AN Woohoo! I'm getting more reviews. And no flames yet! I really thought I would be getting them. As I
stated before, my selfesteem is low. On another note, what I published of this fic is about 49 pages
long. And I've only got 69 finished. So I'm running out of material. Which means, that in a few chapters
the frequency of updating will depend on my muse. Unfortunately, said muse is not very keen on its job.
Stupid muse. All it does is give me new ideas for other fics, instead of ways of continuing this one.
Oh well, I do intend on finishing this fic, but I'm really curious as to how. Don't worry, it'll have
a happy ending. I don't want my first fic to be all doom and gloom.
Anyway, on with the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Under Pressure
Chapter 11
~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Trowa got out of his trailer, Catherine looked up from the animal cage, she was kneeling in
front of. She recognized the look on his face.
"You're leaving."
She didn't feel any resentment, not even resignation. Her brother had stayed with her for more
than four years in a row. But he had his friends and if both of them left the circus on a holiday, the
manager would pull his hair out. She and Trowa were the main event of the show.
"Duo just called," he answered. "We're needed at Preventers's HQ. He's going to pick me up."
She sighed and got up on her feet. "So when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow. Duo has to settle some things at his work first. Can you take care of Hilde? Duo
doesn't want to leave her alone."
Catherine frowned. "Why not?"
"Apparently, she's pregnant."
'Pregnant?' She couldn't believe it. On the other hand, she could. She knew how much those two
loved each other. Everyone who saw them instantly knew they belonged together. "Of course. I'll be happy
to have her."
"Quatre is already on his way there. I just hope Duo hurries up."
She smiled and walked up to her brother. "And what would you do to speed him up?"
He grinned wryly. "There's not much I can do. If Duo wants something his own way, no-one will be
able to change his mind."
Catherine smiled and hugged him. "I know. Just be careful, alright?"
"I will. Don't worry." He answered her hug lovingly.
Trowa wouldn't have done that only a year ago. He had opened up so much since they had first met.
He had not allowed his emotions to influence him. In fact, he had buried them so deep, he seemed devoid
of them. He had tried to act on his emotions once, when Heero had told him to. Instead he had just
calculated what he had thought the best thing to do.
And she had stopped him from self-destructing.
Answering to her tears was the first emotional act he had ever showed. She still remembered the
look on his face, when she had gotten through to him. His eyes had spoken of a vulnerability, she had
not sought in him. It was then that he had touched her heart.
She had seen that look again when they had met in the artificial rain on the colony. He had lost
his memory and had just walked on and on in the rain, soaking wet. She had taken him in, saying she was
his sister. Somehow they had both adopted that as truth. And now they didn't know any better.
After five years of peace he had to work again, to be what had made him so heartless. She just
hoped he wouldn't return to that state.
~~~~~~
Duo deftly docked the shuttle Quatre had lend him, and escorted his fiancé out. Trowa and
Catherine were waiting for them at the gate. Duo realized how long it had been since he had last seen
his friends.
Trowa had grown. The lanky fifteen year old had become a muscular man with broad shoulders. He
was athletic and looked more trained than ever. The lines in his face had become more pronounced. His
hair was the same though, his bangs obscuring part of his face. His green eyes sparkled, something very
unusual.
"Hey, Duo," he said. "It's been a while, huh?"
Duo smiled. He was happy his friend had found a welcoming home. "Yeah, it sure has. How've you
been?"
"Busy," the taller man answered. "The circus has been traveling around a lot lately. And every
night a show, no matter where we are. Congratulations with the baby. You too, Hilde."
Duo heart swelled in his chest as he saw a smile appear on his love's face.
"Thank you, Trowa," she said. "It's good to see you again. And in one piece. I hear you pulled
quite some stunts over the past few years." She glanced at Catherine at those words. Apparently the
redhead had told all about her brother's adventures and woes.
Catherine leaned over to Duo and pecked him on the cheek. "So, how does it feel becoming a father?"
she laughed.
Duo rolled his eyes. This was not a question he was looking forward to answer. He was very, very
insecure about the upcoming baby. But he couldn't let Hilde know that. She would freak. Worse, what if
she thought that he wasn't capable of being a good father and would leave to care for the child on her
own. That thought frightened him beyond his wits.
He grinned. "I am really looking forward to the day of the delivery. I can't wait."
"You're gonna have to. It takes nine months to grow a baby."
Duo grinned at those words, but he didn't feel too happy. He knew very well how long a baby took
to grow. And nine months was way too short to his taste. "Well, I don't mean to be a party pooper, but
I think we really have to go. The Lady is gonna be pretty pissed if we get in late. Quatre was already
on his way, when he contacted me. We gotta get going."
