Raptures of Paradise: Chapters 1-6

by Sailor Celaeno

I decided to put this up again in a slightly different way to make it easier and save people time in reading this. Well, there lots of categories that this could fit in, so I decided to put it in general. Standard non-yaoi couples, no flames about the cou

2. Default Chapter Title

Well, hope you like this, and this wets your appetite for the WHOLE story. Note, I'm obviously a Non-Yaoi writer, and a person who tends to write sappy stories, so if you don't like this kind of story, then GET OUT NOW!!! Now, enjoy.

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 7----------It Happened By Chance

By Sailor Celaeno

Quatre had been invited to a banquet that night. He was eager to attend. He was waiting for the celebration to begin. He was dressed in his best tuxedo with a red cummerbund and his usual, cheerful smile. He entered the reserved ballroom that was in the hotel he was staying at. There were many men that were more than twice his age. There weren't too many 16-year-old multi-millionaires around. But, the quick succession of his reign as head of the Winner family made him an even more mature, young man. He had his family name at stake and he had to make sure that the Winner family still had reason to be proud of their tradition of humanitarianism and philanthropy.

He walked through the fairly crowded room. There were many men and their wives, while he was the only one without a date. "Mr. Winner," called a voice.

Quatre turned around to see a fifty-something gentleman with a younger woman on his arm. "Oh hello." Quatre recognized the man as Mr. Debinder, a former business associate of his father's. "How have you been sir?"

"Very well, young Quatre. I'm glad to see you have done quite well for your family. How are your many lovely sisters?" Mr. Debinder said with an annoying tone of voice. It was clear he only pretended to be polite to Quatre.

Quatre had sensed and had always known about Debinder's insincerity, but etiquette and rules of business forbade him to out rightly insult the superficial businessman. "Very well. Especially Iria."

"Ah yes, I have heard that your sister has had the great fortune of receiving a fellowship to do research work for the Pleiades Corporation," Debinder said in a strained, but polite manner. He had the look on his face that said, 'Before or after you agreed to invest in the company?' Houston Debinder, his son, was a talented research biologist that was also seeking a fellowship that was awarded to Iria.

Quatre immediately recognized the look. He soon had a look of 'God, get me out of this wretched man!' He casually smiled and said, "We are all proud of her. I have no doubt that she will achieve great things within Pleiades."

"Of course. I hope you still remember my daughter, Esmeralda." He presented the dark-haired beauty with the sharp, green eyes. Quatre had to admit that Esmeralda was beautiful, but he remembered her too well.

Quatre was seven when he first met Esmeralda Debinder. Esmeralda was nine and she still looked the same, but she was less enchanting. "My name is Quatre." Even as a child, he was a very polite, and a rather chivalrous boy. Iria was fifteen and was watching her brother from a distance.

"I'm Esmeralda. You may call me Emsie."

"Emsie? All right, Emsie. Do you want to see our garden? It has pretty flowers my sisters like."

"Really? Oh, do show me! I want to see them. They must be pretty." Esmeralda had shown a great interest in Quatre's sisters and how pretty they all were.

Quatre nodded when suddenly, she held his hand. He looked so shocked. He remembered seeing his sister, Nisreen, holding hands with her boyfriend in a similar way. He kind of blushed when he felt that soft, warm hand in his. "I... um... they are this way." He closed his hand over hers and led her to the garden.

Quatre was twelve and Esmeralda had turned fourteen. Quatre thought she was very pretty and Esmeralda seem to feel very strongly for him. "Esmeralda, I'm glad to see you."

Esmeralda had a starry-eyed look on her face. "Oh, Quatre." She was practically on top of him, she was so close. "I've been waiting to do this." She quickly and promptly planted a tender kiss on his mouth that was already open from the surprise of her standing so close to her.

She parted from him. He was absolutely flushed. 'I can't believe she just kissed me!' He thought gleefully to himself. "Wow," was all he could say.

It was another month when Esmeralda broke his heart. He watched with shock as she kissed another boy. He immediately found the time to talk to her in private. "Who was that you kissed?" he had an angry look on his face.

"My boyfriend," she said simply. She was unfazed as Quatre turned downtrodden.

"Your boyfriend?" He stared at her with a look of absolute defeat on his face.

"Yes, Quatre. I have a boyfriend. I've been with him for a couple of weeks. I'm sorry that the kiss I gave you the wrong impression. I wanted to see what it was like to really kiss a boy. I had a huge crush on him," referring to her boyfriend.

"I see." Quatre simply walked away. Then Esmeralda left for school on Earth when Debinder learned that her boyfriend was older than her. She had left and hardly said a word to him.

And now four years later, she comes back into his life. Though she was very beautiful, she had changed a lot. True, he changed himself, but the change in her was just as difficult and difficult on her as anything that he experienced. There was that look in her eyes that said all those things. In spite of how she toyed with his feelings, he still felt sorry for her. He could almost feel the bitterness of Life that she felt inside. "Hello Quatre," her voice purred.

"Hello, Emsie." He was as cordial as before.

"I'll leave you two alone." Debinder left his daughter with Quatre. He became intently immersed within a conversation that consisted of several other wealthy investors several yards away. Quatre and Esmeralda were all alone.

"I see you have done rather well. I also heard about what you did in the Eve War," said Esmeralda with her charming voice.

"You have? Well, I hope you haven't changed your opinion of me in any way." Quatre still considered her a dear friend. He wanted it to stay that way if he could.

"Change my opinion? Lord knows, nothing will ever make me change the way I feel about you Quatre," she had that sorrowful look on her face.

"What's wrong?" Quatre always had that sixth sense that made him very aware of others' feelings. "Emsie, don't try to hide anything from me. It may have been eight years, but I know when something is wrong with someone."

"Don't ask me please. I would rather not talk about it. I can only say that I know suffering as you do. Don't expect me say any more." She lightly touched the underside of his chin. "I don't want you to think ill of me. What I have done was bad and wrong. I would rather have those things behind me."

"Emsie?" Quatre was very worried about her now. She was very sad and depressed behind the beautiful dress and shining jewelry.

"Let's not talk of the past. It's too unpleasant for such a wonderful occasion. What have you been planning on doing in the future?" Esmeralda had that happy glow again on her face.

"Well, I'm just planning on taking care of the family business."

"Are you getting married? Have a girlfriend?"

Quatre blushed slightly at the question. "A girlfriend? Well, I don't have one. I'm completely single."

Esmeralda seemed to have a look of great intrigue on her face. She seemed particularly interested that Quatre was completely free and available. "I was just curious. You must be one of the most eligible bachelor's in the galaxy."

Quatre reddened at the idea of hundreds of girls being after him. "Well, I haven't exactly been chased after or anything."

"I can only hope that you will think of me."

Quatre was about to speak when a something caught his eyes. "I don't believe it!" he exclaimed. He quickly stood up.

"What?" she turned around. She quickly saw what Quatre had seen. A tall, blond woman with an attractive sky-blue dress had entered the room. She walked past the group that her father was talking to in order to get a glass of champagne. Her face was filled with disappointment as she saw the look on Quatre's face.

"I'm sorry Emsie. I have to say hello to someone."

"Of course." Quatre walked away. Esmeralda quickly saw him talking to the blond girl. She barely spoke to him that night again.

Dorothy had arrived just an hour earlier and quickly dressed for the dinner. She felt awkward being the only woman who was without a date, but she didn't care at that point. What mattered was that she was able to meet Miss Rokureno, a friend of hers. Miss Rokureno was an old schoolmate when they were little girls. Now Nova was a famous businesswoman of great ability. She quickly made her way to the bar to order a glass of champagne. Suddenly, she felt a tap at her shoulder. She quickly turned to see a pair of warm, blue eyes, and a shimmer of golden blond hair. She couldn't help, but look a little uncomfortable when she saw him. "Hello, Miss Catalonia."

"Hello, Mr. Winner."

"Funny meeting you here."

Dorothy managed to hide the discomfort and gather her composure. "Yes. A bit strange."

"I didn't know you were an investor."

"Well, I'm more than just an investor. Miss Rokureno and I are friends from a while back." She looked down at her glass for a moment. She looked up to see Quatre with a look of surprise.

"Really? I would love to meet her. Just today, I met Dr. Meioh."

"Trista? Oh, yes. She told me she had a meeting today. Didn't say whom though..." she trailed.

"You seem to have connections."

Dorothy had to smile at that. "Yes. I suppose I do. I suppose there is a lot you don't know about me." Dorothy had that air of mystery that intrigued Quatre. It was like Esmeralda.

"Quatre?" Esmeralda called.

"Yes?" He turned to talk to her.

"Father and I are going to be at table 7, right near your table."

"Okay." Then he turned to see that Dorothy was no longer there. He glanced around the room to catch her going to the balcony. He expertly maneuvered around the room to reach the door. He looked around to see the blue dress fluttering slightly in a small breeze. "Dorothy?" he said gently.

She turned and gasped at the sound. "Quatre?" She had a softer voice now, which was gentle when she spoke his name.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked. He had concern on his face as he saw how discomposed she was looking. He walked closer to her and she seemed to be drawing back a little. "What's the matter?"

She kept creeping back until she hit the railing. "I just..." Her lips quivered a little. "This is it." She turned away from him. She stared into the lights of the city around them.

"What's wrong?" He soon stood right behind her and gently he touched her shoulder. He could feel her quiver at his touch. He had a warm hand on her shoulder that was filled with life, while she was cold and pale to the touch. He could see how pathetic she looked at that moment.

A tiny voice could be heard from her. "I was just hoping... that I wouldn't have to see you. Not so soon," she said in a soft voice.

"Why? What could be the problem? Have I hurt you somehow?"

She immediately turned around to face him. "No," she said plainly and clearly. She had a little smile to reassure him. "You have not harmed me. You have done more to save me than I can ever believe." She looked straight into his eyes.

Quatre stared back incredulously. "I have? I don't know if I deserve such credit." He was as modest as he usually was.

"No. It is true. I think back on that day in Libra. I can't help it. I just think about what you said to me. I see, that I was wrong. I have always been wrong. I just want to thank you for making me realize what I have done wrong. I see now that there is so much that I have believed in had been false. Lies that I allowed myself to believe."

Quatre had to interject. "I don't quite understand Dorothy."

"Of course not." She began to pace a little as she moved away from him. "For just a few brief moments, I could feel and hear the certainty, the conviction of your beliefs. You had no doubts that what you did was for the right thing. You had no qualms that what you were doing was to save people. To make the world better for the sake of peace." She wiped a tear away. "I have lost my faith in my own beliefs. All those ideas that I had floating in my head for so long were no longer so clear, so strong any more. They were weak, principles." She continued her walk as Quatre leaned against the railing.

"Dorothy? You have changed so much."

"You still care for what I have to say?" She had a smile with twinkling eyes from hidden emotions. "You believe in what I have just said to you?" She had to ask.

Quatre gave her his charming smile. "Yes, Dorothy Catalonia. I have forgiven you." He stared at where she had stabbed him. "I have moved past all that." He looked up at her.

She sighed in relief. "It's funny. I can still remember that moment. You were telling me how violence wasn't the absolute answer. I suppose it isn't an absolute answer. I won't deny that conflict is inevitable."

Quatre frowned slightly, but then he perked up again. "No. Conflict is only inevitable if there is no one who will try to reason." It was his turn to stare into the city nightlife. "I have always believed that strength comes not from the ability to fight, but the ability to say 'I won't fight'."

"Ever the optimist," smiled Dorothy.

"Ever the critic."

"I won't say that I see eye to eye with you, but....."

"But?"

"But I believe that we could come to an understanding." She walked to stand next to Quatre. "I just wish that I realized it sooner." A couple of tears flowed down her cheeks.

Quatre turned to see her. "You're crying?"

Dorothy had stopped walking and looked towards him. "I know. Never in a million years would the old Dorothy ever cry for anything." She laughed at herself a little. She breathed a little as she wiped away her tears. "Yes, Quatre Raberba Winner. You have done something that no other person would ever have been able to do. You tamed Dorothy Catalonia." She had another look on her face.

Quatre noticed and was uncertain about what to do. "Um... Dorothy?" She had proceeded to lean towards him. She then proceeded to give a light kiss on his cheek. He was a little warm from the slight embarrassment.

"I just wanted you to know how grateful I really am, and that I'm sorry for what I did to you." She had a hopeful countenance.

Quatre smiled back at her. "You're welcome, Miss Dorothy."

"I appreciate that." She started to walk away from him. "More than you'll ever know."

He suddenly didn't want to leave her side. He had the desire to be by her side that night. "Wait!"

She turned around immediately at his call. "Yes?"

"Would you like to sit with me at the dinner table? I mean... that is to say... if you don't have another place to sit at..." he stuttered.

Dorothy felt a little honored to see how much she was affecting Quatre. She smiled at the offer. "Yes. I think I will." He walked to her side again and took her arm. She was escorted back into the ballroom where they were never apart the rest of the evening.

Quatre woke up the next morning at nine. He had two more days of freedom before he had to return back to business. As he entered the lobby, she saw a slimmer of blond hair in the sitting area. A smile crept his face as he walked over to the young lady that had been waiting for him. "Good morning, Dorothy."

