Chapter 12

Jet: Well, after a LONG time…chapter twelve is out. It's long, and I hope you enjoy it. This is where my story really comes to a…peak. Have fun, and review at the new address: SacriligevsCrossX@hotmail.com

It was now about nine o'clock, and all the occupants of the Gundam Apartments were now awake. Each of them had been permitted to "visit" Heero, who was still under Trowa's watch, though Ralara was taking care of him for the moment.

J'Amier and Wu Fei were getting ready for work, as were the others. Duo had fallen asleep halfway through his breakfast due to a very, very late order he'd been working on the day before.

Several days ago Sky and Ice had both gotten jobs via Quatre - Sky as a cashier at Wal-Mart, Ice as a new secretary for one of the employees in Quatre's office building. They had both gone already, not wanting to be late for their first job. Quatre had checked in with Heero, offering friendly words and some advice before going to a business meeting.

Once Wu Fei and J'Amier had gone, the two couples and Duo were left alone. Trowa was making coffee for Duo and Heero, and he'd also gotten Duo a bottle of wine. Nothing strong enough to make him drunk - Duo was uncontrollable drunk - but enough to satisfy him. The American was an alcoholic, though he was working on curbing the habit.

Dakota sat on the couch next to Ralara, who was administering cold water to Heero's burning forehead. Ralara had been a nurse during the war, and the spy knew how useful she was to have the girl around. Not just for Heero. Back when she'd been an active spy, the nurse had helped her a lot, covering for her injuries, absences from school, and supplying her with medical supplies.

"How's he doing?" She asked.

Ralara's blue-streaked hair fell into her face as she looked up. "I think he'll be okay once his fever goes down. But you and Trowa don't need to stay here all day. It's 9:30 already, and by the time you get ready it'll be 11 or so. Go make lunch reservations Dakota." She advised, knowing how much the girl wanted to spend time with her boyfriend. Besides, both she and Trowa worked hard. They deserved the day off.

Trowa, walking in with the coffee, tea, and wine caught the last bid of the girl's conversation. Setting the drinks down on the coffee table he began to protest.

"But Ralara, we can't just leave you here with two boys to take care of. Duo'll need just as much attention. He's been working too much on that recent order. He made himself sick, you know that."

Ralara smiled. "I don't mind. It's what I do best - making people feel better. Later, I'm planning on taking them out to the park."

The couple looked at each other uneasily. It was obvious they felt guilty about leaving Ralara alone. It was equally obvious that they would appreciate some time to themselves, and while they wished to say and help with the sick ones, they also wished to go out for a while.

Heero's girlfriend sighed. "Do I have to kick you two out of the house or what? Go on, go get ready! Shoo!" She motioned for them to leave the room.

Smiling, Trowa slid his hand into Dakota's and took her up to her room. "I'll be back for you in an hour." He whispered, walking over to the stairs to go get ready as well. He blew her a kiss before disappearing.

Dakota smiled. She loved Trowa, especially the way he was now. He was so friendly and caring. Totally different from when she'd met him. Or when he met me. I've changed too. She thought to herself.

Slowly Dakota walked through her entryway, pausing to look at her favorite paintings she had hung on the wall. After studying them for a few minutes, she moved on. Let's see…I have to shower, dress in that gown I bought last week, do my makeup…sheesh, I'd better get going! She urged herself, walking quickly through her lush living room filled with couches, chairs, an intricate computer and entertainment system, and a wall screen TV. Military salaries came in handy.

When she reached the bathroom, she had to stop and look at it for one moment. It was beautiful. Her shower was large and luxurious, with a rack of soft, fluffy towels to dry off with. The sink was in three parts, all made of marble, with stone shelves for all her makeup. Plus there was a four-part floor length mirror with a shelf and stool nearby so she could get ready.

In the middle of the floor was the best thing of all. A Jacuzzi. That was Dakota's favorite part and it made the whole room. Still smiling, she shut the door to take her shower.

Back downstairs….

