Chapter 4: The dark side of the force
2 days later.
Quatre was sitting on her hospital bed, looking at her closed eyes. She'd been unconscious for two days. Though her injuries weren't that bad, exhaustion made it worse. Taking her hand, he leaned closer. She seemed so pale and fragile. He turned his head and looked at the door where Heero was leaning, watching Relena, his face expressionless. When he and Gabriel had gotten back, Relena covered with blood, his face had been different. He was scared for her, Quatre could tell. But now he'd put his mask back, not allowing any emotion to show. Quatre was sad for the man. He'd had to be emotionless for the major part of his life, but that wasn't a life. Humans were made to have emotions and show them, otherwise, why have the ability to laugh and cry?
The fact that Heero was back made everyone very happy. Duo seemed proud of him, whatever the reasons. He was glad, but not as much as the others. He knew what that appearance meant. He had to give up now, but he just couldn't. The fact that he was in love with the same woman that one his best friends loved was breaking his heart. But he couldn't help it. He took Relena's hand with his, looking at her beautiful face. Please wake up.
As if she was responding to his call, Quatre felt a weak pressure on his hands. He looked at her, hope illuminating his face.
"Relena, can you hear me?"
At this phrase, Heero, who had been motionless for more then 30 minutes, straightened.
As if waking up from a long and painful dream, Relena opened her eyes, looking straight ahead. She couldn't see who it was, her vision wasn't clear enough. She turned her head hoping that would help. As her vision cleared, she could see who sat beside her.
Smiling weakly, she looked at the man who was leaning over her. She was happy to see her dearest friend.
"Quatre."
Quatre smiled back at her with all his love and friendship.
"Hey sweetie, you scared us."
Relena wasn't feeling very well, she was week and had an awful headache. Raising her good arm, she put a hand to her forehead.
"I'm sorry. Was I out long?"
"Two days."
"Oh." She put back her hand on the bed.
"I feel awful. Anything new while I was sleeping?"
Quatre laughed again. That was just the girl he knew. Not even up yet and already asking about the problems they were facing.
"No, nothing major. Trowa's gone for now, but he'll be back at the end of the week. He has entered a mobile suit factory. They say that they only make mobile suit for the agriculture but Trowa thinks otherwise. Sally is still resting. We don't know what she got but it was a bad one, Wufei's with her right now. As for Duo, he's eating, that's no surprise, his job for now his done…. Heero's back."
When Quatre mention the pilot of Wing Zero's name, Relena turned her head towards the door. He was there looking at her, not moving, not even coming closer to her, telling her that he was scared as hell when she had got shot. Relena turned again her head in the opposite direction. She didn't want to look at him.
"I don't want to see him!"
"Relena!" Quatre was surprised by Relena's reaction. He'd never thought that she wouldn't want to see him. What happened in her heart to change her like this? Quatre looked in Heero's direction. He was gone.
When Relena had said she didn't want to see him, Heero felt as if he had received a knife right through his soul. He couldn't stand being there and watch her anymore. He had left.
Quatre didn't say anything more; he didn't know what to say anyway. What's going on here?
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5 days later.
Most of them had already arrived at the conference room. Lady Une, like the others, was dressed in her Preventer's uniform with her hair pulled back in the French way. She sat at the end of the long oval table talking with Noin about Mariemia. Zechs was absent. A meeting with the rulers of many countries had held him. Though he would have gladly given his place to someone else, he couldn't. It was too important and he'd reluctantly attended. He had made Noin promise to tell him everything when she got back.
Quatre sat beside Lady Une talking with Relena who had insisted on coming despite still feeling very tired. The meeting was about her, after all. She was dressed simply in an old pair of jeans and red shirt, her hair pulled in a ponytail. She looked like a little girl. She was voluntarily ignoring Heero, although she was checking him constantly from the corner of her eyes.
Gabriel was beside her. He didn't seem to nothing what was happening around him, but he was. He was constantly checking on Heero, he didn't like the Gundam pilot. Heero wasn't looking at him but he was sure the guy was aware of his every moves.
The pilot of Zero stood opposite of Relena and Quatre, his arms crossed on his chest, looking at them silently. I understand why she doesn't want to talk to me. It's natural after what I've done, but I couldn't be with her before. He raised an eyebrow, noticing that Quatra was closer to her now. Well, she and Quatre seem to get along very well... That's their business. He wouldn't admit that seeing them that close was making him uncomfortable. His stomach twisted as he noticed Quatra taking Relena's hand. He didn't like it at all. What's wrong with me? Am I... jealous? He turned his head, not wanting to watch anymore. Looking around, Duo caught his attention. The pilot of Deathscythe wasn't talking. Actually, he'd been unusually quiet for the last two days. even Wufei was starting to wonder what was wrong.
