I
The first session of the conference happened that afternoon in the Plenary Hall of the Control Base of the New L1 Colony. After the delegates had their rest. They did not waste more time but started on the business of bridging the gap between the colonies and the Earth Alliance.
Relena Peacecraft was the spokeswoman of the said conference and she did her job well for nearly three hours of standing before the debating delegates. Yet still, they have not resolved to any agreements. She adjourned the meeting and decided to call it a day. They still have a week to decide on an agreement anyway.
She exited the building accompanied by two bodyguards Trowa had assigned for her. They were on their way to the parking lot in between the two big buildings of the Central Command and the Hall when she spotted Hilde and Duo walking at the promenade of the Central Command. She was about to raise her hand and call them when Heero emerged from the grand entranced. Hilde gave him a hug. Heero smiled and kissed her cheek.
Shocked, she stopped suddenly.
Ma´am, are you alright? asked one of her body guards.
Relena averted her gaze from the Heero, Duo and Hilde who started to go in the Central Command. Yes, I am alright. Let´s get going, she said, morosely.
By the time she gets back to the mansion, she was ready to rant and cry. She felt like bursting inside. She paced her room and almost drew a hole on the carpet. It went for nearly a couple of minutes before she had her emotions in control again. She gave a deep sigh and looked out the window at the garden below filled with roses of different shades. She turned abruptly and went down to the garden. Roses always had this soothing effect on her. And she would prove that it still had that effect on her emotional turmoil.
It was where Trowa found her thirty minutes later, strolling at the gardens in deep thought.
he said. What are you doing here?
Relena´s head snapped up at the intrusion. Nothing, I just need to clear my head.
Of Heero? Trowa asked, boldly. He was always the reason of your walk in the rose gardens.
Oh, Trowa, she said and sighed.
As I´ve told you a hundred times before, you can trust me, Trowa encouraged.
Another sigh, then Relena averted her eyes. I saw him after the initial session kissing Hilde. Again.
Trowa wanted to laugh but decided against it. These two should learn how to face their emotions properly. How blind can they get? What of it? Surely he´s not the only one—
Relena chuckled. And the usual response, she muttered. It´s nice to have someone to talk with, huh?
That´s what I learned, Trowa answered. And besides, we are not sure of anything. Yet.
You´re right, Relena agreed. So, any news from Catherine? Is she alright?
I´ll find out as soon as I can. In the meantime, I have a missive for you from Mirialdo.
Thank you, Trowa, Relena said and hugged the one man she never guessed would be her most trusted confidante.
At that instant, Heero looked out at the window from his desk in his study and saw Relena smiling and hugging Trowa. He had come home to pick up some important papers for his next meeting with the president of the M26 Colony. He suddenly felt rage. The one thing the received his intense anger was his pen, which he bent in the middle with immense jealousy.
II
Heero felt tired after twenty-four hours of not sleeping and angry after witnessing Relena and Trowa in his own garden. After wrapping things up at the Central Command of the L1 Colony, he proceeded down the darkened alley towards the hanger, where his gundam was receiving major repairs, as well as Duo´s.
It was the last resort he had. Otherwise, the rebels would
He heard something moving down the hallway. Nobody had an access to this part of the command central except him, Duo and the scientists. He left Duo at the control room a while ago. The scientists were in the hanger; working overtime to get deathscythe and wing repaired.
Hair prickling on his neck, he flattened himself at the dark indention on the wall waiting for the culprit to make his presence known.
The dim light showed not a he but a beautiful maiden walking towards his hiding place.
Relena what is she doing here?
As soon as she came abreast with the darkened indentions, Heero suddenly reached out and pulled her towards the small span of space. Relena gasped as she was thrown off-balanced towards a male body.
" watashi ga watashi no subete no kokoro to tamashii de dorehodo anata no koto wo aisite iruka...... moshi anataga tada sono koto dakewo shitteite kureru nara," Heero said and gave her a thorough kiss, as if his life depended on it.
Heero did not know what got into his head to do that. Although he was surprised by his action, he did not bother stopping.
Relena was stunned at first, but after knowing it was Heero, she gave in to the pleasure of his kiss, which she had been dreaming of for quite an eternity.
Heero would go on and on kissing her like that if not his telecom sounded. As quickly as he dragged her into the kiss, he released her, holding her shoulders away from him.
