Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, enough said.

Author's Note: The major changes made include a few dialogues and plot points.

ZERO SOUL

Chapter 2: Fleeting Moments

By: Vegie-kun

The rest of the briefing went rather smoothly... more or less if one ignored Duo's constant chattering. By the end of the meeting a game plan had been laid out though implementing it would take considerably more time. Until then it was decided that the Gundam pilots would stay with Relena at her residence and act as bodyguards until their agendas were ironed out. Afterwards they continued to linger in meadow in an attempt to delay going back indoors; the day was just too beautiful to not take advantage of. As Zechs, Noin, Sally, Wufei and Trowa continued talking under the large dogwood tree, Relena, Duo, and Quatre sat near the pond.

/Gosh I hadn't realize how much I actually missed them 'til now./ Relena thought as she sat at the pond's edge with Duo and Quatre on either side of her./I wish we could have gotten together under different circumstances… They all have their own lives to go back to... I hope they don't waste it all trying to protect me-/

"Hey, 'Jousan. You okay?" Duo asked, snapping her out of her reverie.

"Huh? Oh... I'm fine, Duo," Relena replied with a smiled, "just thinking, that's all."

"Thinking about what?" he asked curiously.

"About this new threat," she answered glumly, "I'm... just worried that you guys might end up getting hurt... that's all."

"Us? Get hurt? Who do you think we are? Amateurs?" Duo joked with a grin.

She gave an audible sigh and returned his grin. "You're probably right. Being former Gundam pilots, I suppose you can more than handle yourselves..." she trailed off when she noticed how silent Quatre had gotten. He was lying on the grass with his hands behind his head, staring quietly at the sky. "Quatre, something on your mind?"

"Yeah...," he began, "there is." His face was solemn and his eyes were locked upon the vast expanse of blue before him. His voice was filled of concern when he began again. "We... we know, or at least we're 90% sure, that this enemy has mobile suits and, based on past experiences, we know that their numbers will just continue to grow." He became silent momentarily as he tried to put into words the feelings of his heart. "It worries me that we still don't have a clue as to where they're located. Without that vital piece of information we can't stop them while they're still relatively weak. Plus, by the time we do find them it may already be too late and we may not have the necessary sources required to bring them down. What will we do then? Especially since we don't have our Gundams?"

"C'mon Quatre, have a little more faith in yourself and the rest of us," Duo responded in a chipper voice. "Where is that old Winner optimism that we're all so familiar with?"

"Honestly," the young Arabian confided. "I'm just not so sure anymore... I just keep getting this weird feeling inside that… that things are going to turn out very bad."

The three became silent, staring at the scenery in an attempt to forget the imminent danger heading their way. As morning turned into noon they all decided to head back to the Peacecraft mansion for lunch and to get the pilots settled in. Sally however, declined the invitation, saying that she was still needed at headquarters for the time being, but promised to be there by the end of the week. With that settled, they all dispersed from there with the mysterious lurking shadow following close behind.

Once the group reached the mansion the butlers and maids were already at the entrance, having anticipated their arrival. Relena figured that her brother had called ahead while they were still at the meadow. With their luggage unloaded they proceeded through the large double doors, the servants greeting them as they entered.

Duo whistled loudly. "Wow... this place is even more impressive than I imagined!" He shouted in awe as he surveyed the surroundings, a large black duffle bag slung over his shoulder. "Hilde's descriptions really doesn't do this place justice. Makes me kinda regret turning down those party invites you sent me way 'Jousan."

Relena raised a skeptical brow in his direction. "So does this mean you'll come to the next party I invite you to?"

"Whoa now 'Jousan, hold your horses," Duo protested holding up a hand, "I never said that. But..." the look on contemplation on his face made Relena smile, "I guess it'll depend on whether or not I have to wear a tie to get in... and if there's an open bar."

"Maxwell, you're too easily persuaded," Wufei drawled, seemingly unimpressed by their surroundings, an equally hefty duffle bag in his hands. "I would hate to think of what it would take to make you crack should you ever be captured and interrogated."