Ralara shook her head and sighed. Brushing Heero's bangs away from his face, she got up. Since neither Trowa nor Dakota had called a dinner resort, she had put it upon herself to do it. Besides, she needed to wake Duo up and move him to the couch - sleeping on the countertop wasn't the best thing for him.

When she reached the telephone, she paused. What would be a good restaurant…how about Divinadato? Divinadato was a high-class restaurant in a good part of the colony. Ralara had always wanted to go there. The next best thing would be seeing her best friend go.

Making reservations did not take long. The receptionist was very kind to her, and gave her a good deal on the reservations. Ralara used her own credit account to pay for it. If the couple wished to pay her back, that was fine. If not, that was also fine.

Ralara was brought out of her reverie by Duo's loud snoring. She smiled. The braided was leaping against the counter - braid in his bowl of cereal. She walked over softly to where Duo slept. Nudging him, she spoke to him.

"Duo…Duo wake up." She shook him gently.

With a slight moan, Duo opened his large violet eyes. He muttered something sleepily. It was unintelligible.

"Shh…It's okay. I'm going to help you to another couch. You can sleep then, okay?" She whispered.

He nodded, slowly getting up. Ralara took his arm around her shoulders and helped him walk to a blue couch and lay down. Duo flopped onto the cushions, immediately burrowing into a pillow. Around himself he wrapped a quilt that had been hanging on the arm of the couch. Ralara helped him tuck it in.

Within minutes, he was asleep again. Ralara watched him; his large eyes closed peacefully, his braid and bangs framing his angelic face. For a moment, she wished the war had never happened. Then maybe all the pilots would be more like what they looked like asleep. Innocent. Gentle. Kind. Loving. Instead they were cold, cruel at times, and hated their enemies. Oh well…it's no good harping on the past. Better to think about the present, I have enough problems with that. She thought to herself, getting up to clean off the countertop and check on Heero again.

1 hour later…

Trowa whistled as he shaved. He was very happy. Finally, Dakota and he would be able to go out to eat. He would finally get to spend some time with her.

His suit was not that of a businessman, or a nice tux such as Quatre may have worn, but his own style. He wore black suede pants with a black belt in loops around it, falling to the top of the black boots he wore. Tucked into these pants was a light, white Aiden Blackard designer shirt. It was short sleeved, and the silver buttons were fastened down two from the top. His collar was turned down, and a gold clip of a gun was attached to the left side.

He wore a cross on a silver chain round his neck, though his was of a more gothic style then Duo's Catholic one. He rubbed it subconsciously, as he always did. He sighed as he remembered the reason he had it in the first place. In memory of Midi Une…He sighed again, forcing memories of her away. I have Dakota now. I don't need anyone else. She's my angel now. And with that he left the room.

Trowa smiled as he knocked on Dakota's door. He waited patiently, fidgeting in excitement. She would come to the door any second.

He didn't have to wait long. Soon she opened the door, and stepped out. She looked beautiful. Her dress was red, and came down around her ankles. The dress had slits up to mid thigh, decorated with sequins.

Dakota looked up at her date's lovely green eye. The emerald orb was clear and shone with intelligence and love. She smiled; something she hadn't done much since the war had ended. The moment, of course, was not meant to last, because at that moment Ralara appeared before them.

"You two are so cute! I should tape you guys!" She exclaimed, laughing at the glare she knew that the Slayer was giving her. Of course, like she always did, she ignored it. Her voice was filled with urgency as she told them, "You can't be late! I made reservations at Divinadato for you!"

Dakota stopped in mid-glare. What she had heard was just impossible. Divinadato was the most expensive, classy, and all around best Italian restaurant in the whole Earth Sphere and Colonies. Somehow her friend had managed to secure a reservation. It was incredible.

She didn't really know what to say. "D…Divinadato?" She must have heard wrong. It just couldn't be! "The Divinadato?" She asked. Heero's girlfriend nodded.

Without a further thought, Dakota ran to her friend and gave her a hug. It was a bit uncharacteristic of her, but it was what she could do. The Slayer couldn't scream "DIVINADATO! I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO THERE!" now could she? Her training wouldn't allow it. A hug would have to suffice. It did.

