Title: Because of You

Author: Cheska

E-mail Address: Minnashime@aol.com

Rating: PG or PG-13

Chapter: 4

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon or Gundam Wing.

Author's Notes: Gomen nasai, minna-chan. I know Duo and Usagi haven't

met each other in the present time yet, demo I'll work on it in later chapters.

*bows lowly and then backs away from the readers and scurries off*

Now on with the story....^^

*************

Duo Maxwell clicked at the document, the one that would lower

the possiblities of finding the one he sought after. As he clicked on it,

his hopes began to rise. Wishing and hoping that her name would come up and

finally end this horrible game of hide and seek.

Just as the screen was operating, a knock came upon his door and Duo hid the

laptop back inside the closet making sure it was well hidden and secured before

rising up and answering. Just as he opened it, Wufei's grim attitude

appeared.

"Hey Wu.."Duo was about to exclaim when Wufei closed his mouth with his hand

covering it.

"Say it, Maxwell and you're dead meat,"growled the Chinese pilot.

Duo nodded his head, his eyes shining in amusement. Once Wufei's hand uncovered

his lips, Duo grinned and stepped outside while closing the door behind him.

"So what's up?"

"Meeting, come on."Wufei walked off, leading the braided pilot.

*************

"So why are we all called here for?"Duo cheerfully asked, masking his

disappointment of what it could be.

"Wait till everyone is here,"Quatre calmly stated as he sat down on a vacant

chair near the center of the room.

"Whatever,"Duo carelessly shrugged and hopped onto the wooden table next

to Quatre and the standing Wufei.

As Duo scanned around the room he noticed that Trowa was leaning along

the wall next to Hiiro. Wufei was beside him and so was Quatre. Weren't

all of them present?

"Hey Q-man, everyone is here!"Duo exclaimed.

"Hai, but not the one who will speak with us,"Quatre explained.

"And who could that be?"Duo mumbled as he began playing with the ends of

his hair.

At that time, the door opened and revealed their visitors.

"Hello pilots,"a woman's voice intruded.

**************

Fire burned lightly at first and then started to blaze upwards. Hands moved

hynotizingly with expert care in front of the blazing inferno.

A low voice was chanting in front of the dancing flames which whirled and swirled,

rising even higher at each wording. The flames almost reaching the ceiling.

As the ending of the powerful prayer ended the hands formed into a prayer stance,

both palms in front of the other closed together as it sealed the gap between them.

As the last phrase passed by, the fire roared as if to life and almost reached

the ceiling, only missing by a few inches. The red orange flame crackled and hissed,

an aroma of burning papers wafting in the air.

A priestess sat idle, raven hair pulled back in a pony tail with pieces of

her hair spilled out. Beads of sweat adorning her temples, some dangerously

close to her eyelids. Her eyes closed and in a deep meditation.

"Please Great Fire..."the priestess' voice finally spoke up, barely a whisper but

enough to make the crackles of the burning wood and paper break and the fire

roared even louder.

Violet eyes snapped open and in front of her were images. Great, gigantic

machines marched and fired in front of others just like it. A battle, a war, was

made out in front of these violet eyes.

"What does this mean?"the priestess wondered outloud, her brows knitted together.

"Tell me Great Fire, tell me. I seek your wisdom, what does this vision

mean? What must be done?"

Only silence greeted her but the flames swirled around until the image changed.

In front of her was Usagi. Her sweet smile and innocent crystalline blue eyes

shining merrily in front of the raven haired teen.

"Usagi, what are you suppose to do in this horrible battle?"the priestess wondered.

Finally the fire died down a bit and settled, the picture vanished and left

only a normal fire in front of the raven haired priestess.

"You are the one chosen. You were the one who was suppose to play in my dreams,

weren't you?"the priestess arose and bowed low towards the Great Fire before

picking up the broom leaning against the doorway.

"Rei! Chad! Where are you?!"an old man cried out from behind the paper screen.

"I just hope you'll live through this, odango atama,"Rei murmered before opening

the screen door and leaving the room.

As the door shut, the fire lightly roared to life. The picture of Usagi

with great machines. Her long golden odango hair lightly lifting up from the invisible

wind. Her eyes shining with pure innocence as her hand touched one of the Gundams.

"Chad! Get over here!"Rei cried out in anger.

At the sound of the voices, the image dissipitated and the fire died down. Its

flames still crackling and licking the burning wood.

