Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing my story. I get so excited when someone reviews it. So please keep on reading and reviewing. As always suggestions and criticism are welcome.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing.
Chapter 6
It was the Sunday evening after the incident between Heero and Relena, and a silent figure was heading up to the Marquise residence. He quickly slipped past the guards surrounding the house and came around to the back. He looked up at the balcony two stories above him, and with ease he jumped up onto a nearby tree and then grabbed the railing. He pulled himself over and checked his surrounding to make sure no one heard or saw him. Silently he entered a darken room on the third floor. Even though it was dark, his training still allowed him to see. Suddenly he heard footsteps all around him. Heavy footsteps. Five men. He smirked as he walked to the center of the room.
Meanwhile in Zechs' office, Pagan came in to announce that they had a guest. Zechs looked at Relena and smiled.
"Well, it's about time. I was wondering when he'll get here. Let's go and see how he fares against my men," Zechs declared, getting up.
Relena followed him up to the third floor where the training room was. They waited outside the door, and Relena could hear sounds of fighting inside.
"You weren't too hard on him, were you, brother?" Relena asked.
"Is that concern I hear?" Zechs inquired, sliding a glance at his stoic faced sister.
Relena didn't reply. Instead she turned her attention back to the door where she still heard sounds of fighting. Zechs noted her silence and then opened the door when the sounds stopped. Relena turned on the lights and saw a figure bent down with five men scattered about the room.
(Now let's go back to before Relena opened the door.) The figure was in the center of the room and he had his hands full. Immediately two men advanced on him. He heard the unsheathing of the knives and shook his head. Careless. The two men attacked with their knives without warning. He dodged one knife as it came flying by his side. He grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it. The man cried out in pain as the knife clattered to the floor. Suddenly he went flying to the floor when a kick connected with his head. The other man rushed at the silent figure that quickly bent down on one knee. The knife barely missed his head as he threw a strong punch into the man's stomach. The other man groaned and collapsed.
A third man crept up from behind. The silent figure did a back flip with his feet slamming into the third man's chin. The man groaned at the pain, but he quickly recovered. He hurled a punch at the figure that immediately dodged it and threw his own punch at the man. His fist struck the man's face and sent him crumpling backward. The fourth man moved forward with a wooden pole in his hands. He swung at the figure that rolled away. The figure got up and blocked another swing with his arm. He grabbed the pole and pulled it away. He snapped it over his knee and threw the two pieces at the man. They hit the man and sent him tumbling back. Four down, one to go.
However, the figure couldn't hear or sense the fifth man. His eyes searched around the room, but he couldn't see the man. All of a sudden, a fist connected with his face and the force of it made him take a few steps back. He quickly regained his footing and punched the fifth man, but all he hit was air. The fifth man suddenly swung his leg at the figure, kicking him in the shoulder. The figure growled and he sent a barrage of punches at the fifth man. The man blocked punch after punch until he couldn't anymore. Seeing the weakness, the figure threw one last punch at the man. The man went flying backward.
Suddenly the lights went on, and the figure was left standing with five men unconscious around him. He swung around at the sound of clapping ready to attack and straightened up at the sight before him. Standing in front of the door was a tall man with long platinum blond hair who was slowly clapping his hands. Next to him was a girl was standing next to light switch with her hands behind her back. She wasn't smiling as she regarded him with cold eyes.
"Very impressive. You're everything Relena says you are and more," the blond man praised. He crossed his arms as he looked at the boy standing in front of him. The boy didn't appear to be worn out or even injured. "You defeated five of my best men. Perhaps you do have what it takes to protect Relena, Heero Yuy."
"Zechs Marquise or perhaps you prefer Milliardo Peacecraft," Heero replied, coolly. He kept a blank expression on his face.
"I prefer Zechs if you don't mind. Now let's talk in my office," Zechs said. He turned around and looked at Relena. With an affectionate voice, he added, "Have Pagan see to these gentlemen and then go begin your studies with Noin. I'll send for you when Mr. Yuy and I have come to an agreement if any."
