Hunter
By: Jade Starlight
Chapter Five: I Know You're Up When I get Home
Hilde was gone, with Duo no doubt. It's been two days since the boys found out
about them, and since then Hilde's every waking moment was spent with Duo.
"Well, at least things are working out for her," she mumbled. Relena was on her
lab top, researching the assassin they caught a few days ago. She was dressed in black
jeans, a pink tank, and a black jean jacket. Her brown hair was half up in a clip. When
she heard the door open to her hotel room, she thought it was Hilde.
"Hey Hilde, back so soon?"
"No," a male voice said. Relena spun around, gun in hand. Standing at the
doorway was Heero.
"Oh, it's you," she hissed, turning around. She continued her work, not looking at
him at all. He moved over to the wall beside her, leaning against it.
"What is that?" he asked.
"Info on that assassin."
"Hm. Can we talk again?" Relena looked at him, stood up, and shook her head.
"Not if it means the way the last conversation went." She walked over to the
small kitchen, pouring two cups of coffee. Then she handed him his, and resumed her
work.
"It won't. I actually would like to take you out to eat." Relena looked at him,
hiding her surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes. Is tonight at seven good?"
"Sure, but what do I wear?"
"Nothing fancy, just casual clothes." He headed to the door. "See you at seven,"
he said before disappearing. Relena stared after him, and then snapped out of her state of
shock. She ran to the phone and dialed Hilde's cell phone number.
"Piper here."
"Hilde, it's Relena. Guess what?"
"What?"
"Heero's taking me out tonight! Yeah, he just stopped by! You're coming back?
Good, cause I need help deciding what to wear!" Relena hung up and started pacing back
and forth.
"Okay, chill Relena. It's only Heero." She sat on the bed and smiled, grabbing
her bear and hugging it tightly. She sighed and fell back. "Who am I kidding?! I'm
going out with Heero! I've been dreaming of this forever!" She smiled again, and closed
her eyes, wondering what was going to happen. She didn't feel the eyes that were
watching her from the balcony.
So, Liz Evans is truly Relena Dorlain, and she has an infatuation with that pilot
Heero Yuy. Perfect. The man climbed down the side of the building, disappearing in the
forest.
"How do I look?" Relena spun around so Hilde could see. She smiled brightly.
"He's gonna stop breathing Relena!" Hilde exclaimed. Relena was wearing black
leather pants and a dark blue, sparkled tank top. She had on two inch soled, black
strapped sandals, and her hair was pulled completely up in a French twist. The ends were
spiral curled and falling down nicely.
"Don't forget this." Hilde gave her pink lipstick. She quickly applied it and
smiled. There was a knock at the door.
"He's here!" Relena ran to the door, slipping on her leather duster. She opened it
and almost fell over. Heero was wearing black pants, a dark green t-shirt, and a black
jacket. He offered her his arm.
"Shall we?" he said. She smiled and followed him out to the car.
Heero was surprised he didn't fall over. Relena looked absolutely stunning. He
missed her honey blonde hair though. They got into the car and drove to the restaurant in
silence.
Hilde smiled to herself. I hope she finally gets what she deserves, she thought
happily. She grabbed the phone and dialed Duo's number at the Preventers. She didn't
even here the intruder until he talked.
"Get up slowly," he ordered. Hilde turned around and her eyes went wide.
"You," she breathed. He only smiled before injecting something in her. She fell
to the floor in seconds, unconscious.
"Phase two is complete. On to phase three."
Dinner was very good. Heero actually held a conversation with Relena. She was
continually being surprised throughout the night. After dinner Heero took her to a park
not far from the hotel. They took a moonlight walk, talking more about a lot of things.
"Relena?" Heero stopped, causing Relena to as well.
"What is it?"
"I have something for you." He handed her a teddy bear, almost exactly like the
one he gave her last year.
"Oh Heero, thank you!" She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. He
actually smiled, but she didn't see it.
"Happy Sweet Sixteen, Relena," he said. She pulled away and smiled.