"Good-morning Quatre." She had a friendly smile on her face. "I was hoping to see you again." She had stood up to face him.

"Really?" He was very touched at the sentiment.

"I just wanted to thank you for last night. I didn't feel so very lonely."

Quatre seemed a little disappointed that that was all she wanted to say. "Uh... no trouble at all." He lightly ran his hand through his hair.

"Oh, yes. Also, Miss Rokureno wanted me to invite you to brunch."

"Really?"

"Yes. She wanted to apologize for not inviting you herself, but she has a meeting and will be joining us at the restaurant. Shall we?"

"Of course." They left the hotel and were soon in a limo that Dorothy had rented to bring her to the hotel.

"I don't suppose you have any other plans," she looked at him. It was the same look she gave him when she kissed him last night.

He reddened a little at the memory. "Um, no actually. I've never been here before so I don't know too many places around here."

"Well, I could show you around." She had a sly smile on her face.

Quatre felt a little warm all of a sudden. "Um..." he gulped air. "You could?" He squeaked a little.

Dorothy, who had been sitting opposite him, moved to the seat next to him. "Of, course. No trouble at all." She lightly touched the side of his face with her hand. "No trouble at all." She leaned in for the kill.

Quatre found his mouth massaged by her lips. Their mouths opened as their kiss got more passionate. He couldn't help but think that the kiss was rather good and that he'd like to enjoy it more. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and she did the same. After a few moments, he felt her quivering a little. He reluctantly parted from her. "Are you all right?" He looked at her with concern. He saw that her eyes were closed.

She opened her eyes and batted her eyes a little. "No." She kneeled on her seat. He shifted his position to face her more directly. "I'm not alright. I feel better than I've ever felt before. I've always wondered what it was like to kiss someone. To really kiss someone." She faced him.

"How was it?" he was relieved that she was all right.

She began playing with his bangs. "I thought it pretty good." They leaned towards each other and enjoyed another kiss before the limo stopped.

They sat at the table and a woman with black hair and silvery highlights arrived. "Novie!" Dorothy stood up and went to hug her friend.

"Dorothy!" The old friends chattered and giggled. Quatre was very amused at the scene Dorothy being so bubbly.

"Oh gosh. Here's Quatre." Quatre stood up and shook Nova's hand. "Quatre, Miss Nova Rokureno."

"Hello Quatre." Nova was still giggling from a moment ago. "It's nice to meet Dorothy's boyfriend." Nova burst out laughing, her mind still on their greeting just a few moments ago.

Quatre and Dorothy were blushing at the comment. "Nova! Stop!" She laughed nervously at Quatre. They all sat down and began ordering. "So who were you talking to this morning?" Dorothy asked as she began drinking her glass of water.

"Just another meeting with one of my top scientists." She stirred her tea until it cooled. "So Quatre, have you been to Pluto yet?" asked Nova. The salads they ordered were just arriving.

"I'd love to go some time."

"Well, if you're free next week, then I can personally show you the corporation facilities."

"I'm sure I'll be able to."

Quatre and Dorothy finished brunch with Nova by 10:20. Nova left for Pluto again. Quatre and Dorothy made plans to be alone that evening. And to think, their meeting at the ball... it all happened by chance.

Esmeralda entered the darkened room. "You wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes. I'm disappointed Esmeralda. I would have thought that you could have secured a place with the Winner family," said Avatar.

"I'm sorry Avatar. I had interference."

"I'm not surprised. We have been planning this for months, and a few of my other agents have also failed. Someone is working against us."

"How is that possible?"

"Tempest had warned me that there were those that are aware of her presence in this universe."

"In this universe?"

"Tempest is a powerful being from an alternate universe. We have a plan to conquer Earth and ALL the colonies. Once this universe is under the control of the Negaforce, the other universes will fall. However, this is not going to be easy. I am personally responsible for the fate of this grand plan. She has already reprimanded me for not gathering enough energy. We need more."

"But how? What sort of energy does she want? asked Esmeralda.

"It is VERY precious energy. The power of the human heart is what she needs. Every time we eliminate targets, we are providing her with the energy from their hearts."

"You mean, you plan to kill Quatre?"

"He is an excellent prize. Unless you can find a worthier victim to take his place."

"What about Dorothy Catalonia?"

"That Catalonia girl?"

"Yes."

"Unacceptable. Despite the possibilities, her heart isn't as good enough."

Esmeralda was greatly disappointed. That is until another thought occurred to her. "There is a great summit in two weeks. Many great dignitaries will attend including, Relena Peacecraft and Lady Une."

"Lady Une?" Avatar glared at that name. "Yes. Lady Une. I think that is an excellent plan."

"Oh yes. Convenient for you," a voice said sarcastically.

"Hecate! How that hell did you get here?"

"Same place as you did Avatar."

"Get out of here you bitch!"

"What manners! It's not like you to be SO testy."

"Your attempt to take over this mission will not work. You already failed to defeat Sailor Moon and her senshi. What makes you so certain you'd actually win in this universe?"

"I will enjoy watching you fail." Hecate vanished.

"You know your orders. And so do you?"

Another woman appeared. She had shoulder length blond hair and lifeless eyes. She stood by Esmeralda and they bowed humbly.

Avatar went to her mirror and soon Tempest appeared. "Why did you insist that we free Hecate from the Persephone locket?"

"Hecate would make an excellent ally for you. Besides, we may need her to eliminate more people," Tempest said.

"You mean, the senshi?"

"Yes. Pluto and Celaeno are probably preparing the senshi for their arrival as we speak. Hecate has experience dealing with them. Proserpine has also escaped. She may be a threat to us."

"Of course. No doubt she found a host just as Hecate has."

"Yes. I know. We must eliminate them all."

Author's note:

I want to apologize to anyone who is a yaoi fan, or are anti-Dorothy. Quite frankly I think there is a possibility of Quatre and Dorothy being a couple just as with Quatre and Trowa. Not to mention Dorothy had changed her ways by the end of Gundam Wing, so the way she's acting in this story or any others I write are not so far fetched.

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 8----------The Test

By Sailor Celaeno

Heero had finally made his way to the Pleiades headquarters. It had been a week since he followed Relena and discovered the source of the strange phone call. For her sake and perhaps many other people, he had to know who was responsible for the phone call. He managed to obtain a job as a filing clerk in the archives section. He would have perfect access of the company's activities in the last 30 years of its existence. He soon discovered that the phone call came from a phone in the executive office. Very few people have access to that side of the building. "One of the top execs must have made the call. But why?"

Heero had every reason to believe that the execs were up to something big that Relena was somehow entrapped in, which was why she received the phone call. He immediately found a way to sneak into the restricted office after hours, when there were few people in the building. He was able to maneuver through the tight security. "Mm. Good job. It took me forty minutes to get through. Most systems take me ten, fifteen minutes tops."

Heero found an office that was no different from the executive suites for the other heads of the company. He promptly saw the nice, tasteful furnishings. The carpet was soft and well padded for virtually no sound. He read the name on the stationary. "Miss Nova Rokureno." He had heard of the name, but knew nothing much of her except that she was rich, and one of his bosses. He quickly set to work. He linked his computer to her phone and immediately hacked into the phone records. It took him nearly an hour to crack through the online security that this woman had set up. "Hmm. This system is even better than the one for her office. I'm impressed." He smiled as he typed away. "There must be something in her phone records. Otherwise, she wouldn't have such an advanced security system. After all, most executives wouldn't NEED one anyway."

The screen flashed with hundreds of phone calls made in this office during her time as one of the ceo's. He narrowed the search to phone calls made in the last four months. After another five minutes, he found several phone calls that caught his interest. He found several phone calls made to one of the scientists, Dr. Meioh. Last, but not least, he found the call to the Spa. He glared at the screen. "Just as I suspected. What are you up to Rokureno-sama?" He still addressed her in the proper title that she was given.

He soon disconnected the link and left the office.

The next day at that same office, Nova had another meeting with Dr. Meioh. "So Trista. How has the work been going? Have you been able to prove to the world that time travel exists without using your powers?"

Trista smiled. "No. But I am on the break of proving that people can travel faster than the speed of light."

Nova smiled good-humouredly. "But seriously though. I want you to know that we have located Heero at last."

"Really?" Trista raised an eyebrow.

Nova nodded. "He's working as a clerk in the archives. It's obvious what that means."

"He figured out you made the phone call to Relena?" Nova nodded. "I don't quite see, why you bothered even doing that if you don't want any of them involved."

"Well, simply this. They'd get involved anyway, which is true. However, I'm simply warning them because I don't want them to get in over their heads. They are dealing with Negaverse interference that is beyond their abilities, despite how good they are. Besides, I'd prefer to keep them on their toes. They will meet a great enemy soon."

"Yes. I can feel it coming as well."

"Then it's agreed. How is Serenity and Endymion?" Nova smiled as she asked. She leaned back in the leather chair.

"As well as they were when you last saw them."

"Small Lady?"

"She's well too. She wanted me to thank you for the gift you bought for her. She appreciates it."

"I just wanted to give her something before her 13th birthday."

"She knows. I can't believe so much time as gone by."

Nova smiled knowingly. "You know that we have the power to relive things if we wanted. It is at our disposal. But we do have some important things to do at the moment. And I'm quite glad that they haven't figured out who we really are."

"They will soon though."

"Yes. I hope that we can keep it that way a little while longer. After all, it'll make things easier and quicker if we can keep ourselves inconspicuous."

"You never told me how Hecate escaped."

"Simple. Someone stole the Persephone locket. Hecate has been reborn in this universe and we must find her before she can regain her power. But Hecate isn't the only one here."

"You mean...?"

"Yes, Proserpine is here to. No doubt they have been renamed. They will remember their pasts, but they won't recognize each other. They will recognize us."

"Would that be a good thing?" Trista asked worriedly.

"Don't worry. We will be able to recognize them as well. We must hurry. I have no clue what sort of trouble Hecate intends to brew here. I'm even more worried about the one who released her. Someone was very much aware of what sort of power they could get from her. I intend to find out how it happened."

Trista nodded. "Of course."

Heero got extremely curious about Miss Rokureno. He spent hours researching on her origins, etc. "This just doesn't add up. There is no record of her on colony 42 where she says she's born on. Nor are there any records of her until seven years ago. Going to the same boarding school as Dorothy Catalonia?"

Heero drank a small cup of coffee in his apartment on Pluto. "It says here that she has several degrees and graduate with top honors." He simply stared at the information critically. "She's rich, highly educated, and one of the most popular and powerful people in the universe. This sounds perfect. Too perfect. There must be more to her."

He spent another hour searching for more information on her. They only turned up more information on her from the last seven years, but nothing else before then. No proven documents of her existing anywhere besides Earth for school and Pluto where she currently resides. Then another idea occurred to him. He researched on Dr. Trista Meioh, one of the youngest and prominent physicists in the universe. "What?" he stared at the information. Other than the fact that she wasn't a multi-millionaire like Nova Rokureno, her record was the exact same thing as Nova's. There is no record of her prior to seven years ago. "Something strange is going on."

He thought about the information he discovered. He even reread the research he did again, and was satisfied that his findings were correct. "I will simply have to meet Miss Rokureno."

"Trenton Adler?" asked a woman.

Heero looked out from behind the file cabinets. "Yes?"

"I don't know why, but the boss wants to see you."

"Again? What does Flankard want from me now?" Heero asked with irritation.

"No. Not Flankard. Miss Rokureno."

Heero's eyebrow lifted a little in surprise. He followed the woman to Nova's office as though he had never gone there before. He entered the room, and the woman closed the door behind her. He saw Nova Rokureno for the first time. She noticed him as she looked up from her papers. He began to note her appearance should he need to follow her. He noticed that strands of her hair had silvery highlights. She wore a blue power suit with black pumps. She had dark hair and wore her hair loose without a bun like many of her female employees. She finally spoke after she finished writing on a piece of paper. "You must be Mr. Adler." He could tell she was noting his appearance as well.

"Yes, madam."

She smiled as she leaned into her chair. "I'm sure you're wondering why you're here."

"Yes. I appreciate the honor." He learned from Duo that smooth talking would get a lady to reveal more info.

"Hmm." She said amusingly. "Very well. The reason I called you here is because you have been recommended for a promotion.

"A promotion?" Even though most people in his position would be thrilled to get out of the archive filing, Heero was VERY suspicious. He also wanted the access to the archive. He had only been working for two weeks and already this woman wanted to offer him a raise. And from her personally?

"Yes, Mr. Adler. It seems that your efficiency has been well noted. It has been recommended that you will be promoted to management of the data processing department. The last assistant supervisor has proven unsatisfactory. He lacked the efficiency that you have."

"If that is the case, then I'll accept the offer."

"Good. You'll begin working there on Monday. You may get back to work and enjoy your weekend." She returned to her paperwork.

Heero nodded and promptly left. "What are you up to Rokureno-sama? Why in the world would she pick me, unless she knows something about me..." he began to feel a little disturbed and uncomfortable about all this. He would have to keep a close eye on her.