***********

Duo trudged alone in the hallway, his shoulders slightly sagging and his

eyes dimmed from the news he judged heard from in the past meeting. As the

braided pilot opened his door and closed it with a light click, he heaved a sigh

and journeyed over to his awaiting computer.

At the instant he viewed the monitor, he held in an awaiting gasp.

"Usa, there you are. Living with Ikuko and Kenji Tsukino in Tokyo, Japan."Duo

whispered to himself as his eyes scanned more detailed information about her.

After reading the information, his eyes that once shown brightly with excitement

from the recent details dimmed increasingly.

"It's too bad, I can't see you..."Duo mumbled as he brought out his cross and

clutched it.

*Flashback*

"Noin! What are you doing here?"Duo exclaimed.

"Duo, 02. Nice to see you, too."Noin smirked as she stepped inside.

In back of her, Dr. G, H, and O entered as well. All the doctors lined up against

a nearby wall with Noin casually pacing around the room. In her arms were

several folders with papers peeking out. Finally, she halted once the door

shut and she stood in front of all of them awaiting the news.

"I don't know how to say this,"began Noin.

"There's another war coming up, isn't there?"Wufei instantly blurted.

"Right to the point, aren't you, 05?"Noin quirked an eyebrow.

"Is there? A war?"Quatre hesitantly asked.

Noin turned over to face Quatre and her lips formed a slight frown.

"Yes and no, Mr. Winner. It's possible a war could break out but the Preventers

have seen to it that they inform us beforehand. But right now, even as we speak

the new secret organization is forming. And that is why I am here with some

of the doctors,"Noin explained.

"Where's Dr. J?"Hiiro questioned in monotone.

"Where you will be sent if you choose to accept my-our proposition,"Noin smirked.

"What is it?"Hiiro immediately stated, making it obvious that he will consider

the offer.

Noin halted in her words as she turned her head from side to side to see if the

others argree and they gave their silent consent at a mere nod of the head. With that,

she set down the papers before them and took out a few photographs. Some colored and

others not. As well as a few printed documents.

"All of these have been gathered from the Preventers. Photographs of what

the organization has been brewing up. Seems they started their organization

a year ago and has been going well. Now then, we've been digging around and

we're debating whether or not to send a scout..."Noin began.

"Where to?"Trowa interrupted.

"It's possible that it could be located over at the newly created Colony in

outerspace. We've been building a newly structured Colonly L5. Dubbed

L5.2. Corny, ne? Well it was the Vice Foreign Minister's idea,"Noin wryly

stated.

"What is this 'it' you're talking about?"Duo inquired.

"The new organization. We're not sure what they're naming themselves so it's

just 'it'. In the Colony L5.2 is where the main core of these enemy lie. We're

not certain, it's just a mere shot in the dark, if you know what I'm saying.

So we're turning to you five for help."Noin concluded.

"Can't just one of us do this? Or one of your groups?"Wufei pressed.

"You are the best there is,"Dr. O voiced out from the wall.

"And yes, just one or two of you would be able to break in. But there is more

to this than just investigating the new colony."started Dr. H.

"There is a person we want you to rescue." picked up Dr. G

"In Colony L2."finished Dr. S as the fourth scientist entered the room as

he opened and closed it behind himself.

"It's a bit much, I know but it will prevent a war from occuring once more

in the universe. Of course, myself and Milliardo shall help you in any way

we can,"Noin added.

"Where is Milliardo or Zechs, whatever he calls himself these days?"Duo asked.

"At Colony L5.2 guarding the hideout that will be used while in there,"Noin

answered.

"Hn."Hiiro grunted.

"Question, Hiiro?"Noin turned her head to him.

"Who's the leader of this organization?"

"*sigh* That's something we haven't figured out, yet.."Noin brushed back

the bangs hanging in front of her eyes.

"What about the person we're suppose to rescue?"Quatre asked.

"I'm not sure who it is myself, but I've received information that

it's vital for us to rescue this person...alive."Noin stated.

"Hn."

"If you choose to do these missions, you'll be receiving your reconstructed

Gundams,"inserted Dr. O.

"You mean the Gundams have been brought back?"Duo gawked.

"Yes, they're waiting for all of you at Colony L5.2,"nodded Dr. G.

"So do you accept or decline?"Noin asked.

"I accept,"Quatre agreed, nodding his blond head.