Heero said, acknowledging the call that went through his earphone. Relena felt her heart being crushed when she heard that name. So he thought I was Hilde. He kissed me because he thought I was Hilde.
Thank goodness I´ve contacted you. Heero, sorry to bother but could you tell Duo that I am waiting for him at the Grandé Café. I can´t contact him through his wireless. Thanks. Bye. He looked at Relena while Hilde chatted; the dim light coming from the hallway was enough to gauge her reaction. He looked at her swollen lips and her hurt expression. What have I done?
I´m sorry, Heero said lamely. Forgive me. I did not know what I was doing. If Hilde had not called to inquire about Duo, there would hell to pay. With that, Heero released her, but neither of them was moving away from each other.
It´s all right, Relena said finally. We both know that we´re committed and we´re only tired, that´s all.
That moment, Heero swore that if he saw Trowa right there and then, he would beat the life out of him, he did not care if they were comrades.
Heero said but stopped himself.
I came here to talked with you. Duo told me you´re on your way here and
Can it wait until tomorrow? I have to meet someone tonight, Heero said, afraid that if he did not moved away within a mile radius from her, he would do something that would ruin her reputation in the morning. You know you´re way. With that, he left her in the dark and he continued his way towards the hangar.
He´s on his way to meet Hilde.
Relena felt her heart torn into bits. Tears blurring her eyes as she retraced her step back towards the exit. She took a deep breath trying to fight of her tears from falling down.
watashi ga watashi no subete no kokoro to tamashii de dorehodo anata no koto wo aisite iruka......
moshi anataga tada sono koto dakewo shitteite kureru nara
What does it mean? What made him say that?
Over and over Relena replayed the scene in her mind, unbeknownst to her, she was chanting it aloud when Duo heard her.
Relena, where did you learn that? Duo asked surprised.
Relena asked dumbfounded.
You are reciting it over and over again.
Duo just came from the control room and met Relena on the exit gate of the Central Command.
It´s Heero´s native tongue, if you must know, Duo said casually.
I-I did not know that. I I read it somewhere and I don´t know what it means.
It means if you only knew how much I love you with all of my heart and all of my soul, Duo translated. Romantic isn´t it? So, where are you going? I´m going back to the mansion and rest for a while. I thought I could be able to talk to Heero
Oh, I forgot to tell you, slipped my mind, Duo cut her off. Afraid he´s too busy at the moment. He´s determined to protect you and that he would do. Protect me? Relena thought.
We are at the moment, shall we say, resurrecting the wing zero as well as the deathscythe and I don´t think you could be able to speak with him at the moment. Why don´t I just drop you off, Duo suggested, you look you are about to collapse. Can´t blame you, you´ve been working so hard.
I´d like to forego the invitation, but I should say thank you instead, Relena said when Duo whisked her off towards his vehicle.
Relena felt numb. Duo had been a wonderful companion, telling stories but Relena wasn´t even paying attention. In the middle of Duo´s chatter, she suddenly asked, Duo, how would you feel if if somebody really loves the one you love?
Duo expelled a deep breath. Why do I even bother when I know you are not paying any attention. But to answer your question, well, I would feel shattered, broken-hearted, etc., etc.
I´m sorry but I just have to ask.
Duo gave her a glance. Damn, now I´m in a middle of this game. Poor lady, poor man, they can´t see what right under their nose! They are so blinded!
What makes you ask that question, Relena?
Ahh.. nothing just.. Relena trailed off. Duo must have loved Hilde, but Have you ever been in love, Duo?
You really have something bothering you. Out with it, Relena, before you explode. You can trust me, you know, Duo said then turned to face her after parking the car outside Heero´s mansion.
Please, Duo, answer me, Relena begged for an answer.
Okey, I admit, I am helplessly in love with a woman. Would that make you feel better?
And the woman being? Relena pressed on.
Well, it´s Hilde, of course, who else would it be? Duo said simply.
Oh, my God, does he know that his best friend is in love with the same woman?
Duo saw the shock mirroring in her eyes. Her color seemed to drain from her face. Relena, are you all right? he asked, concerned in his voice.
yes, I´m she trailed off once again, then a tear fell down from her eye. I´m fine! she lied and dried the tear only to have it replaced again.
You´re not, Duo stated simply. Don´t be ashamed, Relena, let it out of your system. Trust me.
