Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon, nor am I profiting from this web page. But all other such characters and concepts do belong to me and I ask that you do not use them without permission.

Children of War

By,

Luna Dragon

Author's Notes: I will officially name myself an idiot now. I am so sorry for the misunderstanding in the last chapter, and the beginning of this one will clear everything up! Sorry, k?

~*^*^*~

"All right, what's this about?" Akiko asked.

"I need you five to go to space, just you, no Gundam pilots. Five Gundams have just been finished, and you'll need to retrieve them for yourselves." Haruka explained.

"What do you mean 'for ourselves'?" Kaiya asked.

"What she means is that those Gundams in space are ours." Hotaru spoke softly, looking down at her hands. (AN: See, this is what I messed up. The Gundams in space are for them; the Gundams that are here are for the real pilots. Gomen nasi!)

Ami looked at Rei, Haruka, and Michiru in surprise. True, she was the one who had told them about the five new Gundams when she had hacked into a computer holding important information -- but she hadn't known that they'd be the ones to pilot them. Mutely, Haruka nodded at Ami's gaze.

Kaiya said nothing, her face impassive, with no hint of surprise clearly evident on her face. But, if you looked closely enough, one would be able to see the disbelief and shock in her eyes. A small gasp had escaped her lips, but other than that, she made no sound, or any movements; all she did was stare at Haruka's calm face, wondering why they were the ones to pilot Gundams. 'I don't even know how to pilot a mobile suit well enough!' Her mind shouted, remembering her torturous training with Akiko when they still did not know their past and worked for Professor Tomoe.

Akiko's eyes were wide, blinking in confusion. Thoughts ran quickly through her mind; too quickly for her to think clearly. With an indrawn breath, she took a step back, sitting down in her chair. Closing her eyes briefly, she wondered just how bad this war would be. Ten Gundams? Why would they need ten when five won the war both times? She barely remembered how to pilot a mobile suit, much less a Gundam! 'Damn it, damn it, damn it,' she thought darkly, her sigh turning into a groan. Rubbing her temples, she looked at Michiru and Haruka. "Let me get this straight," She said meekly. "You want us -- including me -- to pilot and fight in this war with Gundams we have never seen or been taught how to operate?"

"That isn't necessarily true, Akiko," Ami stated, and the black-haired girl looked in her direction, eyebrow raised. Kaiya bit back a sigh as she sat down, looking over at the blue haired girl. "Do you two remember the simulations the Professor put you through? The ones where you fought in mobile suits against OZ and their team?"

"I -- yeah," Akiko said.

"Yet those were mobile suits," Kaiya said. "How is that going to help us pilot Gundams?"

"Wrong," Rei said, a smirk tugging her lips. "You were piloting an original Gundam Heavyarms." She pointed to Kaiya who had a raised eyebrow. "And Akiko was piloting the Epyon. It isn't an original one, but all the characteristics are slightly more similar to a Gundam than to the mobile suit."

"And the real one's aren't any different from the simulations," Michiru added.

"My father wanted to make you two, including myself, the best soldiers. And to do that he had to train us all in everything, including piloting destroyed machines." Hotaru calmly spoke, recalling the brutal training they were all put through -- including Rei and Ami.

"Hey wait a second," Akiko said suddenly, frowning at the violet eyed girl. "Don't you have amnesia?" Hotaru smiled a little and shook her head, indicating her fully restored memory. Akiko made a small 'eep' and put up her hands defensively. "You're not still mad I shot you in the arm, are you?"

"You what?" Haruka growled, focusing a glare at Akiko.

"Hey -- purely self-defense!" Akiko protested. "Besides, I was being controlled at the time, so nah!" Sticking out her tongue playfully, Akiko grinned, easing some of the tension in the room.

Michiru shook her head, a small smile appearing on her face as she placed a hand on her lover's shoulder, trying to calm the near-raging Haruka. "When are we supposed to leave?" Rei asked.

Haruka explained, "Tonight, when the pilots aren't around, whether they're sleeping or not. And if they aren't sleeping, knock them out or something." She grinned slightly at her lover's glare.

"There will be a shuttle waiting to take you to L-1 colony cluster at one in the morning." Michiru continued. "There, three passengers disguised as civilians will help you get to and into the base where the Gundam's are located. You have no way of telling who they are, or if some how Tomoe sent his own goons to stop you all from getting to the Gundams."

"So keep your mouth shut," Haruka looked pointedly at Akiko as she finished, "and let them identify you."

Akiko nodded, and looked at Kaiya. Her teal eyes were hinted with worry, but she nodded as well. "We're in then! So, cool Gundams for us?" Akiko said, grinning and rising from her seat. "What time is suitable to meet wherever?"

"Maybe if we meet when we can at the shuttle base, before we're do to leave?" Ami suggested, standing with everyone else.

"Sounds good to me," Akiko agreed. "How about you guys?"

"All right," Kaiya said softly. "I suppose we'll find out the directions in with our passports?"

"Yes, they're in your rooms, each in a velvet wallet under your mattress." Michiru replied.

"So we'll meet at the shuttle bay before one o'clock," Rei mused, "and then we'll get the Gundams." She was walking toward the exit when the aqua-haired woman stopped them.

"But before you go," Michiru said suddenly, stopping them from walking out of the door. "Don't tell the real pilots, they're better off not knowing, since some will most likely follow."

Though Rei smirked as she walked out with the rest, she couldn't fight the dread that crept its way to her mind. One name she remembered, one fate she didn't want to witness, and one person she was going to try to protect . . . .

'Duo,' Once again, sadness filled her thoughts as she walked to her room to get some things straight. They did have a mission soon, but that wouldn't stop her from meditating to figure out just what the vision meant.

~*^*^*~

Slowly and calmly, Hotaru walked through the darkening hallways, stopping by the room she shared with Heero.

