Disclaimer: I don't Gundam Wing, or the characters from Gundam Wing. I do
own the minor characters and non-GW people.
AN: I want to apologize to anyone who was actually interested in Raptures of Paradise. I made a promise almost a YEAR AGO (!!!!) that I would do a sequel. After all, I can't leave poor Midii with amnesia now can I? ^_~ Not to mention I'm sure you Raptures fans would be interested to see what this sequel I promised would be about. Let me put it to you this way. Some of the stuff from Raptures hasn't totally been resolved, and I'm not just talking about Midii. I had an idea almost a year ago how to start this story, but I wasn't satisfied with the original sequel's plot, which has since been deleted along with everything else in my first hard drive. _;;; But after watching some Stephen King novel-based movies, I realized what direction I'm going to take this to.
Warnings: Some violence, some cursing, and possible gore, but not sure at this point. Pairings: Definitely non-yaoi, 100%! 1xR, 2xH, 3xMU (?), 4xD, 5xS, 6x9 Surprises: Definitely going to have some. Not telling you what they are. ^_~ Genre/Categories: Sci-fi (most definitely), drama, some amount of action, and occasional humor.
Thank you Midii Une, for being my beta! ^_^ Now on with the story!
Gundam Wing: Phases of Memory Phase 01-Briefing By Sailor Celaeno
AC 198 "What exactly are memories? That is a question that people have pondered over the centuries. Are memories the true recollections of the past, or are they merely the figments of what we want to believe?" Relena was reading Nova Rokureno's weekly column. Her articles were featured in all of the international newspapers. It had been a surprise two months ago, that Nova Rokureno stepped down as CEO of the Pleiades Corporation. Another board member replaced her. She accepted a continued position as the leading senior advisor of R&D. Her explanation was that she missed spending her days in research. She seemed quite suited in her new position and had taken up column writing for international newspapers. Her articles were widely read and related to the newest subject of study at Pleiades. It seemed that the latest project was related to new therapy for amnesia victims. Relena couldn't help thinking that this column was hitting home. Heero noticed her reading intently. "Relena?" "Hm? Oh Heero." Relena looked up and gave him a usual smile that charmed him. "Something the matter?" "What's the column about this week?" "Amnesia therapy." She folded the newspaper and set it on the coffee table of her apartment. Heero was sleeping in the other bedroom, even though they both would rather be sharing one. Heero, however, thought that it would be best if they didn't move too far ahead of themselves, and Relena agreed. "Something on your mind?" Relena nodded. "Her article was just making me think of." "The Raptures." Heero didn't need a reply from her to know that's what she was thinking of. "I still wonder sometimes if that wasn't just some crazy dream I was having last night. But when I see Annie, I know it was real. She's alive because of what happened." Heero silently listened. "I'm just worried about something Heero." "What's that?" "I've been having some dreams again. Dark dreams like I had when Proserpine came to me." Heero frowned. "You don't suppose." "I don't think it's quite over Heero. Something is telling me that the Raptures haven't finished yet." "Are you sure?" Heero furrowed his brow. "What were these dreams like?" "I kept seeing someone. A girl running away from a fire chasing after her. Then the fire surrounds her until she's engulfed in the flames. But the flames don't hurt her. She's living in the fire, and it makes her stronger." Heero didn't like the sound of this dream one bit, and knew there was something very wrong. "I'll see how the investigation is going on Midii and Hikari Nahira." "Thank you Heero," Relena replied. She sighed, "I have to get ready for that conference tomorrow." She got up and went to briefcase. Heero went to his laptop for his usual business. Relena couldn't move past that final battle with the Raptures. Annie was a joy for everyone that knew her, but her birth would always be a reminder of that day. She was now three months old. It had been three months since a little angel was born, and Midii died along with Esmeralda and Kari. In the months that have passed since those events, a few things changed. Quint changed her name to Marie Mallone and was working as a computer analyst at Pleiades. She kept to herself, occasionally talking to Hilde and Duo. She seemed to be a lot happier and was quite productive. Flamethrower also moved on with her life. Under the name Sky Lung, she resettled on the Moon and kept herself quiet. No one really knows what she's doing now, but it didn't really matter because she wouldn't have let anyone interfere with her life anyway. Esmeralda was buried three days after the incident. The surprising news was the terms of her will. It seemed that she had the feeling that something would happen to her. The will left a generous inheritance for her son Liam. Quatre was named as the legal guardian over Liam. Quatre, to say the least, was shocked to learn that at the age of 17, not quite 18, he would be the guardian over a little boy. However upon the death of his father, Quatre was legally an independent adult running the family business. Esmeralda had known that. Mr. Debinder was rather infuriated at the fact that his grandson would not be under his control. Houston, Esmeralda's brother, didn't seem to care much about the fate of his nephew as he was preoccupied with his own family. Quatre was more of a big brother than an adopted father, which was quite natural. Liam loved Quatre dearly, and Quatre immediately had a soft spot for the four-year-old. However, Midii Une and Hikari Nahira remained a mystery all together. Their bodies were never found, but they were both assumed dead. It was difficult trying to explain strange girls with powers from another universe, and dark forces trying to drain the world of energy. Une decided that the true nature of the situation should never be revealed as it would lead to all sorts of unpleasant questions and explanations. It was another "government conspiracy" of sorts. A few people asked questions, but everyone else in ESUN ignored them as alien loving lunatics.