Duo stuck out his tongue in response but Wufei had already gone on ahead. Quatre and Trowa followed right behind caught up in a conversation about how the fluctuating gravity of one colony was affecting fluid dynamics in its water system; having already given their luggage to the care of the servants. Duo would have jumped in since the topic was of interest to him, but he knew his current glucose levels wouldn't be able to support any sort of higher levels of brain functions.

"I hope you like it here, the help will lead you to your rooms," Zechs said as he walked beside them. "Once you unpack meet us in the dining room and we'll convene for lunch."

"Food! Alright! I knew you wouldn't let us starve!" Duo cheered as he enthusiastically followed a maid up the stairs.

"If he doesn't shut up I'm just tempted to do so," Zechs whispered to Noin who, in turn, elbowed him in the ribs.

Lunch was quite the feast; something that would usually be reserved for diplomatic gatherings. There were various kinds of sandwiches, grilled fish, roasted chicken, salads, pastas, fruits, cookies, cakes, and many types of beverages. Making his way into the room, Duo's face lit up like a beacon once he'd eyed the spread on the vast dining table. When everyone was seated, Duo wasted no time at all in piling his plate with anything within his reach. By the way he was eating everyone was speculating on whether he'd been kidnapped and starved for weeks prior to this meeting. Duo, on his part, couldn't be bothered with such jabs as he had more important matters to attend to. Of course those matters were pertaining to the food and so he continued to eat as if there was no tomorrow.

"Um... Duo" Quatre began nervously. "You shouldn't be eating like that. You could choke on something if you're not careful."

"Hey *crunch*..." Duo began, a drumstick in one hand and a fork in the other, still shoving food into his mouth. "Don't *chew* ... worry *swallow* Shinigami *slurp* can't *crunch* get hurt *chew* by a little *swallow* food-*choke*..."

"DUO!" everyone shouted as Quatre got up and ran behind Duo. The braided one should count himself lucky that Quatre was trained well in the Heimlich maneuver.

In comparison to the God of Death's ironic near death experience, the rest of the meal proceeded on uneventfully. When it came to an end Zechs and Noin decided to go back to Preventer Headquarters in order to check up with Sally and talk to Lady Une, while the rest opted to relax around the house. Wufei went to the library to do some reading, knowing that the Peacecrafts were highly likely to have an extensive collection on the history of mobile suit warfare. Duo on the other hand had somehow managed to persuade Trowa into teaching him how to juggle balls. Not wishing for their house to turn into an unwanted demolition ground, especially with all the priceless family heirloom scattered throughout the living room, Zechs banished them to the sunroom before departing. Quatre and Relena, minds set on catching up with each other's life, decided to retreat upstairs to the tearoom.

"My, Quatre, it's been awhile. The last time I really got to talk to you was during that last gala in Italy," Relena started as she poured tea for the both of them, handing him a cup when she finished.

"Thank you, Miss Relena," he said taking the offered cup. "Yes, it has been a long time, but you know how things are these days. I barely have time to myself before I have to go to another business meeting or colonial conference."

"Then how were you able to get time off for this?" Relena inquired as she took a sip.

"Well, when I got the call, Iria had just come back from her space station to visit," Quatre answered also taking a sip. "So I decided to just ask her to take care of things regarding the Corporation as a favor. Surprisingly, she was more than happy to do so…" He scratched at his cheek as he sheepishly stared into his cup. "Although, I do feel kind of guilty for dumping all that responsibility on her..."

"Don't worry," Relena comforted, "I'm sure you never would have asked if you weren't sure she could handle the situation. Besides, doesn't she have 40 Maganacs to help her out?"

"Hahaha... Oh gosh," the young man laughed nervously, "I feel sorry for Rashid and the others. Iria can sometimes be really strict and overbearing."

The two continued to drink and chat about the past conferences they attended, joking about the way some of the other politicians fumed when their requests were denied. What was really amusing was how many of them resembled boiling tea kettles; their ears seemingly ready to let out steam as their faces scrunched up and turned red. They also shared tips on how to stay awake during the especially long and boring meetings. Quatre's method was to imagine that there were flamingos sitting on the representatives' heads. Relena's approach was to try and imagine them as barn animals. As they continued to talk it soon became dark and Quatre came to ask the inevitable question.