With the comforting words of Duo, Relena let the tears fall down and hid her face on Duo´s shoulder, who in turn, wrapped his arms around her to comfort her.
Why does it have to hurt so much? Relena asked. For years, I have dreamt of meeting him again. But now I have, I wished I hadn´t. It hurts more for me to see him give his love that I longed for to another. I wished I didn´t come. Oh, how I wish I could go back.
Hush, now, Relena, Duo said comfortingly. Stupid fool. Stupid Heero. He´s making both of their lives miserable. That jerk! He could see through the enemy´s eyes, but not with this woman. When will he ever learn to follow his heart instead?
Duo let Relena cry, it was the only thing he could help her with. It´s not for me to tell the truth, Relena, I´m sorry. Let Heero straighten out this mess, he thought.
After some time, Relena moved away from Duo and dried her tears, Thank you, Duo.
Hey, it´s nothing, really, Duo said smiling.
Make me a promise that you will never breath a word about this. Promise me.
Told yah, you can trust me, Duo said and raised his hands for the promise.
So, what are you going to do about Hilde?
Do? Nothing. I know how she feels and whatever it is, I am happy for her.
Do you know? Relena asked
Know who she loves? Of course.
And it´s all right with you?
Well, I can´t change how she feels. I am happy if she is happy.
Relena gave a weak smile at Duo. Thanks, buddy, she said jokingly, then looked out the window. Guess this is my stop.
No problem, Duo said and saluted. Get some aspirin and some sleep. You´ll feel better in the morning.
With a nod, Relena stepped out of the car and was ushered inside by the guards on patrol. After a hot bath, an aspirin, and warm milk, she went to sleep. She was ready to face a new day with a plan in her mind that would give
Heero and her a chance for a future.
Hopefully.
III
Here. Hot Chocolate, Sylvia said, extending a cup towards Wufei, who was sitting in front of the computer monitor trying to decipher the disc.
he said, grabbing the cup, his eyes still glued to the monitor.
Sylvia pursed her lips and looked around for a chair to move towards his table.
They were in a room at the barracks of the Preventers in L2 Colony. Wufei had taken her to his secured quarters so as not to raise any suspicions from the other soldiers and also to protect her.
How are you doing with that? she asked, conversationally, as she sat down on the chair beside Wufei.
Wufei glanced at her. He was not into lengthy conversation, but seeing the fatigue in her face, he decided otherwise. Not bad.
Silence as both of them looked at the data he was working on flooding the monitor.
Makes me wonder how you became the courier, Wufei asked in deep tones.
It was Sylvia´s turn to glance at him. After my father died, I took over his share of stocks with this mining company on the moon. I became the board member amidst all those old men. I became the overseer of the business on earth. Then one day, I was notified that they were mining gundanium alloys in Mars.
Wufei suddenly looked at her.
she nodded. There is this company that bought quite a lot from us and even paid us more just to keep quiet about the alloys. So long as we are getting the money, we complied. I decided to visit the mine to see about the business. I met two scientists there, if my memory serves me right they go by the names of Professor Q and Doctor J, I think. Wufei´s head snapped up at the names she mentioned. They begged me to deliver the disc to the President of the L1 Colony. They said I am the only one they trusted in that place and that I could come and go as I please, it would be easier for me to deliver it. I was adamant at first but they said that it would help prevent the war.
Two shuttles were scheduled to leave that night. One was mine and the other bound to the X6542 Colony. I took the latter. But there was no direct shuttle to L1 except through L2. Then something came up. I don´t know how they knew about the disc but luckily they never suspected it was I. The rest is history.
Wufei grinned. Being accommodating paid off anyway. Thank you for the information. Now I know how to crack this one.
He turned to his computer, and at the prompt, he typed WING ZERO followed by a string of numbers that only the gundam pilots AND the scientists know.
And much to their surprise, new models of gundams were shown on the screen.
Wufei shook his head in disbelief. I could kiss you, he muttered off-handedly.
Sylvia suddenly turned her head towards him and turned beet red.
IV
It was their premier performance at the L2 Colony. The Bloom Family was both excited and nervous since this was the first time they were going to perform at the colonies. The place was filled with people, both young and old.