Ralara's face lit up in a way Dakota had only seen a few times before. She grinned at Dakota. They smiled at each other, in a special girl-to-girl smile that said, "Thanks so much," and "Don't worry about it. Don't be late!"

That small smile conversation was all Dakota needed. She grabbed her befuddled boyfriend's hand, and squeezed it to assure him that while he might be clueless as to her behavior, she was perfectly fine, and knew what she was doing. Without much resistance, she began to pull him across the room, explaining in rather loud exclamations, why Divinadato had the reputation it had, and how they couldn't be late.

Trowa smiled softly as his girl did this. He was perfectly content to play the fool, letting her rant and rave about the restaurant. It was good for her to do this, to enjoy something this much. He would have to learn how to do such a thing himself. Perhaps it would be good for him too.

The couple passed Heero who was now awake and sitting up, fever gone. He looked pale, but was in much better condition then when they'd found him that morning. His eyes watched them speed across the room. Wishing that he still had that calm, deadly voice from his dreams, but only having a soft one, he called out to them.

"Trowa, Dakota. You want to be in style. Take my car." It took a moment for him to fish out his keys and then fling them to Trowa. The moment was not wasted however, for the couple had stood there, stunned that he would let them use his baby.

"You know, this has been a really good day." Dakota remarked after thanking Heero. Trowa smiled, squeezing her shoulders. "It can only get better."

----

He gave a small sigh as the happy couple left. If only he could do something like that for Ralara…but he never felt up to a date, or much of anything. The helplessness was not something he was used to, though he was only beginning to remember what he had done in his free time. Because of this, he often got depressed about his condition, and wished things were better.

Like an angel of light in his dark cloud of depression, Ralara came in the room. It seemed that she could sense his unhappiness miles away. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word on her lips. These were the things he loved in her. Things that were hard to find in other girls - like Duo's new girl for instance.

Heero looked guiltily over at Duo, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully. The boy would be furious if he had said that out loud. Duo was very happy with Sky, and he loved her very much. Supposedly the Girl Scout loved him too, so it wasn't his job to interfere. Even if she wasn't very "Girl Scouty" and he didn't think she was in it for true love. But what did he know? He couldn't even remember how to tie his own shoes some days. The ex-soldier shrugged. If his friend was happy, then so be it.

"So Heero, what do you want to do today?" Ralara asked speaking up. She didn't like that dark, brooding expression that Heero got on his face sometimes, like several seconds ago. His friends had hold her he used to have that look on his face 24/7; she was glad she had never seen him like that.

"Do? I…what did you want to do?" He asked, not having any plans of his own. His girlfriend smiled, and he fought the urge to cringe.

"I was hoping you would ask." She said, though he knew she would have told him anyway. "I was thinking that we could go out to the park and swim or get an ice cram, then watch a movie or something. Would you like that?"

Heero looked at her. He didn't know what to say, because he didn't really know how he felt about it. Swimming seemed fun for her, but not so much for him. It wasn't that he couldn't do it-his arms were strong, and he could easily pull himself around. But he didn't want to do that in public, with everyone…looking at him. There may have been a time when he didn't care what anyone thought of him, but it was different now.

The problem was if he refused what Ralara had offered; she would be hurt. And he didn't want to hurt her. Ever. Something told him that he couldn't. That he had screwed up earlier in his life with some girl and he couldn't, and wouldn't screw up this time. He was saved from answering by Duo, who had been woken up by the girls' earlier exclamations.

"That's a great idea. Can we go shoppin' too?" He asked.

Ralara smiled. "Shopping Duo?" She asked, curiously looking over at him.

He was propped up on his elbows, his soft violet orbs that hid so much pain looked at her through half closed lids. His braid had come undone, and his hair fell in waves around his angelic face. He was truly a beautiful creature, even from the point of view of a coupled girl such as herself.

"Shopping." He repeated. "I finished a big project, and I …*Yawn*…have money. I like to shop, and find sexy clothes. 'Cause I'm sexy." He finished, showing his teeth in a grin.