"Miss Relena..." Quatre began heistantly "I didn't want to be the one to bring this up… but has Heero made any attempts to contact you recently?"

She dropped her cup back down onto the saucer. "Actually... no," she replied, sadness tinged her voice and she lowered her gaze to stare at her cup.

"I'm sorry to have asked," the young man apologized almost immediately, "but the process of locating him has been extremely difficult. He would be a big help if we could just get a hold of him."

"Quatre..." Relena looked up and regarded him with sympathy. "I'm well aware of how crucial his help would be to the Preventers and if I knew where he was or how to reach him I would gladly do it for you," she leveled him with a stern gaze before shaking her head and softening her tone, "Unfortunately I gave up looking for him long ago. He has his own life to live and I had to move on with mine."

Quatre's expression turned somber, having regretted stepping on that landmine. "... I understand, but we're not giving up our search... Will you be okay when we do find him?"

She gave a lopsided grin and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sure I'll manage somehow... Anyways, if you'll please excuse me dear Quatre, I have the urge to get some fresh air. I'll be in the garden if you need me." Putting her cup down, she got up to leave the room.

"Do you want some company?" Quatre asked as she reached the door.

"No, thank you, I would really like some time alone to think about everything that's happening," she replied as she walked out into the hallway.

Walking downstairs she noticed that Duo was doing a pretty decent job of juggling what appeared to be three balls. /Wow, I wish I could learn to do things that fast. Ha! Like I have time to adopt a hobby.../She thought sadly as she made her way out to the gardens.

Once outside she began to stroll down the cobbled path. Though her original intent was to clear her thoughts she found them swirling relentlessly instead. /I CAN'T believe I'm still incapable of keeping a straight face every time HIS name is mentioned. I already made the decision long ago to leave him alone... so why is it so hard forget him?... I can't forget the other pilots either, but I actually do see them on occasion and I definitely don't react this strangely at the mentioning of their names. Maybe I really do love him... but I guess I'll never know./ As her thoughts drifted she failed to notice a loose cobblestone. When her foot landed on it the stone dislodged and she fell forward. Closing her eyes she braced herself for the fall, but a strong arm wrapped itself around her small waist from behind. The arm positioned her on her feet and a familiar voice spoke up.

"What are you doing out here alone?" came the monotone, detached voice.

Relena opened her eyes and her body stiffened. She hesitated at first before steeling her nerves as she turned around to stand facing unruly dark brown hair, emotionless features, and penetrating Prussian blue eyes.

"He... Heero..." was all she could manage, still recovering from the shock.

She just stood there staring at the young man, noticing how tall he had gotten since she last saw him. She was level with his eyes when they had first met but he was now a good 178 cm. His shoulders had broadened though his physique still remained slender; not uncommon for someone of his eighteen years. In all, he hadn't changed much, though his features had lost much of its boyishness. Even though she was frustrated with him she couldn't deny how handsome he'd become.

"What are you doing out here alone?" He repeated more sternly. "Don't you know there are people out there who are after your life?"

She clenched her fists before crossing her arms over her chest. "What's wrong with being out here alone?" she asked defensively. "I have bodyguards watching me everywhere I go already. Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to get at least five minutes to myself?"

"It's not safe, go back inside," he ordered.

"What makes you think you can tell me what to do?" she seethed with quiet fury, on the verge of losing her composure. "I haven't seen you in almost two years and now you show up out of the blue and start giving out orders expecting me to obey. Well forget it, I'm staying out here."

Heero knew it was pointless to continue arguing with her when she'd set her mind on something. "... Fine," he conceded, "but I'm going to stay out here as well then." With that he began walking ahead of her.

Shocked silent by that unexpected response she could only nod dumbly and walked quickly to catch up with him. "So, Heero... ," she began with slight trepidation, "How are you?" she asked, hoping to spark a conversation.