Catherine was lying down on top of one of the animal cage at the back of the tent where the major event was happening, waiting for a summon for her performance. She stared above. Although the cool night breeze was similar with that of the earth, the only thing missing were the sky, the stars and the moon.
And Trowa.
She let out a deep sigh and sat up, resting her chin on her folded knees. She felt bad. Trowa was not the person to wear his emotions on his sleeves but that was not an excuse to provoke him by entertaining another man in his presence.
She only missed him more.
I´ll just have to make it up to him after the show, she engaged herself in a soliloquy. I´ll give him a call and apologize. But that´s it, if he never returned my feelings for him, then I would have to forget him for good!
She turned her head to her right and a movement caught her eyes. She lifted her head and stared into the darkness then saw a number of looking like small mountain silhouettes. For several seconds that she was staring the objects did not move.
Catherine! Get ready! You´re next! called her father from down cage.
Catherine was about to acknowledge her father when one of the mounds emitted a red laser towards one of the building of the city a couple of miles away from them.
Get down! Catherine exclaimed as she jumped beside her father and hauled him down.
They heard a big explosion and big fire lighting up the night. The people inside the tent were in panic at the noise and stampeding towards the exit.
Both Catherine and her father looked up from their position and saw several mobile suits flying above them.
I´ll be damned, her father said softly, in horror.
V
I am sending you the informations Wufei cracked. Are you sure this is a secured line? Heero asked the person on the monitor.
Mirialdo answered. Our troops are ready in all areas. We are just awaiting their attack.
Heero said, then signed off.
The door of the main control of the Central Command opened and admitted Duo, followed by Trowa. Heero nodded at them.
We better get to the conference. We are as secured as we are now here, Duo said and led the way out.
I would be leaving for the C324 Colony, Trowa stated as they were walking through the walkway leading to the Plenary Hall. I will meet Wufei there to get our gundams. He is probably there by now, him being nearer to that colony. Sandrock is being transported here already and should arrive in one hour. It would be conspicuous if three were transported.
I trust you know what to do, Heero said.
Good luck, man, Duo said, shaking Trowa´s hand before entering the conference room.
Heero was about to do the same when Trowa stopped him. I trust you know what to do, Trowa countered. Make her happy. With that, Trowa turned away.
Heero stood there watching his retreating figure. Then he turned around and entered the conference hall. With years of training as a perfect soldier, he stood inconspicuous at the back. He suddenly had a feeling of dejavu. Eight years ago, he stood behind the curtains on one of Relena´s conferences and pointed a gun at her head.
How could he be so callous? Heero gazed at Relena standing behind the podium, delivering a speech in front of almost a hundred delegates present. She remained strong despite of all that had passed. She was still doing her best to make things right, to make peace last.
Heero shook his head and tore his eyes off her. His gaze wandered around the conference area. He made a promise before that he would protect her. He had neglected that promise these years that had passed. It was now the time to do the necessary. Mirialdo had trusted her being with him. That he would do, regardless of fact that she belonged to another.
She was never his in the first place.
He spotted Duo and Quatre at the back row of the conference and made his way down to sit with them.
Quatre acknowledged him with a nod.
What was keeping you? Duo whispered.
Trowa left already for the C324 Colony, Heero stated. He sat back, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and closed his eyes.
Everything is running according to plan, I trust, Quatre muttered. That information Wufei forwarded is a big help. Now we now what we are dealing with. The only question is who?
Heero heard Duo replied something but did not get it. He was busy contemplating on the precautionary measures.
we have a proposal that would--- Relena was cut off by the sound of the alarm several minutes later.
Heero´s head snapped up and locked gazes with Relena. Her eyes confused. His, alarmed.
Heero stood up. Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a problem at hand. Please follow the security agents to ensure your safety, Heero declared and gave a signal to the agents waiting to commence their duty.
One by one, the delegates were ushered to a secret exit. Quatre took Dorothy´s arm. Duo brought out his laptop and put on his earphone. Relena was glued on the spot by the podium. Heero stood behind Duo and looked at the report flooding the monitor. Duo reached out and hit a button, a man from the Central Command appeared on the screen.
Duo said.
Sir, there was an attack at the L2 Colony, the man said.
Systems on red alert. Deploy all ready mobile corps. Make sure our defense is in maximum level, Duo ordered. We´ll be right there, he added and signed out.
