A.N: Hi everybody. Spring break is over. How sad. I'm gonna cry.
Joking. Okay then, I wrote a new chapter but I'm tired so I don't know how
good it is. I drank some French Vanilla coffee to try and wake up, but I
had a pile of homework and it totally sapped all my energy. How depressing.
I hope I don't have homework tomorrow, but I doubt it because my schedule
sucks. I hafta take all four main subjects this semester, and its hard!
Anyway, read & review. Oh yeah, thank you everybody who reviewed for my
last chapter. You guys are awesome!
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Usagi ran down the halls blindly, not headed anywhere specific, just needing to get away. She had already passed the main doors a couple minutes ago, but she knew if they were going to look for her they'd expect her to use that exit first. She was way too embarrassed to run into the guys right now, in fact, she was still blushing. Usagi had thought the klutzy school girl part of her had disappeared, but apparently not.
She slowed to a walk, panting heavily and looking around her at the silent halls. Most people were in their first class, so there were only a few students around and none of them really paid any attention to her. She was in a part of the school she hadn't been in before, and all of a sudden she realized how much of an idiot she was.
"Damn." She made a face and bit her lip, looking around nervously. "I hope I don't run into him." A few passing students gave her an odd look, wondering why some strange girl was walking around talking to herself. Usagi giggled nervously and sped up her pace to turn the corner where a sign indicated there was an exit.
The bell rang, signalling the end of first period, and students poured out into the hall heading to their lockers. Usagi was passing a classroom door, glancing in out of habit, and all of a sudden her legs felt like jello. She froze in her tracks as she saw Mamoru picking up his work, and he was about to look over at her when a hand clamped over her mouth and someone dragged her to the nearby exit.
At first she struggled, thinking one of Mamoru's soldiers had gotten a hold of her, but a calm voice telling her to calm down instantly stopped her. Her captor released her and leaned casually against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. "Cutting it a little close don't you think?"
Usagi crossed her arms, mimicking Heero's stance. "It was Rei's fault." She knew that was a childish thing to say, but she said it anyway. He just smirked, trying not to laugh. She noticed his look and lowered her arms sheepishly. "Well it is." She murmured, looking at the grass under her feet.
"Just be glad he didn't see you." That statement seemed to bring her back to reality, and she shuddered as she thought about what would have happened had Mamoru actually seen her in the hall. She idly wondered if he would have been happy or mad, but she dismissed that thought as soon as it came, finding it silly she even cared.
The door beside them opened and Heero immediately grabbed her and turned her so her back was to the wall and he stood directly in front of her, effectively blocking her from view. A quick glance at the door showed it was Mamoru, and before he had even cleared the doorway, Heero wrapped his arms around Usagi and made sure her face was buried in his chest. Mamoru briefly glanced their way, but only seeing some couple sharing a hug, he paid them no heed and continued down a side path that went to the back of the school.
Now that he had the chance, Heero studied the man that Usagi was so afraid of. He was at least five or six inches taller then the pilot, and was slim with broad shoulders. He obviously had muscles considering his stance and size. Black hair fell messily into his eyes, which were a dark blue, or at least from what Heero had seen they were.
While Heero was busy checking out the competition, Usagi was trying desperately to keep the butterflies in her stomach at bay. She was blushing worse then she ever had, trying to ignore Heero's arms around her, but not really succeeding. At first she hadn't known why he had done this, but then she had sensed Mamoru and knew this was just a way to hide her from him. A disappointed look crossed her face, but she didn't even realize it. One of her hands was lying on Heero's chest, over his heart, and she could feel its steady beating under her fingertips. She took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of his cologne. Whatever it was, he smelled really good. She couldn't help but notice how warm and safe she felt, and for once, she let herself relax in someone's arms. Something she hadn't done in years.