"Do you suppose he's suspicious?" Sailor Pluto emerged from the moving bookcase.

"Of course. I've given him more than enough reason to be suspicious. The fact that he hacked into some of my files proves it. He'll eventually confront me." Nova looked up from her work.

"You're toying with him? I wonder how far it'll get?"

"Well. I have a plan. It'll be devious, but I know what I'm doing."

"I never doubted you." Sailor Pluto opened the portal to the Gates of Time and vanished.

Heero knew it was risky trying to re-enter her office, but it was necessary. As he crept into the office, the lights immediately turned on, and he heard a click. He turned around to see Nova staring at him critically. "I was wondering when you'd come."

"You expect me to talk?"

"No." She walked until she was behind her desk. "I expect you to try to prove certain suspicions that you have about me."

"I wouldn't know what you mean."

"Come off it now Trenton Adler, or should I say Heero Yuy?"

He immediately pointed a gun at her. She simply smiled at him. "I don't suppose you'll tell me what's so amusing.

Nova still had that cat-that-swallowed-the-canary grin on her face. "I know that you won't kill me."

He cocked the gun. "Are you certain?"

"Besides the cliché-like 'you would have shot me already' bit, you'd get nothing out of me. Especially from my computer files, because you require a complicated password to access the information. Otherwise, the security system will automatically activate a fast acting computer virus." She folded her hands across her chest.

He lowered the gun. "How did you know my name?"

"I know a great deal about you, Heero Yuy, and your allies. I know you are the pilot of Wing Zero. You were orphaned as a child and named after the late pacifist. Doctor J trained you. You are acquainted with the other Gundam pilots who are currently serving in the Preventers. Your main goal is to protect Miss Relena Peacecraft Darlian. She has a brother named Milliardo Peacecraft, alias Zechs Marquise, alias the lightning count. He is currently engaged to Miss Lucrezia Noin, due to marry next week. Mr. Quatre Raberba Winner, the heir to the Winner fortune, who is currently an investor in this corporation, and is an acquaintance of Dorothy Catalonia. Trowa Barton, formerly Triton Bloom, has a sister named Catherine Bloom who works in the circus and is currently on colony 159 on holiday..."

Heero simply glared at her to hide the astonishment of her vast knowledge of the former Gundam pilots. "So what? You could have had a private detective search that information."

"Or perhaps I could have read your mind?" she said without moving her mouth. He immediately knew that she was speaking to him telepathically.

"What is this?" he demanded bitterly.

"The same old Yuy anger." She continued telepathically. "I suppose you are more determined to know who I am."

"You bet your life on it."

"I will assume that you will resign from your position here and return to Earth, to Relena?" she spoke normally.

"You'll receive a letter from me on Monday." Heero nodded and turned to leave.

"Of course." He left the office and was half down in the elevator when he heard her voice in his head. "Oh, and one last thing. I know about the time you saved Relena from the falling debris at the school dance." He glared at nothing in particular.

"This woman is dangerous. I will have to destroy her."

Nova stared out of her office window as Heero entered his car and drove away. "Oh, Heero. This is nothing more than a test for you. A test to see if you are truly prepared to make sacrifices. Before as Gundam pilots, you and the others were willing to give up your lives for your cause because there was no one who would miss you or get hurt in the process. But now things have changed. You have new lives, homes, and even loved ones now. Are you prepared to sacrifice everything now? I just pray that you will be strong enough." She stared into the nighttime sky. "I hope you are prepared."

Nova closed the shades and took out her transformation locket. "Celaeno Galaxy power!" Her clothes slowly disappeared. Silvery starlight emanated from her locket. She tossed it in the air, and the light exploded like fireworks. The sparks fell around her and her business suit melted into her sailor senshi fuku. Her locket reappeared on her chest. She held out her arms and said, "I call on the power of the seven stars, open the gates of time and space..." Her locket glowed as her hands focused the power towards a space in front of her. "...return me to the kingdom of Neo-Queen Serenity!" The energy formed a portal. She quickly walked through it that led her to a tunnel.

The tunnel was filled with a wispy fog, and she soon saw Crystal Tokyo. She immediately emerged out of the tunnel to the gates of the palace. The guards bowed as they recognized Sailor Celaeno. They opened the doors and she entered. She walked down a hallway towards a servant. "Excuse me. Would you please tell me where her majesty is?"

The servant bowed. "Oh, Empress! The queen and the court are in the gardens."

"Thank you." She walked passed the servant who was in awe that the Empress of the Pleiades constellation had talked to him.

After a few more minutes, she found herself outside, only that it was in a fenced in area within the palace walls. She saw several people all over the great field of grassland. They all sat on the grass with a blanket to protect their very expensive clothing from getting stained. Some of them rose up as they saw Sailor Celaeno come into view. "Nova?" said a blond-haired woman with a beautiful, white silk dress. A man with a navy black tuxedo and a white mask with matching top hat stood beside her to receive their honored guest.

"Queen Serenity, King Endymion." She bowed as she was supposed to.

Neo-Queen Serenity smiled. "It should be us to bow to you, Empress."

Sailor Celaeno smiled, "Ah, but it is your kingdom that I am in, not mine. I'm glad to see that everyone is here." She noticed that basically every 'good guy' from the Sailor Moon Universe was enjoying the peaceful day in the palace grounds. The cat guardians rubbed against her legs. She bent down and lifted the three cats in her arms and lightly kissed their heads before returning them to the ground.

"Yes. We're happy to see you return. Will you be staying for Small Lady's birthday party?" asked King Endymion.

A semi-tall pink-haired girl appeared. She was dressed similarly to Neo-Queen Serenity. "Oh please, godmother. Please say that you stay!" She hugged the most ancient of the Sailor Senshi.

Sailor Celaeno smiled down at the young princess who had grown an inch since her last visit. She gently stroked the top of her soft, pink hair. "I'm sorry Small Lady. But I cannot. My mission is not yet completed. I must return to the Gundam Universe soon. The darkness is getting stronger and stronger by the hour. If I don't return, then their world will be destroyed."

"We could return with you," replied a tall brunette in an emerald green dress with a man in green clothes just like that of King Endymion.

"Of course. We'd all like to help," replied the green man. The others around nodded in agreement, including Small Lady.

"That is exactly what we must discuss, Queen Lita and King Kenneth." She paused to look at all of the Sailor senshi and their husbands. "We must have a meeting some other time. I will not spoil Princess Serena's party. I shall return another time. Until then Sailor Pluto and I shall be able to handle the situation."

"Why is it that you and Pluto are so dedicated to this particular mission?" asked Queen Rei.

"Because the Persephone Locket has been stolen. The powers of Proserpine and Hecate have been released and I must hurry to stop them. Besides, did you think our powers over Time and Destiny are limited to this universe?"

The others stared at each other for a moment. "We never thought of that," replied Queen Mina.

"I know. Pluto and I are very busy people. We are very powerful, but only as guardians of Time and Destiny. As sailor senshi, Sailor Moon is the strongest of the senshi. Now that she is queen, there is no need for a Sailor Moon. That is why, Small Lady, your 14th birthday will be special. Next year, you will be the next Sailor Moon."

Small Lady stared at everyone who smiled knowingly. "You mean, I will be Sailor Moon?"

"Yes, Princess Serena. You will become the next Sailor Moon. You have large shoes to fill, but the other scouts will help you. And the chibi scouts are always with you." Nova was referring to the other children in the palace with Princess Serena.

"I promise to be the best."

"That is good. Now, if you'll excuse me. I must return now. I think that Heero will be on Earth soon, and I will be needed." Sailor Celaeno bowed and took her leave.

Relena was working in her office again. It was Monday again, and her time of freedom was gone. She no longer sensed Heero anywhere nearby for the last three weeks. She concentrated on her work, and she was getting ready for Noin and Milliardo's wedding. She had a bridal shower to arrange and a bachelorette party to organize. She took Lucrezia's advice and found some time to be with her brother. "Milliardo?" Relena had dialed his number at Preventers' headquarters.

"Yes... Relena?" he asked with a little surprise.

"I was just wondering if you had lunch yet."

There was silence at the other end. "Not yet. Why?"

"I was just thinking that maybe we'd go out together. Just you and me," Relena said in her usual polite manner.

More silence. "Where?"

"There's a quiet cafe a few blocks from my office. You know Tabitha's?"

"Yes."

"How about there?"

"Alright. Tabitha's. I'll be leaving in a minute."

"Fine." Relena hung up the phone. She decided to work a little longer. It wouldn't be until another half an hour until Milliardo would get there. She sighed a little as she prepared to meet her brother and try to formulate what to say to him. 'Funny. I'm worried about how to talk to my brother."

Author's note:

Okay, so there. More mystery added in. Hope you're still interested in the chapter.

Don't like suspense???

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 9----------Relena and Milliardo

By Sailor Celaeno

Relena arrived early in order to secure a table. After a few minutes of inspecting the specials of the day, she spotted her brother. More than a few waitresses sighed at his entrance into the cafe. They eyed Relena enviously until they noticed a resemblance between the two people in the booth. "Hey, Sophie."

"What? Ooh, who's that?"

"Don't know. But I know the girl. She's Miss Relena Darlian."

"She is? Who do you suppose he is?"

"Well, they kinda look like each other. I bet you she related to him."

"Hm. That means he's free game."

"Hello, Milliardo." She stood up to greet him.

"Relena." He lightly kissed her cheek and they sat. He opened his menu and examined the dishes they offered.

Relena drank from her glass of water. "How's Lucrezia?"

Milliardo looked up from the menu. "She's well. She's been going crazy over what patterns to use for the wedding." More than a few sighs of disappointment could be heard. He rolled his eyes. "What is with these women?" He stared intently at his sister for some answers.

"You have to ask me that?" Even Relena realized that she had a handsome brother and that more than a few women she was acquainted with agreed wholeheartedly about that. "Oh honestly Milliardo. If you haven't figured that out, then I wonder how you ever ended up with Noin." Relena shook her head.

"Whatever do you mean?" Relena wasn't quite sure if he was joking or not.

"As if you didn't know that you are handsome and eye candy for every female not related to you."

Milliardo had to smile at that. "I suppose so. I've never paid much attention to the mirror as of late."

Relena nodded her head. "I suppose you wouldn't after you hid your face in a mask for a while. I would have thought you did that so women wouldn't be ogling over you so much."

Milliardo smiled again. "Never thought I'd ever see the day that we would ever talk to each other like this."

"Neither have I."

"It reminds me of when we were younger."

"It does?" Relena became very interested. "Tell me about it."

"Hm. I was ten; you were four when the Sanc kingdom fell. Before that, everything was quiet and peaceful. Just as it should have been. I wasn't sure about having another baby around in the house. There were already our cousins, but they didn't live in the castle with us. Then you came along. I was a little jealous after all, you got all the attention. I despised you for a while. Then there was this one time that changed all that."

Little Milliardo was playing with his toys. He heard a crying coming from the nursery. "Oh it's HER again!"

"WAHHHHHH!!!!"

Milliardo tried to stuff his fingers into his ears, but to no avail. "Oooooohhhhhh! What does she want? He marched into his baby sister's room. "What do you want?" He surveyed the room. Relena was in her little playpen. She was standing and leaned onto the railing. She reached her arm out, but she couldn't reach a small toy that had fallen from her reach. Milliardo noticed it. He promptly took it and handed it back to her. She stopped crying and a tiny smile curled her face. "There, now I can go play."

He turned to leave. His sister began crying again. He turned around. He walked towards her. "What do you want?" She grabbed onto his hand. She held it tightly. "Do you want me to play with you?" He looked at her.

Relena smiled as if she understood. "Oh alright. Fine." He sighed. He managed to climb into her playpen. He moved some of her toys out of the way so he could sit. She stumbled awkwardly towards him. She lost her step and fell into his lap. He couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her. He pulled her closer to him until she sat on his lap. She looked up at him. "Here, why don't you relax?" He hugged her. She leaned her head against his chest.

After a little while, her eyelids grew heavy. She no longer focused on anything and she drifted into sleep. Milliardo looked down at her and found himself feeling a little groggy. He yawned as he shifted position. He managed to find a comfortable spot and pulled Relena close to him.

"I wonder why it's so quiet?" asked a young woman. She was the young servant in charge of the children. She peered into the nursery and smiled as she saw Prince Milliardo and his little sister curled up, asleep together.

"That happened?" Relena stared at her brother.

He nodded. The food they ordered had arrived. "I remember that I thought about how much I wished I had a comfy playpen like that," he started to laugh a little.

Relena was amazed that her brother was laughing as heartily as he was. "What ever happened to that?"

His laughter died down and he stared at her seriously. "I have been thinking about that for a long time. A lot has happened since those days. We are different people, Relena. I am a soldier in a new uniform, but a soldier just the same. My goal is to fight and destroy my enemies."

"I am a soldier too. My goal is to bring peace. We both want some peace in our lives. You fight for it with guns and mobile suits. I'm fighting the anger and violence of war with all my being. I don't have a gun, but I have a determined spirit that will strive hard until I die."

"Yes." Milliardo began eating his lemon chicken. After he swallowed he continued. "You are a soldier too. I see that now."