Duo was worried. He'd told Heero that he hadn't received any news from Hilde in the past few days. That wasn't like her at all. She wasn't the type of girl to call her boyfriend every day, but still she used to give him some news at least twice a week. It'd been more than a week since he'd heard from her. He didn't feel like talking. He just sat there in his chair. His arms were crossed on the table and he looked straight ahead, not seeing anything. Something was wrong, he could feel it.
Wufei entered with the now completely healed Sally. They still didn't' know what she had caught. For a week, she'd been ill, unable to stand or eat anything solid. Wufei had taken care of her. He loved his wife dearly and seeing her like this, feeling so helpless made his anger rise. His arm was around her shoulder as if he was trying to protect her against some unseen enemy. Wufei always felt responsible for his wife; it was, in his mind at least, his duty to protect her. He guided her gently to their seats.
Now the only person missing was Trowa. He had entered the mobile suits company more than a week ago to check out his suspicions on what they were really up to. Something was fishy with the company and he intended to find out what it was. He was now a full time employee going by the name of Triton Bloom. People would be less likely to recognize his real name. Today's meeting was about important information he'd discovered as well as Relena's second kidnapping attempt, so they had to wait for him to arrive.
When Trowa entered the room, everyone stopped talking. His expression was definitely not a good sign. Tension in the room rose as they stared at him. They didn't dare talk, not that they could anyway. Every sound was stuck in their throats.
Trowa came closer to the table, looking directly into Duo's eyes. The young pilot straightened in his chair. His heart started to beat fast. The bad news were for him, he could sense it. He looked at Trowa trying to keep some composure.
"Com'on Trowa. Don't do that! Tell me what's wrong!"
Trowa couldn't talk. He couldn't say anything. What he was going to say would take all the happiness out of his friend forever.
"It's about Hilde."
Duo couldn't stand it anymore. He got up from his chair, his hands still pushing the table that was helping him keeping some balance.
"What's wrong with her?"
"She's been shot."
Lowering his head, he grabbed the table, the only thing that prevented him from falling on the floor.
"And? Come on, don't do this to me!"
Trowa looked rapidly at everyone in the room. They weren't moving at all. He could have sworn that time had stopped. They were all looking at Duo who was now facing him again, pain written all over his face.
"Well, my contact told me he saw a man shoot her. She then dropped to the ground, lifeless, and two men came to pick her up." God, he hated the situation.
"Who shot her?" Duo couldn't control himself anymore. He was agitated, like a mad man. He started to walk around pacing the room faster and faster. They had never seen him like this.
"We don't know. My contact wasn't able to identify the man that did it… I'm sorry."
Duo stopped walking, looking again straight at Trowa.
"Was he sure she was dead?" Trowa paused for a minute, he had to tell the truth but feared the false hope it might give his friend.
"Not at 100%, but the fact the she automatically fell to the ground…"
"NO!!" Duo had turned away, facing the wall. His hands were moving like as if he was trying to find something he could hold on to. "That's not true! Hilde is still alive! I know it!" He stopped moving looking like some animal that had been hurt.
Nobody had moved. Seeing the happiest person in the team hurt had taken their strengths away.
Then without warning, Duo's punch made a hole in the wall. His other hand was still trying to find something to hold on. As if it was finally too much for him, he fell on his knees, crying. He was so hurt, so sad, everyone was touched, even Wufei. Relena was the first one to react to this madness. She had gone up and went beside him, trying to help him.
"Duo…" But Duo's reaction wasn't what she had expected at all. Instead of letting himself being comforted, he pushed her away.
"Stay away from me!" He looked at her, his face covered with tears. "It's all your fault! You and your stupid peace!"
"Duo!" Quatre voice at cut the young man. "What are you saying?!"
Relena looked at Duo in horror. She then turned around and realized that they were all looking at her, waiting for her answer. She looked at Heero. His eyes looked surprise. Even he hadn't thought that Duo would say something like that. He didn't make any move, he just stood there looking at her, pain for her all over his face. She turned back to Duo and looked at him. He was right, it was all her fault, it was all because of her.
Duo's head was down again. "I'm sorry… I…" As he turned his head to apologize to her, he noticed that she was gone.
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Night came and most of them had left the Preventer's Headquarters. But Duo was still there. They all had a room where they could sleep when they were on Earth and he always used it. He didn't see the point in having an apartment when they offered a free bed.
Tonight he didn't care, not about anything. He was alone, so alone and sad. Today's news had been the worst he'd ever received in his life. She was gone, and according to Trowa, probably dead. He didn't believe that. Hilde was strong, intelligent, beautiful, and kind and... he loved her. She had become his reason to live, to smile, to work for peace. But now it was over; she wouldn't' be there to tease him or to laugh at his bad jokes, or to tell him he needed a bath. She wouldn't be there anymore.
No! You will be here! You are alive, I just know it... He wiped his tears silently. Raising his head and looked at the stars. They weren't shining for him, would they ever shine for him again? He didn't know. I'm not going to give up! I'll find you babe, I promise. And he would. Even if it meant spending the rest of his life searching.
