Jaid: Hi, a new chapter. Sorry updating's taking so long; school's hard, it's Christmas time, and we had a busy week. We just got new carpet (yay!), and my uncle got married on Saturday, soooo not a lot of writing time this week. Oh, and if anyone wants to e-mail me, you can't. My server has disconnected my address because I am a secondary address and not the primary. Apparently you're only allowed to have one e-mail inbox. Of course, they didn't notify us of this and we only found out after we installed it. *blows out breath* Sorry, I just had to blow off steam. Amy, I'm glad you like the story and I'm sorry, but this is going to be a Q/D story, not T/D. Sorry, but that couple just…I don't know, I don't like it all that much. Besides, what would I do with Midii?

Disclaimer: See previous chapter for details.

Dedication: To the website who got me into FF.net. Wish I could remember who you were; but it was so long ago…All I remember is that you were a cool Star Wars site.

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Chapter Eight

Rashid stood with his arms crossed and a frown on his face.

"Why are you here, Yuy?" he demanded. Heero dismounted.

"I came for help." He said. Midii stayed on the horse.

"And why should I help you?" Rashid asked. "We are enemies and I have no wish for your employer to be triumphant in this fight."

"That's true." Heero said. "And I guess I should tell you that I've killed Deputy Winner. I was wondering if you picked up the body."

"What interest would we have in a dead body?" Rashid asked.

"I don't know. Maybe pity." Heero said.

"We didn't pick up any dead bodies." Rashid told him. "Now, I am going to have to ask you to leave, Yuy. I have allowed your presence here long enough."

There was a pause while the two men looked at each other. Then Heero gave a curt nod and remounted. He and Midii rode off.

* * *

"We'll stay here tonight, I guess." Zechs commented. Lucrezia nodded and sat on the bed. Zechs ran his fingers through his long, white-blonde hair. Duo walked over to the window to stare absentmindedly at the town.

"Can you remember where you and Trowa had a face down?" Lucrezia asked. Zechs nodded.

"Good. We can track from that." Duo put in. He looked around at them. "I wish that you had brought more men. The three of us isn't going to be much us if we run into the gang."

"We'll make do." Zechs said shortly. He still was sore about Duo's singing. Duo shrugged and turned back to the window.

* * *

Mariemeia awakened to feel some one shaking her. "Miss, miss, wake up. Your pa wants you." Mary whispered.

Mariemeia got up and put on her slippers before she followed the black woman to her parents' bedroom. Trieze sat in a chair by the bed. He looked up as Mariemeia entered.

"Come here, Princess." He whispered. Mariemeia climbed into his lap and curled up into a semi ball, with her head against his shoulder.

"What's wrong with Mother?" she asked. She had gotten used to saying it; Mom didn't come as easily anymore.

"She's very sick. In fact, she might not wake up." Trieze said slowly. Mariemeia turned to him.

"You mean she's going to die?" she asked. Trieze was silent, then nodded hesitantly. Mariemeia turned back around. Die. That was a word that was all too familiar for the little girl. Most of her life she had seen or heard death. Closing her eyes, she saw the gun in her grandfather's hand, and felt the bullet tear through her body again. She involtarily shuddered and curled up tighter. Her father put his arms around her and held her tightly. They were like that for a time, Mariemeia trying to forget and Trieze helplessly watching his beloved wife slowly slip from this world.

* * *

Next morning, Zechs, Lucrezia, and Duo had begun their tracking. Mariemeia stayed home from school, and a very angry and helpless Catherine left for the next town. Meanwhile, Wu Fie stormed into the "Boss's" office, looking very heated.

"What did you do?" he demanded. Boss raised one aristocratic eyebrow and leaned back in his chair.

"What are you talking about, Chang?" he asked.

"Winner. You killed him, didn't you?"

"No, actually it was Yuy." Boss answered. "I don't see what has you so riled up."

"You killed an innocent man." Wu Fie said. "An honorable man who was very close to being a friend to me and my wife." He swallowed, trying not to see red. "Why?"

"He was in the way. Besides, it gets Marquise off of Catalonia's trail since he is looking for his friend's murderer."

"Or looking for his friend." Wu Fie said.

"What?" Boss suddenly sat up straight.

"A body was never found. Winner is still presumed to be alive."

Boss looked thoughtful. "Well, that's something I didn't expect. Yuy is usually so through." He looked at Wu Fie. "Well, thanks for the news flash. You're dismissed."

"No."

Boss's face hardened. "I don't think you heard me. You can go."

"No. I quit."

Boss laughed. "You can't. I've got a hold over you, remember?"