Heero was watching the two siblings at the cafe. He was in a car across the street observing them. He was suspicious of Nova and he was concerned that she would find a way to do something to Relena personally. "What could Nova possibly be after?"

Hilde and Duo were walking together. "Ah, a lovely day with a lovely girl," he said as he wrapped his right arm around Hilde.

"Oh Duo." She shook her head.

"Well, you are the best in the world."

Hilde blushed a little. "You're my number one guy." She kissed him.

"Hmmmm. You know what? I think you and I are going to have to work on this whole thing." He smiled devilishly.

"Work on what?" Hilde cocked an eyebrow suspiciously.

"On this." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gave her the most passionate kiss yet. She was practically swept off her feet in amazement.

When he finally let her go, she simply sighed, "Wow."

They kept walking until Duo spotted a car and the driver who looked familiar. "Ohmigod!"

"What Duo?"

"It's Heero!"

"What?" Hilde looked in the same direction as Duo. "You're right."

They promptly walked over and knocked at the car door. Heero turned quickly to spy on who was interfering with his surveillance. "Duo? Hilde?"

"Aha! I knew it was you!"

"SHHH!!!" commanded Heero.

Duo simply stared at him incredulously. Then he soon spoke. "Why?"

"I'm on a top secret mission."

Duo noticed that Heero was watching the cafe across the street. After a few more moments he soon saw the subject of this stakeout. "You're watching Relena and Zechs?"

Silence.

"If you don't tell her you're here then I will." Heero gave him the death glare. "Your stupid death glare won't make me back down this time."

"Fine."

It was five thirty when Relena left the building. She saw her limo waiting for her. She stepped inside when suddenly she could hear, "Hello Relena."

She looked up with a start and a look of surprise on her face. "Heero?"

He nodded at her. He reached to the seat next to him. He presented her with flowers. "I thought you might want these."

She readily accepted the bouquet and sniffed the lovely arrangement. "Thank you Heero." He nodded to her again. "I don't know what to say." She looked at him tenderly.

That look she gave him didn't escape his notice. "I just wanted to let you know that I've returned. To stay more permanently."

She was stunned beyond words. "You... you are?" She trembled a little. "Are you really certain you will stay?" She could barely look at him in order to hide her excitement.

"Yes."

Relena breathed a little more calmly. She was able to calm herself down. "I glad to see you again. It makes things easier for me."

"Easier?"

"Yes. I was hoping that I could find an escort to a private function tomorrow night. Dorothy and Quatre have asked me to meet them in a restaurant a few minutes away from my apartment. I was hoping I could find someone to go with me."

"Dorothy and Quatre?" Heero was astonished at the idea of Dorothy and Quatre together.

"I know. It was a shock to me. Quatre came by earlier last week. He was telling me how Dorothy had been meaning to treat me to dinner at Tavern in the Green. Quatre was eager to eat there as well." She smiled mirthfully at the meeting with him.

"Of course. I should say hello to the others since I'm back in town."

"Yes. You have been gone for three weeks."

"Three weeks? We haven't seen each other in four months," Heero replied with certain conviction.

"Perhaps I haven't seen YOU, but you have certainly seen ME." Heero gave her a look of complete puzzlement. Relena smiled. "Don't pretend. I know you've been following me for the longest time now. Only you left for three weeks and have finally returned. I have no clue why you decided to show yourself to me now."

"How'd you know?" Heero relented at last.

"Call it woman's intuition." She smiled.

A smiled crept on his face. "Yes. Woman's intuition." Like the other pilots, he was slightly more muscular because of the grueling work and training he underwent since Relena had last seen him. He was wearing a dark blue suit similar to the one he wore at the school he attended with Relena a year ago. "How have you managed yourself those three weeks I was gone?"

"Not much. Although, I've been very busy."

"Zechs and Noin are getting married. So I've heard."

Relena nodded the affirmative. "Five more days. Noin was hoping you'd go to the wedding. Milliardo wouldn't mind if you came as well." She paused a moment to observe his reaction. When he seemed to accept the invitation, she continued, "And of course I would like to see you there as well."

He looked at her intently. "If you wish, I'll escort you to the wedding. In fact, I think I will insist on it."

Relena was surprised at the last statement. "You do?" She was a little intrigued by his sudden insistence. "Why exactly?"

"I thought that is what you want." He continued to look at her intently.

"Yes," she blushed as she admitted it. "But I know you well enough to know that there is a hidden agenda to this." She waited him to answer. "Please Heero. I want to know. I thought that you could trust me. Why are you so determined to make sure that you can go with me to the wedding? Do you suspect something may happen?"

He remained silent. He began thinking to himself. 'I'm sorry Relena. But I can't tell you that someone may be after you again. Your interference in some unknown thing may cost you your life. I can't let it happen. The world needs you, and I...' He didn't dare to continue the train of thought.

"Heero. I know you are hiding something. I'm determined to find out the truth."

'Of course you will.' Heero thought again.

Heero arrived at her apartment the next evening. He had his car keys in his pocket, and was wearing a tuxedo this time. Relena had told him that Tavern on the Green at become an exclusive restaurant that required full evening ware. He managed to find a tux that he could rent and promptly arrived at 6:45pm. Peygan opened the door. "Good evening Mr. Yuy," the old butler said in the formal tone-of-voice.

"Good-evening, Peygan." Heero stepped inside. He had always seen her apartment from the outside, but never from the inside.

"Miss Relena will be ready in a few moments." Peygan left to return to changing the water for the flowers that Heero had bought yesterday.

The sounds of high heels on the wooden floors could be heard. Heero turned to see Relena appear. She was wearing a pink dress with a chiffon skirt and a matching colored shawl, even though it was an August evening. "Hello Heero."

Heero pretended not to be stunned at her in the dress. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." She walked over and took the arm he offered her. She quickly shouted, "I'll see you later Peygan."

"Yes, Miss Relena." The young couple left the penthouse.

Heero parked the car and opened the door for Relena. "Thank you Heero." She was amazed at how gentlemanly and attentive he was being this evening. They walked into the restaurant. They quickly saw Quatre waving his arm to catch their attention.

They walked over to the table. "Heero!" Quatre came out to greet his friend.

"Hello, Quatre." Heero had an amused smiled on his face. "Hello Dorothy."

They all sat down and caught up with each other. "So you're going to the wedding?" asked Quatre as he poured the sparkling apply cider they ordered.

"Yes. I agreed to take Relena."

Dorothy and Quatre smiled at each other. "Well, Trowa is bringing Catherine. And you know who Duo and Wufei are taking."

"Yes. I wondered when they would have ended up with each other." Heero enjoyed teasing the other two pilots when they weren't there.

"Is Lady Une coming?"

"I heard she's taking Mariemaya," replied Dorothy as she sipped the cider. They all stared at her.

"Are you serious?" Relena spoke first.

Dorothy nodded. "I was speaking to Lady Une the other day, and she informed me that she and Mariemaya were eager to attend on Saturday."

Heero still was wary of Mariemaya. Even though she was only a child, he wasn't sure if four months had successfully changed her. Even though Lady Une had tried whatever she could to care for the girl, there was no telling for certain whether the girl had improved in her attitude. A waltz sounded in the air. "Relena, would you like to dance?"

Relena had a look of surprise and found herself on the dance floor with the perfect soldier. "Heero?"

"Hm?"

"Is someone after me again?" Heero remained silent. "I knew it. Someone is after me."

"There's no proof of that Relena."

"I know you well enough to know that you wouldn't be doing any of this unless I was in danger." Heero gently spun her around and they were together again. "You don't have to hide that from me."

The waltz ended. "I'll never lie to you." That was all he said on the matter the rest of that evening.

"Milliardo Peacecraft?" asked Queen Lita.

"Yes. He and Miss Noin are finally getting married," continued Empress Nova,

"Incredible," smiled Queen Raye.

"That is beside the point. We must continue with business. There is a Negaverse being that has stolen the Persephone locket and has used it to transport itself into the Gundam Universe. With such power in its possession, who knows what could happen? It could destroy their universe. Since this being is from our universe it is our duty to apprehend and destroy it before it causes any damage."

"When are we going?" asked Queen Michelle.

"Very soon."

"You know when they will attack don't you?" asked Queen Amara.

"Of course."

"Then why are you waiting?" she asked.

"It is not the right time. I may have power to see the destinies of trillions of individuals, but I don't have the power to change it anyway I want just as Trista can't go back in time to prevent tragedies that have already happened. We simply can't do that. Interference may cause more damage than any good."

"She is right," replied Neo-Queen Serenity.

"But what about Serenity? She can't leave Crystal Tokyo. Without her and the Imperium Crystal, Crystal Tokyo will be weakened," added Queen Hotaru.

"I'll take her place." Princess Serena entered the council room dressed as Sailor Chibi Moon.

"Small Lady?" asked Luna, who also attended the meeting with her mate, Artemis.

"Yes."

"But Small Lady, you aren't ready to handle this enemy. It is more powerful than even Evil Sailor Galaxia. It wouldn't be safe," argued Luna.

"I'm supposed to be the next Sailor Moon soon. I should prove myself that I'm worthy to possess the power of Sailor Moon. The Sailor Senshi are going so I will have plenty of others to protect me if I need help. I know I could do it if you just give me a chance." Princess Serena pleaded.

"I think she should go," interjected Neo-Queen Serenity.

"As the leader of the Sailor Senshi, I simply can't allow any of the Crystal Tokyo Royal Family get into harm's way. It goes against my duty," replied Queen Mina. She stood up from her seat. "Besides this is a dangerous mission. It isn't the time for another training mission for Small Lady."

"I AM NOT SMALL LADY!" proclaimed Princess Serena. "I am Princess Serena. I'm not a small lady that has to be pampered. If I am to be the next queen, I can't just sit down and watch the ones that I love dearly get hurt. If you won't take me, then I'll find a way to go anyhow."

The queens began discussing what to do about Princess Serena. "Very well Sm... Princess Serena," began Queen Lita.

Princess Serena's face lit up. "Thank you!"

"But!" interjected Queen Mina.

"But?"

"There are to be two conditions."

Princess Serena sighed, but then remembered that she was trying to prove her maturity, so she stood up properly. "Yes?"

"One," said Queen Amy. "You must have Diana with you at all times. She is to guard you and keep an eye on you when one of us is not with you."

"And the other?"

"The other is that, I'm the leader of the scouts. Any orders I give are to be obeyed to the letter. Unless Pluto or Celaeno says otherwise, all orders from me or even the other Senshi are to be obeyed. Is that clear Princess?" asked Queen Mina.

"Yes, your majesty." Princess Serena curtseyed.

"Very well. The other queens have accepted your request to join them," said Neo-Queen Serenity.

"When are we going?" asked Princess Serena.

"When Pluto returns the next time, it means that you and the Sailor Senshi are needed. I shall return to the Gundam Universe. I have a wedding to attend." Empress Nova smiled as she stood up from her seat. The other queens nodded and they continued discussing important business.

Princess Serena followed the Silver Empress to the Royal Gardens where she would teleport into the other universe. "Empress?"

"Yes?"

"What will happen in the other universe? I mean... how will we be able to defeat an enemy there when there are those people there? Wouldn't we be interfering with their destinies?"

The Empress smiled. "Believe it or not, it is your destinies to interfere in their lives."

"It is?"

"Yes. Even though evil is not a pleasant thing, it is needed. Change and growth in Humanity needs the ugliness in life."

"Why? Why must people get hurt, and suffer in order to grow?" asked Princess Serena.

"Because my little lady, when you see the ugliness, you realize that you aren't perfect. You realize the world is not perfect, and then you will do whatever you can to change yourself to be better. Slowly when more people do the same, they will change the world and the rest of Humanity." They arrived at the gardens. "I must leave you for now."

Princess Serena hugged her godmother. "I'll see you soon."

"Of course. You can count on it." And in a flash, Empress Nova was gone.

"Relena?"

"Milliardo? I'm surprised you called me."

"I need you to come to the lobby right now."

"Alright." Relena quickly changed and was in the lobby within ten minutes. She saw her brother standing there waiting patiently for her. "You wanted to see me."

"I do. I need you to help me with something." He opened the door for her and they began walking on the sidewalk together.

"If I can help you, I will. You know that."

"That's exactly why I called you down." They began walking down the street towards a small park that was three blocks from her penthouse apartment. He saw a bench in an empty area of the park. He motioned for her to sit down. After she did, he sat next to her. "The doctor confirmed it. Lucrezia is expecting. It should arrive in April."

"I'm happy for you two. I'm sure you must be excited to become a father. I suppose a baby is different from war, but it'll be a struggle and just as stressful. Yet, in the end, it'll be worth it." Relena looked up at her brother. He was smiling at the idea of fatherhood.

"You have that perfect idealism of parenthood. Which is why I know you'll make a good mother someday."

"Do you think so?" She leaned her head against his shoulder.

Out of natural instinct, Milliardo wrapped his left arm around her shoulders. "Yes, I do think so. Which is exactly why I called you here."

Relena looked up and he moved his arm away as she sat up. "It is?"