"Thank you so much." Looking at the bear, she started walking again. Heero
caught up and grabbed her hand. She didn't show it, but this took her aback. She
squeezed his hand as they continued walking. Heero stopped again and turned her to
him.
"Relena, why did you leave?" he blurted out. She sighed and approached a
bench. Heero followed.
"I left because it wasn't the life that I wanted. I knew Dr. J would help, so I went
to him for help, and I asked Hilde to come with."
"What didn't you like?"
"Everything. Do you think I actually enjoyed traveling to and from the colonies,
settling disputes? And sitting there watching everyone act like they're listening to me,
when they weren't? It just became too much, so I decided to leave."
"But why become a pilot? Why not a normal life?"
"I've always wanted to pursue that. I just never told anyone because number one
my father was a Diplomat, and number two who would want to train a girl?"
"So you wanted to be a killer," Heero stated. He shook his head, looking down.
Relena brought his head up again, their eyes level.
"No, I wanted to help people, to protect them." She let go and stared at the stars
in the sky. "I knew Dr. J would help, because he saw the good in me doing this. You
know what he told me?"
"What?"
"He said that I followed my emotions, and battles can't be fought if there is no
heart. He also told me that I was exactly like you." She stared at him. He shook his
head in protest.
"No, not like me. Never like me," he whispered. Relena nodded.
"Yes like you, Heero. A person with a soul who is willing to sacrifice themselves
for the good of humanity. He knew that if it meant peace for mankind, I would gladly
sacrifice my self. That's what I did already."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean by leaving my brother, Noin, the others, you. I gave up all that I had to
help those in need." Heero couldn't believe what he was hearing. He could only sit
there, astonished by her words.
She did it for us, he thought. Relena stood up.
"Let's go back to my place," she said. Heero grabbed her hand and followed, lost
in thought.
Relena tried the handle of the door, but it was locked.
"That's odd," she said.
"What?"
"Well, the door's locked, and Hilde said she was gonna stay here tonight."
Relena shrugged and got her key out. She unlocked it and stepped inside. It was dark.
"Hilde!" Relena yelled. Heero walked over to a lamp by the door and turned it
on. Relena gasped. All around her were piles of papers that were flung everywhere. The
other lamp was knocked over, and the drawers with their clothes were pulled out,
clothing scattered everywhere.
"Oh my god! What happened?" Relena ran all over the place, searching for
Hilde, but couldn't find her.
"Heero, we need to-" she stopped dead in her tracks. When she turned, she was
face to face with the same assassin she caught days ago. He had Heero at gunpoint.
"Don't move, Relena, or he gets it," the tall, dark haired man ordered. She looked
at Heero, and then at the table she was standing by.
"What do you want?" she asked, glaring at him. He smiled.
"You, miss Peacecraft. And your friends of course, but mostly I want you."
"Well, sorry to disappoint you, pal, but I'm not going to be yours." She opened
the drawer and searched for her gun. A shot rang out and she looked up, completely still.
The bullet barely missed her head.
"Uh uh, I don't think so. Looking for this?" The man held up another gun while
he still had Heero at gunpoint.
"Damn," Relena whispered. She put her hands up in surrender. "You can have
me, but let Heero leave."
"No Relena," Heero said. He was completely calm, at least on the outside. Inside
he was shaking with fear, mostly for her and the others.
"I don't think so. That isn't how it works, Miss Queen of the World. I said I
wanted him as well. Now, if you do not cooperate, I will kill your boyfriend here."
"Alright, you've got me okay? Just leave him alone." She started to walk next to
Heero, but she turned before they started leaving. "If you harm one hair on his head, I
promise you I will kill you." The man started laughing.
"You protecting a Gundam pilot? What, he can't take care of himself?" he said
mockingly. Heero glared at him and Relena did too.
"I can take care of myself," Heero said flatly. He had his game face on, devoid of
all emotion. Relena almost cringed.
"He can, I'm just threatening you because that's what you do when you care for
someone. Of course, don't think I won't follow through."
"Whatever you say, Queenie. Now shut up and get moving!" The assassin
hustled them out the door and into the car. When everyone was seated, the assassin gave
Relena and Heero a tube with a needle and some liquid. They both looked at it.