Her heart was suffering as she remembered their past together, and tears stung her eyes as she walked away to lobby. Sitting at the edge of a couch that was surrounded by chairs and a small coffee table, Hotaru rolled herself into a ball, resting her head on her knees, thinking about Heero once more. She yearned for his comforting arms, his caring eyes. Her lips ached to be touched by his once more, just like before all this started.

Violet eyes filled with sorrow, she wondered if Heero remembered their times together. She doubted it almost completely, knowing that he would never remember all the love that they shared, all the time that they spent whether it was training or carefully picked conversations.

"I promised that I would look for you Odin, and now fate has brought us together. This was the reason why my heart wouldn't let Akiko and Kaiya hurt you, or your friends. But as my heart throbs for yours to care, my mind thinks. 'What next?' it asks. And no matter how much I want what next to be, it cannot. Fate is sometimes a cruel thing, but reality is always much worse." Hotaru spoke softly; staring at her reflection in the mirror that stood tall in the corner of the lobby.

And as she stared, tears flowed from her violet pools of pain, cascading down her pale cheeks.

And she cried for a lost love, a lost past, and a broken heart.

~*^*^*~

Rei let a barely audible groan escape her lips as she rubbed her temples together. She lay on the roof of the giant warehouse, staring up at the moon, at the stars, knowing that in a few hours she would be a part of them, flying through them. She had been on the roof for only a little bit, no more than fifteen minutes. However, during that time she had tried to relive her vision once more to see if she missed anything. She hadn't, everything was as crystal clear as it was last time, and she still could only make out the shape and form of the Gundam before it exploded in a radiance of fire, debris, and radiation.

It didn't decrease her pain though, and right now she felt horrible. Rei had known the consequences of doing such a powerful meditation while she was still tired and hadn't eaten anything in a while, despite her hunger. Sighing, she continued to stare in front of her at the moon, hardly aware of what she was seeing. Instead, much to her surprise and involuntarily delight, her thoughts kept wandering to a certain Gundam pilot, though not one she would have expected. She remembered his gruff manner, his masked yet slightly caring eyes, his undying honor, and even his sexist personality. "Wufei," She mused, the name rolling off her tongue before she could stop herself.

For an unknown reason to her, a blush crept its way up to her cheeks. She didn't know why she felt this way, especially since she felt such frustration when she was around him. Though she was annoyed by his thoughts on men being superior to women, there was something more, some feeling that she tried to block down. Rei didn't want or like the feeling that warmed her heart, it was a deadly passion that got her no where during this war. The only thing it got her was death. Briefly she remembered Yuuchiru and his heroic attempt for her. She knew it was out of kindness and love, his love for her, though he knew that all she felt for him was a brotherly love. Her grandfather appeared in her mind, the way he cared for her after her parents were killed. He had loved her without fault, as did she, but she reminded herself where he was now. 'Buried in a grave for protecting me against Tanaka,' Her mind spat harshly.

Frustrated in herself for allowing herself to feel things for Wufei, she pounded her fist against the wood. "Taking risks like these caused people that loved me, and who I loved to die," She grumbled hoarsely. "Can I allow myself to try to care for Wufei the same way?" She knew his heart was broken one too many times, much like hers, and she asked herself again. "Can I allow myself to fall in love with someone who doesn't love me back?"

She sighed, looking silently at the moon, asking for answers that she didn't know, begging for relief from her heart. Closing her eyes, she wiped some sweat from her warm forehead. Breathing in the night air, she sighed once more, turning her head slightly to the place she had entered through. She could hear someone open the hidden compartment and climb up to where she was, just faintly, but not enough to figure out where they were after their shadow disappeared.

Though she tried to make it look like her arms were just casually folded like she was slightly cold, where in reality, she was hugging her body in attempts to hide the shivering that possessed her entire being. In short, she was miserable. She felt hot, but she had goose bumps. Her skin was clammy and her head throbbed. Her whole body felt like it was failing her. Sitting down was the only thing keeping her from falling over at this point. 'The consequences of my stupidity to try to figure out what the vision meant,' she thought gloomily.

Suddenly, Rei looked up, almost bewildered, when she felt someone approaching her. "Hello, Wufei." She greeted when he stopped in front of her, arms crossed in front of his chest.

"What was so important that we did not have a right to hear?" He asked, skipping the formalities and getting straight to the point.

Rei growled slightly, trying to stand. Her trembling arms failed her and she just sighed, sitting down and glaring upward. But her raging fever did little to help her to evaluate the situation clearly as Wufei crouched to his knees, eyeing her with concerned eyes. "What?" She demanded, pulling back in surprise as Wufei, of all people, reached for her. He didn't reply as he pressed his hand firmly to her forehead, his frown deepening at the temperature he felt. This couldn't be good.

"You're hot," He said softly.

Rei smiled weakly. "It's about time you noticed."

Wufei's eye brows shot up as he caught the innuendo. That was about all he had time to do before Rei finally collapsed backward, down to the wooden floor from fever and fatigue. Wufei, however, was quick to catch her and held her weak form against him as the last ounce of energy drained from her body. Her breathing was shallow on his skin when she rested the bridge of her nose against his neck as he pulled her up and into his arms.

"Hn," Rei mumbled against his skin, sending soft tremors throughout his body. "Thanks. But I never would have expected something like this from you, Wufei."

Wufei could feel her fevered body shivering against him and held her tighter, lifting her into his arms and turning, walking back the way he came. He whispered softly, oddly not surprised at the caring of his voice, "Rei . . . ." The raven-haired girl smiled weakly once more, leaning against his strong arms, feeling safeness she had not felt in a long time.