Ralara and Heero groaned. "Whatever you say Duo." His friend sighed. Duo glared and stuck out his tongue, throwing a feather pillow his way.

"Alright, that's enough you too. It sounds like a good idea to me Duo. Heero, do you feel up to going now?" She asked him softly.

Heero looked at his girlfriend with his deep blue eyes. It was true, he felt better then he had that morning, but he didn't really know if he felt up to going out town. Slowly he snaked one of his hands over to Ralara's and slipped it into hers. Her hand was warm, and felt so small and delicate in his. His hands were twice the size, and he often liked to hold both of her hands in one of his. Yet, he drew strength from her; she helped him keep living.

He looked at her once more, and sighed. "I think I'll be okay, but I need to change first." He said softly.

Duo was already beside him. "I'll help you upstairs buddy." He told his friend.

At first it seemed like Heero was going to refuse. Then he sighed, and took Duo's hand. He put all the pressure on his friend's shoulder as he stood up, making Duo clench his teeth a bit. The violet-eyed man grinned though, and said, "Hey, it's good that you're gaining weight. The doctor ordered that didn't he?"

Heero sighed, leaning heavily on his friend as they began to cross the room. They took the elevator, of course – stairs would have been too much work. When they got to Heero's room, Duo laid him gently on the bed and walked over to his friend's dresser. It was nearly bare, with only a few mementos from Ralara on them. While his personality had changed with his accident, his décor sure hadn't.

"What are you going to wear? I'll get it out for you." Duo told him.

The injured man had his eyes closed, thinking. He tried to remember all of his outfits, and what Ralara liked best on him. If he had to go out town, he might as well look good. Finally, he voiced his decision.

"Some of the gray wind pants, the baggy ones with long black strings, blue long-sleeved v-neck shirt, and a black vest – a wool one, not polyester." He told the other.

It took a moment of searching to find the garments requested. Putting them on his arm, he asked, "Anything else?" Heero nodded, requesting a black patterned bandanna to cover his implants, some regular socks and underwear. He also asked for his sneakers.

Duo brought the small pile of clothes over to Heero's bed and dropped them beside him. He looked at him, wondering if Heero would be all right dressing himself. The glare decided it for him. "I'll go get dressed myself, 'kay?" Heero nodded, and Duo quickly let himself out of the room.

Heero sighed, taking off the old shirt and pulling his v-neck on over his head. Who would have thought that v-necks would become popular with men? Only after Aiden Blackard modeled them. He thought to himself. I wonder if I'll ever meet Aiden…Oh brother. What? Nothing. Get dressed – if you can weakling. The argument left him confused. He really needed to see someone about his split personalities.

It wasn't too long before he was dressed. The operation had become a little tricky when he had to put his pants on, but he had managed. Somehow, he always did.

Duo was back for him. The chestnut haired boy had appeared at the door, grinning and overflowing with hyper energy. He never slowed down. His hair had been combed, re-braided, and he had changed. Now the outfit he sported was a loose red silk shirt – short sleeved, of course – and it was tucked into tight fitting black jeans. A black leather jacket was in his hands, and sunglasses rested atop his head.

"Ready?" He asked, flashing white teeth.

"Yeah." Heero replied, looking regretfully over at his wheelchair. "Do I have to?" He whispered.

His friend was about to answer, when Ralara appeared at the door. "No…if you think you are up to using your braced crutches." She told him, holding them up. The crutches had an attached ring for his hands, and the sides of the crutches attached to his upper arm. The body of the crutch was the same as a normal one however, minus the attachments.

"I…can do that." He said softly, taking them from her. It took only seconds for him to strap them on, and then he stood up shakily.

Seeing that everyone was ready, Ralara smiled. "Alright, let's go. I have your swimming stuff, money and…a surprise for you later. I packed it all in Duo's truck." She announced.

"A surprise? In my truck? Sweet!" Duo exclaimed, pulling out his keys and preparing to rush out the door.