**********
Kelly Gallagher checked herself in the mirror. She was a woman on a mission and she had to make sure she looked the part. All her life she was searching for the key to the truth. She ran her fingers through her long, straight, strawberry blond hair. Her eyes were a vivid green that stared sharply at whoever met her gaze. Her skin was naturally tanned, uncommon for someone with an Irish-sounding name. Kelly closed her eyes for a deep breath. She could remember the terrible images of that night in AC 187. She could hear wood crackling and her mother screaming, "Get out! Get out!" "I won't leave you, mama!" she had screamed back at her mother. "Hurry! Please!" her mother beckoned again. "I won't, I won't!" Kelly's eyes snapped back open. The memories wouldn't stop haunting her. Not even after 11 years, the memories were fresh and burning into her mind like the fire raging that night. Kelly harangued herself for closing her eyes like that. She checked her lipstick once more, and then left for her car. She had a long trip, at least two hours to go find the key to her long search. The circle would soon close, and she could move on in her life.
AC 178 Astrid Baines was a beautiful woman. There was no doubt in Raul Nahira's mind. She was beautiful, and his fiancée no less. It was a match made in heaven, and the happy couple had their entire lives ahead of them. "So I see you wanted to test for compatibility?" "That's right doctor. I know it's risky having a baby in artificial environments. That's why I wanted to know if Astrid could have a baby." Dr. Linner was a very shrewd man and he knew the perfect candidates when he saw them. "I'll simply give your wife the tests." "Thank you doctor."
Three weeks later. "We have the test results." "And?" "Miss Baines will require the use of test-tube technology in order to get pregnant." "I see doctor," replied Astrid sadly. "Don't be worried my dear. Many couple have babies this way. It's the safest way." "I understand doctor."
**********
Dr. Linner was more than happy to locate the perfect candidates. What the trusting couple hadn't realized was that Linner was more than a doctor. He was a geneticist working for various agencies hidden among the UESA hierarchy. Hardly anyone knew his projected had existed. "I can't believe that I found the perfect candidates. They both tested positive for carrying the Newtype Gene Factors!" "You are still planning on proving your theories? That you can create a super-powerful New Type soldier?" "I can create one." "Your funding will last for the next 7 years. Afterwards, if you have no results, then we will cut your funding," replied his benefactor with a grimacing laugh. Linner frowned. "I understand sir." The benefactor stared harshly at Linner. "I am a man of limited patience. Once we have your New Type creations within OZ, we will have all the power we need to control Earth and the colonies." Linner wasn't quite sure if this man was all that sane. It didn't really matter in the long run. As long as he had his money, he didn't care.
AC 179 "It's a girl." The baby screamed with a great cry that filled the hospital room. "She's beautiful," replied the nurse. "Can I hold her?" Astrid asked weakly. She watched as the nurses cleaned the baby and wrapped her in a pink blanket. The baby was in her arms in less than 10 seconds. "You're my little girl." Astrid had tears as she held her baby. It was the most beautiful moment at that point in her life. Raul sighed as he looked at his wife, and his first-born. Or rather, his only child. Complications forced Astrid to undergo Caesarean section a month early. The risk for having a baby in the future was high, so it was best for the Nahiras not to have another baby. Raul didn't mind. He just wanted his wife to be safe. He was grateful for his daughter. "How about Hikari?" "What?" "I wanted to name her after my grandmother, Hikari Hiromi." Raul nodded. "That's a beautiful name. Hikari Nahira. Well, she can be Kari for short."