"Do it, or your little friends die. All I have to do is make one phone call, and it's
sayonara." Both teens huffed in anger and gave themselves the shot. Relena's vision
immediately began to fade. Heero's did as well.
"Oh god," Relena whispered, before falling onto Heero. Just before he passed out
too, he took Relena and laid her on the seat, her head resting in his lap. His last thought
was: Please be here when I get up.
"Heero, hey, Heero buddy! WAKE UP!" Heero slowly opened his eyes. His
vision adjusted until he was staring at the face of a certain braided pilot.
"What's going on? Where are we?" he asked groggily, sitting up. He looked
around the cell they were in. Thick medal bars on three sides surrounded it. The fourth
side had a cement wall. There were no chairs or benches or anything at all, just the floor.
"He's awake now?" Quatre asked. Heero looked to his right and realized that
there were three cells, each holding his friends. To the right were Quatre, Dorothy,
Wufei, and Sally. To the left were Trowa, Catherine, and Hilde. In his cell was he and
Duo. He noticed someone missing.
"Where's Relena?" Heero demanded. Everyone looked away.
"When we woke up, she wasn't here. We weren't sure if she was taken or not.
I'm sorry Heero," Duo said. Heero clenched his fists at his side, trying to control his
anger.
Relena's head was pounding fiercely. She let her eyes adjust to the light, and then
she examined her surroundings. She was in a small room with one door and no window.
There was only one other chair besides hers. She heard footsteps and a man entered the
room.
"Hello Liz, or is it Relena again?" a man with black hair and green eyes said.
Two guards accompanied him.
"What do you want, Michael?" she asked.
"Well, I was hoping we could chit chat for a while, but since you want to cut to
the chase, I'll tell you. You're going to give me the location of your rebel base, and give
me the access codes to the security system so I can get the Gundam layout."
"And what makes you think I'll cooperate?" she asked mockingly. Her eyes
flared with anger and defiance. He walked up to her and punched her in the face very
hard so that her lip split and started bleeding.
"Tell me now," Michael demanded again.
"Never."
"Fine, I guess I'll have to get it out of you the hard way." He took out a dagger
and raised it to her cheek.
Heero jumped when he heard the screams.
"Oh god! That's Relena's voice!" Dorothy said. Everyone paled greatly. The
girls were shaking with fear somewhat. Heero pounded and kicked at the bars that were
holding him in.
"Heero, that won't help her!" Trowa screamed over the noise. Heero stopped and
started pacing back and forth again.
"When I get out of here," he growled. Everyone unconsciously shuttered. They
had never, ever seen Heero so angry. They knew that whomever was behind this didn't
have a prayer left now.
"Trowa, what's gonna happen?" Catherine asked. He shrugged and looked away.
"I don't know," he whispered. Everyone huddled in silence, hearing the ear
piercing screams of the helpless Relena.
An hour later everyone was asleep. They awoke to the echoing sounds of boots
on the cement. Two guards appeared, dragging a tattered and beaten up Relena in their
arms. They opened the door to Duo and Heero's cell, forcing Relena to stand. She
managed, and then they pushed her in. She gathered her strength and stood up, turning
towards the guards. A man with black hair appeared.
"Sleep tight Relena. And thank you for the fun. We'll do it again tomorrow," he
said, smiling. When he and the guards disappeared down the dark hall, Relena turned to
Heero, who was now at her side.
"Oh thank god you're all okay." Her eyes rolled back, and she plummeted down.
Heero caught her and gently as he could, laid her on the cold floor. Duo helped him, and
they both sat over her. She opened her eyes slowly.
"Thanks."
"Relena, you shouldn't try to talk right now. You need your strength," Heero
said. He went to help her sit up, and she cried out in pain.
"What is it, Lena?" Duo asked.
"Take my jacket off." Heero and Duo looked at each other and slowly removed
it. Her shirt was torn up, showing skin with deep gashes that were bleeding really badly.
They were all over her back and front.
