Identity Lost

AN: Okay folks. I really apologize for reposting this chapter. A friend was kind enough to notice a few problems with the plot and I decided to fix some things up before I started working on the next chapter. So in case you've already read chapter 10, most of it is essentially the same aside from some minor changes – therefore you might not need to reread the chapter, as I'm sure you guys have better things to do with your lives hehehe.

Cheers! JK

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters, I do not own.

Ten – The Return of Relena Darlian

Obstacles in life are mere stepping stones to a greater future.

The intercom was chiming and Pagan thought that it was odd since the Peacecraft Estate seldom had visitors in the early afternoon.

"Peacecraft residence. May I ask who's inquiring?" Pagan asked over the microphone.

"Heero Yuy. Please let Zechs know that I have Relena with me."

Pagan's heart stopped. He hadn't heard either name in a long time and it was the latter that made him cling to some form of inner strength from breaking down. When he heard about Relena's disappearance all those years ago, the pain was almost unbearable. She was far more than a little girl that he raised into a young woman; she was a daughter. He reluctantly accepted her death in order to stop being hopeful and then having that hope shatter over and over again.

"Please come in." Pagan managed to say.

Heero was the first to walk into the great expanse of the entryway while the woman who greatly resembled Relena followed in his footsteps. Despite Pagan's aging body, he couldn't deny what his ancient eyes saw. Relena. Heero was eyeing the butler carefully and he couldn't blame the old man for staring at the woman. He couldn't believe it himself.

"Uh…" Pagan almost forgot where he was until he managed to say. "I'm afraid the man you seek in currently tied up in a meeting and will not be returning until this evening."

Heero took a few seconds to absorb what he said and replied. "We'll wait."

Heero and Jezzie were taken to the sitting room. The large expanse of the room could easily fit a party of one hundred. A marble encased fireplace occupied the far side of the wall, which clearly was more of an ornamental piece than a functional one from the evidence of the thin film of dust that blanketed the arches and intricate designs on it. Furniture was neatly strewn by the walls and around the fireplace. Monet's artwork hung meticulously on the walls that lacked the natural beauty in which the paintings more than compensated.

Jezzie couldn't absorb all that was found in the room. From the minute she entered the estate it felt like a dream. It seemed more like a mansion to her. The lavish lifestyle and the opulence were so far removed from her life that it seemed like a whale attempting to survive on land. Regardless, she could definitely get accustomed to this kind of life.

Out of the corner of her eye, Heero was on his cell with several people before putting it back in his jacket pocket. With every passing hour another individual joined them in the waiting game. They were all very handsome men, Jezzie noticed, who were acquainted with Heero although not many words were exchanged. The first newcomer, a blond, had kind eyes. The next two came together, one with chocolate brown hair that was styled uniquely to shadow his right eye and a Chinese man. A man with a long braid was the last to arrive and he was the most dynamic of the five men. She concluded that Heero must have been on the phone with them and instructed them to meet here.

The one thing that they all had in common was the shocked faces that they couldn't hide when they first laid eyes on her. Heero introduced all of the men to her and she slowly found the room closing in on her as a result of her deception. Jezzie didn't know if she had it in her to really pull it off. It was true that she could use the amnesia as an excuse but she didn't have any of Mima's mannerisms. Perhaps she should throw in the proverbial towel before it was too late…

At that moment, Zechs Merquise entered and the room became a silent tomb. "Yuy, what is the meaning of…" He turned mute when his eyes landed on Jezzie.

"Relena?" Zechs managed to utter. Soon all eyes were on her.

No one had any clue what to say next. Speechless. Hopelessly speechless.

Heero decided to step in. "Zechs, I found her. She's suffering from amnesia. She doesn't remember any of us." A soft gasp was heard from the audience. Heero didn't find that surprising since he decided to explain everything once all the members of the party arrived. Therefore the former Gundam pilots had to sit idle wondering why a Relena look-alike was sitting in the same room as them, until now.