"Lucrezia and I want you to be the baby's godmother."

Relena was very touched. "I'm honored."

"We took a lot of thought. It's not just because you're my sister. But the fact is... is that we know you'd raise the baby right if... if anything happened to us. You'd raise it to be a peacemaker. Someone who never has to see the blood on his or her hands. Someone who can fix the world's problems and not add to it."

"Oh Milliardo. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you or Lucrezia." She looked sadly at him.

"Relena. We don't know the path that life has in stored for any of us. We can't predict when we will have to get off to make way for someone else. All I want is to make sure that the baby will always have someone to lead its way. Whether it's Lucrezia and I, or you."

Relena bent her head down a little in thought. After a moment, she looked back up towards her brother. "Yes. I understand. Of course I'll be the godmother." She quickly hugged her brother tightly. She never did hug him since they were very young and she thought he should get one from her. He was a little surprised, but he smiled a little and hugged her back. Soon they let go of each other and sat back down again. "Are you ready for the bachelor/bachelorette party tomorrow night?"

"There's a bachelor party?" he was a little surprised. "Howard never said a word to me about that." Howard was chosen to be his best man since he wasn't particularly close to the other pilots. He did make them ushers for the wedding.

"Well after a little discussion between him and me, we decided that I'd give you a party. Howard can't come since he's busy with the last minute details for your reception. Everyone in the wedding is coming," replied Relena. She had a devious grin on her face.

Milliardo looked at her suspiciously. "What are you up to little sister?" The first time he ever called her that.

"Well Dorothy and I enjoyed this karaoke bar she took me to a couple of weeks ago. Well we thought you and everyone could loosen up a little before the big day."

"Karaoke?" He stared at her. "Oh alright. Only because you want to. Does Lucrezia know?"

"Yep. She loves the idea. She tells me you can sing..." smiled Relena.

"Ha! I can barely pick up a tune."

"Well, some of us can't sing. It'll be loads of fun!"

That Friday night everyone ate dinner at Laramie's and then drove over to Sister JoJo's Karaoke House. They went into a large room that Relena had reserved for them. "I already paid for an hour and a half, and I promised to pay extra if we get into overtime."

"Why in the world would we wanna stay here for more than an hour?" grumbled Wufei who didn't like the idea of being in a karaoke bar.

"Well, singing can be a lot of fun," replied Quatre, who not surprisingly had a nice voice according to Dorothy.

"Whatever!" sighed Wufei.

"Alright, who's going first?" asked Duo.

"How about you?" Wufei pointed at the first victim.

Author's note:

Want to know who Wufei challenged to be the first singer? Just wait for chapter 10.

All songs in this chapter don't belong to me. Now, enjoy.

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 10----------Karaoke Night: Part 1

By Sailor Celaeno

"How about you?" Wufei pointed at the first victim.

"Me?" asked Relena.

"Why not vice Minister? You are the host of the party. The honor is yours," Wufei explained.

"Well..."

"Oh do sing, Relena. You sound nice."

"Really? I've NEVER heard her sing, except when she was three. She was trying to sing 'the Alphabet Song'," replied Milliardo.

"Come on, Relena. Can't back out now. Wufei pretty much challenged you," agreed Hilde.

"Oh alright." Relena walked over to the Karaoke machine and stared at the hundreds of songs that the bar owned. After perusing for a few minutes, she smiled. "Hey, I love this song!" She pressed a few buttons to get the machine started. She turned on the mike and tested the microphone. "Hello? Okay good the mike's on."

"So what are you singing Relena?" asked Catherine who was excited to hear her sing. Heero was a little curious, but he remained his stoic self.

"A little Madonna." Relena seemed to be smirking in Heero's direction. He simply couldn't ignore that impish little look on her face.

'What are you up to?' Heero simply cocked an eyebrow. He sat in his chair that, coincidently enough, was not far from the 'stage'.

The familiar melody of "Beautiful Stranger" played and Relena began dancing along in a Madonna-esque style. A few people's jaws dropped at the sexy dance that she was doing.

Haven't we met

You're some kind of beautiful stranger

You could be good for me

I've had a taste for danger

Relena began walking in a circle around Heero and teasingly rubbed her fingers up and down his arm. Then she returned towards the stage. "Wow, she's really getting into this," laughed Duo.

If I'm smart then I'll run away

But I'm not so I guess I'll stay

Heaven forbid

I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger

Relena did a couple of spins. She caught Heero's attention as she threw a sexy, pouty look at his direction. He had to admit that he'd never seen this side of her. Suffice it to say, he more than a little curious about what she was doing next.

To know you is to love you

You're everywhere I go

And everybody knows

Relena gave a little sexy walk towards Heero and sat on his lap. Milliardo was getting a little worried about how far she was going to take the seductive rendition. Heero began thinking about how warm it was getting in that room. The other pilots had big cheshire cat grins on their faces. "He's gonna get a real show," snickered Duo.

"Oh stop! You are SO bad!" Hilde playfully slapped his arm.

"I know babe." Duo planted Hilde a deliciously, wonderful kiss.

To love you is to be part of you

I've paid for you with tears

And swallowed all my pride

She found Heero's lap comfortable and draped her free arm around his neck. She teased his hair with her left hand, while her right held onto the microphone. Duo's amused laughter could be heard. "I must remember to hurt that baka later," Heero thought when something took his mind off revenge on Duo.

Da-da-dum dadum da da dadum!

Beautiful stranger

Da-da-dum dadum da da dadum!

Beautiful stranger

Relena swayed a little in his lap, and playfully bounced on his lap on the last two lines. She blew in his ear and promptly left the comfortable seat. Heero could hear Duo laughing at him. A few new chuckles could be heard. Heero forgot about them and kept staring at Relena who was still singing.

If I'm smart then I'll run away

But I'm not so I guess I'll stay

Haven't you heard

I fell in love with a beautiful stranger

I looked into you face

My heart was dancing all over the place

I'd like to change my point of view

If I could just forget about you

She did another couple of spins and continued dancing. She began jumping up and down like a head banger for the next part.

To know you is to love you

You're everywhere I go

And everybody knows

She did another walk around Heero and rubbed his arm with her soft, velvety fingertips. "Go Relena!" Dorothy shouted. Relena smiled and Heero seemed to have a semi-jealous look as he saw Relena walk towards a cackling Duo. Hilde had an amused look on her face. Relena lightly touched Duo's cheek with her gentle fingertips singing:

I looked into you eyes

And my world came tumbling down

You're the devil in disguise

That's why I'm singing this song

Heero glared Duo a little. Duo shrugged his shoulders with a sheepish look on his face. "What can I say? The ladies love me!" Duo teased. Heero glared again before turning back to Relena who was dancing to the rest of the song.

To know you is to love you

You're everywhere I go

And everybody knows

I've paid for you with tears

And swallowed all my pride

Da-da-da-dum da-dum dadadum

Beautiful stranger

Da-da-da-dum da-dum dadadum

Beautiful Stranger

"Whoohoo Relena!" clapped Duo. Relena bowed. She had a huge grin on her face.

"Didn't think you had it in you," smiled Lucrezia.

"Well, I had a little inspiration." Heero still couldn't believe what Relena had just done and he could only stare at her dumbfounded. He couldn't believe how sexy she really was. He began chastising himself for letting any possible feelings for her start to bubble. "So who's next?"

Everyone was silent. They didn't think they could outdo her interesting performance. "All right then. Time to eat your words Wufei. You're up!" She handed him the mike.

"What??? I don't want to go next!" Wufei crossed his arms stubbornly.

"All right, I'll go next!" Sally grabbed the mike and ran to the karaoke machine.

"What?? You're going next?" Wufei asked with fury.

"Why not? You don't want to. Relena has been my inspiration for this song." Sally pressed a few buttons.

Color drained from Wufei's face. "Oh God!" He fought the urge to rave. "INJUSTICE!!!!! See what your woman has done to my Sally?" Wufei glared at Heero.

Relena blushed. "Me? Heero's woman?"

"Oh stop it Wufei. Just get over it," Heero returned the glare.

The music began playing.

I'm going out tonight-I'm feelin' alright

Gonna let it all hang out

Wanna make some noise-really raise my voice

Yeah, I wanna scream and shout

Sally's hips swayed to the beat of the song. Wufei's face got a little red.

No inhibitions-make no conditions

get a little outta line

I ain't gonna act politically correct

I only wanna have a good time

Sally stripped off her army jacket. She swung the jacket as she sang and chucked it at Wufei on the last line. He got a little jealous as Duo whistled. "Go Sally!"

The best thing about being a woman

is the prerogative to have a little fun and...

Oh, oh, oh go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady

Men's shirts-short skirts

Oh, oh, oh really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style

Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction

Color my hair-do what I dare

Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel

Man! I feel like a woman

Sally did a little sexy walk towards Duo teasingly. Everyone laughed except a seething Wufei. He threw a death glare at Duo who only stuck his tongue out. "Yeah, move that money maker Sal!" shouted Hilde. Sally smiled as she made her way back to the stage.

The girls need a break-tonight we're gonna take

The chance to get out on the town

We don't need romance-we only wanna dance

We're gonna let our hair hang down

All the girls were singing along as her back-up singers. The guys only sweat dropped as their dates for the evening seemed to be rebelling against them. Soon Hilde, Relena, and Dorothy joined Sally on stage. Lucrezia and Catherine stayed in their seats to clap along.

The best thing about being a woman

Is the prerogative to have a little fun and...

Oh, oh, oh, got totally crazy-forget I'm a lady

Men's shirts-short skirts

Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style

Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction

Color my hair-do what I dare

Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel

Man! I feel like a woman!

The back-up singers danced along, and Sally began her sexy walk. This time towards Wufei. He wasn't as angry, but looked a little relieved that she was giving him the attention.

The best thing about being woman

is the prerogative to have a little fun and...

Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy-forget I'm a lady

Men's shirts-short skirts

Oh, oh, oh, really go wild-yeah, doin' it in style

Oh, oh, oh, get in the action-feel the attraction

Color my hair-do what I dare

Oh, oh, oh, I wanna be free-yeah, to feel the way I feel

Man! I feel like a woman!

Sally gently stroked his face with her free hand before she danced backwards to the stage.

I get totally crazy

Can you feel it

Come, come, come on baby

I feel like a woman

Everyone clapped at Sally. She sauntered over to Wufei who was sitting on a couch with Trowa and Catherine. "How was I?"

"You... you..." he stared up at her. He stood up to face her. "I think you were great."

Sally smiled. "Thank you." She leaned forward to give him a kiss.

"Who's next?" asked Relena, who was pouring some tea into her cup.

"I'll go," said a voice. They all stared as a strange blond woman appeared. "I'm sorry I'm late Cathy, but the traffic was a pain."

"That's alright Midii," reassured Cathy.

Trowa simply stared at this woman. It was Midii Une. The girl that he had met years ago when he was Nanashi. The traitor spy who destroyed a part of his life that took him a long time to move past. He failed to notice the gentle look she had given him as she took her place on stage. She pressed a few buttons and the machine played. She looked towards the sea of faces that were before her. She recognized only two, Catherine Bloom and Trowa Barton. She breathed deeply as the music began to play.

Crazy

Crazy for feeling so lonely

I'm crazy

Crazy for feeling so blue

Everyone became more sedate as Midii sang solemnly to the old country ballad. "She's a good singer," whispered Hilde to Quatre, who sat on one side of her.

"I know. But this song is kinda depressing."

"It is," sighed Duo, who drank his tea.

I knew

You'd love me as long as you wanted

And then someday

you'd leave me for somebody new

Sally sighed a little at the words. Wufei glanced over and got worried. "I won't leave you, Sally."

She looked at him. "Of course you'll stay. I'm just sad because this song is depressing."

Worry

Why do I let myself worry

Wondr'in

what in the world did I do

Relena, who sat next to Heero, ended up leaning her head on his shoulder. He looked over and could hear the soft sighing from Relena. He ended up wrapping an arm around her. She snuggled a little closer to him.

Milliardo handed Lucrezia some tissues. Her hormones were going haywire on her already.

Crazy

For thinking my love would hold you

I'm crazy for tryin'

Crazy for cryin'

crazy for lovin' you

Trowa stared at her. "Clever, Midii. You're trying to make me feel sorry for you, aren't you?" He drank a little tea, and then placed his cup back on the table. "It's not going to work. Two can play at this game."

Crazy

For thinking my love would hold you

I'm crazy for tryin'

Crazy for cryin'

Crazy for lovin' you

Everyone clapped as she left the stage to sit with Catherine. "I'm glad you could make it."

"I know. I as afraid I couldn't make it."

"This is my brother, Trowa."

"Your brother?

"Yes."

"Well Nanashi, we meet again. It's Trowa? I like that name," Midii smiled good-naturedly.

"Yes, it has Midii. And not long enough," he said icily.

"You've met her?" Catherine asked with curiosity.

"Yes. A long time ago."

"Oh. I do want to know about that..." began Catherine.

"Hey Cathy? You want to go?" asked Quatre.

"Sure." Catherine left Midii and Trowa alone on that couch. They remained silent as Catherine set the song for her performance. The haunting melody was soon played.