Heero immediately felt the change of her stance and looked down at her, surprised. She had her eyes closed and she was still laying against him, one hand over his heart and the other clutching his shirt. Releena had hugged him many times, but never had he felt like he did now. Usagi was just so beautiful at the moment, and he found himself wishing that they could be like this always. He looked back down the path Mamoru had taken and saw that he was still in sight, although he had a pretty big lead and would soon get away if he didn't follow. Regretfully, he brought one hand up to touch Usagi's cheek, once again bringing her back to reality. For a moment, she just looked up at him, not moving, but then she lowered her eyes to the grass and stepped away, folding her hands in front of her.
"He may be headed to a base. I should follow him." His voice was once again monotone.
"I'm coming with you." Usagi said, making eye contact.
"You'll only get in the way." He answered, turning to the path and heading in Mamoru's direction. Usagi ran in front of him, walking backwards so she could talk to him face to face.
"How would you know that?" She demanded. "I've been through training, just like the rest of you pilots. I may not know how to operate a mobile suit, but I can take care of myself." As soon as the words left her mouth, she tripped over an uneven slab of cement and began falling backwards, stopped in mid fall by Heero who grabbed her arms.
"I can see that." He joked, letting her go and continuing on his way, making sure he hadn't lost sight of the person he followed. Usagi still walked with him, this time at his side.
She decided to ignore the remark and balled her hands into fists in determination. "I should go anyway. If we do find a base and you decide to do something stupid on your own, which I wouldn't doubt, I could come back to the school and find the others. Mamo-chan isn't an idiot you know, his bases are heavily guarded." She paused and then smirked smugly. "Besides, even the great Gundam pilots have been captured more then once. You need all the help you can get."
"Do what you want." He paused before glancing at her, studying her face. "Did you just say Mamo-chan?" She made a face, thinking about it.
"Yeah I guess I did." Her brow wrinkled in distaste and she frowned. "Habit I guess." They both walked in silence, making sure to keep out of sight should Mamoru look back.
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They had been walking for quite a while, leaving the Canq kingdom grounds and heading steadily farther into the forest. A group of men had been waiting for Mamoru at the edge of the woods, Usagi said they were his guard, and they had followed behind their leader, scanning the area all around them for any intruders. Heero and Usagi managed to stay hidden, although Usagi had had to undo her hair and put it into one long braid to keep it out of the way and to stop it from getting tangled in branches, although her skirt often got snagged instead. She moved with the grace of a cat, even more silent then Heero, and often moving in a crouch keeping herself as close as she could to the ground.
Mamoru stopped at a clearing up ahead and said something to the man beside him, who then left and disappeared in the tree's. The ground began to rumble and a large chunk of it raised, revealing steps that led into what was presumably an underground base. Heero was keeping a weary eye on the tree's around the two, searching for the soldier that had left. Mamoru had probably sent him back to look for anyone that had followed. He tapped Usagi's shoulder and pointed up, indicating he wanted them to climb a tree. She nodded and found one that looked easy enough to climb, quickly making her way up so she was high enough not to be noticed by someone walking by, followed by Heero, who was watching the area they had just vacated while he brought out his gun. They waited in silence.
About three minutes later, the soldier that had left came out from behind them, studying ground. When he stepped under the tree, Heero dropped down silently behind him and hit him in the back of the head with the handle of his gun, knocking him out. Usagi dropped down as well, nudging the soldier's side with her foot. "I see you do this lots." She murmured when he didn't move.
Heero didn't answer, silently taking all of the guards weapons and some kind of pass card that had been clipped to his uniform pocket. "There going to know we're here in a few minutes when their guard doesn't return. I suggest if you still expect to get the others, you go now because I'm not wasting time waiting for them." He stood again and watched as Usagi flipped open her watch, pressing two buttons on either side and raising it to her face and speaking softly.
"Haruka, come in." There was static as she released one button and waited, getting no answer. "Damnit Haruka, answer me." There was a crackle and then a voice answered.
"Usagi, is that you?" The voice was definitely not Haruka's.
"Who is this?" She blinked in confusion, glancing at Heero.