"...."Trowa merely nodded his head toward the lieutenant.

"Hm. I'll aide you,"Wufei grunted.

"Mission: Accepted,"Hiiro answered in a monotonic tone.

Duo was silent for a long time, his head downcast as he thought about the

task at hand. If he chose to accept these quests, it'd detain him from

meeting his friend from long ago. However, if he doesn't who knows what

will happen to his friends. Then again, he could always pass by her place

on his way; like a detour.

"Duo?" Noin's voice intruded.

"When do we leave for this mission?"Duo asked seriously.

Noin blinked before answering, a bit taken back by his seriousness.

"As soon as possible. Meaning today or tomorrow."

Duo's cobalt blue eyes glanced at the closed curtain, seeing a small glimpse

of light shining through before turning his head from it.

(I'm sorry, Usa. I have to do what's right, I know you'll understand.)

"Well then, can't keep ourselves from our mission now. Can we?"Duo switched

his serious attitude to an aloof one as he grinned at all of them.

"Nice to have you all on board, pilots,"Noin let herself smile lightly at them.

*End Flashback*

*knock* *knock*

"It's open..."Duo masked his disappointment with a smile as he pushed the

laptop back inside the closet and took out a magazine.

"We're leaving tomorrow morning,"Trowa informed him as he stepped inside.

"Sure thing, Trow!"Duo grinned.

The tall silent boy took a moment to study the braided boy before leaving

once more. And as the Silencer left, Duo let out a sigh and leaned his head

against the side of his bed thinking ahead on what he had to take up

in the mission.

***************

"Mom?"Usagi trudged along the carpeted hallway to the small study.

"Hai?"Ikuko veered her head to gaze at her daughter who was hesitantly waiting

for her to answer back.

"Are we going anywhere this summer?"Usagi wondered.

"We haven't decided yet. Why? Are you planning anything?"Ikuko inquired.

"Well, not really. That is, if you're not planning anything,"Usagi hesitantly inserted.

Ikuko sensed something going on with her daughter and stopped whatever she was

currently working on and turned her chair around to face Usagi. Her expression

mixed with intrigue and a hint of sadness.

"Tell me, where do you want to go to?"Ikuko pressed, folding her arms.

"Well, I was hoping I could go somewhere by myself..."Usagi softly asked.

Ikuko stopped and thought about this for awhile while Usagi waited by the doorway.

Finally, the woman sighed and gave in as she nodded her thick dark hair.

"Alright, I respect your decision. Where are you planning on travelling?"Ikuko

inquired as she swung her chair around back to the study table.

"I'm not sure yet. I was hoping to the colonies,"Usagi barely stated.

"The colonies?"Ikuko gracefully lifted an eyebrow.

"Hai,"Usagi nodded.

"Colony L2?"Ikuko inquired.

"Like I said, I haven't exactly came up with a decision. But I'll let

you know. Is that okay?"Usagi asked.

"Of course it is,"Ikuko smirked.

Usagi turned to go but at the last minute veered her head towards her

adoptive mother.

"Are you guys planning on going anywhere this summer?"Usagi asked out of

interest.

"No, we weren't. Shingo is going over to camp this summer and your father.

Well, he has work as well as I,"Ikuko politely answered.

Usagi grinned and trodded off, happy to know they approve.

**************

"What are you doing packing up for, Usagi?"Luna inquired as she perched herself

beside the duffle bag.

Usagi was busily throwing several articles of clothing around the room, debating

on what or what not to bring to her journey. But at that time, Luna decided to

come home and found her mistress packing up.

"I'm going off on vacation, Luna.."Usagi mumbled from the closet.

"And why have I not been informed?"Luna asked.

"Simple,"Usagi straightened up as she came over to the bed and placed several

pieces of shirts inside the bag," you're not going."

"Not going?! I'm your guardian! Who will protect you?"Luna shrieked.

"Shh..."Usagi gave Luna a stern glare before heading back to the closet.

"Oh don't 'shh' me, Serenity!"Luna stretched out her royal name.

"I can very well take care of myself, Luna. And for once, I'd like to go

somewhere by myself without any senshi or guardian cats,"Usagi reasoned.

"But..."

"No buts, Luna. I'm going by myself and that's that!"Usagi zipped up the duffle

bag once she put the last piece of clothing in there and inside that garment was

the picture of her and Duo when they were small.