Both Duo and Heero straightened. Quatre brought out his mobile phone and dialed. How long? he asked. In five minutes it will arrive, Quatre said as he was putting the mobile phone back on his pocket. I have to meet it on the landing pad.
Heero nodded at Duo and they all went to where the delegates exited near the stage. Heero went up and ushered Relena outside to the hallway leading to the Central Command. Duo was leading the way, Heero and Relena at the back.
What´s happening? Relena asked Heero.
There has been an attack at the L2 Colony, he answered. You are to go with Dorothy at the secured place.
Relena stopped suddenly, halting Heero also since he was holding her arm.
Heero´s tone was laced with warning.
Heero, I can help. I´ll come with you, Relena spoke softly, boring deep into his eyes.
Heero looked from one of her eye to the other. It would be better to bring her along in the Central Command where he could keep an eye on her. Then without answering, they proceeded.
Sir, there is also an attack on earth, the man before announced as soon as the five stepped into the main control room, the monitor showing the attack on earth.
Show the status of the L2 Colony on the monitor, Heero commanded, knowing full well what place was shown on the monitor.
Yes, sir.
The monitor showed the L2 Colony surrounded by hundreds of mobile suits.
Heero said, and the screen showed several models of the mobile suits.
Duo whistled. Just as reported, he commented. Then he went to the panel on his left and made a call. Deathscythe is ready, he said afterwards. They are still doing a final configuration on Zero´s artillery. It won´t be ready for another thirty minutes. I´ll go ahead. With a nod, Duo stepped out the door.
Dorothy, shock mirroring in her eyes, looked at Quatre. My father sent me here to be protected, didn´t he? Dorothy asked, quietly.
Quatre kept his silence as he looked at her.
It was only a ploy to get me to you. You were working with him, Dorothy said in an undertone. You were never a suspect.
Quatre did not have the chance to finish the question.
That was my country they attacked. I should have been there and helped my father. I— it was Dorothy´s turn to be cut off as Quatre embraced her tightly.
I promise I would protect you and you country, with that Quatre went out main control room to the landing pad where his Sandrock is waiting.
I need a comlink, Dorothy said to Heero who in turn directed her to the back panel so she may communicate with her father on earth.
After wards, Heero went to the other comlink and turned the communication on to the Sank Kingdom. It was Noin appeared on the screen.
Is Relena all right? she asked Heero worriedly.
I´m fine, Relena said, behind Heero. Are you and little Mirialdo all right?
Yes, thank goodness. Mirialdo was deployed to counter the attack on the northern territories. Do not worry, Noin said.
Both Heero and Relena nodded. I´ll contact you later, he said and then signed off.
Sir, we have an emergency at sector Y65 Z23 of the L2 eastern quadrant, said one of the man manning the computer. Then he brought the image on the screen.
Relena gasped at the damaged spaceship of Trowa as it maneuvered to avoid an attack. Heero glanced at Relena and found her worrying.
Have them prepare a rescue shuttle. I´ll go in, Heero stated and started to turn towards the exit when Relena clutched his arm.
But it´s too dangerous! You won´t have a chance with them, Relena said worriedly.
I´ll bring him safely back to you, Heero said, hurt lacing his voice as he broke free of her hold and went out of the main control room.
Relena placed the hand that held his on her heart. And prayed.
VI
Heero maneuvered to his left to avoid an attacker.
Relena stayed glued to the monitor and watched as Heero´s advance to Trowa´s shuttle.
He turned right again and expelled a deep breath as one of their mobile suit countered an attack.
She released the breath she had been holding when Heero cleared out of their enemy´s path. She could not endure one more second of his death mission so she snatched on of the earphones on the console command and locked on Heero´s hailing frequency.
Heero, acknowledge, she ordered.
Relena, what the hell are you doing? Heero answered back angrily. Leave that to the—
They are monitoring the other pilots. I know how this works, Relena stated and typed a series of commands on the console and a detailed path of Heero´s coordinate was displayed. There is a cleared way to Trowa´s shuttle. I am putting through the coordinates.
Heero warned but got the coordinates locked on to his shuttle system.
Don´t argue. I know that shuttle´s mechanisms are not fast enough for you. But I can direct it from here. Much faster, Relena said and for once gave a cheeky smile.
He knew she was right. He was about to give orders for that, it was a good thing she took the initiative. Heero hid a smile.