"Yes, brother," Relena replied softly. She gave another look at Heero before leaving.
"Come with me, Mr. Yuy," Zechs ordered with a clear voice. He led Heero to his office and gestured for him to sit. Heero declined and stood in front of the desk.
"I'm going to start talking. Feel free to interrupt at any moment," Zechs explained, sitting back in his chair. He laid his arms on the armrests and watched Heero with a careful gaze and impassive expression.
"Before you start, there is something that I'd like to say," Heero said all of a sudden.
"By all means."
"You need better guards," stated Heero.
Zechs didn't respond. He would have laughed at that comment if he wasn't better training in keeping in check his emotions when dealing with business. "I'll keep that in mind. Anything else?"
"No."
"Good. Now from what I have gathered from Relena, you're here to protect her from the Alliance. You hate it as much as others do, and you know everything about us," Zechs said. He started to tap his long fingers against the armrests. "I did some digging of my own, and I must say that you have more secrets than we do. For example, Heero Yuy didn't come into existence until twelve years ago. Now I doubt that is your real age. So you're not who you say you are just like us. You have a guardian simply called Dr. J that raised you since you claim to be an orphan. You moved here three years ago, and that's about it. No background that I can find, and I looked very hard. So, Mr. Yuy, just who are you and what do you really want?"
"Like you said, I have secrets, and I'm afraid that I'm not authorized to offer much information," Heero replied.
"What can you give me then?" Zechs asked.
"My name is as real as yours. I have come to protect Relena at this crucial part of your plan. I've trained all my life for this moment, and I will not back down from it," Heero explained.
"What do you know about my plan if you know everything?" Zechs questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"You're close to completion. Very close," Heero declared.
"How did you find about us? Very few people know the truth, and I mean very few," Zechs asked.
"Like I said to your sister, you'll be surprised at how many who do know. You certainly need a better security," Heero said. And to prove his point, he reached behind him and pulled out a disk from his back pocket. He tossed it onto Zechs' desk.
Zechs just looked at the disk before inserting it into his computer. He tapped a few keys as lists of classified information came scrolling up on the screen. His eyes widened a little as he read over the data. He cut his gaze back at Heero. "Where did you get this?"
"I found a leak, and I plugged it for you," Heero answered directly.
"How do I know that you weren't one who caused the leak and then plugged it up to cover your tracks?" Zechs asked, curiously.
"You'll just have to trust me then," Heero replied, evenly.
"Trust doesn't come easily for us. I'm sure you're aware of that," Zechs declared. He watched Heero's expression carefully.
"I will prove my worth to you," stated Heero. To Zechs' ears it sounded sincere. Heero was calm and showed no signs of hesitation.
"All right. Let's talk then," Zechs said. Perhaps this boy could help him in protecting Relena. The Alliance was getting too close for comfort despite the hold Zechs had on it.
In the garden, Relena was listening to Noin lecture on the history of nonviolent resistance. The Sank Kingdom was renown for its commitment to pacifism. (It's not total pacifism. I changed it to go along with my story.) When Zechs and Relena returned home, they would continue their father's beliefs. However, Relena found it hard to believe that they will. For the past ten years, they had to use methods of gaining power that Relena was sure that their father would not approve if he were still alive. Relena felt like a hypocrite. Here she was using power to overcome their enemies, and later she would preach pacifism herself.
"Noin, may I ask you a question?" Relena interrupted Noin's lecture. She put aside her notes and turned to the dark haired woman.
Noin smiled and sat down next to Relena. "Of course. What is it?"
"I don't understand how we're going to continue my father's ideals with what we are doing goes against them," Relena explained. She got up and walked over to the railing that overlooked the ocean. The mansion was built near the coast. "I may have been young, but I understood what Father taught me. I also understand why Milliardo resorted to ways that go against what we were taught, but I don't understand how we going to do it when the world finds out about us."
Noin sighed. She understood what Relena was going through. When the world learns the truth about the disappearance of the Peacecraft children, they might not accept them. They might feel deceived, and that wouldn't be a good way to start things.