"Is this another sad song?" asked Duo. Hilde jabbed him and Catherine smiled.

Pale September,

I wore the time like a dress that year.

The autumn days swung soft around me,

like cotton on my skin

Catherine looked at Trowa with deep love in her eyes. Trowa smiled for her sake, despite the fact that he was sitting next to someone he wanted to be far away from. He had no intention of letting Midii ruin this relaxing atmosphere with friends.

But as the embers of the summer

lost their breath and disappeared

My heart went cold and

only hollow rhythms resounded from within

Hilde whispered to Duo, "That's how I felt when I was gone from you."

Duo looked at her with his brilliant, violet eyes twinkling with life. "Don't think about that anymore. You're here with me and that's the way it'll stay." He kissed her forehead as they turned back to listen.

But then he rose,

brilliant as the moon in full.

And sank in the burrows of my keep

And all my armor falling down,

in a pile at my feet.

And my winter giving way to warm,

as I'm singing him to sleep.

Trowa began to think about how happy he was with Catherine. The sister who loved him so much. The only one he ever needed love from. Midii watched Catherine singing. "What can I do for him now? I can't stop wondering what will happen next."

He goes along as a water lily

Gentle on the surface of his thoughts

his body floats.

Unweighed down by passion or intensity.

Yet unaware of the depth upon which he coasts.

"Is it me, or does that sound just like Trowa exactly?" whispered Sally to Relena.

"Funny. That was what I was thinking," Relena smiled.

Heero couldn't help but like the way she was smiling just now. It has that tender happiness in its warmth. He soon turned back to Catherine and continued to mentally scold himself about getting emotionally attached to Relena.

And he finds a home in me.

For what misfortune sows,

he knows my touch will reap.

And all my armor falling down,

in a pile at my feet.

And my winter giving way to warm,

as I'm singing him to sleep.

"Why can't you trust me Heero?"

"Why can't you let me in Trowa?"

And all my armor falling down,

in a pile at my feet.

And my winter giving way to warm,

as I'm singing him to sleep.

The song ended and Catherine returned to her seat. "Hey Cathy!" said Duo.

"Yes, Duo?"

"You and Trowa ARE related. That was the most philosophical song I've ever heard."

Catherine laughed a little. "I suppose so."

"Can I go next?" asked Milliardo.

"You want to?" asked Relena.

"Sure. I think I'm going to lighten up the mood a little."

"Alright," said Relena. She was getting a little suspicious with that grin on his face. He was planning on something.

He went to look at the machine. A smile curled his lips as he found the song. "Perfect. Hope this will get everyone excited."

"Oh, I gotta see this," laughed Duo in return.

The music began to play after a few moments.

Get your motor running

Head out on the highway

Lookin' for adventure

In whatever comes your way

Milliardo began staring at the ladies with a very sexy look on his face. All of them, except Relena, were affected by it. "Oh God!" she held her hand on her forehead and shook her head.

The pilots were more than annoyed at the attention the attractive soon-to-be groom was getting. Heero was just irritated at Milliardo's display.

Here and God are gonna make it happen

Take the world in a love embrace

Fire all of your guns at once and

Explode into space

Heero suddenly had the desire to press the self-destruct button. The pilots were getting annoyed at how their dates were fawning over Milliardo. Trowa was even annoyed when Midii was staring at the blond, rock wonder gyrating with a leather jacket he coincidently brought with him. Lucrezia finally took her eyes off of her fiancée when she heard Hilde and Sally wishing they could have him as a boyfriend. "Hey! He's going to marry ME tomorrow! Don't forget that!" That didn't make Duo or Wufei any happier.

I like smoke and lightning

Heavy metal thunder

Racin' in the wind

And the feeling that I'm under

"Hilde?" Duo stared at his girlfriend. She had a dreamy-eyed look as she watched Milliardo moving across the stage. "Damn it! I'll show YOU who's the sexiest guy around here Zechs!" seethed Duo.

Like a true nature's child

We were born, born to be wild

We can climb so high

I never want to die

Born to be wild

Born to be wild

Milliardo finished his Steppenwolf impression and sat back down to the cheers of all the ladies in the room. "I'm NEXT!!!!!!" said Duo fiercely. He fumbled through the songs until a huge grin spread across his face. "Hey Hilde, sit up here."

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Come on," he waved her over as she reluctantly sat in an empty chair near the stage. The music played. Duo began stripping off his jacket and threw it to Hilde. He began grooving along to the music and the ladies simply had to clap along to the famous Rod Stewart classic.

Sugar, sugar

She sits all alone waiting for suggestions

He's so nervous avoiding all the questions

His lips are dry, her heart is gently pounding

Don't you just know exactly what they're thinking

Hilde couldn't help laughing and feeling a little embarrassed at the same time as Duo gave her a little butt wiggle to the chorus. "Oh dear God!" she sweat dropped. The ladies were showering the singer with "whoo-hoo's!"

If you want my body and you think I'm sexy

Come on sugar let me know

If you really need just reach out and touch me

Come on baby tell me so

Tell me so baby

Milliardo got irritated when Lucrezia was happily singing along. "You will pay dearly Maxwell," said Wufei and Heero.

"Why does Duo have to be such a showoff?" asked Trowa.

"That's just the way he is," Quatre replied. He moved over to get away from a screaming Dorothy. Midii, Catherine, and Sally joined Dorothy. Relena and Hilde were also sitting by the other women.

He's acting shy looking for an answer

Come on honey let's spend the night together

Now hold on a minute before we go much further

Give me a dime so I can phone home my mother

They catch a cab to his high-rise apartment

At last he can tell her exactly what his heart meant

Hilde couldn't stand just sitting there watching him. She ran up to rub against him. He cocked and eyebrow and smiled a little devilishly. All the ladies began singing the chorus along with Duo.

If you want my body and you think I'm sexy

Come on honey tell me so

If you really need me just reach out and touch me

Come on sugar let me know

"I'm going next," said Quatre to Trowa.

"If you can get these onna to stop screaming for Duo or Zechs, I'll be eternally grateful," said Wufei.

"I know," sighed Quatre as he stared at Dorothy gawking at Duo. By this time, Duo and Hilde did a mini tango to the music when he wasn't singing.

They wake up at dawn 'cos the birds are singing

Two total strangers but that ain't what they're thinking

Outside it's cold, misty, and it's raining

They got each other neither one's complaining

He says I'm sorry but I'm out of milk and coffee

Never mind sugar we can watch the early movie

"How long is this stupid song anyway?" said Zechs over the women who were just cheering him five minutes ago.

"Just one more chorus and a big finish," replied Trowa with an unusually loud voice.

If you want my body and you think I'm sexy

Come on sugar let me know

If you really need me just reach out and touch me

Come on honey tell me so

If you really need me just reach out and touch me

Come on sugar, let me know

He purred the lyrics as he sang the finale. "Duo is so great!" sighed Hilde and Sally.

"Yeah, I wish I could hear someone sing to me like that," said Dorothy as she blushed with the other girls looking at her.

"She wants someone to sing to her like that..." thought Quatre. He began to brainstorm a little on his performance.

If you really, really, really need me

Just let me know

Just reach out and touch me

Come on sugar let me know

If you, if you, if you really need me

Just come and tell me so

Duo panted after that VERY energetic performance. Hilde hugged him and they went back to their seats. "Wow! I didn't think I could pull it off!"

"Say can we go on a bathroom break? I really need to go!" whined Catherine. She had drank a lot of tea. In fact, a few of the others agreed and they all left for the bathroom. Everyone, except Quatre, Wufei, Heero, and Trowa.

Author's note:

Okay, so this is a sorry excuse for a karaoke fic. Well I'm sorry! I just couldn't resist. This isn't the best written one, but I gave a crack at it. Hope you like part 2. Yes, I swear that part 2 is the last you will ever hear of karaoke from me.

All songs in this chapter don't belong to me. Now, enjoy.

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 11----------Karaoke Night: Part 2

By Sailor Celaeno

The whole gang filed into the room, when they noticed how dark it was. They fumbled into their seats. "Will Miss Dorothy Catalonia please come to the stage?"

"Quatre?" asked Dorothy as she walked to the stage. The lights flashed back on. Relena glanced over and saw Rashid in a booth that controlled the lights.

Music began to play and Quatre held onto Dorothy's hand. "This is for you Dorothy." He led her to a chair that was placed on stage. He turned to her and moved his free hand to the song. She smiled as he held the mike to his mouth and began to sing in a practically angelic voice.

Wise men say only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you

A few sighs could be heard from the crowd. Dorothy was blushing from the attention she was getting. Quatre smiled with sparkly eyes from the overhead lights.

Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling so it goes some things were meant to be

Take my hand, take my whole life, too

For I can't help falling in love with you

Relena looked up at Heero's face for a moment. He had a smirk on his face. "Heero? What are you thinking right now?" she wondered. I never will understand him," she sighed. Then she turned back to the stage.

"I wonder what is going on between Midii and Trowa?" thought Catherine. "He's been cold with her the whole night." Catherine decided to find out about them later.

Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling so it goes some things were meant to be

Take my hand, take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you

For I can't help falling in love with you

Suddenly Trowa, Heero, and Wufei got up from their seats and moved on stage. Trowa had a trumpet from somewhere in the room. He began blowing and the music changed into a reggae sound. Heero and Wufei found some extra mikes and began singing the do-wop backups for the song. They snapped their fingers to the beat.

Wise men say only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you

Quatre was dancing along to the reggae beats. Trowa had some how managed to learn how to play the trumpet, and did an excellent job of it. Everyone was clapping along. Dorothy was absolutely moved. "Oh Quatre!" she had a tear down her face. Quatre flashed his Winner smile and kept singing.

Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling so it goes some things were meant to be

Quatre pulled Dorothy up to her feet and they did a two-step to the beat. Everyone in the audience made "ooooooh" noises.

Take my hand, take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you

Trowa did a short trumpet solo.

No I can't help falling in love with you

Everyone clapped. Quatre, Heero, Trowa, and Wufei took a bow and went back to their seats.

"Okay, Quatre. Since you did a song for me. I got one for you." Dorothy flashed a smile and quickly pressed the buttons.

Why do birds suddenly appear

every time you are near

Just like me they long to be

Close to you

Why do stars fall down from the sky

every time you walk by

Just like me they long to be

close to you

Relena began refilling tea for everyone. "Heero? Do you want more?"

"Thanks." As he took the cup from her, he ended up touching her hand. It was warm and very tender. He moved his hand away. 'Stop it Yuy. You're not supposed to get too close.' He just sat quietly leaving Relena puzzled over what had just happened.

On the day that you were born

the angels got together

and decided to make a dream come true

so they sprinkled moon dust

in your hair of gold

and starlight in your eyes of blue

Relena was pouring Trowa more tea. She looked up as Heero turned to watch her. He saw those shimmery eyes, looking deeply back at him. They were filled with worry and uncertainty. There was care in her eyes. Care for him. "Damn it Relena! You can't look at me like that! We'll all pay dearly for it." He was determined to make sure that Relena didn't come to close. "You can't get involved in something or else you will die. I'm so close to finding out, and I can't have you following me."

That is why all the girls in town

follow you all around

just like me they long to be

close to you

Wufei stared at the clock. "We've been here for... two hours?????"

Sally looked up as well. "We have Wufei. See how much fun we've been having?"

"Gee, now I guess, I'll have to pay them an extra 150 dollars," said Relena.

"A 150? Why so much?" asked Quatre.

"Well, we ordered some sushi, we ordered seven pots of tea, and it looks like we could be here for another hour." Relena stared at the ten, empty trays that had been covered with sushi.

"Baka! See you're making Relena more money!" shouted Wufei at Duo.

"Whaph?" Duo had just stuffed his face with a large piece of sashimi.

"Duo!" sighed Hilde as she shook her head.

"How about we do a contest to see who'll pay the overtime and extra stuff?"

"Forget it Maxwell. Everyone only ate four trays together. You wolfed down the other six!" Everyone sweat dropped when they remembered how Duo kept eating, and eating, and eating, and... well you get the point.

"How can I cough up 70 bucks anyways?" replied Duo.

"I have no doubts you have a way Maxwell," replied Milliardo.

"Look, there's no need for any arguing. Don't worry I can afford it. I have some cash, and I'll pay the rest on my credit card."

Wufei only glared at Duo. "Knowing the 10th wonder of the world over there," referring to Duo, "he'll order another two trays, and we'll be here for five hours!"

"Shut up, Dragon man!"

"Who do you think you are baka?!" Wufei shouted an extra decibel higher.

"You're full of hot air and you don't know how to control your temper," Duo said as he folded his arms.

"I can do any challenge that comes my way!"

Duo had a mischievous grin on his face. "I don't like the looks of this," whispered Quatre to Hilde.

"I know. He's going to trick him into singing," replied Hilde.

"And Wufei will fall for it," finished Sally.

Everyone except Wufei and Duo sweat dropped.

"I dare you to sing a humbling song... to your girlfriend... in front of everyone and kneel to her like she's a goddess!" smirked Duo.