Almost passionately, Wufei looked down at Rei and she caught his gaze, returning it warmly. 'Yes, I could definitely fall in love with Wufei, despite the coldness he shows toward me at times.' She answered her question silently. But who was she kidding? She already had. Though Rei knew it was a hopeless thought and fantasy, she wondered if he felt the same about her. Whenever she began to see a sign of hope that he did, he would always mask it and continue on in his harsh gruff manner. 'Only time will tell.' She thought before closing her eyes, mumbling another thank you against his neck.

~*^*^*~ (AN: I hope you Hotaru/Heero fans are happy about the next part, since it's the only reason this chapter is out so late. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get Heero to be a romantic person while actually making him stay in character (slightly) and making it sound realistic? I admire all those who do it effectively, because to me, it's hard.)

His fingers danced rhythmically over the keys of the Gundam, carefully picking letters and numbers, using them to his advantage as he checked through the defenses. His Prussian blue eyes stared at the large computer screen that was around him, glaring at it as if it would do something when he did so. But his mind was elsewhere, away from his constant pounding on the keys on his Gundam, away from the war that would take place soon, away from everyone and everything that was in this safe house, away from the present, and in the past.

'She was just a girl, a teenager that I knew for so long.'

A glowing erupted from inside the cockpit, and various test results appeared in front of him.

'We were both teenagers, we had no idea what love was.'

Looking through the results, he made sure everything was at its maximum:

Registry Number: XXXG-00W1. Height: 17.7 meters. Weight: 9.5 tons. Material: Gundanium. Armaments: Twin Buster Rifle, Beam Saber X2, Wing Vulcan X2, Machine Gun X2, Machine CannonX2, ShieldX1.

Fighting Ability: 180, Weapons Ability: 160, Speed Ability: 175, Powered Ability: 150, Armored Ability: 170. Everything was perfect; slightly more improved than last time, as the mechanics had said. Heero was just slightly pleased, as he was barely paying attention in the first place. 'We had no idea what love was at the age of fifteen,' he repeated silently.

"Then why do I still feel like I did so long ago?" He voiced his final thought aloud, sitting back in his seat, eyes closed. The lights around him illuminated his seemingly serene face, oblivious to the raging emotions conjured up inside his head. This feeling was slightly foreign to him, since he had felt it at least two years ago. It was before the war, before he became a Gundam pilot, before his humanity was stripped away. He didn't know how to deal with it, just embrace it.

Yet he could not, his logical mind holding him back. They were moments before a war; he could not let his feelings show during battle. They would distract him; they would do everything but aid him in battle. What was their use?

Heero growled, trying to make it sound menacing, but failing as it came out softly. Frustration was building up inside him, being faced with a new feeling he hadn't felt in so long, and not knowing what to do about it was angering. He wasn't supposed to be confused, he was a trained soldier, the Perfect Soldier that knew nothing but how to fight.

Then why did he want so badly to hold Hotaru in his arms, to feel her soft skin, run his hands through her silky hair, feel his lips pressed to hers? Why was his past catching up to him now? He didn't want to lose anything else. He had lost so much, too much. He was so afraid, out of touch with his feelings. All he knew was to follow orders; he knew not how to love. But then . . . . Why not?

Why not embrace the thoughts now, and not fail yet once more? Not miss this chance again? He had failed countless times, including assassinating Relena Peacecraft who had known too much. Including not feeling. He had killed innocents, he hadn't destroyed OZ, clearly since they came back once more with a new leader. Was he a born failure, even in the passion he felt so much when he was around the pale skinned, black haired, violet-eyed girl? Was he doomed, deemed to be alone for the rest of eternity?

Slowly, Heero sighed, racking a hand through his hair. Opening his Prussian blue eyes, he distractedly pushed a few keys, opening the hatch and grabbing onto the lift wire. As the wire descended, he wondered just what he was going to do.

~*^*^*~

Hotaru was sitting in a chair at the kitchen table, eyes closed, a glass of water in her hand. Her crying had left her weakened and thirsty, so she had come here, and taken the seat as she wondered if her life was cursed from the start. But then he had come, sitting down in front of her, his once cold eyes filled with caring. But when Hotaru looked into them, she had to force her gaze away. It was too much like the way he used to look at her before, and she didn't want to be reminded that never again would she be loved like he loved her before.

"What was the meeting about?" Heero asked softly, his throat slightly closing up as Hotaru pointedly refused to meet his gaze. 'Have I caused her so much pain that she hates me?'

Hotaru said nothing; she knew her orders. Haruka had told them not to tell the pilots, and she knew she couldn't disobey her, it could mean the mission would be ruined if any of the pilots weren't here when Tanaka and Tomoe decide to put their plan into action. "It wasn't important." She lied.

Heero held back a snort at her visible lie. He didn't know why she refused to tell him, but she had to have her reasons. It didn't mean he was going to let her off the hook, however. "You're lying."

"Believe what you want, Heero." Hotaru said softly, yet just as coldly. It was Heero's turn to remain quiet at her comment, slightly surprised at how much venom had been put into her voice. "Heero," Hotaru continued softer, the hate gone from her voice. "I don't have amnesia anymore, and I remember my past. Everything." She turned her gaze to the teenager who sat in the seat in front of her, his face unreadable. "I'm . . . I'm . . ." Hotaru hesitated, trying to escape the hypnotic effect his eyes had on her. She scooted her chair back as if she were going to run away, knowing it was a mistake to reveal her true feelings and make him resent her evermore.

Heero got up from his chair abruptly, just as Hotaru had from hers, and quickly came around the table and stood in front of her, blocking her path. He took both of her hands this time and pulled her to her feet. He looked almost scared; a frown tugged at his lips. "You're what?"

Hotaru jerked her hands from his grasp and hid them behind her back. They trembled slightly, with cold and with something else. "Just forget it, you're not going to want to hear this." She mumbled, taking a step back. 'You won't want to hear that I'm still in love with you,' she finished in her mind.

