Trowa said as he suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He had five glasses of refreshments from the kitchen ready as he made his way back into the living room.
"And even harder to do, I know," Heero responded. "And as it is, Quatre wouldn't want you beating yourself up for this," he said, looking at Trowa. "You did your job well."
"A little too well," Trowa replied quickly. He sat down and joined them before picking up his glass. Everyone waited as he sipped on it. "It's still my responsibility."
Wufei could tell what was coming next. He knew for sure that Trowa interpreted the situation differently. He felt responsible for the entire matter.
"I goaded him," Trowa admitted. "By not responding to his provocations, I made the Croc angry. He viewed me as a challenge. He wanted me to respond and I never did, not even after I saw his blood splattered all over me."
Nobody had anything to say to that.
"I don't expect anyone to understand how I feel about it."
Wufei kept his mouth shut. Had it been him, he wouldn't be able to sleep at night.
January 2, AC201
-- Preventers Colony L3 Headquarters, Colony L3-X18999
Lt. Sandra Xavier leaned back on her chair with a sigh. Her two best operatives had been performing below par lately and she didn't know why. They'd never been that distracted before. In fact, she hailed them as the best she's had despite their age. While it was true that she received a number of young recruits, none were so respectfully regarded as the two. Lady Une had recommended them herself.
"Weapons experts, intelligence experts, and all around combat experts," Sandra murmured. "What has gotten into them lately?"
With no one to confide in but herself, Sandra thought about it more thoroughly. She had a hunch that it started during the hostage incident a few months ago. What was it about the incident that had shaken them up? Surely it wasn't the exchange. While Quatre Winner may have been an important colony figure, the people they saved in the process were well worth it. Credit for saving those people hadn't gone to anyone since the entire exchange was kept secret, but Sandra was sure it was not the lack of outward gratitude that bothered them. Trowa looked especially upset and for him to look upset was surprising. The young man was never bothered by anything.
"Maybe they know Quatre Winner?" Sandra asked herself and then laughed it off. How on the Earth and the colonies was that possible? They couldn't possibly be running around the same circles as the elusive Mr. Winner. If they were even remotely acquainted, her two favorite Preventer officers would be all over the tabloids and that hasn't happened yet.
Shaking her head out of those thoughts, she decided that the Human Resources department would be the best at handling her dilemma. If she couldn't do anything about it then they might. It was worth a shot. Nothing was getting done around there lately. She'd even given the two a long winter break, but they still came back half-sullen and half-dazed. Trowa had even started showing up with the deepest set of eye bags she had ever seen. It was hard to watch.
Determined and ready to please Wufei and Trowa as best she could, she left her office in search of anyone who might be able to help. The happiness and well-being of the people she worked with was of utmost importance if things were ever going to get done right. What she didn't expect was to run into an out of breath officer who she'd specifically assigned to watch over the two.
"Don't tell me. They ditched you again," she said dryly. She was starting to feel sorry for the young man. He was trying his best to do the job assigned to him and yet the two were not giving him a break. It was obvious that they hated the baby-sitting he was doing.
"No. Worse, I think they've stumbled across something," the young operative answered. From the way he breathed, he looked like he ran all the way back to their offices.
"And that would be?"
"They overheard a report from the Preventer Headquarters at the Moon Base that they'd recovered Quatre Winner."
"Wait, are you sure?"
Sandra was alarmed. So maybe it had to do with Mr. Winner after all.
"Yes, it sounded like Colonel Une. I didn't even know Mr. Winner was missing."
"That's why it's a secret," Sandra said while pulling up her sleeve out of habit. "What about the person who'd kept him captive? Has he been apprehended?"
"... Apparently not. Col. Une gave coordinates over the radio and I think officers Chang and Barton headed for that direction."
"Does Col. Une know that they're coming?"
"No. I think those orders were meant for the people at the Moon Base, but since we were within the vicinity, they decided to check it out. I tried to stop them, but they told me to return and request for back-up instead."
Sandra let out an irritated sound. That was what their communication devices were for. That aside, Preventer officers acting on their own was going to be a problem. At least she could rest in the knowledge that they were not interfering with the recovery efforts. All they were doing was causing trouble for the people at the Moon Base. Col. Une would be more than annoyed if she found out that the L3 Headquarters was moving into an undesignated sector. That was the way most mistakes started out. As it was, no one was currently assigned to where her two wayward officers were supposed to be.
"I need you to go and watch over the sector you've left unattended," Sandra commanded of her only obedient subordinate at the moment. "I'll make contact with the Preventer Headquarters in Moon Base."
"Yes ma'am," the young man responded and ran again for the sector he'd left.
Wufei and Trowa never caused any trouble, but she supposed there was always a first time. They sure were quick when it came to this particular criminal. Hopefully, they didn't do anything she didn't approve of. Only time could tell.
Indeed, time went faster than expected when the two finally made their way into L3's Preventer Headquarters. A few officers designated as Moon Base representatives escorted them and the only way Sandra could tell was by the IDs stuck on their breast pockets. Aside from that, they looked like any other Preventer officer.
"These two yours?" a middle-aged man questioned. He seemed a bit irritated although from the way things looked, he was successfully controlling his anger at the moment.