"It's Relena! I know it has to be her. The necklace that she's wearing, I had that custom made on her eighteenth birthday." Heero sounded desperate even to himself. He didn't know whom he was trying to convince, them or himself.

Jezzie thought this was a good time as any to speak up and said, "I don't want to be a burden to anyone but I really don't remember my past. I can leave now if you'd like." She knew her performance was Oscar-winning. From her face looking at the carpet lining, she was the shy girl personified. Jezzie waited a few beats before standing and moving to the door.

Zechs blocked her path, his eyes never wavered from hers. He gently wrapped his arms around Jezzie in a warm embrace for her to be more at ease with herself. "Stay, please."

Jezzie slowly nodded her acquiescence and awarded herself a point on her mental scorecard. Zechs then looked down to where the necklace was and picked it up for closer inspection; he didn't recall Relena ever wearing much jewellery in the past. "Yuy, you're sure this is the necklace?"

"Undeniably so."

Jezzie spoke up. "I've been wearing this for as long as I can remember. It seemed important to me somehow but I never knew why, sir."

Duo wrapped a friendly arm around a subdued Wufe's shoulders and cheered. "Hey, Relena's back! We can't say this is the strangest thing that has ever occurred but it's certainly something."

"Welcome back, Relena." Quatre announced. He noticed that Trowa and Wufei remained silent as usual but their faces couldn't hide the fact that they were sceptical with the situation. Quatre wasn't entirely convinced himself but she seemed like the genuine article and the necklace certainly shattered more than a few doubts in any of their minds.

"So…" Duo said. "What's the next step? Shouldn't we call for a press conference and notify ESUN?"

"Not at this point." Zechs replied authoritatively. "If the media gets wind of this, we'll have a major problem on our hands." It seemed like he wanted to say something else but he stopped himself.

"What about where she's been all these years?" Trowa remarked suddenly. "Nothing has been explained to us. Heero, you care to enlighten us?" Heero's silence was proof enough that he didn't think that far ahead, which was uncharacteristic of the Perfect Soldier.

"There will be plenty of time for questions later." Zechs interjected, then turned back to Jezzie. "Would you mind staying here for a few days with me? Maybe something might trigger your memory."

"You mean that?" She shouted enthusiastically and she immediately realized her mistake. 'Relena' would always be reserved and polite. She tried to recover by saying, "I mean, I would be delighted, sir. I'd give anything to recover my memories."

"Call me Milliardo. I am…. your brother after all."

"Mima, have heard the news?" Catarina Strathmore, one of the waitresses, exclaimed as they were prepping the restaurant for the dinner rush.

Wiping one of the square tables set for four, she looked up and said. "What news?"

"Haven't you been watching TV lately? It's been plastered on every channel. All the media outlet's been feeding on it like wasps to a flame. Relena Darlian's not dead; she's been found. It's the biggest story since hearing about her supposed death all those years ago." Catarina said excitedly.

"What?" Mima stopped what she was doing in order to fully understand what her friend was telling her.

"Relena Darlian! You know, the young girl who changed the face of politics as we know today? Well, what do I know of politics but the point is, she's been found." She continued her story without so much as taking another breath and didn't notice how Mima wasn't really paying attention to the dinner prep. "Actually, it was more of a media leak than anything since nobody official is coming forward with irrefutable proof. Can you believe that? It almost feels like that Russian princess, Anastasia's story but, of course, we know that story ended up being nothing but a myth. This, though, is the real thing. Relena's alive!"

"I guess that must be great news." Mima replied politely. She couldn't help but feel slightly overwhelmed by what Relena's return would mean to Heero. "Um… excuse me." She said, moving to the employee's lounge for some time to think.

Luckily she was the only one in the room that was cramped in the corner of the building and she sat on the bench, her movements like molasses. If Relena had really returned, that would explain why she wasn't able to find Heero for the last two weeks. Mima even ventured to his apartment to see how he was doing but no one was home. Now that she had time to really think on the matter, she felt foolish that the thought of being a part of Heero's life ever occurred to her.