"Oh god, Relena," Hilde whispered. She started to cry as she looked at her
injured friend.
"Who was that man?" Sally asked. Hilde decided to answer.
"His name is Michael Parker. He is a former Oz leader. I know because he was
the head of my unit when I was in Oz." Dorothy gasped. She started shaking her head.
"You don't mean the Michael Parker? The one they call the Blood Count?"
"Yes, that's him all right. He's the one who helped with Operation Meteor, and
he's responsible for most of the attacks made by Oz. Relena and I discovered him about
three months ago here in Sank. We knew him right away, but because we had changed
identities, he had no idea who either of us was."
Relena slowly sat up as Heero began dressing her wounds with ripped pieces of
his cotton coat.
"Hilde and stopped him the first time he tried to break in to Dr. J's base. We
thought we got rid of him, but apparently we didn't."
"Relena, I'm curious, why does he want to get into the base?" Quatre asked.
"He wants to get rid of our rebel base and get the base plans for the construction
of a Gundam."
"Why does he want the Gundam's plans?" Wufei asked.
"He's going to build a new Oz, one that uses Gundams instead of dolls and suits."
"And he took all of us because-" Catherine was cut off.
"Because he figured you would just get in the way as well as Hilde and I. I don't
think you know this, but during the war you five actually foiled another large plan of his,
as well as Operation Meteor. For that, he's planning on getting rid of you."
"But that still doesn't explain why he took Catherine, Dorothy, and I?" Sally said.
This point perplexed Relena.
"I honestly have no idea why. Possibly because you're very close to at least one
of us," she suggested. She winced in pain as Heero bandaged up her leg and arm. She
noticed that he and Duo had been completely silent the whole time.
They're probably still angry with Hilde and I for leaving, not to mention keeping
all of this information from them, she thought.
"Okay guys, I suggest we get to work on Operation Escape," Hilde suggested.
She looked at Relena, and they nodded. Relena knew Hilde had noticed Heero and Duo's
behavior as well.
"But first Hilde and I have something to share." Heero was still concentrating on
Relena's wounds, and Duo was staring at the floor.
"What is it?" Dorothy asked. Everyone was staring at the two girls expectantly.
"We want to tell you why we left, what our skills are now, and then how to bust
out of here." That did it. Heero stopped messing with Relena's wounds, and Duo made
his way over to Hilde.
"Well, I left because Relena asked me too, and I wanted to use my life for
something good. After all, even if the war is over, there are still a lot of people forming a
lot of Rebel Factions all over the place." Hilde looked right at Duo. "And I left because
I didn't want to be hurt anymore. Duo, the pain I got from seeing you every day and
knowing that you don't care for me the way I do for you was killing me. I needed to get
away, so I left."
"Hilde, I had no idea, babe. There's something I need to get out though, so no
laughing," he said to everyone. "Hilde, I do like you, a lot. And I can't stress that
enough. I was stupid for not showing you sooner, but I am only sixteen, so can ya blame
a guy for being stumped? The point is that this last year was absolute hell for me. I love
ya Hilde, and I do not wanna let you go ever again."
"Oh Duo, that's so-" she was cut off by a kiss.
"Now isn't that sweet," Dorothy said. Catherine, she, Sally, and Relena were
smiling.
"It's about time Duo, you braided dummy. You have no clue how long I had to
listen to her praise you," Relena said. Hilde broke the kiss and glared.
"Oh yeah, well what about you, miss I-can't-live-without-Heero! Huh?" When
Hilde realized what she said she covered her mouth with her hands. Duo smirked,
Catherine and Dorothy stifled giggles, Sally grinned, Trowa smiled, Wufei shook his
head, and Quatre smiled too. Heero stared at Relena, who was blushing.
"Damn it Hilde! You know I can't help that! And that was a secret! When we
get out of here, you're one dead assassin!" She tried to stand, but fell again in pain.
"Careful Relena. I'm afraid you're restricted greatly right now," Heero said. She
nodded her head, remembering their task.
"Ladies and gentlemen, listen up, cause we're gonna bust out of here!" Hilde
exclaimed.