Wu Fie shook his head. "No more. I will not be privy to these games anymore. It's serious. A girl is missing, and so is a good man, possibly dead. I know you'll kill the girl for sure after you get what you want from her. And I will not be a part of it."

Boss's face darkened further. "I don't think so, Chang." He hissed. "Not if you know what's good for you. If you betray me, you will find the consequences much harsher than you expected."

"So be it." Wu Fie answered. "You may be able to hurt me, but I will have my honor."

"Or what's left of it, hmm?" Boss laughed harshly. Wu Fie flushed. "You may have your honor, Chinaman," he spit the word out as if it was an insult. "or what you can salvage of it. But no man has honor who allows his family to die."

Wu Fie paled slightly, then turned on his heel and left. He felt a sudden urge to get home to Mieran and quickly.

* * *

Dorothy rolled her head from side to side. When was the last time she had slept in a real bed or had a bath? Too long she decided. She took a side long glance at Trowa.

"Trowa." She said.

"Yes."

"I was told that you were in love with me." She saw him stiffen. "Is that true?"

Trowa turned to her. "Once, it was." He admitted. "But you would not return my affections. Your heart had been caught by another man long before you realized it."

"Once?" Dorothy inquired. "What about now?"

Trowa was silent. "I do not know." He whispered. "I feel my heart at times going in another direction, then it comes back to you. But I know now that it is hopeless." So saying, he got up and walked away, towards the horse. Dorothy blinked. She hadn't expected such an answer. She briefly wondered if this would be how the Trowa Barton in her world would act, had he not become so empty.

* * *

"This is not an easy trail to follow." Duo commented.

"Too much for you, Maxwell?" Zechs asked.

"Nah. Just a little difficult." Duo threw him a cheerful grin. "I'm one of the best at tracking; most good as an Indian." He remounted his horse. "Shall we go?"

* * *

"Trieze."

The man jumped slightly and opened his eyes. Mariemiea was asleep in his arms. Leia was awake, her green eyes tired but clear.

"Leia." He said. "Are you…?"

"I'm leaving." She whispered. "But I wanted to say good-bye."

"No, Leia, don't." he pleaded. Tears were welling up in his dark blue eyes.

"But the Father is calling me." She said. "I can hear His voice and the angels…"

"Leia."

"I love you, Trieze, my husband."

Trieze was weeping in earnest now.

"Mother?" Mariemeia asked.

"Say good bye, Marie." Treize told her. Mariemeia kissed her mother on her cheek.

"Bye." She said.

"Good –bye, Marie. I love you." Leia told her.

"I love you too." Mariemeia said, then left the room. Mary looked up as she entered the hallway. Mariemeia looked at her for a moment, then ran into her arms and began to sob.

"Leia, I-" Trieze's voice cracked.

"Oh, please don't cry." Leia pleaded. "It's better this way. A sickly wife is too much of a burden out here."

Treize didn't answer; he merely took her hand and kissed it.

"It's getting cold." Leia said absentmindedly, then looked at him. "Don't leave."

"I won't." he promised. Leia smiled, then her eyes closed. A few moments later, she breathed her last.

* * *

"Mieran?" Wu Fie called. He had found the store empty. Their small apartments were clean, but equally as empty. "Mieran?" he called again. No answer. Wu Fie swallowed. He couldn't get the threats out of his mind.

Downstairs, the doors opened. Wu Fie practically ran down them to see Mieran come in with a basket. He rushed over to her, and she looked up startled.

"You're here." He said in something like relief.

"Yes." Mieran answered slowly, looking at him cautiously. "Why?"

Wu Fie opened his mouth and almost told her. Instead, he merely looked down and said, "I was worried."

"Oh, really?" Mieran asked. Wu Fie nodded. Mieran looked at him in mixed confusion and worry, then went up stairs.

"That was odd." Mieran muttered to herself. She had traded some things for vegetables from a neighbor. Putting them away, she mulled over what had come over Wu Fie in the past few days. Normally a calm man, who did not show much affection. Now he always seemed on edge, and the way he had run up to her…Mieran shook her head. She had to find out what was eating him up. Chances were, if it had Wu Fie scared, then it was pretty bad.

* * *

The end of another day. Relena sighed tiredly as she put books and papers away. Running her fingers through her hair, she walked to the kitchen to get some supper. Hearing a clatter outside, she frowned and looked out the window. Nothing. Relena shrugged, but couldn't rid herself of a feeling that something was wrong. Sighing, Relena pulled on a shawl, and stepped outside. She would probably find a loose shutter or some such silly thing; but it would make her feel easier.

* * *

"What was that?"

Wu Fie looked up from his writing. "What?"

"I heard a noise outside. Maybe it was my imagination." Mieran said. Wu Fie frowned.