From a third-person's perspective, she was the bad guy who was trying to convince Heero to move on with his life. Perhaps Hilde was right to warn her from the beginning to stay away from him. He carried far too much emotional baggage but wasn't she the same? She'd wanted to tell him about her story… or lack of one for that matter. She had no history and wasn't that just as damaging as losing someone precious in one's life?

Mima mentally shook that thought from her mind. She felt ridiculous about the whole situation but she knew she needed to know the truth about Relena's return or else it would consume her. Without thinking she dialed Hilde's number and urged to meet her once she was off work. Mima felt horrible when her friend said that it wouldn't be a problem. Guilt ridden, she had no idea how else to figure out the truth behind the medias' claims unless she asked Hilde, who was Duo's girlfriend and Duo, in turn, worked closely with Heero who would have a better idea whether the rumor was true.

The hours passed slowly and Mima was certainly preoccupied with thoughts of Relena. She missed two orders and almost dropped a pitcher of beer. It simply wasn't her night. The sooner she could talk to Hilde, the better she would feel, or so she thought.

Hilde was already waiting for Mima by the main entrance to Hieronymous. Mima gave her a quick wave and wrapped her jacket tightly around her to combat the chill that was setting in for the late evening.

"Hey girl, how's it going?" Hilde greeted cheerfully.

"I've been better." She replied, offering a slight smile. "You want to grab some coffee?" They headed to the same café where she met Heero the night when they met. That time seemed ages ago to her now.

"So" Hilde started, "What's troubling you?"

Mima looked up from her steaming cup and muttered, "How did you know something was wrong?"

Hilde chuckled and took her time replying. "Although you're a very private person, you wear your emotions on your sleeve. This is why you asked me to come out with you tonight, isn't it? Something's on your mind. Well, spill it out! I'm a terrific sounding board."

She sighed and then began. "It's… about Heero."

That one name had Hilde sitting up straighter and curious. "Ok, you've got me hooked. What about Heero?"

"Uh…." Mima began. "Remember when you suggested that I should avoid him, and well…. Um…" She couldn't believe she was getting tongue-tied. Since she hadn't been in any major relationship, Heero was the closest form of an intimate relationship. Perhaps that's why she was so nervous.

Noting her discomfort Hilde said, "I'm not here to judge, Mima. Whatever you have to say, I will hold it with the strictest confidence."

"I've been seeing him for the last couple of months." She explained softly. "Nothing serious, mind you. I think we have just been enjoying each other's company talking and having a few drinks."

Hilde reached for her cappuccino and sipped as she absorbed what Mima was telling her. She had no idea that the attraction between them was so strong. Her only fear was that Mima's feelings would be hurt; she was a striking resemblance to Relena after all and she was unsure what Heero's position was when it concerned Mima. Was he only using her as a Relena replacement? She then voiced her thoughts, "Mima, don't take this the wrong way… Heero was deeply in love with Relena and since you look so much like her, he could be…."

"No, I know that's not it. We already discussed it and he promised me that that wasn't the reason why he continues to see me." She can hear herself not sounding as confident.

"Mima…"

"Hilde, I think I'm in love with him."

That statement was so shocking that Hilde stared at her for what felt like hours. "No, don't. Sweetie, he's not worth it." She was trying to push her brain into coming up with a good enough reason for Mima to end her foolish quest. "You're going to have your heart torn to shreds. He's never going to forget her…."

"I know." Mima whispered, defeated. "But I can't help it. How can you stop an emotion? If someone asked you to stop being with Duo, what would you say?" She asked in retaliation.

"I…. You're right. As the saying goes, you can't help who you love." Hilde sighed loudly.

They sat there reminiscing in their own thoughts and taking the occasional sip from their cups. Mima was beginning to feel that perhaps it wasn't such a great idea getting Hilde involved. She had recently come to terms with her feelings for Heero and it still felt awkward to share her emotions.