By: Jade Starlight
Chapter Five: I Know You're Up When I get Home
Hilde was gone, with Duo no doubt. It's been two days since the boys found out
about them, and since then Hilde's every waking moment was spent with Duo.
"Well, at least things are working out for her," she mumbled. Relena was on her
lab top, researching the assassin they caught a few days ago. She was dressed in black
jeans, a pink tank, and a black jean jacket. Her brown hair was half up in a clip. When
she heard the door open to her hotel room, she thought it was Hilde.
"Hey Hilde, back so soon?"
"No," a male voice said. Relena spun around, gun in hand. Standing at the
doorway was Heero.
"Oh, it's you," she hissed, turning around. She continued her work, not looking at
him at all. He moved over to the wall beside her, leaning against it.
"What is that?" he asked.
"Info on that assassin."
"Hm. Can we talk again?" Relena looked at him, stood up, and shook her head.
"Not if it means the way the last conversation went." She walked over to the
small kitchen, pouring two cups of coffee. Then she handed him his, and resumed her
work.
"It won't. I actually would like to take you out to eat." Relena looked at him,
hiding her surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes. Is tonight at seven good?"
"Sure, but what do I wear?"
"Nothing fancy, just casual clothes." He headed to the door. "See you at seven,"
he said before disappearing. Relena stared after him, and then snapped out of her state of
shock. She ran to the phone and dialed Hilde's cell phone number.
"Piper here."
"Hilde, it's Relena. Guess what?"
"What?"
"Heero's taking me out tonight! Yeah, he just stopped by! You're coming back?
Good, cause I need help deciding what to wear!" Relena hung up and started pacing back
and forth.
"Okay, chill Relena. It's only Heero." She sat on the bed and smiled, grabbing
her bear and hugging it tightly. She sighed and fell back. "Who am I kidding?! I'm
going out with Heero! I've been dreaming of this forever!" She smiled again, and closed
her eyes, wondering what was going to happen. She didn't feel the eyes that were
watching her from the balcony.
So, Liz Evans is truly Relena Dorlain, and she has an infatuation with that pilot
Heero Yuy. Perfect. The man climbed down the side of the building, disappearing in the
forest.
"How do I look?" Relena spun around so Hilde could see. She smiled brightly.
"He's gonna stop breathing Relena!" Hilde exclaimed. Relena was wearing black
leather pants and a dark blue, sparkled tank top. She had on two inch soled, black
strapped sandals, and her hair was pulled completely up in a French twist. The ends were
spiral curled and falling down nicely.
"Don't forget this." Hilde gave her pink lipstick. She quickly applied it and
smiled. There was a knock at the door.
"He's here!" Relena ran to the door, slipping on her leather duster. She opened it
and almost fell over. Heero was wearing black pants, a dark green t-shirt, and a black
jacket. He offered her his arm.
"Shall we?" he said. She smiled and followed him out to the car.
Heero was surprised he didn't fall over. Relena looked absolutely stunning. He
missed her honey blonde hair though. They got into the car and drove to the restaurant in
silence.
Hilde smiled to herself. I hope she finally gets what she deserves, she thought
happily. She grabbed the phone and dialed Duo's number at the Preventers. She didn't
even here the intruder until he talked.
"Get up slowly," he ordered. Hilde turned around and her eyes went wide.
"You," she breathed. He only smiled before injecting something in her. She fell
to the floor in seconds, unconscious.
"Phase two is complete. On to phase three."
Dinner was very good. Heero actually held a conversation with Relena. She was
continually being surprised throughout the night. After dinner Heero took her to a park
not far from the hotel. They took a moonlight walk, talking more about a lot of things.
"Relena?" Heero stopped, causing Relena to as well.
"What is it?"
"I have something for you." He handed her a teddy bear, almost exactly like the
one he gave her last year.
"Oh Heero, thank you!" She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. He
actually smiled, but she didn't see it.
"Happy Sweet Sixteen, Relena," he said. She pulled away and smiled.