"It's Quatre. Haruka and Rei went to Mamoru's room to see if he was there, and since he was gone Releena opened his door for them. Their looking for any useful information they can find. Haruka left me her watch saying you might try to get in contact with her and to make sure you were okay." Usagi sighed in relief.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I need you to gather the guys and get over here right now. There's a tracer on the watch, so just follow the direction the second-hand points. We followed Mamoru to a base, and Heero wants to go inside A.S.A.P, so hurry."
"We'll be there right away." There was a pause. "You guys be careful." Usagi smiled at the worried tone of voice he used.
"Don't worry Quatre. We'll be okay." Despite her words, she was inwardly dreading going into the base, feeling uneasy about what they were doing. *Please hurry.* She added silently. "I'm cutting the link." She released both buttons and walked to Heero, holding out a hand and waiting for him to give her the guards gun.
"Pretty useful watch." He said, making sure it was fully loaded before handing it over.
"It's one of Dr.J's inventions." Was all she said before heading for the clearing, Heero following.
The door that had come up was once again closed, so they studied the area, looking for the way to open it. Heero moved to where Mamoru had been and looked at the ground, noticing a small circle of earth was raised up. He stepped down on it and heard a soft click, motioning for Usagi to come over while he placed a dime on the release switch. She got beside him and watched as the ground once again rose to reveal the steps. Forcing back the rush of fear, she followed Heero as he started down.
(At the academy)
"Hey Duo, go get Trowa and Wufei and tell them I know where Usagi is." Quatre called.
"Really? Where is she?" Duo stepped back out of the classroom, walking over to his friend.
"I'll tell you when you get them. Meet me back at the main doors when they're with you." Quatre turned and started to jog back to his dorm to get weapons, not waiting for Duo to answer. Duo just shrugged and started down the hallway, in the opposite direction.
Around ten minute later, the four boys were standing in front of the academy. "All right Winner, what's going on." Wufei demanded, all patience gone.
"A while ago Usagi contacted me and told me her and Heero followed Mamoru to a base. We're going to go there to back them up." He handed them each their weapon and took out the watch, heading down a side path.
Duo followed excitedly. "It's about time we got some action." The others just shook their heads.
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A.N: Well, that's all for now. Read and Review!!
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Usagi ran down the halls blindly, not headed anywhere specific, just needing to get away. She had already passed the main doors a couple minutes ago, but she knew if they were going to look for her they'd expect her to use that exit first. She was way too embarrassed to run into the guys right now, in fact, she was still blushing. Usagi had thought the klutzy school girl part of her had disappeared, but apparently not.
She slowed to a walk, panting heavily and looking around her at the silent halls. Most people were in their first class, so there were only a few students around and none of them really paid any attention to her. She was in a part of the school she hadn't been in before, and all of a sudden she realized how much of an idiot she was.
"Damn." She made a face and bit her lip, looking around nervously. "I hope I don't run into him." A few passing students gave her an odd look, wondering why some strange girl was walking around talking to herself. Usagi giggled nervously and sped up her pace to turn the corner where a sign indicated there was an exit.
The bell rang, signalling the end of first period, and students poured out into the hall heading to their lockers. Usagi was passing a classroom door, glancing in out of habit, and all of a sudden her legs felt like jello. She froze in her tracks as she saw Mamoru picking up his work, and he was about to look over at her when a hand clamped over her mouth and someone dragged her to the nearby exit.
At first she struggled, thinking one of Mamoru's soldiers had gotten a hold of her, but a calm voice telling her to calm down instantly stopped her. Her captor released her and leaned casually against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. "Cutting it a little close don't you think?"
Usagi crossed her arms, mimicking Heero's stance. "It was Rei's fault." She knew that was a childish thing to say, but she said it anyway. He just smirked, trying not to laugh. She noticed his look and lowered her arms sheepishly. "Well it is." She murmured, looking at the grass under her feet.