Heero stepped closer to her refusing to let her leave. "I don't care." He took her hands and held them tightly. "Now, what were you going to say?" He held her arms in place with his hands, looking down at her expectantly. His proximity made Hotaru nervous. She had felt safe with him across the table from her, but now he was standing right in front of her. She ached to just throw herself into his arms and absorb the warmth radiating from him, but something held her back. Hotaru swallowed and turned her head away, considering trying to run out the door.

"You're not going anywhere." Heero let go of her arms and caught her around the waist, pulling her closer to him. "Why can't you say it, Hotaru?" He looked deep into her eyes, searching. "Say it Firefly. Say that you hate me, that our past together means nothing to you anymore, and that I should forget about it and leave it behind me. Tell me that you don't love me like I loved you, and I'll leave Firefly. Just tell me the truth."

Hotaru's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Heero in front of her. He loved her. Heero Yuy, The Perfect Soldier, Odin Lowe Junior still loved her. Tears came to her eyes as she shook her head from side to side, sobbing freely against his chest, throwing her arms around him. Too much emotion clouded her vision as she felt a weight lift from her pained heart. "No!" She sobbed. "Don't leave me, please, not again Heero! I love you. Just don't leave me."

Heero tensed considerably. He had expected her to be relieved, to scream at him, to agree that she hated him. But this . . . He cradled Hotaru's sobbing form against him, resting his head against hers, inhaling her scent and wrapping his arms around her. "Ai shiteru, Firefly. Ai shiteru, Hotaru Tomoe." He whispered against her quieting form, lifting her face to stare into her beautiful eyes. "I won't leave you, ever." With that statement, he lowered his head and kissed her. His kiss was gentle. He wanted to give in to the feelings whirling within him, but he was afraid.

He had been holding back since their last kiss, two years ago, afraid that he would hurt her, afraid that he would lose her somehow because of the intensity of his feelings for her. Afraid that she would break his heart, a heart that had been broken too many times. And he did, which was why he was so reluctant. But Hotaru kissed him back almost savagely, and by doing so, she broke down all the barriers.

He kissed her harder, more passionately then before, but there was something different about his kiss this time. It was possessive, and he felt her respond in kind. He finally gave in to his emotions and crushed her against himself. She clung to him as he drank of her essence, unable to get enough of the girl in his arms. Heero's heart leaped when he realized that he wanted to have this girl for the rest of his life.

Finally, both reluctantly broke off. Hotaru leaned against Heero's chest; arms still around his neck. Her eyes were closed, her thoughts jumbled. She never thought that Heero would love her again, she thought that never again would she feel his lips against hers, and she was glad she was wrong.

Heero slowly unwrapped his arms from Hotaru's petite waist, pulling her chin up as he gazed into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Firefly." He whispered hoarsely, caressing her cheek. "I never thought I could cause you so much pain . . . ."

Hotaru silenced him with a finger to his lips. She smiled at him slightly, gazing at his eyes. Leaning against his cheek, she removed her finger from his lips, placing both hands on his. "Never forget that I love you, Heero Yuy."

Relaxing visibly, Heero brushed back a lock of hair from Hotaru's face and smiled. It wasn't a smirk, or a sneer, or a fake one. This time it was a genuine smile filled with love. Once more Heero took Hotaru in his arms, brushing his lips against hers. "Ai shiteru," he whispered.

~*^*^*~ (AN: Jeez that was hard to do . . .)

Akiko raised an eyebrow at a site she never would have guessed she would see. But nonetheless, she grinned, skipping down the hall. 'Guess the kitchen is off limits for a while.' She thought almost giddily.

"It seems that everyone is falling in love, don't you think?" Kaiya's calm voice said to Akiko as she walked into the lobby.

"Yeah, it's a regular porn book." Akiko joked, throwing herself onto the couch as Kaiya sat down in a rocking chair next to her. The teenager rolled her teal eyes, which held just a hint of humor. "Did you know that Hotaru and Heero have a thing going now?" Akiko then asked as she snuggled a pillow.

Kaiya smiled. "I never would have guessed. Heero Yuy falling in love with Hotaru . . ." Musing on this, she laughed lightly. "It's also evident that Rei and Wufei have feeling for one another."

Akiko almost fell off the couch. "They're more stubborn than mules! And they . . . like a said before, a porn book. We're living in a porn soap opera." Shaking her head, she looked at Kaiya once more. "It's also obvious that you and Trowa are together. Don't look surprised, I saw how you looked at him and how he squeezed your hand."

"What about Duo?"

Akiko only smiled, her face turning red. "And Ami and Quatre are also together, unless that kiss was a friendly gesture, which I doubt." Kaiya laughed softly. "You know what? It's nice to talk like the old days, before we were brought into this war." Akiko said quietly.

Kaiya nodded in agreement. "Yet life has its ups and downs, I'm glad I'm still here, or never would I have fallen for Trowa."

The brown-eyed girl grinned, eyes closing against her pillow. "By the time this is all over, our love life will be at its peak, right? So lets make it out alive -- we got some guys to take care of!"

"I believe your right," Kaiya mused, lifting herself from her seat. "Don't tell me you're going to sleep on the couch?"

"And miss being with Duo while I have the chance? I'd rather run out of his omelets for a full week."

"Wouldn't we all . . ." Kaiya's voice faded through the hallway as Akiko got up and stretched, heading for her own room.

~*^*^*~

"Do you think we're doing the right thing?" Michiru asked her lover gently as she sat down at the arm of the couch next to her. They were still in the meeting room, having just gotten off the phone with Setsuna.

"What do you mean?" Haruka replied in confusion.