"Hmph. I hope you told the others about your little vacation,"Luna dryly said.

"I will. Later,"Usagi sighed and threw her bag down beside her bed and laid down.

(I hope they take my news more lightly than Luna had.)Usagi prayed.

***********

*tap* *tap* *tap*

*knock* *knock*

"Come in."

Light filled the darkened room except for a lamp set beside a computer table.

The owner of the voice stopped typing on the keyboard and whirled around to

face the intruders who chose to come into his work station. As soon as the door

shut, three figures stepped into the dim light revealing their features.

"Did they agree to the missions?"

"Yes, they have. They will start in the morning,"one of them spoke up.

"Hmm..."the figure nodded and turned around to face the computer.

"Doctor, are the Gundams ready?"

"They are, built exactly like the previous models. They'll be ready for

them by the time they arrive tomorrow."

"That's good, Dr. J."

"Are you three going to be staying here as well, Dr. O?"Dr. J asked, clicking

his mechanical hand.

"I prefer to work in the shadows,"Dr. S stated drifting back into the shadows.

"As well as I,"Dr. O echoed, vanishing into the darkness as well.

"I'll be working with you, Dr."Dr. G nodded in assent as he stepped forward.

"And where's Dr. H?"Dr. J noticed that one of them didn't arrive.

"Working in Colony L2, finding what he can to rescue this mystery

person,"Dr. G answered.

"Mm.."Dr. J began clicking away in his computer, his goggled eyes

trained on the screen.

At the sound of the hand clicking away alongside his mechanical hand, the

two other doctors left while Dr. G sat himself down on a nearby vacant

computer and started on his studies as well. Both doctors preparing themselves

and their pilots for the upcoming missions.

***************

*Back in Tokyo*

***************

The stars were gleaming softly, their irridescent glow apparent in the sky.

The crescent moon shining with all its radient glory for the whole city to

see. And in the ground down below, trees were swaying lightly to the night

breeze. Its leaves rustling, gently touched by the wind that would pass by.

And near these trees, concealed with their lush green leaves were four figures.

Three girls and one man.

"It's nice to just come out into the night and not have to fight, isn't

it?"Minako commented with a light smile.

"Hai,"Rei agreed, placing her hands into her grey jacket.

Usagi didn't comment but just gazed around her surroundings, taking in the

nature born trees and cherry blossoms. Beautiful, natural, and peaceful.

(I'll be gone soon.)Usagi recalled.

As Usagi dreamily gazed around herself, Mamoru strode over and placed his arms

around her small waist.

"Just beautiful..."Mamoru whispered into her ear.

At the sound of his deep voice, Usagi woke herself up from reverie and broke

from his grasp. Her head was downcast at the memory of her reason to be here

was and turned to face her friends, her boyfriend, and her protectors.

"I'm leaving,"Usagi stated outloud.

"Wh-What?"Rei was taken aback by Usagi's proposal and took a step back.

"What do you mean, Usa-chan?"Minako asked.

"I'm not going to be here for the rest of vacation,"Usagi answered lightly.

"Well, surely one of us will come with you, right?"Rei gazed from Mamoru to

Usagi.

"Iie. I'm going by myself,"Usagi indignantly said.

"What about Luna or maybe Artemis. You have to think about what you're

saying, Usako."Mamoru calmly proposed.

"I am not a little girl anymore, I can take care of myself,"Usagi argued.

"Odango atama....you're our hime. We're looking out for your well- being,"Rei

pressed.

"Well this odango atama wants some time away from everything. We haven't

had an enemy for a few months now, nearly a year actually. And I won't

spend all my time being a teen doing nothing but wait or leave the place

with guardians trotting beside her!"Usagi shouted.

"Calm down, Usako..."Mamoru soothed.

"Gomen ne, demo...I made up my mind. I'm leaving for the summer without

a guardian cat(s) or guardian(s). I want my life normal for a change,

and the best way to do it is by going off on my own..."Usagi proclaimed and

left them.

"What is she thinking?"Rei shook her raven hair in the wind.

"I don't know, but whatever it is....she's determined to go."Mamoru sighed and

brushed back his midnight black hair.

"I believe she can take care of herself. Despite her faults, she isn't

as weak as she seems you know?"Minako grinned, her baby blue eyes glinting

in amusement.

"Hai,"Rei and Mamoru agreed.

To be continued...

******************

There goes Chapter 4. ^^