Wufei was still riled up. "Fine!" He pressed a few buttons and stormed onto the stage with a mike. Just as he was about to open his mouth to sing, he realized what he had just agreed to. "INJUSTICE!!!!!!!!"

Everyone just laughed. "Come on Wu-man. You just agreed to my challenge so you have to do it... or you're just plain weak."

Duo just said the secret word. "Fine." The music began to play.

I would love to be better

I would love to be free

I would love to be perfect

when you look at me

Wufei kind of had a defeated look on his face. Duo was amused that the almighty warrior of the Dragon Clan was admitting to his flaws through song. Sally was watching Wufei and listening to his voice that was kind of tender. She wasn't quite sure if he was in the mood of the song, or something simply came over him.

but instead I'm still crying

yes indeed I'm still lying

sad to say I'm still trying

not to be me

When I see all the weakness

that I turned into sickness

I still think I can slide

just fine on the ice

Heero's mind was turning. "Maybe I should be more honest about how I feel about Relena." He turned towards Relena, who was returning from giving the bar an extra 50 for the deposit. "I've been lying to myself for so long. She won't forgive me if I tried to lie to her." She sat down next to her brother. "But, maybe you're safer just the way you are. Away from the danger that I follow. Or maybe it follows me."

It's not easy to be honest

sometimes I'm just astonished

how hard it can be to be true.

"Nanashi and his friends are so happy together. Maybe I should warn them about the danger that they're in," sighed Midii to herself. She glanced over at Trowa who had his arm around a drowsy Catherine. "Cathy is lucky she has a brother that loves her. I wish I had someone that would love me." Midii sighed softly. "But I can't. The Raptures of Paradise have given me a place to belong to. They are the reasons why I'm still alive. If I betray them, I will die." It was sad for Midii. "I live for the sake of living. Even if I bathe in the blood I shed."

Why, do I lie?

Is it just to get by

If I give up my lines

will I die?

If fortunes are favored

then I am in labor

and I'm trying so hard

to leave lying behind

Wufei walked off the stage and walked towards Sally. He promptly kneeled at her and held her hand. And he serenaded the next verse to her.

I don't want to be hazy

I don't think I'm crazy

but I've had some moments

where I am not sure

and if you can forgive me

for just being human

then I will try harder

to keep my words pure

Sally smiled at him. "Of course I do." He smiled and left her to finish the song on the stage.

I could on the border

it could be a disorder

but honestly I think

that I can come clean

and all of my stories

might even be boring

if I can tell you

what they all mean

And the liars couldn't look at the ones they were lying to in the face.

Why do I lie

Is it just to get by

If I give up my lines

will I die?

If fortunes are favored

then I am in labor

and I'm trying so hard

to leave lying behind

Everyone cheered Wufei. "See, how easy it is to admit that you aren't perfect?" smiled Duo as Wufei sat down next to Sally.

"So says Mr. I am the god of death." Duo just glared at Wufei.

"Since we're being so honest how we feel, I'm singing a little something to Duo." Duo was smiling like crazy. "You've got a way, Duo. You've got a way with me."

You've got a way with me

Somehow you got me to believe

In everything I could be

I've gotta say-you've really got a way

You've got a way it seems

You gave me faith to find my dreams

You'll never know just what that means

Can't you see... you got a way with me

"Oh Quatre. Do you really know how much I changed because what you said was truer than even you could have imagined? I saw something about you that was good, and true. I need that truth always. I never want to forget it," Dorothy whispered softly to him.

"I know. Because I'm with you right now."

It's in the way you want me

It's in the way you hold me

The way you should me just what love's made of

It's in the way we make love

You've got a way with words

You get me smiling even when it hurts

There's no way to measure what your love is worth

I can't believe the way you get through to me

"You do the same thing, Hil. You do the same thing to me," thought Duo as he munched on a piece of California roll.

It's in the way you want me

It's in the way hold me

The way you show me just what love is made of

It's in the way we make love

Oh, how I adore you

Like no one before

I love you just the way you are

It's in the way you want me

It's in the way you hold me

The way you show me just what love is made of

It's in the way we make love

It's just the way you are

"I never want to leave you," whispered Dorothy to Quatre.

"Don't worry about being away from me. I never worry about that. Because there is always to near someone you love. That's what my father believed in. And I believe it too."

Hilde bowed and sat next to Duo again. He fed her the rest of the California roll he had been snacking on.

"I'm going up next," said Noin as she made her way onto the stage. "This is to Milliardo Peacecraft, my future husband. Because this was how I felt before you proposed to me."

Guess mine is not the first heart broken

My eyes are not the first to cry

I'm not the first to know there's

Just no getting over

You know I'm just a fool who's willing

To sit around and wait for you

But baby can't you see there's nothing left for me to do

I'm hopelessly devoted to you

Milliardo couldn't help but be astonished. "She's always loved me," he said.

Relena touched his arm, and he turned to her. "Of course. Why you never noticed, I'll never understand."

"I've been distracted."

"No kidding."

'God, I think I'm like that with Heero,' sighed Relena quietly to herself.

But there's no way to hide

since you pushed my heart aside

I'm outta my head hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

Heero could only hope Relena wouldn't stay that way about him.

My head is saying fool forget him

My heart is saying don't let go

Hold on to the end that's what I intend to do

I'm hopelessly devoted to you

"Nanashi, must suffer along with the rest of them. I just don't understand why I feel so sorry about it," pondered Midii.

But now there's no where to hide

since you push my heart aside

I'm outta my head hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

Hopelessly devoted to you

Quatre and Dorothy had been holding hands throughout the whole night, except when they were each singing. "I'm finally happy with someone. I suppose it's funny that it should be with Dorothy Catalonia, but how can I change how I feel? It'll never happen."

"Mrs. Quatre Raberba Winner? I like the sound of that," smirked Dorothy to herself. "Who would have thought that I would ever fall in love with a peace loving pilot? And a cute, rich one at that!" She kept watching the others singing. "How nice, to be with Quatre. I know I've changed because of those things he said to me."

Noin left the stage as Trowa walked up. "Damn you Midii. You won't be able to trick me into trusting you. I've had to suffer a lot. But I survived. I fight to survive, to cling onto life. I have a reason to live. My family, the ones I love, are the reasons I live. You betrayed me and I almost died. I won't let you take Cathy away from me," he thought determinedly as he picked his song.

First I was afraid

I was petrified

Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side

But I spent so many nights

Thinking how you did me wrong

I grew strong

I learned to carry on

And so you're back

from outer space

I just walked in to find you here

With that sad look on your face

I should have changed my stupid lock

I should have made you leave your key

if I had known for one second

you'd be back to bother me

Trowa looked straight head on at Midii. "So that's how you really feel Nanashi." She just looked at her unfazed by the song he chose and the look he gave her. "So, you've never forgiven me. I shall have no scruples destroying you then."

Go on now walk out the door

just turn around

cause you're not welcomed here anymore

weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye

you'd think I'd crumble

you think I'd lay down and die

oh no not I

I will survive

As long as I know how to love

I know I will stay alive

I've got all my life to live

I've got all my love to give

And I'll survive

I will survive

"You are determined to crush me, is it Nanashi? I can assure you that I have no intention to crumble either. You wouldn't understand anything about me any more than I could ever understand you. That is the sad truth about people like us. We have nothing, but the will to survive all that life will throw at us," Midii thought.

It took all the strength I had

Not to fall apart

Kept trying to mend

the pieces of my broken heart

And I spent oh so many nights

Just feeling sorry for myself

I used to cry

now I hold my head up high

And now you see me

somebody new

I'm not that chained up person

Still in love with you

And so you just felt like dropping in

And just expect me to be free

Now I'm saving all my loving

For someone who's loving me

The song ended with everyone clapping, not realizing the hidden message behind his song and his rendition. He sat back down without looking at Midii again.

Heero stepped up to the mike. 'If anything Relena, you'll see that I have no emotional interest in you. For both of our sakes.' He moved to the beat as the song began.

American woman, stay away from me

American Woman, mama let me be

Don't come hangin around my door

I don't wanna see your face no more

I got more important things to do

Than spend my time growin' old with you

Now woman, stay away, American woman, listen to what I say

Relena looked a little hurt. She could see him occasionally looking in her direction as he moved across the stage. "He knows how I feel. He doesn't care about me. I misunderstood him." She was ready to cry. "No, Relena. You can't cry. This is Milliardo and Noin's special night and don't ruin everything by being a crybaby. If Heero doesn't love you back, then you can't do anything about it now." She managed to convince herself long enough to keep a straight face for the rest of the song.

American woman, get away from me

American woman, mama let me be

Don't come knockin' at my door

I don't wanna see your shadow no more

Colored lights can hypnotize

Sparkle someone else's eyes

Now woman, get away

American woman, listen to what I say-ay

Quatre noticed Relena nearly crying earlier. "Hey Dorothy," he whispered to his date.

"Yes," she whispered back.

"I think Relena is a little upset by this song."

Dorothy glanced over to see Relena a little sad, but slowly gathering herself together. "You're right. I think I'll talk to her later."

"Good idea." They watched Heero performing. "What is the matter Heero? Why are you being so mean to her now?" Quatre wondered.

American woman, said get away

American woman, listen what I say

Don't come a hangin' around my door

Don't wanna see your face no more

I don't need your war machines

I don't need your ghetto scenes

Color lights can hypnotize

Sparkle someone else's eyes

Now woman, get away

American woman, listen to what I say-ay

Duo had a funny thought pop into his head. He leaned towards Hilde to tell her his thought. "You know, this is the kind of song that Wufei would be doing," he smiled.

Hilde gave it another thought. "Hey, you're right. He all calls us woman. But I think he's too close with Sally to ever say that to her. Well... anymore anyhow."

American woman, stay away from me

American woman, mama let me be

I gotta go, I gotta get away

Baby, I gotta go, I am dying

I'm gonna leave you woman

I'm gonna leave you woman

I'm gonna leave you woman

I'm gonna leave you woman

bye-bye

bye-bye

bye-bye

bye-bye

Heero was still looking in Relena's direction. "If this hurts you, then good. I'd only disappoint you anyway. I can spare you from the depths of Hell," he thought a little as he got ready to finish the song.

And I'm no good for you

American woman, I'll look at you right in the eye

And tell you what I'm gonna do

You know I'm gonna leave, you know I'm gonna go

you know I'm gonna leave, I'm gonna leave you woman

Goodbye American woman

As he left the stage, Relena began to wonder, "How much of that song is true about you?" After a few minutes, she could see that everyone was getting tired. After about two more songs, everyone left. Midii went into her car and drove home.

"Yes, Trowa. I will have no scruples about destroying you or your friends," she said to herself with a cold, emotionless tone.

A/N: Okay, I won't make you wait.

There are chapters that will give you on the pasts of these deadly women in the secret organization known as Raptures of Paradise. Now, enjoy.

Gundam Wing: Raptures of Paradise

Chapter 12----------The Rapture of Avatar

By Sailor Celaeno

"Kari! Kari!" A voice called from the silent abyss. "Where are you Kari?"

"Mama? MAMA!!!!!!!!" shrieked a little girl.

"Hurry Kari, RUN!!!!" called the mother.

"Where are you Mama? I can't see you it's so dark here."

"Just keep going," the mother faded away.

"Mama!" the little girl reached out for her mother. Slowly the girl turned into Avatar. She soon snapped awake from her meditation. "Damn it!" she punched at a wall.

For years, she had worked hard trying to hide those old painful memories of her past. The darkness and destruction that haunted Kari. But Kari was dead, there lived only Avatar. The reborn goddess of vengeance was here to wreak havoc on all her enemies and to punish them. Just like a goddess, she possessed telekinetic and telepathic abilities that were constantly growing as she got older and used her powers more. The door opened and a woman with a long black ponytail entered. "Are you all right Avatar?"

Avatar slowly got up. "Yes, Flamethrower. I'm alright." None of the Raptures called each other by their real names. They vowed never to speak of their old personas, only as the names they used to describe their function in the group. Flamethrower liked to use fire to destroy objects, places, even people. Midii aka Agent Une, the spy, went out to find the information they needed on their enemies. Quint was the weapons expert that could kill with any weapon, ancient or modern. Esmeralda was the resident Cat burgler, who steals anything and everything, even people's hearts. These five young women were together for one goal. With the promise of their every desires, they agreed to conquer the universe. It allowed the Negaverse to infiltrate this universe and create new soldiers and generals to destroy the Sailor Senshi.

"I don't like you doing this. Past regression can be dangerous, especially since those things happened to you as a child. Everything is distorted."

"They were NOT distorted. Everything was as I remembered. I was only 10 at the time, those memories were clear!" Avatar huffed as she left her room.

Flamethrower promptly followed her. "Agent Une will be here in twenty minutes. She can tell us about these Gundam pilots. A lot better than Cat can tell us about Winner."

"The only reason why Cat is still on the team is because she and Agent Une have been able to provide us with info and technology that Quint has been asking for. Cat is a serious liability. Ever since she found out Quatre Winner is a pilot, she has been making demands that he doesn't get hurt." Avatar shook her head in disapproval.