"We're bringing them all into a war none of them want to fight. We could ruin lives and possibly even terminate a few." Michiru said. "Are we doing what's right?"

"Yes," Haruka answered simply. "During a war, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. They decided to take the chance when they could have backed out, and now they must live with it. I know it's hard, but we just have to wait, and hope no one dies, no matter how inevitable that is. So yes, we are doing what's right."

"Then why do I have such a nagging feeling something is going to go terribly wrong?" Michiru whispered, and Haruka squeezed her hand gently.

~*^*^*~

Somewhere between the colonies and Earth floated an invisible station. It remained undetected and unseen as the only resident inside it worked tirelessly at the controls. Fingers danced over an almost uncountable number of keys. They seemed to stretch everywhere. A number of satellite images from Earth and the colonies alike showed up on multiple screens overhead. Small, intelligent eyes watched them all simultaneously.

But a few certain images, specifically from Earth, caught the attention of the owner of the grand spy station. A hand reached out to grab the phone and dial a certain number.

~*^*^*~

"Yes?" Doctor Tanaka asked as he picked up his end of the phone after the second ring.

The voice at the other end was calm and emotionless, much like his own. "We have finished them!"

The dark figure in the large chair gripped his armrest so tight it started to squeal from the pressure. "How are they?" His voice was deep as he tried to keep his excited temper in check.

"We say that they're about all completed, even with the new additions. Like we said before, we know our stuff. It was a professional job."

The man in the darkness took a moment to gloat. "What about the rest?"

"They remain untouched for a while, since they were finished long before. We don't think they know about any of these new suits yet."

"Good, let's keep it that way." The screen was turned off at the sound of the beep and the dark man in his dark world was left to gloat with his dark thoughts. "It's almost time, isn't it?" He rasped.

The shapely figure standing beside him moved and the vague light from beyond the room shed some color on her silhouette. "It cannot be any better of a time," Kaori Night replied calmly. "Even after all your preparation they still managed to find the mobile dolls, but not the Gundams. Yet."

"Just like you said they would," The figure of Dr. Tanaka spoke darkly.

Kaori allowed herself a small smirk of triumph. "And now that they know about you they're not going to give up until they stop you. But they can do nothing to stop your Gundams, or your mobile suits and dolls."

The shadowed man smirked darkly in his chair. "We won't need to take anymore precautions. Alert all the factories; tell them to get the rest of the mobile dolls ready. We're going to go ahead and proceed with the last step of the plan."

"But Dr. Tanaka," Kaori argued. "Couldn't I take just a little--"

"No!" Tanaka barked as his fist hit the desk. "We are at a very delicate point now. I do not have the time or the resources to divert over to these half-assed experiments of yours. Just look at me," stepping from the shadows with a smirk on his lips, his whole body was visible now. Silver skin made of Gundanium alloy sparkled in the lamps haunting gaze as he clenched and unclenched his harder than steal hands. "I'm already far beyond perfect with this body. It matters not to me if you want more research."

Kaori pressed her lips into a firm line as she swallowed the insult dancing on her tongue. "Yes Dr. Tanaka," she replied levelly and obediently moved to comply with her leader's wishes.

"Kaori Night," Tanaka suddenly called to her.

She stopped in her tracks and turned around. "Yes?"

"These Gundam Pilots," He said to himself and Kaori in a low tone. "We'll see if you can get the best of me." Flaming red hair shimmering in the light, the woman smiled.

"Yes, Dr. Tanaka, I'm sure your army will wipe them all to ashes."

"Oh, and Kaori?"

"Yes?" Kaori Night almost growled, annoyed at his constant orders.

"Why do you have a patch between your eyes?" Dr. Tanaka asked curiously, indicating the space where Heero had shot her.

"It's nothing, Dr. Tanaka. Just some fool who did not know I'm made of Gundanium." She replied, smirking viciously.

~*^*^*~

Outside, the sun hadn't even risen when her eyes opened. It was almost time, this she knew. Rubbing her eyes slightly, she looked at the clock and read the large, red numbers.

12:13am.

Racking her hand through her black hair, Akiko stared at his serene face that looked so beautiful to her with bangs covering his forehead, his yard long braid loosened from his hair. Untangling herself from his arms, she made sure to memorize every detail, every hair, birthmark, scar, and muscle on his body. She knew not if this would be her final time seeing him, and she wanted to grasp every detail clearly, so she wouldn't forget.

Closing her eyes, she rubbed the tears that had fallen. Slowly, she climbed off the bed, pressing her lips against Duo's. He moaned softly to her mouth, about to open his eyes when Akiko pressed a hand to his face and stopped him. "Just kiss me Duo," she murmured to his lips, and Duo did just that, wrapping his arms around her neck and pulling her closer. 'I love you Duo, remember that,' She said mentally, ending the kiss by breaking apart.

Duo groaned softly, but Akiko silenced him with her finger. "Go back to sleep Duo, please," she whispered, hoping she didn't sound as pained as she felt.

Nodding dumbly, Duo pulled the covers over him with a small yawn. He mumbled a few words, before his breathing became more rhythmic, and Akiko knew he was once more asleep.

One lone tear escaped her cheek and fell onto the ground, but Akiko was already changing to leave before it hit the floor.

~*^*^*~

"Where are you going?" The words were so unexpected; Ami jumped from the doorknob and was turned around before the sentence finished. She clutched her heart, sighing with relief and frustration. Relief at the fact that it was only Quatre, though she didn't know who else it could have been. Frustration clouded out relief as she realized her predicament, knowing Quatre would probably not let her leave unless she explained.

She walked toward the blonde Arabian, filling the space between them. All at once she wrapped him in a fierce embrace, leaning her head against his chest. "How did you know I was leaving?" She countered his question with her own.

"I'm a light sleeper. But . . . where are you going?"