Duo remembered what had happened earlier that day. He thought about Relena and how cruel he'd been with her. He hadn't seen her since she'd left the reunion. Poor girl, she must feel awful. And it's all because of me...
"Will you forgive me?" Duo had asked the question out load, not even noticing he did.
"I think she will." Duo didn't move from his position beside the window, he knew who had entered his room. He was glad to have some company, someone that would tell him there was still hope. Someone like Quatre.
"You really think so?"
Quatre took the room's other chair and sat down beside Duo. He looked at the stars for a long moment before answering.
"I'm sure of it. Relena will understand. She was just hurt by what you said, but she'll understand that you didn't mean it."
Duo turned his face to look at his friend. Quatre was still looking at the stars that weren't shining for him either. "You love her."
Quatre's head went down. "Is it so obvious?"
Duo smiled faintly at his friend. "Yeah." He turned his head to look at the stars again. "You're lucky man, you know she's still alive."
Quatre put his hand on Duo's shoulder. "Duo, I know Hilde's still alive. Remember that time, when she escaped from Libra. She survived and it was a lot more dangerous. She was facing Trowa and Heero at the same time. I know Trowa really thinks she's dead and he doesn't want to be mean, he just doesn't want you to have false hope. But I believe she's alive, I really do. You'll find her Duo. You have to."
For the first time that day, Duo face lightened. "Thanks Quatre. You're a real friend."
I'll find you Hilde. Be patient.
I love you…
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6 days earlier.
"You failed!" The man patience was now completely gone. "For the second time you failed. She's no goddess, you have to get her." He passed a tired hand through his hair.
"But sir, there were two Gundam Pilots, not only one as we previously thought." Colonel Karov was getting really nervous. His superior wasn't happy at all with what had happened. He had failed his mission twice and the last time it was because of that guy, that Heero Yuy.
"Don't tell me what I already know! Now, I'll be gone for the next three weeks so you'll be in charge. Plan something, anything. But GET ME THAT GIRL! Is that understood?"
Saluting his superior, Colonel Karov answered. "Yes! General Barton, sir."
"Good. Over now." The screen went black.
Passing a nervous hand over his forehead, Colonel Karov wiped off his sweat. It hadn't been a good day at all. 14 of his best men were dead and for what? Because the General wanted that girl out of the game. He had to admit that it would be easier to take political control once she was out of the way. Despite their power, public opinion would be too strong to stop as long as she was around. Trying to control with her screaming for peace would be impossible. He had to admit that he admired the girl. 20 years old and she's the leader of the world. Great job for a kid... but not for long.
Colonel Karov left the communication room and went to the hangar where they kept the mobile suits. Once there, he gave a couple of orders and went up to the control room to have a talk with the Major in charge of the base.
At 25, Karov wasn't an old man, but he was still older than the General. his short black hair was always well combed and usually he looked good. Today had left him frazzled though, he'd had to talk with the General. Even though he was younger, the General was impressive and had a lot of influence within the new group of rebels. He was the one who wanted revenge for what had happened 4 years ago and had built up this group of rebels.
The General wanted that girl out of the game but Karov had failed at that mission, raising his superior's ire. What the General seemed to forget was that she was protected by gundam pilots, especially by the toughest one- Heero Yuy.
Karov had been with Mariemia's army, wanting independence. But their leaders were either out of the game or dead. He wanted revenge as much as the General, he wanted Darlian dead. He didn't understand why the General was so intent on keeping her alive, she would only cause trouble, but it orders were orders and he wasn't going to disobey.
With a strong hand, he opened the door that leader to the office of the hangar. Major Kanzaki was there, working on his computer. When he heard the Colonel, he got up on his feet and saluted him.
"Good day sir."
Making a gesture telling him to be at ease. The Colonel asked, looking straight at him with his brown eyes. "Where are we now Major?"
"9 000 mobiles suits are completed, sir. The majority of them are mobile dolls."
"And what about our specials?"
"They are 40% complete sir."
Colonel Karov was obviously not pleased with that answer, and the Japanese major started to become very nervous. "Only 40%!"
"Yes, sir, you have to understand, we are building them according to the Epyon and it wasn't in good shape went we found it. Also, our engineers aren't as good as the scientists, they don't know by heart what to do."
"I know that! And what about the Zero System.?"
"Well, we couldn't save it. We won't be able to install it on the news models."
Again, Colonel Karov wasn't pleased at all. Kanzaki was afraid of the answer his Colonel would give him. But there was nothing he could do about it; the system had been completely destroyed.
"Get on it!"
"Yes sir!" Colonel Karov turned around not wanting to look anymore at his major. The General wouldn't be please at all with the news. The new Gundams weren't getting ready fast enough and now the Zero System not available, oh yes, he would be mad.