AC 198 Jane Doe was renamed Miranda. Miranda was a lovely name, Jane thought. So her name was Miranda. Kelly smirked into her rear view mirror as she parked her car into the hospital's parking lot. She was glad that her spy at Preventer had tipped her off on the lead. Kelly had gotten connections in Preventer that an amnesiac Jane Doe, fitting Midii Une's description, had been located. Luckily for Kelly, her informant was a high ranking member in Preventer, so he intercepted the information before Lady Une or anyone else knew. She opened her car door. With a couple of tugs of her skirt, she made her way into the hospital. "I'm Kelly Gallagher of the Preventer's Missing Persons Unit. I'm here to take your Jane Doe under our custody until we can locate her family. Of course, that is if there's nothing wrong with her physically." "Nothing else other than her memories are missing," replied the nurse after she checked Agent Gallagher's badge. "I'll wait here for her." Miranda appeared five minutes later. "Thank you for helping me." "I know who you are." "You do?" asked Miranda. Kelly nodded. "For the sake of privacy, I'll keep calling you Miranda. It can be your new cover name." She opened the hospital door and gestured for Midii to exit. "Cover name?" Midii was very confused. They walked to Kelly's car. Kelly opened the door for Miranda. She enter the driver's side and started the engine. "You're one of our Operatives. Your real name is Nichola Fielding." "Nichola Fielding? That's my name?" Midii said slowly, letting this shocking news sink in. "That's right. Agent Fielding." Kelly drove faster as they left the hospital grounds and headed for Headquarters.
Next time: The story has begun. Midii wasn't a Preventer operative last time we heard. But is Kelly really with Preventers? Kari's past is slowly being revealed, but what other secrets are in stored? Find out in the next chapter, Phase 02-Aftermath.
AN: I want to apologize to anyone who was actually interested in Raptures of Paradise. I made a promise almost a YEAR AGO (!!!!) that I would do a sequel. After all, I can't leave poor Midii with amnesia now can I? ^_~ Not to mention I'm sure you Raptures fans would be interested to see what this sequel I promised would be about. Let me put it to you this way. Some of the stuff from Raptures hasn't totally been resolved, and I'm not just talking about Midii. I had an idea almost a year ago how to start this story, but I wasn't satisfied with the original sequel's plot, which has since been deleted along with everything else in my first hard drive. _;;; But after watching some Stephen King novel-based movies, I realized what direction I'm going to take this to.
Warnings: Some violence, some cursing, and possible gore, but not sure at this point. Pairings: Definitely non-yaoi, 100%! 1xR, 2xH, 3xMU (?), 4xD, 5xS, 6x9 Surprises: Definitely going to have some. Not telling you what they are. ^_~ Genre/Categories: Sci-fi (most definitely), drama, some amount of action, and occasional humor.
Thank you Midii Une, for being my beta! ^_^ Now on with the story!