"I don't want to see you get hurt, that's all." Hilde admitted. Mima claimed that she would be fine and she would accept any outcome that will come from their unusual relationship. "As long as you're absolutely sure you want to be tangled in Heero's life. Is that all you wanted to tell me?" As Mima shook her head slowly, she knew this was going to be a long night with her friend.

"There's a rumor spreading that Relena is still alive and that she's found." She then relayed the information that Catarina had explained to her only a few hours ago. "What I want to know is whether it is true or not. If it is, then I have no choice but to stay away from Heero."

"Mima…"

"How could I possibly compete with Relena? I couldn't and I wouldn't do that to him. He deserves to be with the woman he loves, doesn't he?"

Hilde had no clue how to respond so she started with what she could answer. "First of all, I have heard the news spreading. You know how they like to spin stories that sell and we all know that anything in relation to Relena Darlian makes the front page." However, Hilde was also feeling a bit nostalgic from the recent events and was not truly revealing her true thoughts in the matter. She felt that Mima needed more comforting than she did tonight.

Mima still felt unsure about everything. What Hilde said had merit but she still couldn't shake it off. She remembered how she was still unable to locate him for over fourteen days. "So, Duo didn't mention anything to you?"

Suddenly it made sense why Mima came to her; it was her connection to Duo. Unfortunately, Hilde didn't think she would be able to help Mima in her quest. Duo was acting quite strangely around herself recently. He was being intensely secretive with work and only left brief phone messages apologizing for not returning her calls. It felt as if he was urging her to dig into his work and find out what was going on behind his back. Hilde wasn't sure whether she should give voice to her concerns.

"I'll pretend not to be offended by your tactics, Mima. I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about but I also understand how irrational anyone can get when they're in love."

"I'm sorry." She uttered sincerely. "I didn't know what else to do."

Hilde had no choice but to ease her friend's pain and said, "Duo said nothing to me." She knew Mima wasn't convinced but Hilde probably knew as much as the next person on the street. "Guess I wasn't much help, huh?" She said by way of apology. Hilde didn't want to bring up her concerns with her at the moment.

"No, that's perfectly fine. I'm sorry again for trying to see if Duo had mentioned anything to you. I just assumed that perhaps he caught wind of something from Heero." Mima replied disappointedly. "I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks and the news about Relena made me assume things. You're probably thinking that's pretty stupid of me."

Hilde looked seriously at her and retorted, "I would never think that of you. Don't be so hard on yourself."

"Yeah," Mima half agreed. "I just hope Heero's doing okay. Thanks for listening, Hilde. I'd appreciate it if you could keep our conversation strictly between the two of us."

"Don't worry about that." Hilde said. "Just take care of yourself, okay?" She only hoped she could take her own advice. Hilde needed to figure out what was going on with Duo or else the curiosity would eat away at her like the plague.

Things were spinning out of control. They had no idea how the information leaked from private quarters but the fact of the matter was they needed to neutralize the threat.

There was only a select few who knew of Relena's supposed return that included the former Gundam Pilots, Lady Une who was now the Executive Director of Preventors, and Noin. Zechs was confident that no one from the exclusive group would start the leak. He recalled Une suggesting not to do anything and let the news die a natural media death. If there were no evidence then the public would lose faith in the news. Keeping her secret was a matter of international security. Who knew how the opposing parties of parliament and activist groups would react to Relena. It was understandable that everyone did not mourn her 'death'.

After much contemplation, Zechs knew the best course of action was to come forward with the truth.

Although Relena's stay was extended to another couple of weeks, her memory had not improved. In fact, her behavior around the staff at the estate was very strange. She was defensive and authoritative. But he gave her the benefit of the doubt. No one could possibly fathom how the harsh world had changed her in the last decade. Enough years had withered by and it was time to officially determine whether Relena had truly returned from the dead… with a blood test.