"Uh-uh! You can't peek!" Ralara told him. "That's why it's a surprise. Now, let's go out to the truck and get out of here."

Duo sighed, and followed her out. On the way out the door, Duo taped a note he had written earlier to the refrigerator. It explained where they had gone, and when they might get back, in case one of the girls came home, or someone got done work early. He also locked the door with his key, and walked out to the garage where they kept his truck.

They could have taken the black Camaro that Duo owned, but Ralara had chosen the old beaten up black truck that Duo kept around incase he wanted to go somewhere without being noticed by his friends, co-workers, or anyone else for that matter. Sticking the key in the ignition, he started it, and they were off.

~~~

It was now 11:00 sharp, and Trowa was right on time. He pulled the fancy metallic blue car up to the entrance gate and punched in an access number that he had been given by Ralara into a number key by the Comm. System. He waited several seconds, and then the light on the pad turned green. A small computer voice spoke as the gate began to open.

Party: Barton. Table: 17. Waitress: Clept McGlaughlin. Please proceed to Entrance 3. It directed them.

"Thank you." Trowa said, not knowing if there was another person on the other end of the computer or not. Still, it never hurt to be polite, especially when you were on a reservation at a fancy restaurant that could easily cancel your table for a more elegant, and rich, person.

With skill, he pulled up to Gate 3. A valet greeted him there, and took the keys. Trowa slipped him a twenty as he handed them over. He wanted to get a good spot, where his car would not be damaged or stolen, neither by hooligans, or the valet himself. As a result of his training, he trusted no one, and perhaps rightly so.

He let Dakota out of the passenger's seat and took her hand, helping her out of the car. He looked back at the valet and nodded his head, giving him permission to park it, but also sending a warning. It seemed the communication went through clearly, for the valet drove toward the garage very carefully.

"Shall we go?" He asked his date.

"Of course." She replied.

Together they walked through the waiting gate. There, Dakota gasped in awe. The room was beautiful; silk curtains and tapestries hung from the wall, and dozens of tiny mirrors all over the room reflected light from a single gigantic chandelier, which seemed to be made of diamonds. There were several statues and fountains in the room, including ones with colored water. The carpet was thick and soft, and Dakota's heels sunk with every step. The table was built for two, and had a silk tablecloth on it. There were golden candlesticks on the table, and matches to light them. A large bouquet decorated the middle of the table, while silk ribbons trimmed the edges of the cloth. Even the napkin rings seemed to be made of gold and the seat cushions of silk and bird's feathers. It was beautiful.

"Oh…Trowa…look…." Dakota whispered in awe. He nodded in agreement.

Just then, a small woman with blue hair highlighted with purple stepped into the room. She was wearing a very fashionable waitress outfit, though Dakota was pleased to see that her skirt was rather long for such a place as this – it was certainly longer then mid-thigh. That was good. The last thing she wanted was some girl flaunting around on their first date.

"Hello." She greeted them with a sincere smile. "I'm your waitress, Clept McGlaughlin. If you would sit down, I have your menus for you."

They did so, taking their menus as well. "Are all of the rooms singles?" Dakota asked curiously.

The waitress laughed. "Oh no, this one was ordered special for you. You have a nice friend. Keep her." She said.

"Yes, she was kind." Trowa agreed. The waitress apparently was the same one who had made the reservation with Ralara.

Clept had turned to go when a small girl child, about 2 years old hobbled out, dressed in a large T-shirt and ragged pants. "Me atta meatata hote bey." (I'm hungry mama; I wanna eat now.) The girl turned red in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. Reora, you need to get back in the kitchen. These people don't want you running around here."

Trowa interrupted the child, who was about to protest. "No…it's alright…she can come and go with you. Why don't you get her something to eat…we will be a few moments." He offered.

The woman looked at him with relief in her face. "Okay Reora, I'll get you something in the kitchen, come on." The child hooted in joy, and followed her mother.

"Hm. It's strange to see a nice girl like that with a child. She can't be more then 21." He mused. And that child…she reminds me of a female version of Yowlin…without the green skin and tail…I wonder…I'd heard he'd had several children, but…after the breakup of Sacrilege?

"Trowa?" Dakota asked quietly, wondering what the boy was thinking.

He quickly snapped out of his daze and smiled back at her. "Just thinking that I wasn't planning on having kids anytime soon." He said softly to her, taking her other hand in his.

She blushed. "That's good. I'd have to see a ring first and you haven't even…" Then she stopped. He had gotten a very, very serious look about him. Something that she thought that she liked very much. Slowly he leaned over the table, a look of love in his eyes. She closed her own as he tilted her chin up and very delicately touched her lips with his own.

It was like nothing she had experienced before. True, it was not her first kiss, and probably not his either, but it was…different. Perhaps it was because she was truly in love with him. She would never know, but would treasure it always.

Unknown to either of them, Clept had been watching along with Reora, who was sucking on a piece of bread. Strangely, she was not saddened as she usually was, but smiling. I remember when I used to do that. It's real love, not the lust that I see so often that makes me cry. I remember…when Yowlin used to kiss me like that…