"Relena, things will go their course. You feel this way now, but later you might not. What we are doing may not feel justified now, but you'll see. Things have a way of working themselves out," Noin reassured.
Relena looked back at her future sister-in-law, and her eyes focused on the woman's reassuring smile. For some reason, Noin had a knack of soothing everything around her. Maybe that's why Zechs fell in love with her. "Perhaps you're right. Fate hasn't steered us wrong yet."
"Now I am wondering how things are going on between those two inside. It's been quite a while. I hope everything is all right. From what I saw as they passed by, Heero Yuy looks like a nice young man," Noin declared, watching Relena's response.
Relena stiffened at that remark. That didn't go unnoticed by Noin's keen eyes. A slow smile spread across her beautiful face.
"Looks can be deceiving," Relena said, straightening up at Noin's smile.
"Very good looks, I might say," Noin added with another innocent smile as she watched a blush crept up onto Relena's face.
Just then Pagan came out to the garden, allowing Relena the excuse to not respond. He told them that Zechs wanted to see them. Relena nearly ran back inside. Pagan looked bewildered as he watched Relena's quick exit.
"Is there something wrong with Miss Relena, Miss Noin?" Pagan asked, curiously. "Lately her behavior is erratic. Not her normal cool demeanor."
"Well, Pagan, I think Relena is finding what it's like to be a seventeen-year-old girl," Noin said. "Especially around a handsome boy like Heero Yuy."
"I see. Should we be alarmed, Miss Noin?" Pagan questioned with a small smile as he followed Noin back inside.
Noin shook her head. "I believe that boy is going to do some good to our Relena."
Back in Zechs' office, he and Heero had reached an agreement, and they waited for Relena and Noin to come in so they could explain it. A soft knock sounded at the door, and the two of the entered. Noin moved over to Zechs' side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"So, have you boys reached an agreement?" she asked, glancing at Heero who had his eyes on Relena.
"We have, my dear, and we find it promising," Zechs declared. "Come here, Relena and have a seat. I think you'll like what you'll hear."
"I doubt that since I don't want another bodyguard, remember?," Relena reminded her brother. She sat down on the couch, trying to appear composed when in actuality she felt flustered under Heero's gaze. His eyes had went straight for her when she entered the room.
"You'll like this solution whether you want to or not," Zechs warned.
"So what is it?" Noin asked, mediating the sudden tension in the air.
"Well, since Relena can't have guards around her when she is at school, Heero will act as one. It's perfect since they are in the same school. Now, Relena, I know that you're not comfortable with the guards that I assigned to protect you when you're not in school or at home. So, from now on where you go, Heero goes, and that's about it," Zechs explained. He leaned back and waited for Relena's refusal.
Relena didn't know what do say at her brother's words. She couldn't believe it. She was to be with Heero all time. It did not sound inviting. Not when his mere presence unsettled her. Relena did not like having shaky control on her emotions.
"That's doesn't sound fair, Zechs, especially for Heero. He wouldn't have any time to himself," Noin said when she noted Relena's silence.
"He has agree to the terms, Noin. Besides, he's absolutely committed to protecting Relena," Zechs defended. "I must say that I have never seen such devotion."
"Well, what do you think, Relena?" questioned Noin, looking over at the quiet girl.
"I don't have a choice, do I brother?" Relena said. She gazed at her brother and understood the gleam in the icy blue eyes that were exactly like hers. She stood up and walked over to the door.
"I'm going to be your friend, Relena, not just a bodyguard," Heero said all of a sudden before Relena left the room. He didn't even turn around to say that.
Relena's hand stopped on the doorknob and glanced over her shoulder. "Friends trust each other and as I said before, trust doesn't come easily especially when it comes me." She left without another word.
"You have your work cut for you, Heero Yuy," Noin declared as she looked at the boy. "It took me nearly four years for her to trust me, and I'm just her future sister-in-law. You want to be her friend, and I'm afraid Relena never really had any friends."
"Well, then. I guess I'll be her first," Heero replied. 'Lucky me,' he thought as he remembered the look in Relena's eyes. She wasn't happy with the agreement. Well, he'll just have to make her happy to be with him. His future counted on it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing.