Jezzie couldn't believe it. They wanted a goddamned blood test! She thought it would be enough if she told Mima's story ranging from the car accident, being unofficially adopted from a kind family, then living with a sister and finally to working at Hieronymous, but alas, they wanted 100 certainty whether they had the right woman or not. She wasn't completely lying from that standpoint since it was Relena's story after all but it was simply told by the wrong person. It was obvious that they wanted to conduct a further investigation relating to her supposed past but she was adamant that the two co-owners of Hieronymous saved her and had the compassion to look after her. Her brother decided to drop the topic for now.

Jezzie was beginning to think she was getting in way over her head. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea sending those anonymous messages to the television networks and newspapers. She thought it would be fun to get some airtime and see what it was really like to live in the shoes of Relena Darlian. Taking a glance around her room and all the jewelry she purchased with the money that 'her brother' gave her, she refused to let it go. Mima didn't deserve this life. She didn't even know how to have a good time and was constantly wasting her efforts in charity work. Jezzie was determined to figure out a solution at all cost.

Jezzie managed to convince Mima to visit her at some sort of estate. Mima really had no desire to go but she hadn't seen Jezzie in over two weeks and she didn't show up for any of her shifts at work. Strangely enough, this wasn't unusual behaviour for Jezzie. She went wherever the wind took her and their parents stopped caring about where she was as long as they weren't pulled into her problems. Mima remembered one time three years ago when she ran off with one of her boyfriends to Las Vegas and turned out broke and was arrested for a public disturbance charge. Harry and Sam were not pleased when they needed to head to the city of lights to pay her bail. This stunt, however, wasn't as outrageous as her previous adventures and Mima was thankful for small favors.

She recalled Jezzie's phone call two days ago and she claimed to have found new friends and a new way of life. How someone could achieve that in less than a month Mima had no idea. Yet, she felt compelled to see Jezzie's new life. She practically urged her to visit for a few days so Mima decided it was a good time as any to take a some days off work despite Sam's grumblings.

Looking at the address she quickly scribbled down on paper, she did a double take at the massive structure sitting on the plot of land that was identified by the address.

This is where Jezzie's staying? She thought.

The architecture was impeccable, like something from a movie. The estate covered 200,000 square feet at least! A granite encased fountain stood prominently in front of the main entrance for cars to drive up to the door. Mima couldn't tell exactly how many rooms there were in the building but it reminded her of the traditional European estates that housed politicians and world-renowned celebrities.

She reluctantly walked up the stairs to the door and rang the doorbell, doubting that this was the right place. A butler with gentle eyes answered the door and, for the second time, stood staring wide-eyed and speechless.

"Hello, sir. I'm looking for my sister, Jezzie. I might not have the right house but I thought I'd check."

Pagan could keep himself from staring. How was this possible? She looked just like Relena aside from her coal-black hair.

"Sir?"

He didn't realize he was still rooted to the floor beside the parted doorway. "Who did you say you were looking for, Miss?"

"Jezzie. My name is Mima and she informed me that she was staying here." Mima pulled the address out of her pocket to show the man.

A third voice entered the conversation and pulled Pagan away from the door not too gently. "Oh, this is for me, Pagan. You may go now." Jezzie ordered.

"But… but Miss Rel.."

"I can handle this. Have I made myself clear?" She interrupted before he could say the word 'Relena.'

Pagan left the foyer, knowing full and well that he was dismissed. However, the thoughts about the young lady at the door wouldn't leave his mind.

"Mima! I'm so glad you came." Jezzie announced as she dragged her into the sitting room. "I have a guest room for you and tonight you can meet my friends. I've already told them that I'll be inviting my sister."

"Uh… Jezzie, that's not necessary. I just came by to see how you were doing." Mima replied.

"Nonsense. It will be fun!"

Somehow Mima wasn't so sure.