"Thank you so much." Looking at the bear, she started walking again. Heero
caught up and grabbed her hand. She didn't show it, but this took her aback. She
squeezed his hand as they continued walking. Heero stopped again and turned her to
him.
"Relena, why did you leave?" he blurted out. She sighed and approached a
bench. Heero followed.
"I left because it wasn't the life that I wanted. I knew Dr. J would help, so I went
to him for help, and I asked Hilde to come with."
"What didn't you like?"
"Everything. Do you think I actually enjoyed traveling to and from the colonies,
settling disputes? And sitting there watching everyone act like they're listening to me,
when they weren't? It just became too much, so I decided to leave."
"But why become a pilot? Why not a normal life?"
"I've always wanted to pursue that. I just never told anyone because number one
my father was a Diplomat, and number two who would want to train a girl?"
"So you wanted to be a killer," Heero stated. He shook his head, looking down.
Relena brought his head up again, their eyes level.
"No, I wanted to help people, to protect them." She let go and stared at the stars
in the sky. "I knew Dr. J would help, because he saw the good in me doing this. You
know what he told me?"
"What?"
"He said that I followed my emotions, and battles can't be fought if there is no
heart. He also told me that I was exactly like you." She stared at him. He shook his
head in protest.
"No, not like me. Never like me," he whispered. Relena nodded.
"Yes like you, Heero. A person with a soul who is willing to sacrifice themselves
for the good of humanity. He knew that if it meant peace for mankind, I would gladly
sacrifice my self. That's what I did already."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean by leaving my brother, Noin, the others, you. I gave up all that I had to
help those in need." Heero couldn't believe what he was hearing. He could only sit
there, astonished by her words.
She did it for us, he thought. Relena stood up.
"Let's go back to my place," she said. Heero grabbed her hand and followed, lost
in thought.
Relena tried the handle of the door, but it was locked.
"That's odd," she said.
"What?"
"Well, the door's locked, and Hilde said she was gonna stay here tonight."
Relena shrugged and got her key out. She unlocked it and stepped inside. It was dark.
"Hilde!" Relena yelled. Heero walked over to a lamp by the door and turned it
on. Relena gasped. All around her were piles of papers that were flung everywhere. The
other lamp was knocked over, and the drawers with their clothes were pulled out,
clothing scattered everywhere.
"Oh my god! What happened?" Relena ran all over the place, searching for
Hilde, but couldn't find her.
"Heero, we need to-" she stopped dead in her tracks. When she turned, she was
face to face with the same assassin she caught days ago. He had Heero at gunpoint.
"Don't move, Relena, or he gets it," the tall, dark haired man ordered. She looked
at Heero, and then at the table she was standing by.
"What do you want?" she asked, glaring at him. He smiled.
"You, miss Peacecraft. And your friends of course, but mostly I want you."
"Well, sorry to disappoint you, pal, but I'm not going to be yours." She opened
the drawer and searched for her gun. A shot rang out and she looked up, completely still.
The bullet barely missed her head.
"Uh uh, I don't think so. Looking for this?" The man held up another gun while
he still had Heero at gunpoint.
"Damn," Relena whispered. She put her hands up in surrender. "You can have
me, but let Heero leave."
"No Relena," Heero said. He was completely calm, at least on the outside. Inside
he was shaking with fear, mostly for her and the others.
"I don't think so. That isn't how it works, Miss Queen of the World. I said I
wanted him as well. Now, if you do not cooperate, I will kill your boyfriend here."
"Alright, you've got me okay? Just leave him alone." She started to walk next to
Heero, but she turned before they started leaving. "If you harm one hair on his head, I
promise you I will kill you." The man started laughing.
"You protecting a Gundam pilot? What, he can't take care of himself?" he said
mockingly. Heero glared at him and Relena did too.
"I can take care of myself," Heero said flatly. He had his game face on, devoid of
all emotion. Relena almost cringed.
"He can, I'm just threatening you because that's what you do when you care for
someone. Of course, don't think I won't follow through."
"Whatever you say, Queenie. Now shut up and get moving!" The assassin
hustled them out the door and into the car. When everyone was seated, the assassin gave
Relena and Heero a tube with a needle and some liquid. They both looked at it.