Chapter 6
It was the Sunday evening after the incident between Heero and Relena, and a silent figure was heading up to the Marquise residence. He quickly slipped past the guards surrounding the house and came around to the back. He looked up at the balcony two stories above him, and with ease he jumped up onto a nearby tree and then grabbed the railing. He pulled himself over and checked his surrounding to make sure no one heard or saw him. Silently he entered a darken room on the third floor. Even though it was dark, his training still allowed him to see. Suddenly he heard footsteps all around him. Heavy footsteps. Five men. He smirked as he walked to the center of the room.
Meanwhile in Zechs' office, Pagan came in to announce that they had a guest. Zechs looked at Relena and smiled.
"Well, it's about time. I was wondering when he'll get here. Let's go and see how he fares against my men," Zechs declared, getting up.
Relena followed him up to the third floor where the training room was. They waited outside the door, and Relena could hear sounds of fighting inside.
"You weren't too hard on him, were you, brother?" Relena asked.
"Is that concern I hear?" Zechs inquired, sliding a glance at his stoic faced sister.
Relena didn't reply. Instead she turned her attention back to the door where she still heard sounds of fighting. Zechs noted her silence and then opened the door when the sounds stopped. Relena turned on the lights and saw a figure bent down with five men scattered about the room.
(Now let's go back to before Relena opened the door.) The figure was in the center of the room and he had his hands full. Immediately two men advanced on him. He heard the unsheathing of the knives and shook his head. Careless. The two men attacked with their knives without warning. He dodged one knife as it came flying by his side. He grabbed the man's wrist and twisted it. The man cried out in pain as the knife clattered to the floor. Suddenly he went flying to the floor when a kick connected with his head. The other man rushed at the silent figure that quickly bent down on one knee. The knife barely missed his head as he threw a strong punch into the man's stomach. The other man groaned and collapsed.
A third man crept up from behind. The silent figure did a back flip with his feet slamming into the third man's chin. The man groaned at the pain, but he quickly recovered. He hurled a punch at the figure that immediately dodged it and threw his own punch at the man. His fist struck the man's face and sent him crumpling backward. The fourth man moved forward with a wooden pole in his hands. He swung at the figure that rolled away. The figure got up and blocked another swing with his arm. He grabbed the pole and pulled it away. He snapped it over his knee and threw the two pieces at the man. They hit the man and sent him tumbling back. Four down, one to go.
However, the figure couldn't hear or sense the fifth man. His eyes searched around the room, but he couldn't see the man. All of a sudden, a fist connected with his face and the force of it made him take a few steps back. He quickly regained his footing and punched the fifth man, but all he hit was air. The fifth man suddenly swung his leg at the figure, kicking him in the shoulder. The figure growled and he sent a barrage of punches at the fifth man. The man blocked punch after punch until he couldn't anymore. Seeing the weakness, the figure threw one last punch at the man. The man went flying backward.
Suddenly the lights went on, and the figure was left standing with five men unconscious around him. He swung around at the sound of clapping ready to attack and straightened up at the sight before him. Standing in front of the door was a tall man with long platinum blond hair who was slowly clapping his hands. Next to him was a girl was standing next to light switch with her hands behind her back. She wasn't smiling as she regarded him with cold eyes.
"Very impressive. You're everything Relena says you are and more," the blond man praised. He crossed his arms as he looked at the boy standing in front of him. The boy didn't appear to be worn out or even injured. "You defeated five of my best men. Perhaps you do have what it takes to protect Relena, Heero Yuy."
"Zechs Marquise or perhaps you prefer Milliardo Peacecraft," Heero replied, coolly. He kept a blank expression on his face.
"I prefer Zechs if you don't mind. Now let's talk in my office," Zechs said. He turned around and looked at Relena. With an affectionate voice, he added, "Have Pagan see to these gentlemen and then go begin your studies with Noin. I'll send for you when Mr. Yuy and I have come to an agreement if any."
"Yes, brother," Relena replied softly. She gave another look at Heero before leaving.