Dinner was arranged to be at 7pm and since Mima still had another hour before making an appearance, she decided to look around. There were so many rooms that she was afraid she might get lost. Surprisingly, her surroundings felt vaguely familiar so she had a strange sensation of knowing where she was going. All the rooms were ornately furnished and she noticed that some places were reconstructed as a result of damages that were incurred during the war.

Why do I feel like I've been here before?

As she passed another hallway, she saw several candid photographs of a baby girl and a boy with flowing blond hair cradling her in his small arms. There was no doubt that the two were related, siblings perhaps. Mima picked up the picture frame to have a closer look. She didn't know how long she was mesmerized with the photo until a voice disturbed her thoughts.

"What are you doing?" The man said from the end of the hall.

She was so startled that she accidentally dropped the photo onto the plush carpeting. He walked towards her and bent to pick up the photo by her feet. The man towered over her and possessed the confidence of a natural leader. His long blond hair nearly reached his waist and he was formally dressed in a navy blue business suit.

Mima noticed his shocked appearance of recognition once they made eye contact but he quickly recovered with a question. "So you're the sister, huh?"

"Yes. My name is Mima." She extended her right hand in greeting. "It's nice to meet you, mister…."

"Merquise. Despite the fact that you're not real sisters, you have a striking resemblance to her." Zechs commented as he shook her warm hand in his.

"Strange isn't it? Some might think that since we've been living with each other for so long, it's only natural that we end up looking alike." She offered by way of explanation.

"Mr. Merquise, may I please inquire whether that is you in the photo?" Mima nodded her head at the picture that he just returned to its rightful place.

"That was a long time ago."

She felt that she hit a sore spot and decided not to intrude on personal matters. "Are you heading down for dinner as well?"

He chuckled softly and simply nodded. "I should think so since I do live here."

"Oh." Mima felt so stupid. She needed to learn how to keep her mouth shut in unfamiliar surroundings.

They headed to the sitting room to wait and it seemed that everyone attending the dinner party were present.

Jezzie was dressed to the nines in a satin pearl gown entertaining a group of men their age. Her sister quickly stood up and offered Mima a hug and introduced her to Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei. They all shared the same shocked appearance on that of the kind butler that Mima remembered who opened the door and also of Mr. Merquise. She was slowly becoming annoyed from the response she was receiving whenever people met her for the first time. The fourth gentleman who was crowded around Jezzie looked surprisingly very familiar.

"Duo? Duo Maxwell?" Mima said hesitantly.

He looked just as shocked to see her in the room. "Wow, Mima. What are you doing here?"

"I…I'm here to see my sister." She replied as she gestured in Jezzie's direction with a slight nod of her head.

Duo had no idea what Mima's relation to Relena was but it seemed that the night was just about to get much longer. "Your sister! You mean Relena?"

"What?" Before Mima could recover from hearing Relena's name spoken and question about it, Zechs announced that dinner was ready and everyone left the sitting room accordingly. All the men moved so quickly that she had trouble pondering what Duo had just revealed and walking with the pack at the same time. She decided to let it go for the moment.

The man she just met, Mr. Merquise, walked her to an empty seat by Jezzie and helped her to the seat.

"I'm so glad you're here, Mima." Jezzie beamed and took her seat as well. "Everyone, this is the sister that I've been living with." She said as a formal introduction.

"I believe I have met some of you before." Mima commented and smiled warmly at Duo.

Just then, Heero Yuy walked into the room and quickly sat next to Jezzie and apologized for his tardiness. Utter shock was all that Mima felt. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. She hadn't seen him in so many weeks that she almost forgot what he looked like and sounded like. Mima didn't care that she looked like a lovesick puppy. She just wanted to reach out and touch him to know that he was real. It would appear that he didn't even notice her as he kept he head lowered and seemed distracted.

"Heero?" She whispered, urging the man to look at her.

He froze on the spot and wouldn't dare raise his eyes to the voice that just said his name. It couldn't be her. He thought. All eyes at the table were now on him. Heero had no choice but to look up and make eye contact with Mima.

TBC