"Just be glad he didn't see you." That statement seemed to bring her back to reality, and she shuddered as she thought about what would have happened had Mamoru actually seen her in the hall. She idly wondered if he would have been happy or mad, but she dismissed that thought as soon as it came, finding it silly she even cared.
The door beside them opened and Heero immediately grabbed her and turned her so her back was to the wall and he stood directly in front of her, effectively blocking her from view. A quick glance at the door showed it was Mamoru, and before he had even cleared the doorway, Heero wrapped his arms around Usagi and made sure her face was buried in his chest. Mamoru briefly glanced their way, but only seeing some couple sharing a hug, he paid them no heed and continued down a side path that went to the back of the school.
Now that he had the chance, Heero studied the man that Usagi was so afraid of. He was at least five or six inches taller then the pilot, and was slim with broad shoulders. He obviously had muscles considering his stance and size. Black hair fell messily into his eyes, which were a dark blue, or at least from what Heero had seen they were.
While Heero was busy checking out the competition, Usagi was trying desperately to keep the butterflies in her stomach at bay. She was blushing worse then she ever had, trying to ignore Heero's arms around her, but not really succeeding. At first she hadn't known why he had done this, but then she had sensed Mamoru and knew this was just a way to hide her from him. A disappointed look crossed her face, but she didn't even realize it. One of her hands was lying on Heero's chest, over his heart, and she could feel its steady beating under her fingertips. She took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of his cologne. Whatever it was, he smelled really good. She couldn't help but notice how warm and safe she felt, and for once, she let herself relax in someone's arms. Something she hadn't done in years.
Heero immediately felt the change of her stance and looked down at her, surprised. She had her eyes closed and she was still laying against him, one hand over his heart and the other clutching his shirt. Releena had hugged him many times, but never had he felt like he did now. Usagi was just so beautiful at the moment, and he found himself wishing that they could be like this always. He looked back down the path Mamoru had taken and saw that he was still in sight, although he had a pretty big lead and would soon get away if he didn't follow. Regretfully, he brought one hand up to touch Usagi's cheek, once again bringing her back to reality. For a moment, she just looked up at him, not moving, but then she lowered her eyes to the grass and stepped away, folding her hands in front of her.
"He may be headed to a base. I should follow him." His voice was once again monotone.
"I'm coming with you." Usagi said, making eye contact.
"You'll only get in the way." He answered, turning to the path and heading in Mamoru's direction. Usagi ran in front of him, walking backwards so she could talk to him face to face.
"How would you know that?" She demanded. "I've been through training, just like the rest of you pilots. I may not know how to operate a mobile suit, but I can take care of myself." As soon as the words left her mouth, she tripped over an uneven slab of cement and began falling backwards, stopped in mid fall by Heero who grabbed her arms.
"I can see that." He joked, letting her go and continuing on his way, making sure he hadn't lost sight of the person he followed. Usagi still walked with him, this time at his side.
She decided to ignore the remark and balled her hands into fists in determination. "I should go anyway. If we do find a base and you decide to do something stupid on your own, which I wouldn't doubt, I could come back to the school and find the others. Mamo-chan isn't an idiot you know, his bases are heavily guarded." She paused and then smirked smugly. "Besides, even the great Gundam pilots have been captured more then once. You need all the help you can get."
"Do what you want." He paused before glancing at her, studying her face. "Did you just say Mamo-chan?" She made a face, thinking about it.
"Yeah I guess I did." Her brow wrinkled in distaste and she frowned. "Habit I guess." They both walked in silence, making sure to keep out of sight should Mamoru look back.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They had been walking for quite a while, leaving the Canq kingdom grounds and heading steadily farther into the forest. A group of men had been waiting for Mamoru at the edge of the woods, Usagi said they were his guard, and they had followed behind their leader, scanning the area all around them for any intruders. Heero and Usagi managed to stay hidden, although Usagi had had to undo her hair and put it into one long braid to keep it out of the way and to stop it from getting tangled in branches, although her skirt often got snagged instead. She moved with the grace of a cat, even more silent then Heero, and often moving in a crouch keeping herself as close as she could to the ground.