"Come with me, Mr. Yuy," Zechs ordered with a clear voice. He led Heero to his office and gestured for him to sit. Heero declined and stood in front of the desk.
"I'm going to start talking. Feel free to interrupt at any moment," Zechs explained, sitting back in his chair. He laid his arms on the armrests and watched Heero with a careful gaze and impassive expression.
"Before you start, there is something that I'd like to say," Heero said all of a sudden.
"By all means."
"You need better guards," stated Heero.
Zechs didn't respond. He would have laughed at that comment if he wasn't better training in keeping in check his emotions when dealing with business. "I'll keep that in mind. Anything else?"
"No."
"Good. Now from what I have gathered from Relena, you're here to protect her from the Alliance. You hate it as much as others do, and you know everything about us," Zechs said. He started to tap his long fingers against the armrests. "I did some digging of my own, and I must say that you have more secrets than we do. For example, Heero Yuy didn't come into existence until twelve years ago. Now I doubt that is your real age. So you're not who you say you are just like us. You have a guardian simply called Dr. J that raised you since you claim to be an orphan. You moved here three years ago, and that's about it. No background that I can find, and I looked very hard. So, Mr. Yuy, just who are you and what do you really want?"
"Like you said, I have secrets, and I'm afraid that I'm not authorized to offer much information," Heero replied.
"What can you give me then?" Zechs asked.
"My name is as real as yours. I have come to protect Relena at this crucial part of your plan. I've trained all my life for this moment, and I will not back down from it," Heero explained.
"What do you know about my plan if you know everything?" Zechs questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"You're close to completion. Very close," Heero declared.
"How did you find about us? Very few people know the truth, and I mean very few," Zechs asked.
"Like I said to your sister, you'll be surprised at how many who do know. You certainly need a better security," Heero said. And to prove his point, he reached behind him and pulled out a disk from his back pocket. He tossed it onto Zechs' desk.
Zechs just looked at the disk before inserting it into his computer. He tapped a few keys as lists of classified information came scrolling up on the screen. His eyes widened a little as he read over the data. He cut his gaze back at Heero. "Where did you get this?"
"I found a leak, and I plugged it for you," Heero answered directly.
"How do I know that you weren't one who caused the leak and then plugged it up to cover your tracks?" Zechs asked, curiously.
"You'll just have to trust me then," Heero replied, evenly.
"Trust doesn't come easily for us. I'm sure you're aware of that," Zechs declared. He watched Heero's expression carefully.
"I will prove my worth to you," stated Heero. To Zechs' ears it sounded sincere. Heero was calm and showed no signs of hesitation.
"All right. Let's talk then," Zechs said. Perhaps this boy could help him in protecting Relena. The Alliance was getting too close for comfort despite the hold Zechs had on it.
In the garden, Relena was listening to Noin lecture on the history of nonviolent resistance. The Sank Kingdom was renown for its commitment to pacifism. (It's not total pacifism. I changed it to go along with my story.) When Zechs and Relena returned home, they would continue their father's beliefs. However, Relena found it hard to believe that they will. For the past ten years, they had to use methods of gaining power that Relena was sure that their father would not approve if he were still alive. Relena felt like a hypocrite. Here she was using power to overcome their enemies, and later she would preach pacifism herself.
"Noin, may I ask you a question?" Relena interrupted Noin's lecture. She put aside her notes and turned to the dark haired woman.
Noin smiled and sat down next to Relena. "Of course. What is it?"
"I don't understand how we're going to continue my father's ideals with what we are doing goes against them," Relena explained. She got up and walked over to the railing that overlooked the ocean. The mansion was built near the coast. "I may have been young, but I understood what Father taught me. I also understand why Milliardo resorted to ways that go against what we were taught, but I don't understand how we going to do it when the world finds out about us."
Noin sighed. She understood what Relena was going through. When the world learns the truth about the disappearance of the Peacecraft children, they might not accept them. They might feel deceived, and that wouldn't be a good way to start things.
"Relena, things will go their course. You feel this way now, but later you might not. What we are doing may not feel justified now, but you'll see. Things have a way of working themselves out," Noin reassured.