"Well." The response was curt and to-the-point; typical Heero Yuy.

She regarded him with an indiscernible gaze before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. Once her thoughts were in order she smiled and continued on. "Since you actually decided to grace me with your presence I guess you know about the current situation, huh?"

"Yes," he began, "I've been tracking this particular group down and observing them for the past year; however, they're larger than what Sally Po mentioned earlier."

"Wait a minute!" she shouted, stepping out in front of him, halting his forward gait. "You were there at the meadow today? How did you know about that meeting?"

"I may have spent the past year tracking them down, but I've also been keeping tabs on you. The current bodyguards you have are barely qualified enough to protect a sack of potatoes much less the Foreign Minister," he said as he started walking again.

"You've..." she ventured hesitantly, "been keeping tabs on me?"

"Someone has to." He replied with a stern look. "Besides you're too careless when you do things like this. If I were an assassin you'd be dead by now."

"Well, not every assassin is as skilled as the great Heero Yuy, now are they?" she teased; smiling when she saw a look of surprise momentarily flash across his face. "I'm just surprised that you care about me enough to actually look after me."

"I don't. I do it because you're important to both the Earth and colonies. If something happened to you, we could have another war on our hands."

"Really now?" she queried, staring up innocently as she leaned into him.

Oblivious to Relena, Heero's heart began to beat faster. /What's going on? Why is my heart like this? It usually doesn't do this unless I'm under attack… Is it because she's so close?... No, it can't be... Shit! Get a hold of yourself, Yuy!/

"Yes," was the monotone reply.

"Oh well, it was worth a try..." she mused to herself, "but I really do miss you... Hey… may I ask you a question?"

He glanced at down her briefly before returning his attention to their surroundings. "I won't guarantee an answer."

"…Why is it that at times I feel like we're finally starting to understand each other yet on other occasions you seem to shut me out completely?" She lengthened her stride to keep up with his pace. "I mean… I've done nothing but try to be your friend."

He regarded her with an indiscernible look and contemplated the question for a few seconds. "Friends aren't needed on the battlefield, allies are."

"Oh, is that all I am?" her voice solemn. "... You want to know something?"

"…What?"

"You already know I had to give up being the ruler of the Sanc kingdom because of the Romefellar' Foundation. But if I really tried, I could have gotten the E.S.U.N to restore its borders and reinstate it as a sovereign nation. They wouldn't have denied me that if I really desired it," she paused for a while before continuing. "But I chose not to because I knew I couldn't truly follow the kingdom's teachings and principles anymore. The events involving Mariemaia and Dekim Barton made me see that pacifism doesn't always work. It does when both sides are willing to listen, but that's rarely the case, right?" She clasped her hands together and let out a heavy sigh. "Sometimes I find myself questioning whether the decisions I made about Sanc were correct, if what I'm doing now is truly beneficial to anybody… if my life is what's causing other people to suffer… if it's what's causing you to suffer… "

"Do you honestly believe that?" Heero asked in a detached voice.

"… Maybe," she began again, "I want to be able to provide the people, our friends, and especially you with some sort of hope... but not at the cost of your lives! Even though I came to realize long ago that fighting is sometimes necessary… I can't stand seeing people get injured; I'm tired of seeing them get hurt."

"Relena, you are stronger than you think," Heero chided her, "Not many people had the courage to stand up to OZ, Romefeller, Mariemaia, and Barton, but you did. Even now you are strong enough to face this OZ, and if you need help I will be there. I'll do all I can to make your dreams and visions come true. And when they do come true I will do everything within my powers to protect them as best I can."

"Heero..." Relena gasped, surprised by his admission.

/Shit! Did I say all that out loud? When did I become such a blubbering idiot?! Damn! Just shut up already!/

She laughed softly, touched by his words. "Thank you, that means a lot to me," she smiled up at him. "I'm glad you came. At least now, if I do get killed, I was able to see you one last time."

"You won't die." His usual monotone voice held a steadfast determination.

"I beg to differ," came another voice from behind them.

-to be continued-