Mamoru stopped at a clearing up ahead and said something to the man beside him, who then left and disappeared in the tree's. The ground began to rumble and a large chunk of it raised, revealing steps that led into what was presumably an underground base. Heero was keeping a weary eye on the tree's around the two, searching for the soldier that had left. Mamoru had probably sent him back to look for anyone that had followed. He tapped Usagi's shoulder and pointed up, indicating he wanted them to climb a tree. She nodded and found one that looked easy enough to climb, quickly making her way up so she was high enough not to be noticed by someone walking by, followed by Heero, who was watching the area they had just vacated while he brought out his gun. They waited in silence.
About three minutes later, the soldier that had left came out from behind them, studying ground. When he stepped under the tree, Heero dropped down silently behind him and hit him in the back of the head with the handle of his gun, knocking him out. Usagi dropped down as well, nudging the soldier's side with her foot. "I see you do this lots." She murmured when he didn't move.
Heero didn't answer, silently taking all of the guards weapons and some kind of pass card that had been clipped to his uniform pocket. "There going to know we're here in a few minutes when their guard doesn't return. I suggest if you still expect to get the others, you go now because I'm not wasting time waiting for them." He stood again and watched as Usagi flipped open her watch, pressing two buttons on either side and raising it to her face and speaking softly.
"Haruka, come in." There was static as she released one button and waited, getting no answer. "Damnit Haruka, answer me." There was a crackle and then a voice answered.
"Usagi, is that you?" The voice was definitely not Haruka's.
"Who is this?" She blinked in confusion, glancing at Heero.
"It's Quatre. Haruka and Rei went to Mamoru's room to see if he was there, and since he was gone Releena opened his door for them. Their looking for any useful information they can find. Haruka left me her watch saying you might try to get in contact with her and to make sure you were okay." Usagi sighed in relief.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I need you to gather the guys and get over here right now. There's a tracer on the watch, so just follow the direction the second-hand points. We followed Mamoru to a base, and Heero wants to go inside A.S.A.P, so hurry."
"We'll be there right away." There was a pause. "You guys be careful." Usagi smiled at the worried tone of voice he used.
"Don't worry Quatre. We'll be okay." Despite her words, she was inwardly dreading going into the base, feeling uneasy about what they were doing. *Please hurry.* She added silently. "I'm cutting the link." She released both buttons and walked to Heero, holding out a hand and waiting for him to give her the guards gun.
"Pretty useful watch." He said, making sure it was fully loaded before handing it over.
"It's one of Dr.J's inventions." Was all she said before heading for the clearing, Heero following.
The door that had come up was once again closed, so they studied the area, looking for the way to open it. Heero moved to where Mamoru had been and looked at the ground, noticing a small circle of earth was raised up. He stepped down on it and heard a soft click, motioning for Usagi to come over while he placed a dime on the release switch. She got beside him and watched as the ground once again rose to reveal the steps. Forcing back the rush of fear, she followed Heero as he started down.
(At the academy)
"Hey Duo, go get Trowa and Wufei and tell them I know where Usagi is." Quatre called.
"Really? Where is she?" Duo stepped back out of the classroom, walking over to his friend.
"I'll tell you when you get them. Meet me back at the main doors when they're with you." Quatre turned and started to jog back to his dorm to get weapons, not waiting for Duo to answer. Duo just shrugged and started down the hallway, in the opposite direction.
Around ten minute later, the four boys were standing in front of the academy. "All right Winner, what's going on." Wufei demanded, all patience gone.
"A while ago Usagi contacted me and told me her and Heero followed Mamoru to a base. We're going to go there to back them up." He handed them each their weapon and took out the watch, heading down a side path.
Duo followed excitedly. "It's about time we got some action." The others just shook their heads.
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A.N: Well, that's all for now. Read and Review!!