"Do it, or your little friends die. All I have to do is make one phone call, and it's
sayonara." Both teens huffed in anger and gave themselves the shot. Relena's vision
immediately began to fade. Heero's did as well.
"Oh god," Relena whispered, before falling onto Heero. Just before he passed out
too, he took Relena and laid her on the seat, her head resting in his lap. His last thought
was: Please be here when I get up.
"Heero, hey, Heero buddy! WAKE UP!" Heero slowly opened his eyes. His
vision adjusted until he was staring at the face of a certain braided pilot.
"What's going on? Where are we?" he asked groggily, sitting up. He looked
around the cell they were in. Thick medal bars on three sides surrounded it. The fourth
side had a cement wall. There were no chairs or benches or anything at all, just the floor.
"He's awake now?" Quatre asked. Heero looked to his right and realized that
there were three cells, each holding his friends. To the right were Quatre, Dorothy,
Wufei, and Sally. To the left were Trowa, Catherine, and Hilde. In his cell was he and
Duo. He noticed someone missing.
"Where's Relena?" Heero demanded. Everyone looked away.
"When we woke up, she wasn't here. We weren't sure if she was taken or not.
I'm sorry Heero," Duo said. Heero clenched his fists at his side, trying to control his
anger.
Relena's head was pounding fiercely. She let her eyes adjust to the light, and then
she examined her surroundings. She was in a small room with one door and no window.
There was only one other chair besides hers. She heard footsteps and a man entered the
room.
"Hello Liz, or is it Relena again?" a man with black hair and green eyes said.
Two guards accompanied him.
"What do you want, Michael?" she asked.
"Well, I was hoping we could chit chat for a while, but since you want to cut to
the chase, I'll tell you. You're going to give me the location of your rebel base, and give
me the access codes to the security system so I can get the Gundam layout."
"And what makes you think I'll cooperate?" she asked mockingly. Her eyes
flared with anger and defiance. He walked up to her and punched her in the face very
hard so that her lip split and started bleeding.
"Tell me now," Michael demanded again.
"Never."
"Fine, I guess I'll have to get it out of you the hard way." He took out a dagger
and raised it to her cheek.
Heero jumped when he heard the screams.
"Oh god! That's Relena's voice!" Dorothy said. Everyone paled greatly. The
girls were shaking with fear somewhat. Heero pounded and kicked at the bars that were
holding him in.
"Heero, that won't help her!" Trowa screamed over the noise. Heero stopped and
started pacing back and forth again.
"When I get out of here," he growled. Everyone unconsciously shuttered. They
had never, ever seen Heero so angry. They knew that whomever was behind this didn't
have a prayer left now.
"Trowa, what's gonna happen?" Catherine asked. He shrugged and looked away.
"I don't know," he whispered. Everyone huddled in silence, hearing the ear
piercing screams of the helpless Relena.
An hour later everyone was asleep. They awoke to the echoing sounds of boots
on the cement. Two guards appeared, dragging a tattered and beaten up Relena in their
arms. They opened the door to Duo and Heero's cell, forcing Relena to stand. She
managed, and then they pushed her in. She gathered her strength and stood up, turning
towards the guards. A man with black hair appeared.
"Sleep tight Relena. And thank you for the fun. We'll do it again tomorrow," he
said, smiling. When he and the guards disappeared down the dark hall, Relena turned to
Heero, who was now at her side.
"Oh thank god you're all okay." Her eyes rolled back, and she plummeted down.
Heero caught her and gently as he could, laid her on the cold floor. Duo helped him, and
they both sat over her. She opened her eyes slowly.
"Thanks."
"Relena, you shouldn't try to talk right now. You need your strength," Heero
said. He went to help her sit up, and she cried out in pain.
"What is it, Lena?" Duo asked.
"Take my jacket off." Heero and Duo looked at each other and slowly removed
it. Her shirt was torn up, showing skin with deep gashes that were bleeding really badly.
They were all over her back and front.