"What exactly did you hear?" he asked.

"I don't know. Just a noise." The tiny Asian woman said, then went back to what she had been doing. Wu Fie frowned and turned back to his work. Mieran swallowed. Should I tell him? Or maybe not yet. He's so edgy.

Finally, she put her sewing down. "Wu Fie." She said.

"Hmm?"

"I need to tell you something."

"Yes?"

"Would you please look at me?"

Wu Fie put his pen down and turned around in his chair. "Yes?"

"Umm, we, I mean I, uh I mean-"

"Mieran." Wu Fie said. "Could you finish your sentences?"

She flushed. "Fine. I'm going to have a baby."

Wu Fie blinked. "Wh-what?" he said.

"I'm pregnant." She told him. Wu Fie took his glasses off.

"Pregnant?"

"Yes. As in having a baby?"

He looked confused. "How did that happen?"

Mieran crossed her arms and made a face. "Well, husband, if you don't know, then I sure don't." There was a pause. Miearn twisted her fingers nervously.

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Is that all your going to say?"

Wu Fie sighed. "No."

Mieran looked at him apprehensively.

"I-I don't know…" He stood up. "I guess…" Suddenly, his expression became serious. "No more heavy lifting." He ordered. Mieran rolled her eyes.

"Please. I'm fine. I'm three months along as it is. I really-"

"Mieran," Wu Fie interrupted, rather sternly. "No heavy lifting." His voice left no room for argument. Mieran crossed her arms again, this time angrily.

"Fine." She answered. Wu Fie sat down again.

"You're sure?" he asked.

Mieran nodded. "Sally said so. You can ask her."

"Right." Wu Fie blew out a breath. The thought of becoming a father was a little staggering, especially for someone as young as he was. But, he and Mieran had married when they were fourteen; it was probably about time they had a child. But the timing…Wu Fie shook his head. The timing wasn't exactly perfect. He looked at his young wife, who was busy sewing. A small, happy smile was on her face. For the first time in years, she looked absolutely content. Wu Fie just watched her. She looked up.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

"Like what?"

"Like you love me." She said.

Wu Fie looked away. "Maybe I do." He whispered. Mieran's eyes got big in surprise. Then she smiled, walked over to Wu Fie and put her arms around him.

"I love you too."

Wu Fie smiled slightly and returned the hug. Mieran suddenly pulled away from him.

"There it is again." She said. "That noise."

This time Wu Fie had heard it too. "Mieran, stay away from the window." He ordered.

"Why-?"

"Never mind." He said, pulling out the pistol. He took the rifle they had and handed it to her. "You remember how to use this?"

Mieran nodded, her eyes big again.

"Don't come out, until I say so, no matter what you hear." He ordered. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, but-"

"Not now!" Wu Fie ordered. He was about to leave, but Mieran placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What's happening?" she asked. Wu Fie put his hand on hers.

"I can't say right now." He said. "Don't worry, it'll be okay."

She forced a smile. "Of course." He could tell she didn't believe him, but he could also tell that she trusted him.

* * *

"Hey." Lucrezia said. "What's wrong?"

Zechs shrugged. "Feeling guilty I guess. I mean, leaving Quatre like that."

"You really didn't have a choice." Lucrezia reminded him.

"Did I?" Zechs asked. "I knew that Barton would've harmed Dorothy."

"No you didn't." Lucrezia said. "Let it go Zechs."

He sighed. "Yeah, I guess I have too." Zechs looked up at the sky. "I hope he's okay."

Lucrezia squeezed his shoulder in a comforting way.

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Jaid: AHH! I killed somebody! Uh, somebody important anyway. Well, sort of important. Oh, forget it…

Announcer Dude: What will happen next? Will Zechs and –

Jaid: Hey, how'd you get in here?

Announcer Dude: I'm the announcer. Some guy with a cloak and scythe said to come in here.

Jaid: NAGA!

Naga: You called?

Jaid: Get this guy outta here! You know how much I hate announcer dudes. *shudders* Especially the one on Pokemon.

Naga: Actually, this is the guy from Pokemon.

Jaid: AHHH! GET HIM OUT! NOW!

Naga: You'd better go.

AD: *sweatdrop* Yeah, right, whatever. (leaves)

Jaid: Don't ever do that again!

Naga: Okay, next time I'll just get Team Rocket.

Jaid: YOU WOULDN'T DARE!!!

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A/N: I'm sorry, but Pokemon has to be the worst show in the world. I'm sorry if you are a fan, but it's sooo annoying! The only redeeming part of the show is how much fun it is to mock it. (And Topaki is evil! It and Pikachu are planning to take over the world! Or at least, that's what Naga thinks).