Four mobiles are coming your way. Change course to X32 Y39, Relena chatted continuously as the rescue shuttle came abreast with Trowa´s.
Trowa saw the rescue shuttle. His ship was badly hit by the enemy´s laser. He endured a nasty cut on his arm, which was hit on the metal edge jutting on panel.
A laser was fired near Heero´s left wing, sending the shuttle careening suddenly to the right. The control panel on his right blew off, sending fragments of metal pieces flying. He was cut on his right temple, blood gushing down to his face.
Heero righted his rescue shuttle and locked on Trowa´s ship. He was able to maneuver the shuttle´s claw-lock to Trowa´s, securing it under the rescue shuttle.
They were about to clear off the enemy lines when a missile was fired at them. Luckily, Duo, with his Deathscythe, intercepted it.
Several minutes later they were landing at one of secured hangers of the Central Command of the L1 Colony. Relena was waiting with the paramedics at the landing pad. Both Trowa and Heero emerged from the rescue shuttle. Trowa´s arm was saturated with blood. Heero´s blood which came from his right temple was obscured by his hair.
Relena rushed forward and grabbed Trowa´s good arm and led him to the paramedics to be attended.
Heero´s gaze sharpened at Relena´s attention to Trowa. He turned around and went to the other hanger leading to where the Wing Zero was being repaired for the second war.
He stood before the magnanimous gundam in front of him as several trusted scientists did the final touches on the gundam. He did not know how long he was standing there, trying to clear his head of the emotions flooding in his body when he heard his name being called.
"Heero," Relena said from his back. The she stood in front of him.
Heero saw concern in her eyes. She ran her fingers through his hair where the blood flowed.
"You're hurt," she said, then led him to a seat nearby.
She brought along a first aid kit. It was a wonder she noticed when she had eyes only for Trowa when they landed. He just followed her and subjected himself to her ministrations.
Relena lifted the hair that covers the cut. She wiped off the blood with a wet cloth and applied a disinfectant on the wound.
When it was time to put bandage his temple, Relena straightened and moved closer, the warmth of her breast bare inches from his face. He tried not to breathe while she wound his temple with a gauze.
"It was a deep cut. Luckily it doesn't need any stitches," she pronounced, suitably horrified.
Heero shut his eyes as she took care of him, and tried not to groan when she combed her fingers through his hair once more to arrange the bandage.
"That should do it," Relena said afterwards. She stepped back as he raised his eyes to hers.
"Thank you," he said in an undertone.
"Please be careful," she said softly. "I know I can't stop you from fighting once more."
They stared into each others eyes.
"Promise me you'll be back safely," Relena said breaking free of his gaze, then turned around to the exit.
"I'll be back," Heero said before she went out. "I promise."
Relena looked back at Heero from the doorway once more. She acknowledged his promise with a smile. Then the door slid behind her back.
VII
Four more colonies were attacked, Trowa said.
Heero and Trowa stood before the main screen of the main control room several minutes earlier. They were conferring regarding the status of the rebel attacks as they waited their gundam.
Duo and his troops were holding out the attacks on the L2 and the X5562 Colonies. Quatre is helping Czechs fight on earth, since his gundam is more capable of fighting there than in outer space, Heero said.
Trowa looked at the status of the L2 Colony showing on the screen with concern in his eyes. He was hoping Catherine was all right. Then there was call through his earphone.
Wufei has arrived with Heavyarms. I´ll go ahead, Trowa said to Heero and went out.
Heero studied the reports flooding in. He was surprised at the abilities of the mobile suits that attacked them. More than what he had expected from the reports. Then suddenly went blank. Then all frequency showed the face of the enemy.
Heero took a deep breath from shock.
It was like looking at the mirror. Only, the man was years older.
I have a father, he muttered under his breath.
Greetings, people of the earth and of the colonies, said the man on the screen. He was smiling cruelly. Hard eyes were similar to that of Heero. For years I have waited patiently for this day to arrive. And now the power is within easy reach. If I were not stripped off from my rightful authority from the OZ seven years ago, you would have recognized me as the leader of the world. Now my time has come.
The attack would cease provided all of you would surrender and recognize the leader as Odin Lowe. With that the screen went blank.
And Heero´s face went ashen.
He turned around and went out the door. He had a duty to perform. And nothing and no one would to stop him.