"Oh god, Relena," Hilde whispered. She started to cry as she looked at her
injured friend.
"Who was that man?" Sally asked. Hilde decided to answer.
"His name is Michael Parker. He is a former Oz leader. I know because he was
the head of my unit when I was in Oz." Dorothy gasped. She started shaking her head.
"You don't mean the Michael Parker? The one they call the Blood Count?"
"Yes, that's him all right. He's the one who helped with Operation Meteor, and
he's responsible for most of the attacks made by Oz. Relena and I discovered him about
three months ago here in Sank. We knew him right away, but because we had changed
identities, he had no idea who either of us was."
Relena slowly sat up as Heero began dressing her wounds with ripped pieces of
his cotton coat.
"Hilde and stopped him the first time he tried to break in to Dr. J's base. We
thought we got rid of him, but apparently we didn't."
"Relena, I'm curious, why does he want to get into the base?" Quatre asked.
"He wants to get rid of our rebel base and get the base plans for the construction
of a Gundam."
"Why does he want the Gundam's plans?" Wufei asked.
"He's going to build a new Oz, one that uses Gundams instead of dolls and suits."
"And he took all of us because-" Catherine was cut off.
"Because he figured you would just get in the way as well as Hilde and I. I don't
think you know this, but during the war you five actually foiled another large plan of his,
as well as Operation Meteor. For that, he's planning on getting rid of you."
"But that still doesn't explain why he took Catherine, Dorothy, and I?" Sally said.
This point perplexed Relena.
"I honestly have no idea why. Possibly because you're very close to at least one
of us," she suggested. She winced in pain as Heero bandaged up her leg and arm. She
noticed that he and Duo had been completely silent the whole time.
They're probably still angry with Hilde and I for leaving, not to mention keeping
all of this information from them, she thought.
"Okay guys, I suggest we get to work on Operation Escape," Hilde suggested.
She looked at Relena, and they nodded. Relena knew Hilde had noticed Heero and Duo's
behavior as well.
"But first Hilde and I have something to share." Heero was still concentrating on
Relena's wounds, and Duo was staring at the floor.
"What is it?" Dorothy asked. Everyone was staring at the two girls expectantly.
"We want to tell you why we left, what our skills are now, and then how to bust
out of here." That did it. Heero stopped messing with Relena's wounds, and Duo made
his way over to Hilde.
"Well, I left because Relena asked me too, and I wanted to use my life for
something good. After all, even if the war is over, there are still a lot of people forming a
lot of Rebel Factions all over the place." Hilde looked right at Duo. "And I left because
I didn't want to be hurt anymore. Duo, the pain I got from seeing you every day and
knowing that you don't care for me the way I do for you was killing me. I needed to get
away, so I left."
"Hilde, I had no idea, babe. There's something I need to get out though, so no
laughing," he said to everyone. "Hilde, I do like you, a lot. And I can't stress that
enough. I was stupid for not showing you sooner, but I am only sixteen, so can ya blame
a guy for being stumped? The point is that this last year was absolute hell for me. I love
ya Hilde, and I do not wanna let you go ever again."
"Oh Duo, that's so-" she was cut off by a kiss.
"Now isn't that sweet," Dorothy said. Catherine, she, Sally, and Relena were
smiling.
"It's about time Duo, you braided dummy. You have no clue how long I had to
listen to her praise you," Relena said. Hilde broke the kiss and glared.
"Oh yeah, well what about you, miss I-can't-live-without-Heero! Huh?" When
Hilde realized what she said she covered her mouth with her hands. Duo smirked,
Catherine and Dorothy stifled giggles, Sally grinned, Trowa smiled, Wufei shook his
head, and Quatre smiled too. Heero stared at Relena, who was blushing.
"Damn it Hilde! You know I can't help that! And that was a secret! When we
get out of here, you're one dead assassin!" She tried to stand, but fell again in pain.
"Careful Relena. I'm afraid you're restricted greatly right now," Heero said. She
nodded her head, remembering their task.
"Ladies and gentlemen, listen up, cause we're gonna bust out of here!" Hilde
exclaimed.