Gundam Wing: Phases of Memory Phase 01-Briefing By Sailor Celaeno
AC 198 "What exactly are memories? That is a question that people have pondered over the centuries. Are memories the true recollections of the past, or are they merely the figments of what we want to believe?" Relena was reading Nova Rokureno's weekly column. Her articles were featured in all of the international newspapers. It had been a surprise two months ago, that Nova Rokureno stepped down as CEO of the Pleiades Corporation. Another board member replaced her. She accepted a continued position as the leading senior advisor of R&D. Her explanation was that she missed spending her days in research. She seemed quite suited in her new position and had taken up column writing for international newspapers. Her articles were widely read and related to the newest subject of study at Pleiades. It seemed that the latest project was related to new therapy for amnesia victims. Relena couldn't help thinking that this column was hitting home. Heero noticed her reading intently. "Relena?" "Hm? Oh Heero." Relena looked up and gave him a usual smile that charmed him. "Something the matter?" "What's the column about this week?" "Amnesia therapy." She folded the newspaper and set it on the coffee table of her apartment. Heero was sleeping in the other bedroom, even though they both would rather be sharing one. Heero, however, thought that it would be best if they didn't move too far ahead of themselves, and Relena agreed. "Something on your mind?" Relena nodded. "Her article was just making me think of." "The Raptures." Heero didn't need a reply from her to know that's what she was thinking of. "I still wonder sometimes if that wasn't just some crazy dream I was having last night. But when I see Annie, I know it was real. She's alive because of what happened." Heero silently listened. "I'm just worried about something Heero." "What's that?" "I've been having some dreams again. Dark dreams like I had when Proserpine came to me." Heero frowned. "You don't suppose." "I don't think it's quite over Heero. Something is telling me that the Raptures haven't finished yet." "Are you sure?" Heero furrowed his brow. "What were these dreams like?" "I kept seeing someone. A girl running away from a fire chasing after her. Then the fire surrounds her until she's engulfed in the flames. But the flames don't hurt her. She's living in the fire, and it makes her stronger." Heero didn't like the sound of this dream one bit, and knew there was something very wrong. "I'll see how the investigation is going on Midii and Hikari Nahira." "Thank you Heero," Relena replied. She sighed, "I have to get ready for that conference tomorrow." She got up and went to briefcase. Heero went to his laptop for his usual business. Relena couldn't move past that final battle with the Raptures. Annie was a joy for everyone that knew her, but her birth would always be a reminder of that day. She was now three months old. It had been three months since a little angel was born, and Midii died along with Esmeralda and Kari. In the months that have passed since those events, a few things changed. Quint changed her name to Marie Mallone and was working as a computer analyst at Pleiades. She kept to herself, occasionally talking to Hilde and Duo. She seemed to be a lot happier and was quite productive. Flamethrower also moved on with her life. Under the name Sky Lung, she resettled on the Moon and kept herself quiet. No one really knows what she's doing now, but it didn't really matter because she wouldn't have let anyone interfere with her life anyway. Esmeralda was buried three days after the incident. The surprising news was the terms of her will. It seemed that she had the feeling that something would happen to her. The will left a generous inheritance for her son Liam. Quatre was named as the legal guardian over Liam. Quatre, to say the least, was shocked to learn that at the age of 17, not quite 18, he would be the guardian over a little boy. However upon the death of his father, Quatre was legally an independent adult running the family business. Esmeralda had known that. Mr. Debinder was rather infuriated at the fact that his grandson would not be under his control. Houston, Esmeralda's brother, didn't seem to care much about the fate of his nephew as he was preoccupied with his own family. Quatre was more of a big brother than an adopted father, which was quite natural. Liam loved Quatre dearly, and Quatre immediately had a soft spot for the four-year-old. However, Midii Une and Hikari Nahira remained a mystery all together. Their bodies were never found, but they were both assumed dead. It was difficult trying to explain strange girls with powers from another universe, and dark forces trying to drain the world of energy. Une decided that the true nature of the situation should never be revealed as it would lead to all sorts of unpleasant questions and explanations. It was another "government conspiracy" of sorts. A few people asked questions, but everyone else in ESUN ignored them as alien loving lunatics.
**********
Kelly Gallagher checked herself in the mirror. She was a woman on a mission and she had to make sure she looked the part. All her life she was searching for the key to the truth. She ran her fingers through her long, straight, strawberry blond hair. Her eyes were a vivid green that stared sharply at whoever met her gaze. Her skin was naturally tanned, uncommon for someone with an Irish-sounding name. Kelly closed her eyes for a deep breath. She could remember the terrible images of that night in AC 187. She could hear wood crackling and her mother screaming, "Get out! Get out!" "I won't leave you, mama!" she had screamed back at her mother. "Hurry! Please!" her mother beckoned again. "I won't, I won't!" Kelly's eyes snapped back open. The memories wouldn't stop haunting her. Not even after 11 years, the memories were fresh and burning into her mind like the fire raging that night. Kelly harangued herself for closing her eyes like that. She checked her lipstick once more, and then left for her car. She had a long trip, at least two hours to go find the key to her long search. The circle would soon close, and she could move on in her life.