Trowa nodded. "See you later, sis."
"Yeah, bye, Trowa."
Duo cocked an eyebrow. That woman sure was easy about letting her brother go. On the other hand,
they probably talked about last night and Trowa never repeated himself.
"Well, honey, it's time to go."
Duo was nearly knocked from his feet, when Hilde jumped at him. He immediately closed his arms
around her, hugging her closely. He would miss her so much. They had been together for four years now.
And now that she was pregnant, Lady Une had decided she needed him for some mission. It had to be serious
for all the Gundam pilots to have been called upon.
He hid his face in Hilde's now shoulder length hair. Her scent entered his nose and he breathed
in deeply. He would miss her so much. She clung on to him, making it so much harder for him to let go.
But he had to. Gently he pushed her away.
"Don't worry. I'll be back and in time to enjoy you being pregnant."
She smiled weakly. "Thanks, Duo. I love you."
He gave her another hug. "I love you too, honey."
Moments past.
"Uh, honey? I really have to go now. Would you let go of me?"
"No," she said in a strangled voice.
"I know this is hard, but I think we're facing some serious trouble. I really have to go. I love
you, okay?"
She sighed against his chest. "Okay. Good luck."
"Thanks. You take care of that baby of ours now. And you." He shifted his attention to Catherine,
who jerked upright from his stern voice. "You take care of my girl here, okay? I want her back whole and
healthy, you hear?"
"Yes, sir," Catherine grinned.
Duo gave Hilde a good long kiss and then bolted after Trowa who was already walking back through
the gate to their shuttle. He easily caught up with his friend, but his mind was more difficult to
redirect. He kept seeing Hilde's face before his eyes. He knew that if he looked over his shoulder he
would see her standing next to Catherine, but he didn't dare turn around. He would never be able to face
forward again.
"Don't worry," Trowa spoke up next to him. "Catherine will take care of her."
Duo looked sideways, silently thanking the taller man. He didn't know how, but Trowa always knew
what was going on in other people's minds. Sometimes Duo thought that spooky, but at moments like this,
he appreciated his friends peculiar gift.
"What do you think Lady Une wants from us?" Duo asked as they entered the cockpit.
"I don't know, but it had better be important. I don't want to be away from Cathy for too long."
Duo smiled. He knew how much Trowa loved his sister for giving him a home. In a way that was
also part of the reason he, Duo, loved Hilde, but the kind of he love he felt was different.
"Are we clear for take off?" he asked.
"Yes, I just contacted the control tower, so I suggest you get in your seat," Trowa answered.
It was then that Duo realized he was still standing at the entrance of the cockpit. Trowa had
taken the pilot's chair, which was fine by Duo, because he wanted to catch up on his sleep.
He settled back in his chair and let himself be flown to Earth.
~~~~~~
Trowa leaned forward to check if the autopilot was still directing them on the right course. It was.
He glanced sideways at his passenger. Duo was pretty shaken by the thought of becoming a father.
Still, he wasn't afraid of facing his responsibility. But when had Duo Maxwell ever run away from his
obligations.
Neither of the Gundam pilots ever had. Trowa had never rejected a mission. He had always done
anything to complete an assignment without any regard for his personal well-being. He had never thought
his life to be of any value. Until Catherine had showed him otherwise. She had given his life meaning,
she had given him a home by adopting him as her brother. He owed her too much for that to just give up
his life.
He looked ahead and admired the stars and the looming Earth. The comm signaled. He pressed the
designated button.
"Trowa, thank god I could find you. Wake that pile of American flesh next to you."
Trowa cocked an eyebrow. Why would Lady Une herself contact them, while they were on their way
to her, and then use such language. Something was up. He nudged Duo, who immediately jolted upright. His
eyes fell on the vid-screen and he said, "What's up, Colonel?"
"I'll cut to the chase. An explosion took out a wing of the royal palace in Cinq. The whole main
building burned down."
Both men stared at the woman on screen in disbelief. "What?" Duo shouted. "How? When? Who? WHERE
IS RELENA?!"
Trowa blinked a moment. His ear was ringing from the abusive shouting. "That's what I'd like to
know," he added.
"We don't know. And what we do know, I don't want to say over this channel."
"Understood," Trowa said.
"I would like you two to check out the Cinq kingdom to see of you can pick something up."
"We'll go."
Lady Une merely nodded. "Have you heard from Heero?"
"Isn't he with Quatre?" Duo put in.
"Not any more. From what we heard, he was last with Wufei."
"Wufei?" Duo said incredulously. "Well, there's a name I haven't heard in a long time. A long time."
"What has he been doing?" Trowa asked.