Ami sighed, looking up into his eyes. "Quatre Raberba Winner," she spoke his full name softly, watching as confusion ran across his face. "I . . . I care for you a lot, possibly even more then you can imagine. You fill a part of my soul, as if we were meant to be together. And with your beautiful, caring eyes, I cannot lie to you, no matter how much I have to and no matter how much I want to." She sighed, closing her eyes and holding him tighter. "But you have to promise me you'll stay here, to fight the war until we get back."

"Ami . . .? Get back from where?"

"Promise me."

"I promise . . ." Quatre answered, lifting Ami's chin up to face him.

"We're going to space, to retrieve the five new Gundams . . . to use them to aid you and your friends for this war. Its far greater then you can imagine it to be, and I even wonder if ten Gundams are going to be enough."

The blonde sucked in a breath, closing his eyes. "Let me go with you."

"You can't! Don't you understand that Dr. Tanaka and Professor Tomoe can release their army whenever they wish? It's up to you five to stay here to protect everyone when they do," She argued.

"Ami, if anything happened to you . . ."

"Nothing will happen Quatre. This I can promise you. Now keep your promise. Please." She was begging now, pleading with every ounce of essence she had. "Stay and wait. We'll be back before the war even starts . . . and if not, we'll be your back up. Just believe in me, Quatre. We know what we're doing, otherwise your help would have been asked."

He didn't answer, but instead pressed his lips against hers. Everything he felt was being poured into what could be their final kiss, including his heart and soul. She meant everything to him, and he knew he'd be incomplete without her. Tongues danced sensuously, as if they would never touch again. And in reality, it was a possibility that they both knew.

Finally pulling away, Ami smiled. "In case we arrive after the war begins . . . stay safe for me." Without waiting for an answer, Ami turned and walked out of the door, closing it behind her.

Determined, Quatre nodded with a sweet smile on his face. "I will Ami, but you will as well, wont you?" He asked at the closed door.

Silence offered him no answer, nor any comfort.

~*^*^*~

She silently grabbed the passport and separate directions from under the mattress, not making a sound as she walked across the room. She stopped in front of his bed. Bangs covered his face as his chest rose and fell with breaths of air. Slowly, cautiously, she walked to the side of him and kneeled down, watching him with teal eyes. 'Stay safe for me Trowa, I don't think I'm strong enough to fight in this war without you.'

Kaiya pulled his bangs out of the way and brushed her lips against his. No tears escaped her eyes as she thought they would, but instead her face remained impassive. He stirred just slightly, but calmed when he realized it was only her. And Kaiya smiled slightly, knowing if anyone else had gotten this close to Trowa, they probably ended up on the other side of the room before they knew what happened, all thanks to his reflexes.

Pulling back, Kaiya closed her eyes, putting together his face piece by piece, making sure she knew every detail, every emotion, and every gesture -- everything about him. Smiling slightly, both with pain and love, Kaiya turned and walked away quietly.

Her hand rested on the doorknob, and she took a deep breath, looking back at Trowa as she opened the door and left, closing it behind her. She had a mission to do; he had a war to fight. Soon, they would meet, and she knew very well there was a possibility one of them or even both, could face the ultimate penalty.

~*^*^*~

/// Rei's Dream ///

She was alone, standing by herself in a world of nothing but dark mist. There did not appear to be anything tangible anywhere as far as she could see, and even the ground beneath her seemed to be nothing but a gloomy haze as she remained floating in a world without substance. 'Where am I?' Her mind wondered. 'I'm lost.'

But suddenly, the mist cleared, and she realized it wasn't mist at all. The mist turned into smoke, black horrible smoke that made Rei's eyes water. Clasping her hand over her mouth, she tried to run away from the smoke, but as soon as she did, she found herself in space.

Instantly, she turned, looking around her. A heat surged in her back, and she turned, eyes wide at the battle before her. Five Gundams fought off what looked like thousands of mobile dolls. Hundreds of lights exploded and more fire exploded the red suits.

She counted the Gundams, all of the ones that she could make out. Heavyarms, Sandrock, Wing Zero, Altron . . . and five others, each cast in shadow. She turned; realizing Deathscythe was no where in site.

"It all comes down to the final battle." A voice -- the same voice as before -- whispered across her mind. She looked around, searching intently for the Gundam that was locked in shadow, the one she could never catch a glimpse of.

Yet once again an explosion of light caught her eyes and she turned around to see a Gundam cast in shadow. And yet once again, before she could get a good look at it, the Gundam exploded in a mass of fire and metal, sending whatever remains toward the Earth and into the far clutches of space.

Finally, once again, an emptiness filled Rei's heart as one name suddenly came to mind. "Duo . . ."

/// End of Dream ///

Rei's eyes instantly popped open, and she found herself sitting in a meditating position. She rubbed her eyes as the visions of her dream lingered in her mind, still feeling like reality. She stayed there for a moment as her mind recapped what she had experienced and tried to interpret its meaning, but once again she found herself clueless to what it meant.

Turning to check her clock, she realized that she had only half an hour before her shuttle left -- with or without her. She had already been dressed, awakening in her bed just ten minutes before, knowing Wufei had put her there.

She looked to her side, and realized that he was not asleep as she thought he would be. With a sigh, she grabbed her passport and directions, stuffing them in her pocket. Walking to her side of the room, she crouched down and pulled out a black bag and opened it, revealing various weapons ranging from guns to knives. Taking a simple handgun, she shoved the leather bag back where it was, then got up from her sitting position.

As she turned to leave, however, she realized that something was holding her back. She knew she had to leave, but she couldn't, not without seeing Wufei again; even though she knew he'd demand to know where she was going to go. "I swear he confuses even me sometimes," Rei grumbled, walking out of the room and walking towards the training room.