AC 178 Astrid Baines was a beautiful woman. There was no doubt in Raul Nahira's mind. She was beautiful, and his fiancée no less. It was a match made in heaven, and the happy couple had their entire lives ahead of them. "So I see you wanted to test for compatibility?" "That's right doctor. I know it's risky having a baby in artificial environments. That's why I wanted to know if Astrid could have a baby." Dr. Linner was a very shrewd man and he knew the perfect candidates when he saw them. "I'll simply give your wife the tests." "Thank you doctor."
Three weeks later. "We have the test results." "And?" "Miss Baines will require the use of test-tube technology in order to get pregnant." "I see doctor," replied Astrid sadly. "Don't be worried my dear. Many couple have babies this way. It's the safest way." "I understand doctor."
**********
Dr. Linner was more than happy to locate the perfect candidates. What the trusting couple hadn't realized was that Linner was more than a doctor. He was a geneticist working for various agencies hidden among the UESA hierarchy. Hardly anyone knew his projected had existed. "I can't believe that I found the perfect candidates. They both tested positive for carrying the Newtype Gene Factors!" "You are still planning on proving your theories? That you can create a super-powerful New Type soldier?" "I can create one." "Your funding will last for the next 7 years. Afterwards, if you have no results, then we will cut your funding," replied his benefactor with a grimacing laugh. Linner frowned. "I understand sir." The benefactor stared harshly at Linner. "I am a man of limited patience. Once we have your New Type creations within OZ, we will have all the power we need to control Earth and the colonies." Linner wasn't quite sure if this man was all that sane. It didn't really matter in the long run. As long as he had his money, he didn't care.
AC 179 "It's a girl." The baby screamed with a great cry that filled the hospital room. "She's beautiful," replied the nurse. "Can I hold her?" Astrid asked weakly. She watched as the nurses cleaned the baby and wrapped her in a pink blanket. The baby was in her arms in less than 10 seconds. "You're my little girl." Astrid had tears as she held her baby. It was the most beautiful moment at that point in her life. Raul sighed as he looked at his wife, and his first-born. Or rather, his only child. Complications forced Astrid to undergo Caesarean section a month early. The risk for having a baby in the future was high, so it was best for the Nahiras not to have another baby. Raul didn't mind. He just wanted his wife to be safe. He was grateful for his daughter. "How about Hikari?" "What?" "I wanted to name her after my grandmother, Hikari Hiromi." Raul nodded. "That's a beautiful name. Hikari Nahira. Well, she can be Kari for short."
AC 198 Jane Doe was renamed Miranda. Miranda was a lovely name, Jane thought. So her name was Miranda. Kelly smirked into her rear view mirror as she parked her car into the hospital's parking lot. She was glad that her spy at Preventer had tipped her off on the lead. Kelly had gotten connections in Preventer that an amnesiac Jane Doe, fitting Midii Une's description, had been located. Luckily for Kelly, her informant was a high ranking member in Preventer, so he intercepted the information before Lady Une or anyone else knew. She opened her car door. With a couple of tugs of her skirt, she made her way into the hospital. "I'm Kelly Gallagher of the Preventer's Missing Persons Unit. I'm here to take your Jane Doe under our custody until we can locate her family. Of course, that is if there's nothing wrong with her physically." "Nothing else other than her memories are missing," replied the nurse after she checked Agent Gallagher's badge. "I'll wait here for her." Miranda appeared five minutes later. "Thank you for helping me." "I know who you are." "You do?" asked Miranda. Kelly nodded. "For the sake of privacy, I'll keep calling you Miranda. It can be your new cover name." She opened the hospital door and gestured for Midii to exit. "Cover name?" Midii was very confused. They walked to Kelly's car. Kelly opened the door for Miranda. She enter the driver's side and started the engine. "You're one of our Operatives. Your real name is Nichola Fielding." "Nichola Fielding? That's my name?" Midii said slowly, letting this shocking news sink in. "That's right. Agent Fielding." Kelly drove faster as they left the hospital grounds and headed for Headquarters.
Next time: The story has begun. Midii wasn't a Preventer operative last time we heard. But is Kelly really with Preventers? Kari's past is slowly being revealed, but what other secrets are in stored? Find out in the next chapter, Phase 02-Aftermath.