Father or not.
VIII
Odin Lowe sat back on his chair after he delivered the speech. A wicked smile playing on his lips as he took a sip of his brandy.
Draco, his right-hand man said.
They would succumb to me, I know. Four gundams would not defeat our five hundred gundams, Odin Lowe said. He stood up and looked out the glass tower of his moon base, to the flickering lights on the blackness of the outer space due to the clashing mobile suits.
He looked back at Draco. There are only four fighting to stop us, right? My son would be a perfect ally. Dr. J has trained him well. He would side with his estranged father.
It was Draco´s turn to give a wicked grin. The reason you never targeted the new L1 Colony, he said.
Then the screen at their far left showed their gundams from the C735 Colony was being annihilated one by one.
What the hell?! Odin Lowe exclaimed in alarm as he slammed his hand on his desk.
Then the monitor showed Wing Zero flew by and destroyed two more with its enhanced sword, eyes blazing red with fury.
Damn, now it´s five! Draco announced, shaking his head. And it´s not looking good. All five of them look like they were able to penetrate through our gundams´ defense. It seems that each of the gundams were more enhanced than before.
How dare he fight his own father, Odin Lowe enunciated with fury. Attack the L1 Colony!
IX
Heero was sweating from fighting heavily the mobile suits attacking the C736 Colony. It was years before he was able to man the Zero System again. But he was successful enough to lower down the number of mobile suits attacking the colony and moved on to the neighboring C77 Colony.
Wufei and two mobile corps was able to minimize the threat on the X4545 and moved on to the recently attacked X6398.
Duo was still fighting at the L2 Colony. With his gundam´s ability to cloak, he was able to penetrate the enemy´s concentrated offense of the said colony.
Trowa was pushing his gundam to the limit protecting the people from the attackers inside the L2 Colony´s domain.
Ten more mobile suits were facing Heero on a battle at the C77 Colony when his lead defense minister contacted him.
Sir, we are under attack. The enemy´s gundams have penetrated our defense, the soldier said.
He swung his sword to cut a mobile in half and fired his laser gun to the other as he muttered a silent curse.
Where´s Relena? he asked, concerned flared in his eyes.
She is in the Docking Center, sir, treating the wounded, the man answered. I´m afraid that the west side of that area has been attacked already. Some of the mobile corps from the X4545 Colony has been called back already.
All mobile corps on code red, Heero ordered. I will be there as soon as possible. Have Relena removed from that place.
But, sir, she—
That´s an order, Heero said and cut off the communication line.
He left three of his mobile corps to finish the job so he may go back to the L1 Colony, which was miles away from where he was now.
As he sped up his gundam towards his new home, he focused his mind on the woman with blue eyes.
And he did what he had not done before.
He prayed.
I never bothered You with my problems until now, he began in his thoughts, if you really do exist, I am praying only one thing.
Keep her safe.
He arrived at the L1 Colony in time before one of the enemy´s gundam fired at the Docking Center, which was on the north side of the Central Command. He fired his laser gun at the enemy, hitting two more in the process.
Where is Relena? Heero asked again the soldier through his communication link.
Sorry, sir, but we were unable to get the Prime Minister as per your instruction, came the reply. The attack on the Docking Center was all too sudden and too heavy which made it impossible for our soldiers to go through. The west part was destroyed already.
Four more attackers were annihilated as Heero took in the news. Are they all right? he asked, worriedly.
Yes, sir.
Heero signed off. He attacked a couple more of mobile suits near the Docking Center´s quadrant; the mobile corps covered the rest. The gravity of the strength of the enemy´s gundams was equal to those of their mobile corps which made it more difficult to stop them.
Odin Lowe uttered a vile curse as he watched the fight from his monitor. He opened the communication frequency to Heero´s Wing Zero.
Side with me and together we will rule the world, Odin Lowe proposed.
he answered in hard tones. He immediately put a tracer on the call.
You dare say that to your father? Odin Lowe glared at him.
I never had a father, Heero announced. I never knew you until today. The only thing that links you to me is the looks. Nothing more. He punched in a series of commands on his console. The location of the man called Odin Lowe was scattered across several quadrants on earth and on outer space. Heero´s sweat broke out as he maneuvered the Wing Zero to dodge the enemy´s attack and locking on Odin Lowe´s actual location.