"Yes," Sandra answered. They may have been misbehaving for the moment, but she wouldn't deny that they were under her any day. They were magnificent subordinates and she was sure they had a good explanation for everything they did.
"Trouble-makers, aren't they?"
Sandra did not answer. They were certainly not trouble-makers, but she couldn't deny it at the moment. They'd already made it difficult for her to defend them.
Wufei scoffed at the remark with his mightier than you attitude. Trowa merely stood there saying nothing at all. What Sandra always found strange started to scare her. The feral look in Trowa's eyes could not be missed.
"These two were in the wrong sector," the middle-aged Preventer officer continued. It was only then that Sandra noticed that no introductions were made yet. She didn't know the man's name although it should have been clear from the name tag he wore.
"So you've informed me," Sandra answered. Those two had a lot of explaining to do later.
"Although these two," the man continued. "Although they'd successfully apprehended our target, they shouldn't have been there. We almost identified them as enemies and shot at them. I clipped this one on the foot," he said, pointing at Trowa.
With the way Trowa stood, one couldn't tell. He looked perfectly fine if not for the bullet hole on his boot and the fact that he was bleeding all over their floors.
"And you didn't attend to his injury?" Sandra said with growing anger. What was with the macho men types? No matter that Trowa wasn't even blinking, the wound needed to be treated fast.
"We did," the man answered, himself sounding displeased. "But he was difficult, like a wild cat and that's the reason why the wound hasn't been properly attended to."
He looked disgusted, but with the way Trowa remained unmoving, it was easy to see where his irritation was coming from.
"And this one over here talks like some high up emperor," he said, motioning at Wufei. "Aren't I right, almighty king?"
Wufei did not answer, only snubbed the man for what seemed like the hundredth time since they arrived.
"Lieutenant..." Sandra said taking a quick look at the other's ID. "...Bratton, I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to other than complain about the attitude of my men."
"But of course," Lt. Bratton responded. "They made the apprehension more difficult than necessary. In other words, they were hindering operations by refusing to cooperate with us."
"But you caught your man, didn't you?" Sandra questioned.
"...Yes, but --"
"Then there is nothing else to discuss. I'm sure my men have already heard an earful. I wish to discuss the rest of this matter with them in private. Please excuse us."
Then, like a mother to her naughty children, Sandra pulled Wufei and Trowa by their wrists into her office. She had a first aid kit in there and a lot of words that she'd been meaning to release. The two were going to explain every bit of it to her whether they wanted to or not.
Only, the two didn't talk, not even when they'd finally made it into the confines of her office.
"Trowa, I'm sure you're an expert at patching yourself up," she started as she handed Trowa a first aid kit. "I want to hear everything."
"He told you everything," Wufei responded like the smart-mouth he tended to be. It was going to be more difficult than she thought.
"Then I guess you two have a bigger grudge against that guy than I initially thought. So tell me, what is the difference between this particular criminal and the ones we've been apprehending for the past three or four years?"
As expected, nobody answered her question.
"Let's try this again. What does it mean to have Quatre Winner take the place of forty or so different children and elders? Did their lives mean nothing? Did Mr. Winner's mean more?"
This time, Wufei stood from the chair he was seated. He looked angry. Trowa only continued to attend to his wound. Sandra tried not to look since she wasn't exactly fond of bloody foots.
"Are you suggesting that we'd rather had those people killed?" Wufei said in their defense. When Wufei became defensive, he became really serious about it.
"No. I was merely trying to find out why it is that Mr. Winner was so hard to give away."
"It's hard to give anyone away to a psychotic killer like him," Wufei responded right away. Sandra felt like she was finally getting him to break. Too bad Trowa still stayed as he was.
"Yes, but it would be twice as difficult had you known who that person was and even a hundred times more difficult if you were actually acquainted with him."
To that, Wufei had nothing more to say.
"You must be good friends," Sandra then concluded. "You should have told me about it sooner."
Silence met her statement, which meant that she hit the target.
"Don't worry. I won't inform anyone of this. After all, there should be at least some difficulty to be met when acquainted with someone like him."
Sandra looked at both of them and then sighed. They were like little kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Even Trowa refused to look at her.
"We could have figured out something else, you know," she said. Really, if they had just been honest then things would have turned out different. However, she was surprised when she received an unexpected response.
"You're wrong," Wufei said. "In the end, Quatre wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
Sandra shook her head. Young men these days were too mature for their own good. At the same time, it made her respect the popular young heir she wasn't even familiar with. Those two must have beaten the living shit out of Barry the Croc. Lt. Bratton probably didn't get the chance to mention it before he left.
"So, were you boys able to at least let out that aggression you've had for the past five months?"
"Of course," Wufei answered with a satisfied look on his face.
It was then that Trowa spoke for the first time since they returned.
"You know Lieutenant," he said, putting his now clean and bandaged foot down on the ground. "The funny thing about crocs is that they clamp down hard when they bite, but get them at the instance when their jaws come together and they can't even open their mouths. Two fingers on the opposite ends of the reptile's mouth and the beast can't even scream."
Sandra was sure that Barry the Croc got just what was coming to him. She'd never felt that kind of chill run down her spine after seeing Trowa smile before.