~*^*^*~

Hotaru blinked away the tears, wondering why she was getting so emotional all of a sudden. All she was going to do was go to space to retrieve one Gundam from space, as the rest of the girls were going to retrieve their own. They were going to sneak in and charge out -- simple as that. It was so simple, that no one was going to die, so why was she so worried?

She stepped silently away from the bed Heero was sleeping in, frustration building up inside of her. She knew now that he loved her, and he knew now that she loved him; but what would his reaction be when he awoke to find out they had gone to space? What if he awoke . . . and she was dead because of some screw up?

All Hotaru wanted to do now was run. Leave before he woke up and asked questions, but she didn't want to. What if she came back and he was dead? She knew she shouldn't be asking herself questions like these, because risk had gotten all of them this far. But what if . . .

Letting out a sigh, she walked up to the bed, closer, until she was crouched down next to him. Would she ever feel his lips pressed against hers again? She wondered once more, just like when he left to fight the war and she would always wonder. She turned toward the door, knowing she'd have to go soon, but decided against it for now.

She turned to Heero, her fingers interlacing with his. His eyes opened slowly, holding mild confusion. But then, their eyes locked and Hotaru felt for a moment as if the world stood still. Hotaru whispered softly, passed the lump in her throat, "Kiss me, Heero, as if it were for the last time." Heero did not reply, but he bent his head up until their foreheads were touching. "I love you," Hotaru said before he brought his lips to hers.

For a moment, the world did stand still. An eye of peace in the midst of a storm of darkness and the threat of war. She clung to her lover tightly, eyes closed, knowing that this could probably be the last time she could ever see him in the flesh.

She fought back the urge to cry as Heero's arms tightened around her, reluctant to let her go. Nonetheless, she didn't, not in front of him now. She felt his tongue rub the bottom of her lip gently, and Hotaru opened her mouth slightly to its entrance. Tongues dance together sensuously and Hotaru squeezed Heero's hand tighter, as if trying to reassure him, but knowing she was only reassuring herself.

Finally, they broke off what seemed to be an ever-lasting kiss, and drew their heads apart. Hotaru gazed at Heero, trying to memorize every feature of his face. He was looking up at her, a slightly worried glint in his eyes. "Firefly . . .?" He whispered uncertainly, noticing she was dressed.

She shook her head, a sad smile on her face. "Ai shiteru," she said, rising from the floor. "I won't be gone long. Haruka needs us again. Just go to sleep, I'll be back before you know it." With that said, she opened the door and walked out, closing it behind her.

Heero frowned, confused beyond belief, watching as Hotaru sprinted away from him. That smile. It had been tinged with sadness. As if she knew something that he did not. "What is it, Firefly?" He whispered, following her.

He did not get far; however, as someone placed a hand on his neck before he knew they were behind him. With a growl, he sunk to the floor slowly. But Heero was unconscious before his face touched the wooden floorboard.

Hotaru kneeled next to him, placing his arm over her shoulder and dragging his unconscious form back to his bed. As he lay limp before her, Hotaru's violet eyes filled with sadness. She hadn't had another choice. It was either that, or have him follow her, one thing that she couldn't allow. Without a sound, she turned, running out of the opened door, shutting it behind her.

'I'll come back to you Heero, if you come back to me.'

~*^*^*~

He was standing there doing nothing. His eyes were closed and his breathing was slow and calm, peaceful. His hands were folded behind his back, his feet firmly placed on the ground, separated by a few inches.

And Rei watched from her spot against the wall, out of sight from the door of the training room. She could see as he took breaths of air, the way his chest lifted and fell slowly. A smirk tugged at her lips just slightly, both with frustration and mild amusement. 'He knows that I'm here.' She realized, stepping back into the shadows of the corridor. 'Maybe he will just let me leave . . .'

Turning around, she began walking unhurriedly back the way she came, but was stopped suddenly at his gruff voice. "You're leaving."

"Yes," Rei answered quietly. Through the corner of her eye, she saw Wufei's calm stance dissipate as he unfolded her arms and turned toward her, face etched in a frown.

"You're going to get the Gundams that are in space. But I don't want you out there fighting." Wufei told her bluntly.

Rei frowned slightly, crossing her arms in front of her chest, closing her eyes. "I have to, and I really don't care what you think about this." She answered defiantly, walking away from him and toward her room, already knowing it was a bad idea to try to see him before she left. Briefly she wanted to kick herself. What was she thinking? More importantly, what was she expecting to get out of seeing him again?

"Rei!" An angry voice hissed from down the hall, disrupting her thoughts.

"Oh no." Rei muttered, sprinting toward her room. "He's going to follow me and I'm going to have to knock him out. Typical."

Shutting the door to the room she and Wufei shared, Rei crouched down next to her bed, pulling out more weapons. Maybe if she could busy herself with something else, he would give up and leave her alone . . . .

Wufei knocked on the door and then opened it, not waiting for the usual answer. Rei was busy strapping her guns around her waist and thigh, so she didn't bother notice his rude entry. Surprised at the black bag and what it carried, Wufei took notice of the various artillery that surrounded her and was impressed by its amount. Normally he didn't believe it was a woman's place to fight, but for some reason, Rei was an exception. She belonged among the hardware that surrounded her. But that didn't mean he wanted her to. "Why you?" He pressed.

"Why not?" She answered, anger showing her voice.

"You don't even know how to fly a mobile suit!" Wufei accused. "Much less a Gundam!"

"I've been taught. I can pilot a mobile suit as well as any Gundam."

"But you cannot pilot it in a battle."

"Watch me Wufei," Rei challenged, turning to him. "You may see me as weak, but I'm not!" Already she felt the frustration she always felt build up around her, but she didn't listen to it. She had to leave, a war was coming and she was needed -- with her Gundam that she was going to retrieve. Though angry, she still felt the familiar longing tugging at her heart.