~~~

"Wooohooo! ROAD TRIP!" Duo yelled from the driver's seat, his head out the window. "Oooon the roooad again…" Duo grinned at his best friend, who sad rigidly on the other side of the vehicle.

"You don't like my singin' Heero?" He laughed.

Heero snorted. "Your car's singing bothers me more."

It was indeed something to worry about. The car's engine was whining from being pushed at speeds of almost 100 miles per hour. Duo's car could easily handle that speed – his truck could not.

Ralara was white. She looked as if she was trembling, and indeed she was. Calmly, with a frightened edge to her voice, she spoke to Duo.

"Duo – slow – down." He looked at her, then over to Heero, who was scowling, and sighed.

"Fine. We're coming to Drev. Dome anyway."

As Duo slowed their vehicle down, it became apparent that they were approaching the gates. Drev. Dome was a city inside the L2 colony cluster that was built to look as if it was underwater. In fact, a thirty-foot thick aquarium filled with coral and brilliantly colored sea life formed the outside layer of the Dome.

The gates themselves were large and fancy. They seemed to be made out of pearls, and were elaborately decorated with engravings of many different animals. At the foot of the gates were lowly creatures such as starfish and sea urchins, and the chain of animals went up to beckoning mermaids, large whales, and giant snapping turtles. On the very handles of the gates resided two rearing sea dragons, their teeth gleaming and eyes flashing.

"Wow." Ralara whispered. "I…I've gone past the Drevonian Dome, but I've never come here. It's beautiful."

"It's where I grew up. Trowa too, after awhile. It's not so glamorous after you've seen it all your life."

A guard stopped them at the gate, in full blue and gray uniform and body armor that contrasted slightly with his dark skin. "Your identification sir? If you even have one at your age." His black eyes looked bored from the monotone job he held. He shifted the machine gun he carried on his back as he waited for the I.D.

"Here ya go." Duo grinned, handing him his Preventor's I.D. As he had many alibis he had many different identifications, including ones for the underground. This one also identified him as a Gundam Pilot.

"Hey, nice hair!" He grinned as the guard scowled. Then he had to hold his laughter in as the man inspected the embossed seal. The guard's eyes grew wide with wonder that a Gundam Pilot would come to Drevonian dome.

Then, and this was the part that really made him laugh, was the horror in his widened eyes as he realized how gruff he'd been to a Gundam Pilot.

"I…I'm so sorry sir. Please for give my rudeness sir. You may proceed to parking gate 12. Do you need assistance getting there?"

Taking back his identification, he finally let out a burst of laughter that echoed off the walls. The guard looked at him strangely, as if he was crazy.

"I grew up here. I think I know the way." He grinned, pulling away from the gate.

Duo looked ahead of him at the city. It was full of people and activity. Sub-consciously his eyes strayed to a large gap in the city streets. At one time, a magnificent church had stood there, but it was there no longer. The Maxwell Church.