Relena looked back at her future sister-in-law, and her eyes focused on the woman's reassuring smile. For some reason, Noin had a knack of soothing everything around her. Maybe that's why Zechs fell in love with her. "Perhaps you're right. Fate hasn't steered us wrong yet."
"Now I am wondering how things are going on between those two inside. It's been quite a while. I hope everything is all right. From what I saw as they passed by, Heero Yuy looks like a nice young man," Noin declared, watching Relena's response.
Relena stiffened at that remark. That didn't go unnoticed by Noin's keen eyes. A slow smile spread across her beautiful face.
"Looks can be deceiving," Relena said, straightening up at Noin's smile.
"Very good looks, I might say," Noin added with another innocent smile as she watched a blush crept up onto Relena's face.
Just then Pagan came out to the garden, allowing Relena the excuse to not respond. He told them that Zechs wanted to see them. Relena nearly ran back inside. Pagan looked bewildered as he watched Relena's quick exit.
"Is there something wrong with Miss Relena, Miss Noin?" Pagan asked, curiously. "Lately her behavior is erratic. Not her normal cool demeanor."
"Well, Pagan, I think Relena is finding what it's like to be a seventeen-year-old girl," Noin said. "Especially around a handsome boy like Heero Yuy."
"I see. Should we be alarmed, Miss Noin?" Pagan questioned with a small smile as he followed Noin back inside.
Noin shook her head. "I believe that boy is going to do some good to our Relena."
Back in Zechs' office, he and Heero had reached an agreement, and they waited for Relena and Noin to come in so they could explain it. A soft knock sounded at the door, and the two of the entered. Noin moved over to Zechs' side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"So, have you boys reached an agreement?" she asked, glancing at Heero who had his eyes on Relena.
"We have, my dear, and we find it promising," Zechs declared. "Come here, Relena and have a seat. I think you'll like what you'll hear."
"I doubt that since I don't want another bodyguard, remember?," Relena reminded her brother. She sat down on the couch, trying to appear composed when in actuality she felt flustered under Heero's gaze. His eyes had went straight for her when she entered the room.
"You'll like this solution whether you want to or not," Zechs warned.
"So what is it?" Noin asked, mediating the sudden tension in the air.
"Well, since Relena can't have guards around her when she is at school, Heero will act as one. It's perfect since they are in the same school. Now, Relena, I know that you're not comfortable with the guards that I assigned to protect you when you're not in school or at home. So, from now on where you go, Heero goes, and that's about it," Zechs explained. He leaned back and waited for Relena's refusal.
Relena didn't know what do say at her brother's words. She couldn't believe it. She was to be with Heero all time. It did not sound inviting. Not when his mere presence unsettled her. Relena did not like having shaky control on her emotions.
"That's doesn't sound fair, Zechs, especially for Heero. He wouldn't have any time to himself," Noin said when she noted Relena's silence.
"He has agree to the terms, Noin. Besides, he's absolutely committed to protecting Relena," Zechs defended. "I must say that I have never seen such devotion."
"Well, what do you think, Relena?" questioned Noin, looking over at the quiet girl.
"I don't have a choice, do I brother?" Relena said. She gazed at her brother and understood the gleam in the icy blue eyes that were exactly like hers. She stood up and walked over to the door.
"I'm going to be your friend, Relena, not just a bodyguard," Heero said all of a sudden before Relena left the room. He didn't even turn around to say that.
Relena's hand stopped on the doorknob and glanced over her shoulder. "Friends trust each other and as I said before, trust doesn't come easily especially when it comes me." She left without another word.
"You have your work cut for you, Heero Yuy," Noin declared as she looked at the boy. "It took me nearly four years for her to trust me, and I'm just her future sister-in-law. You want to be her friend, and I'm afraid Relena never really had any friends."
"Well, then. I guess I'll be her first," Heero replied. 'Lucky me,' he thought as he remembered the look in Relena's eyes. She wasn't happy with the agreement. Well, he'll just have to make her happy to be with him. His future counted on it.