"I don't want you going." He said, to Rei's surprise, sincerely. Crossing his arms in front of his chest, he glared at the teenager in front of him, though his eyes were pleading.

"Tough."

"That's the saddest reply I've ever heard." Wufei said with a shake of his head.

"You want to hear something sad? I'll tell you." Rei said, her eyes softening a bit. "I met this great guy. He had a high moral code, a wonderful heart and only wants to do right. He makes me frustrated, more then anything else ever had. He's a sexist because he believes no one can match up to the strength of his deceased wife. And no matter how much I try to impress him, his wife still haunts me, just as much as he mocks me. But rather then hating him -- I fell in love with him."

Wufei was taken slightly aback by the change in her demeanor. She practically in tears now. He knew she was referring to him, and she was right in everything she had said so far. "So what is so sad about that?" He asked softly.

Rei just shrugged her shoulders in defeat. "He doesn't love me."

Wufei just stared at her in shocked silence. He dropped his crossed arms and they hung limply by his side. Had he really been that neglectful of her to make her think such a thing? Rei decided to take his shock as an advantage and brushed past him, heading for the door. But Wufei came to his senses just as she walked by him. Instinctively, he reached and grabbed her by the elbow.

"Let me go Wufei." Rei quietly said, not looking back at him.

"That's not true." He told her.

"Please, don't say things that you don't mean."

"And when have I ever said anything that I didn't mean woman?" Wufei said, his frustration making itself known. He pulled her around to face him and she reluctantly looked up at him. "I mean every word I say to you." He told her, softening his voice. "Rei Hino, wo ai ni." [1]

He leaned down and gently kissed her, lips pressing against hers passionately. Rei fought back a cry of relief and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck, making her love flow through the kiss, silently telling Wufei how much she wanted this. Tongues danced enthusiastically as their eyes closed, bodies pressing tightly against one another.

When he finally broke the kiss, she rested her head against the side of his and hugged him tightly. "Wo ai ni Chang Wufei." She whispered in his ear.

"Come back to me." He pleaded, holding her tightly.

"I promise."

~*^*^*~ (AN: Like I said before, stubborn people are hard to match up.)

Away from the safe house, away from the abandoned land, the busy city that surrounded it, just at the out skirts of town, was the shuttle bay. Inside, what seemed like hundreds upon hundreds of people walked around busily, trying to get to their right flight that would take them through the blackness of outer space and into the colonies. And In the decking lobby, completely in tune to their surroundings, three people sat away from everyone else in the corner of a small café, watching the citizens as they walked by, trying to locate the five teenage women they were looking for.

One of the figures shifted in their seat, blonde bangs falling and shrouding their face. Rosy lips smiled slightly at the waiter as he brought them their drinks. "Thank you sir," The voice was feminine, and when she looked up, big blue eyes filled with mischief were shown. The waiter bowed, leaving the girl alone with her company.

The blonde turned to her friends, both female and no older than her at the age of seventeen. One was taller than the other two, brown hair pulled up into a pony tail, forest green eyes, and an almost vicious smirk separated her from her two long blonde haired, blue eyed friends. The girl that had thanked the waiter spoke once again, fixing a large red bow on top of her head. "It's almost time, Usagi, Makoto," She said softly, glancing around.

Makoto nodded, her brown hair waving slightly. "Dr. Tanaka plans to release them all soon and we're not even sure if the five original Gundams are ready."

"We'll just have to listen, then." Usagi agreed. Her hair was up in an Odango-style that told her apart from the other blonde. "If Haruka and Michiru tell us they're finished, we can spring a surprise attack and go to them for a change."

"Hai," the first blonde nodded. "There's no chance we can lose this after coming so far."

"There's always a chance, Minako, remember that." Makoto warned. "Arrogance and overconfidence don't belong on the battlefield."

"I'm trying to look on the bright side of things," Minako grumbled, when an announcement came over the speakers.

*Will passengers boarding to the L-1 Colony Cluster, Colony LX13-5599 please go to Lobby F to prepare for boarding. I repeat . . .*

"Let's go," Usagi said, standing from her chair and placing money on the table. "We have to help Rei and the others, after all."

~*^*^*~

Five teenage women walked side by side as they entered the shuttle bay. "Everyone got their passports?" Rei asked.

"Yes," Hotaru, Ami, and Akiko answered. Kaiya nodded once.

"C'mon then, we got a few presents to pick up!" Akiko said, holding a small pack over her shoulder.

Each girl nodded, knowing to expect the worst, but to try their best. For now, it was the beginning of the end.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[1] Wo ai ni: This means I love you in Chinese. I'm not sure if it is true or not, I heard it from a friend.

Author's Notes: All right! I finally updated! Yay me . . . again! Anyways, I hope this clears up a few things. Lets see . . . only a few more chapters to go, and if you're wondering, its gonna be at least over thirty, because I don't wanna rush things. I mean, who can rush a war?

Well, it looks like everyone's paired up now! YAY! Oh, and to let you know, this chapter without including this Author's Note, is...22 pages long! My longest yet! *Faints*

Anyways, the Hotaru/Heero romance part is dedicated to all those who have been begging for it. (Hikari-Angel, I hope I didn't kill you with the wait!) And the Rei/Wufei is likewise. Um...what to say? Oh right!

I wanted to say this very important thing before I go: How was the romance? Please be honest! I think it was way overly dramatic, but I couldn't figure out another way to write it, which was another reason why this chapter was so late. I'm only 13 years old and technically never been in a relationship, or even *kissed* yet, so I hope I'm doing this right! Comments, criticism? Suggestions? PLEASE TELL ME! *Sighs* I'll leave now, since this is getting long. Thanks for your patients!

Till next time, Ja ne!