His bright eyes grew dull. Grief came to him, as he remembered Father Maxwell, Sister Helen, and his times there. As he pulled into the parking lot, he caught himself muttering their names aloud.

He didn't notice the worried glances Ralara was giving him as he parked the car. Finally, she spoke up after almost a minute of silence.

"Are you alright Duo?" She asked.

"I'm fine." Came the snapped answer.

"Are…are you sure?"

"Yes. I just…need to be alone. I'll meet you at Aiden Blackard in a few minutes. We can shop before we eat." He told her. "I've got to get some new 'sexy' clothes anyway." He finished softly.

Ralara looked as if she was going to protest, but Heero laid a hand on her arm. "Let's just go." He told her. She nodded, turning to help him out of the car. Heero looked over his shoulder as they walked into the throng, and saw Duo give him a sad smile as he pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

~~~

The marketplace of the Drevonian Dome was an eventful, busy place, and truly fashioned in the old way, with market vendors and carts – no electronic vehicles in sight, though devices were to be found at a number of the stands. Vendors from every colony and country on earth were represented there. People wore garments of every color and shade, some so bright it almost hurt Heero's eyes to look at them. Some were tall, others so short they were heads beneath even his small frame. He even spotted a few mutants, pulling carts and doing other dirty work. There had been an attempt to prevent this genetic mutant labor, but so far, nothing had been done.

"Heero, look out!" Ralara warned, pulling him to the side of the road.

A large peddler's cart, carrying everything from an assortment of vegetables to steel parts for home units, to several cages of livestock was slowly moving down the road, the driver screaming profanities at those in the way. The huge steel wheels could have easily crushed Heero, and even he had to gulp. His momentary fear did not keep him from noticing the creature harnessed to the cart.

It was a genetic mutant, and with only a loose loincloth between itself and indecency, he clearly identified the creature as male. He was humanoid, as most of the publicly seen mutants were. His size was upsetting, as well as other features. The creature loomed somewhere between seven and eight feet, and Heero could not guess how many hundreds of pounds he weighed.

The creature had finely defined muscles that bulged with every step he took. His dark brown skin and the full head of short red wavy hair he carried were covered in sweat. He breathed laboriously, his large fangs protruding from his mouth, while his bright orange eyes darted from place to place, seeking something only they knew.

Large animal paws with two cruel claws on each foot dug into the ground. A long tail tipped with a sheathed spike waved around angrily in the air, while his long pointed ears twitched in equal anger. He even carried a pair of tattered wings, blood red in color, folded against his scarred back.

The creature caught Heero looking at it and snarled. "Stay outta my way ya stupid git!" He snorted at him once more before turning to his strenuous task of pulling the cart all by himself.

"Iscrit!" His master screamed. "Stop running yer mouth and start moving faster!" The crack of the whip brought bright yellow blood from the creature's wings and back. He roared in pain, yelling curses in the mutant's tongue.

Heero pulled Ralara away from the scene. He knew such things upset her. Shakily, she went with him into the heart of the marketplace.

People's yells were everywhere; yells at being cheated, loud sales pitches, and several screams lost in the throng. They passed many stands, each offering a "unique" product. Cloth, beads, a variety of medicines, clothing for the young lady, jewelry for her neck, and a pretty chain for the master...the list went on. Were it not for the throng, and the craftiness he sensed in the merchants, he would have stopped. As it was, he pushed Ralara through.

"Aiden Blackard is this way." He motioned to a right side street that would leave much of the crowd behind them.

Heero found himself becoming excited as they approached the huge boutique. It was more then three stories high, and carved out of the finest stones. Their color was indefinite, for they shifted in the light. The store had more then one gate, some for normal people, and some for those of higher stations, and then those for people who were multimillionaires. Each gate was elaborate, and had carvings of sea animals as the front gate did, mostly of the carving of the sea dragon – which was Aiden Blackard's sign.