You dare say that to me? I was the one who made you for who you are now. Now you will feel my wrath! Odin Lowe said angrily, then signed off.
The enemy began attacking several more bases on the L1 Colony. Then more gundams arrived.
Heero uttered a silent curse as he doubled his time stopping the enemy from attacking. He was able to limit Odin Lowe´s possible location to twenty.
A small monitor on the left side of his panel was showing the massive attack on his Colony. His new home. Home.
The word struck him. He would not let it happen. He would not give up. His fingers moved in blinding speed on his console as he traced the call. Those mobile suits were controlled from somewhere.
And he is determined to find that somewhere.
The list was down to three: one in Sumaria on earth, one in the farthest colony the V714, and the last coming from the moon.
One mobile suit fired at the Docking Center bringing the rest of the east side crumbling down.
Relena. Heero paled at the sight he witnessed.
Secure the Docking Center. Make sure the Prime Minister is protected at all cost, he ordered all his mobile corps and sped up into the space.
His destination, the Moon Base.
X
Heero knew he had arrived at the right conclusion for he witnessed the take off of several mobile suits from the Moon Base. He loomed above the glass tower he guessed where Odin Lowe was staying.
He targeted the tower with his laser gun. Before firing, he contacted the L1 Colony. Were you able to find the Prime Minister? he asked, gravely.
We have a location now, sir. I have deployed rescue team already.
Heero signed off. Then turned on his frequency to the Moon Base. Odin Lowe, this is a first and final warning. Call off your gundams and surrender.
How did you find out? What the hell are you doing?! Odin Lowe appeared on Heero´s screen.
Stopping another war, Heero answered.
I will never surrender! Never, you hear?!
He fired an initial shot with his laser gun. The tower was surrounded with an invisible barrier that withstood his initial blast although it shook at the impact.
The communication was lost. Odin Lowe looked worried as he stared outside the glass window at the attacking Wing Zero.
The second blast was fired at the maximum level, which shook the Tower´s defense mechanism. The barrier was loosing its power.
This is not happening! This could not be happening! Odin Lowe shouted as the blast hit his command center. I will rule the world! I will rule!
Heero´s continuous blast from Wing´s laser gun passed through the barriers crack and hit the Control Tower, resulting to the cessation of all the enemy´s gundams.
Heero, please stop!
Heero ceased firing when Relena appeared all of a sudden on the monitor at the left side of his console. he muttered as he glanced at her. He saw blood dripping from her brow and several cuts on her arm. He grew more furious. I will finish this fight.
Heero, please, Relena begged. You don´t have to do that again. I have alerted all the nations. The enemies have lost their control on their gundams. I have instructed those concerned to go there and arrest them.
Heero averted his gaze on her and looked ahead at the Moon Base. He was contemplating on what she said but he had to finish this, father or not. He had to put a stop on this. He started to aim again his laser gun towards the base. Listen to me, Relena went on in earnest. You don´t have to taint your hands anymore with blood. However bad he maybe, he still is your father.
He is not my father, Heero corrected.
I wish he´s not, but can´t you see, if you continue this, you will become his son, Relena reasoned.
Heero let that one sink in. Relena was right. He had started working for his future. Doing this would only jeopardize everything he worked hard for.
His radar showed several mobile suits from the L1 and that sent by Mirialdo had arrived.
he said under his breath as he hit something from the left of his console, which turned off the monitor showing Relena.
He hated to admit it but she was right.
He would be his son if he tainted his hands with more blood.
At the L1 Colony, Relena leaned on both of her arms in front of the screen, whispering the name of the man she loved.
Numerous mobiles had moved in and landed on the Moon Base. Heero watched on his monitor as their soldiers landed and apprehended the enemies. One of them would be Odin Lowe.
Duo´s Deathscythe appeared by his side. That´s the end of it, I guess, Duo commented.
Take over from here, Heero said as he transformed his Wing to its bird mode and flew away. I want Odin Lowe taken in a maximum secured place at all cost.
Heero was en route to L1 Colony at a slower pace. He took a deep breath and took his time releasing it. Much as he wanted to deny it, he felt good.
For the first time in seven years, he found himself.
He was Heero Yuy.
hope you all like this chapter... it took me so long to finish this one... if you want something to tell me, you know what to do... if not, then
'click on the link below... thanks for reading...
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