"That is what she wanted from Tempest. She wanted to be Mrs. Quatre Raberba Winner. Of course she doesn't want the boy to get hurt."

"That maybe true, but since he's a pilot, he's going to get involved, and if gets in the way, it may be necessary to eliminate him as well."

They entered an empty living room where they would have a team meeting in half an hour. "Cat won't like that at all."

"Well nuts to her. We ALL have desires. She'll simply have to find another millionaire to marry." Avatar sat in the chesnut leather chair that she always sat in. Flamethrower sat on one side of a love seat that she shared with Quint at the meetings. There were two English chairs for Cat and Agent Une to sit.

Avatar stared into the fireplace that a fire going, though it was summertime. She stared into the flames, that drew her to the past.

A.C. 189

The stars were brilliant that time of night. She stared outside of a space station that orbited Demos. Kari loved looking at the stars. Just like her parents, she wanted to study the stars and see if there were really other life forms out there in the vast heavens. Her dark eyes sparkled with the desire to know more in the universe. Her parents were busy working and left her in their quarters. Her father was an engineer that made sure everything in the research station was in good shape. Her mother was one of the scientists that did astrophysics.

There were seven other children on board, but she was different from them all. Unlike them, she was a 'psychic'. She had powers that were newly discovered in less than 1% of the human race. It was estimated that within her lifetime, there would be more children born with powers like hers. There may even be other children with powers stronger than hers. Right now she was only ten and wouldn't be required to go to special training school until she was thirteen. The children feared her because she could hear their thoughts and move objects. She was too "creepy" for them. She was completely isolated when she caused a computer to explode. She had been working on her laptop, but she ended up deleting some important things. She became angry and lost control of her telekinesis. It exploded and frightened the other children.

"Until Kari controls her powers, she must stay away from the children and vital system areas," replied Captain Tharlo. Her parents agreed and told her that she must ask permission before she could leave her quarters.

Kari sat in front of a beautiful mirror that her father had purchased for her tenth birthday. She cried and leaned her head into her lap. She heaved as she cried and tried to breathe. "It's not fair," she punched the carpeted floor. "IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!" she banged against the floor. She looked up into the mirror. Her eyes were bloodshot and she crawled towards it. She wore thin black leggings underneath a plaid jumper and a frilly white blouse. She wore flat healed, black shoes. Her long dark hair was loose and she only had a green headband set against her ebony locks.

She touched the mirror with her right hand like she always did. "Oh. I wish I could find a friend. I wish I could find someone who wouldn't be afraid of me." She closed her eyes tightly and thought deeply about her wish. Suddenly she felt the mirror was turning warm. She looked up and she was horrified to see that her mirror was melting. It morphed and shaked slightly. She pulled her hand away, but the mirror's shape was still moving. Slowly a bright flash of light came through the mirror and it turned back into it's original form. She saw a face with catlike eyes staring back at her. She was a beautiful looking woman.

Kari stared with fright at the figure, not sure of what to make of her. "Who are you?"

"I'm the friend you wished for," the woman smiled.

"You are?" Kari inched closer to the mirror.

The woman giggled. "Of course Kari. I know that you have special powers."

"You do?" Kari looked puzzled. "And... and you're not afraid of me?"

"Of course not, Kari. I have powers too." The woman made metalic sparkles fly out from the mirror to tickle Kari.

"Wow. I wish I have powers like yours."

"But you do," reassured the woman.

"Really?" Kari pointed at herself.

"Yes. You just don't know how to use them just yet." The woman smiled at the naive little girl.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Tempest. I can teach you how to use your powers."

"Really? How?"

"Touch the mirror." The girl obeyed and a great bright light enveloped her as a flood of knowledge went inside her mind. After a few moments, the light vanishes and Kari has a glassy look in her eyes. "Now Kari, you are under my control. You know what you must do?"

"I must conquer Earth and the colonies. I will surrender the universe to the Negaforce," she said in a dazed voice.

"Good. Now you will no longer be called Kari when you are serving the Negaforce. You will be called Avatar. As the goddess of deceit, I will be reborn into this alternate universe through you," smirked Tempest.

"Yes, Queen Tempest, great goddess of deceit," Kari said as she bowed to her friend.

"Colonel?" asked Treize Kushrenada.

"Yes, Mr. Treize?" Une stood before Treize in her colonel Une uniform.

"You are aware of Space Station Agammemnon?" he asked.

"Of course. It is a science space station deisgned for the study of possible alien life forms."

Treize nodded as he folded his hands on his desk. "I have been given orders that it is necessary that we must destroy the space station."

"Indeed?" Her eyebrow was arched out of surprise rather than from any particular concern.

"Yes. It seems that some of the scientists may have stumbled upon some classified transmissions between Alliance officials. It has become necessary that these individuals must be dealt with immediately," replied Treize.

"I see."

"There are reports of blackmail from one of the scientists and all of their lives are forfeit. Have one of our men go and destroy the station."

"As you wish." Colonel Une left the office.

It was three days later. Kari had proven her dramatic progress in her control of her powers. "Alright Kari. You can move about on the ship now," smiled the captain.

"Yay! Oh thank you Captain!" Kari soon raced from the captain's office. She walked the hallways and she could hear the familiar buzz of people's thoughts. However, as she entered section blue-4, she heard a strange voice.

"Soon, this station will be destroyed and my mission is done." Kari's eyes widened in horror as she heard that horrible thought.

"It's close. This man is very close to here." She ran until the voice grew louder and louder. Soon she found a man with a stolen gray uniform, to look like a junior engineer making repairs. "What are you doing??" she shouted.

The man turned quickly and glared at her. "Get out you little brat!"

"You're going to kill us. I won't let you!" She said determinedly.

"How?" he pulled out a gun. "You'll die anyway, what does it matter if I shoot you or not?"

"NO!!!!" she screamed as he was about to pull the trigger. She shut her eyes tightly wishing that the man wouldn't kill her. Suddenly there was a pop and he screamed as she opened her eyes. She saw that a great gash opened on him, and he was pleading profusely. She used her powers to fire the gun against him. She saw that the bomb he had planted was triggered as he fell on the detonator on his wrist. The clock had only five minutes.

She quickly raced down the hallway. She soon passed her own hallways. The captain already left his office. So she concentrated and heard the captain talking to her mother right outside their quarters. She raced another three sections before she found them. She breathed heavily. "Kari Nahira! What's the matter?" asked her mother.

Kari breathed. "There's... a bomb... on the station. There.. was a... bad man.. and he... he set off... a bomb. He... he... tried to kill me."

The captain turned on his communcator. "Security there is a bomb on board..."

Just then Kari looked up as she heard the bomb in her head. Ticking away all those precious seconds. Tick... tick... tick... Suddenly there was a beep like her alarm clock. She screamed as she saw fireballs flowing through the corridors slowly heading towards them. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!" She held up her hands and suddenly a telekinetic shield covered her. She could see the fireball rush straight at her. "Oh God," was the last words she heard before everything went black.

"Are you okay?" asked a voice. Kari could only moan. "Good, she's conscious." Her eyes fluttered as she realized she was in a sick bay on a space shuttle.

"Where am I?" she thought inwardly.

"You saved yourself from the explosion." Kari could hear Tempest in her mind.

"Where's mami and papi?"

"They're gone. They're all gone."

Kari began crying. "What will I do?"

"You must escape this shuttle," was Tempest's sharp response.

"But how? Why?"

"The crew will realize that you have no family left and you'll be sent away. You won't be able to fulfill your mission if you're in an orphanage. You have to be free to move about otherwise, the mission is lost," sighed Tempest.

"NO! I won't let the mission die," she answered back fiercely. She remembered the man and what he did to her family and friends. She remembered his last thought as he died. He thought of his commanding officer, the one who assigned him. Colonel Une. "I will escape." Her eyes suddenly opened wide and she sat straight up. A doctor approached her and she glared at him. She concentrated and thrust her hand at him. He flew across the room and was knocked against a wall. She stormed from the room. As she passed by people, her fury cause her telekinesis to toss them away from her path. She touched a computer panel and concentrated on locating an escape pod. The computer buzzed and she stared at the screen as it told her the location of a nearby pod. After another ten minutes, she knocked twenty-two unconscious and stole the pod. With her powers she flew the pod towards the Earth's moon.

"Landing procedure beginning," she said aloud, just her friend Lietenant Parker, who taught her how to fly an escape pod. Within a twenty minutes, she landed on the moon and put on the space suit installed in the pod. She entered the colony established on the moon. She wandered the streets, alone and hungry. She realized that it was ten hours after the explosion on the station. She had no money. She saw a well-to-do looking businessman nearby. A smile curled her face. She remembered a trick that Tempest had taught her.

"Excuse me sir. But can I please have ten dollars? I'm very hungry."

"What?" he asked incredulously. "Are you kidding me?"

She looked at him hypnotically. "Of course little girl. Only Ten dollars? Here's thirty."

The man became dazed and began speaking with a monotone voice. "Of course little girl. Only ten dollars? Here's thirty." He handed her the money and walked away.

Kari smirked at the money, and bought her dinner. She began using the hypnosis to get clothes from a store, and more money from people on the street. She managed to get a couple hundred dollars in less than a day. She slept in a small hotel with thirty dollars. As she left, she began walking confidently. "Once I get enough money, I can find an apartment. Then I will plan how to conquer Earth." Suddenly her purse was ripped away from by a slick-haired street punk. "HEY!!!!" She raced after him. With a fury, she pursued the thief. But soon she realized that chasing after him was proving futile. He ran too fast, and she would never catch him on foot.

It suddenly occurred to her that there was another trick Tempest taught her. She concentrated on the thief and suddenly a warm glow enveloped her.

"Ha! Got some money from that brat," snickered the street punk. He had ran into and alley and inspected the little girl's purse. "Whoa! She has more than a hundred bucks in here!" He gleefully counted the money. As he counted, a strange wind blew. A brilliant flash of light streaked ahead of him and he looked up. There was a silhouette in the light, and as it faded, he saw the girl he just stole the purse from.

"I want my purse and money back," Kari said firmly and calmly.

"HA! Like you actually expect me to listen to a little runt like you?" he scoffed at her.

She marched a few feet closer. "I want my stuff back, and I won't ask again."

"OOOoooooooo!" He mocked her. "Scary, little girl." He smirked at her.

"Oh well," she said emotionlessly. She held her hand in front of her. She clenched it into a fist.

The punk kept smiling until a sharp pain overcame him in his stomach. He looked at Kari, as she continued to use her powers against him. The pressure and pain soon enveloped him. Blood vessels were bursting within him and blood trickled his mouth. He keeled over twitching violently. Kari walked closer until she was the last thing he saw in this life. "All those who cross the goddess of divine justice, will be punished." Her voice was no longer the happy girl from yesterday morning. It was a cruel woman's voice. She released her fist when the punk no longer moved. She bent down and took back her purse. She inspected him and found he had five hundred dollars on him. It was her turn to smile at him. "You won't be needing this anymore."

She silently walked away from the scene of her second murder. "Kari Nahira died on the Agammemnon yesterday. Avatar the goddess of divine justice is born." She wandered the streets, conning people from money and other things she needed. "I will find Colonel Une, and she will pay with blood."

That was such a long time ago. Those days were so long ago now. Slowly she found the other Raptures and became their leader. She also had to steal the Persephone locket from Nova Rokureno's mansion. She released Hecate. Proserpine, her sister spirit, had fled them and was no longer to be found. "Avatar. Avatar," called Flamethrower.

"Yes?"

"Agent Une returned."

Soon Agent Une, Cat, and Quint entered the living room. They sat in their usual seats. "Alright Une, what have you got?" asked Avatar.

"So far, they don't suspect a thing is going on. Although the pilots will be a serious threat. They will be at a wedding for Milliardo Peacecraft to Lucrezia Noin tomorrow. All of our targets will be their, including Lady Une."

That name perked Avatar's attention. "Indeed?"

Agent Une nodded the affirmative.

"Well... Looks like we're going to have a wedding to crash," smirked Avatar wickedly.

"Don't mind if I join," said a familiar voice. They all looked up to see Hecate slink into the room.

"You? Why the hell do we need you?" growled Avatar incredulously.

"Milliardo Peacecraft is the prince of the Sanc kingdom. There will be many important guests at the wedding, as well as a lot of security. As impressive as your powers may be Raptures, you can't fight three hundred people, plus 6 gundam pilots. You'd all be killed before you can fire a shot."

"How do you propose to help us?" asked Flamethrower, who also despised Hecate.

"My youma can provide a distraction for the security folks, leaving you free to kill as many people as you want."

"What? Do you think that..." Flamethrower was about to start when Avatar held her hand up to silence her.

"No. Actually, Hecate is of some use."

"What?"

"There will be some resistance, and we will need all the reinforcements to eliminate our targets."

They agreed to the plan and left to bed. Cat stopped Avatar. "Will you allow me to spare Quatre?"

Avatar smirked at Cat. "If he is in the way, then he must go." Avatar swiftly walked away.

Cat only stared in anger. "Damn you bitch! Damn you!"

Author's Note:

Will The Raptures succeed? OR can they be stopped? Find out in Chapter 13.