Duo was waiting for them. He smiled as they came up to him. Heero tried not to cough. His friend reeked of cigarette smoke. Strong cigarette smoke. Ralara gave Duo a look, but did not hold it for long when she saw the sadness in the other boy's eyes.

"Hey Heero." Kea said softly, holding the door for them.

"Hey Duo. Feeling better?" He asked as he swung past.

"Yeah."

Duo kept quiet as he walked in. At the sight of the store, a grin slowly spread over his face. He had forgotten how much he loved this store. There were clothes everywhere. Racks not only lined the floor and walls, special outfits even hung from the ceiling. There were women's clothes, and men's clothes, in every style. Clothes were made of everything from cotton to pleather.

Immediately Duo spotted his favorite section. There were the clothes he loved. Slim, fitting pants, v-necked shirts, pleated clothes, and knitted ones. Leather, in both pants and shirts. Leather was Kea's material of choice. He loved the smell of it, the feel of it, and how it fit on him. Pleather was cool too – though he usually left that to the ladies.

Then he saw them. The coolest pants he had ever seen. They were on a rack by himself, hanging from the ceiling on a model of long legs, and rotating slowly. They were low riding, and made of soft, deerskin colored suede from the look of them. They were tight at the waist and hips, and then loosened at the knees, getting looser as they went to the feet. A belt of woven suede was loosely in the loops and tied in a knot that hung down to mid-thigh. But the coolest thing of the pants was the leather tie-ups on either side. They began at the hem of the pants and laced up three inches from his belt line. These were on either side. A tie up also replaced the zipper in front. They had to be the most awesome pants he'd ever seen!

One of the female clerks had noticed his interest. As the purchase was rather expensive, she was eager to sell it. She was somewhat tall, with luxuriant auburn hair that fell to her shoulders, and lovely brown eyes. Her nametag called her Natasha. What a nice name.

"Can I help you?" She asked. That voice could shake him out of any stupor.

"Um...yeah…can…can I try those on?" He asked. She laughed.

"Sure, I'll go into the back and getcha pair. What size?" She asked.

"Um..eh..28x34?" He said. "Or…em…if they're normally ladies' pants…em…9/10's?" She smiled again. "I think I can work that out."

She walked off, with Duo right on her heels. He waited as she went into the back, and couldn't help but hear parts of the conversation she had with another person there.

"Koby…tired…you…head home…get some rest." She was looking over her shoulder as she came out, pants over her arm. He smiled.

Then he saw who she was talking to, and paled. There were two men, and one in particular was one he never thought, nor wanted to see again. They were from a gang called Sacrilege, and they had come after Heero before – with a death warrant, though Duo had never known why. They had barely gotten away.

His shoulder-length black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, while his long styled bangs fell to either side of his face, one with a blue streak in it. He had traditional black tattoos around his eyes that made the black orbs less able to be noticed. His eyes looked tired, but Duo hardly noticed. His clothes were simple; merely an older gray t-shirt with faded blue jeans. His name was Kobura.

The other scared him more, even if he looked like he was drugged almost to death. His name was Yowlin Isarn, possibly one of the most dangerous mutants ever created. Even stooped he stood almost eight feet. His skin was a bright green, and he claimed it was an ogre heritage. With those flashing yellow eyes, and large fangs, Duo didn't argue. His clothes had changed. He used to wear leather. Now he wore a loose black tank top and a pair of jeans. Duo also noticed he looked tired and in pain. The boy figured it was because of whatever punishment he'd received when his gang had been broken up.

Kobura's black-rimmed eyes widened, and then narrowed in a glare. Apparently the boy remembered him, and how he'd inflicted wounds on his gang mates. He heard a snarl. Yowlin was looking at the ground so he couldn't imagine…

Heero was standing next to him, bristling. If he had lost some of his memory, he apparently hadn't forgotten as far back as the gang. Duo winced when Yowlin looked up, following with a snarl of his own, half-heartedly though it sounded.

Kobura shifted, taking Yowlin's arm. "Come on Yowlin. We're leaving." Suprisingly, the giant followed meekly, like a puppy on a leash, as Kobura pushed past them.

Yowlin looked back over his shoulder with a yellow-eyed glare, and Duo gulped. Sacrilege was back.