"I don't know and I don't care. As long as you find him and Heero. Then you can ask him. Now if
you will excuse me, I have work to do. And so do you. Good day, gentlemen." She terminated the connection.
Trowa stared blankly at the screen. The situation was a lot more serious. But if the Preventers
had already gotten wind of it, why hadn't they acted sooner? The first that should have been done was
tightening the security around Relena, to prevent what had happened. But why would Heero and Wufei be
anywhere near Relena, if the Preventers hadn't told anyone outside them of the new threat that had
attacked her?
There wasn't anything to do, but obey the Lady's command.
~~~~~~
Wufei leaned against the wall in his darkened cell. Every bone in his body ached, but he didn't
pay attention to it.
He was angry at himself. How could he let himself be taken by surprise? How could he have left
his guard down like that? It probably had something to do with Heero's elbow plummeting into his stomach.
He wasn't quite sure how long he had been unconscious. His kidnappers had left in their ship. He had seen
the familiar interior when he woke up with a pounding head for just a few minutes. Sally had been there,
but no sign of Heero or Relena.
Well, Relena was probably dead and Heero had most likely only returned by the time they were long
gone. Wufei hoped Heero didn't think he had been abandoned.
He had woken up in this tiny space about an hour ago. He was alone in this five feet square room.
Where was Sally? Had they hurt her?
Even though he couldn't place a name to 'they', he knew they were part of the organization that
had planned the assassination of Relena and who had abandoned the base in Tibet. He doubted though they
had been brought back to Canada. That place was bound to have been taken by Zechs and the Preventer team.
'They better not have hurt her, of I'll kill them.'
Futile thought, of course. He was in no position to anything. If the door he had felt earlier,
opened, he would probably be blinking against the sudden light and find himself staring down twenty
barrels.
In other words, this situation was completely hopeless.
He wondered what these people were after. They had had five years since the Mariemeia incident
to prepare for this, to gather followers and train soldiers. Were they just another peace-hating, war-
loving gang of idiots? Or was it more they were after? Taking out Relena was the fastest way to chaos.
Countries would start blaming each other. Whoever they were they had timed the attack perfectly. The
Covenant was growing, but the majority of Earth was still no part of it. It was likely that the nations
part of the Covenant would blame the independent nations, who were most adverse to the idea of another
Alliance-like organization. The free countries would split and join the different sides. The situation
could easily escalate in a war and the Preventers weren't strong enough to stop it.
And all Wufei could do, was wait to find out who his captors were. Angrily he shifted on the hard
floor. One thing he hated to the most, was waiting and doing nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN And that was another chapter. Next, Heero and Relena, though in a rather disheveld shate. And more on
Wuffers and Sal. I really like that pairing. I'm working on a humor fic around those two. Very nice.
Anyway, please review? makes puppy dog eyes at reader I live of reviews. Perhaps it can get my muse back
to work. That would be nice.
stated before, my selfesteem is low. On another note, what I published of this fic is about 49 pages
long. And I've only got 69 finished. So I'm running out of material. Which means, that in a few chapters
the frequency of updating will depend on my muse. Unfortunately, said muse is not very keen on its job.
Stupid muse. All it does is give me new ideas for other fics, instead of ways of continuing this one.
Oh well, I do intend on finishing this fic, but I'm really curious as to how. Don't worry, it'll have
a happy ending. I don't want my first fic to be all doom and gloom.
Anyway, on with the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Under Pressure
Chapter 11
~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Trowa got out of his trailer, Catherine looked up from the animal cage, she was kneeling in
front of. She recognized the look on his face.
"You're leaving."
She didn't feel any resentment, not even resignation. Her brother had stayed with her for more
than four years in a row. But he had his friends and if both of them left the circus on a holiday, the
manager would pull his hair out. She and Trowa were the main event of the show.
"Duo just called," he answered. "We're needed at Preventers's HQ. He's going to pick me up."
She sighed and got up on her feet. "So when are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow. Duo has to settle some things at his work first. Can you take care of Hilde? Duo
doesn't want to leave her alone."
Catherine frowned. "Why not?"
"Apparently, she's pregnant."
'Pregnant?' She couldn't believe it. On the other hand, she could. She knew how much those two
loved each other. Everyone who saw them instantly knew they belonged together. "Of course. I'll be happy
to have her."
"Quatre is already on his way there. I just hope Duo hurries up."
She smiled and walked up to her brother. "And what would you do to speed him up?"
He grinned wryly. "There's not much I can do. If Duo wants something his own way, no-one will be
able to change his mind."
Catherine smiled and hugged him. "I know. Just be careful, alright?"
"I will. Don't worry." He answered her hug lovingly.
Trowa wouldn't have done that only a year ago. He had opened up so much since they had first met.
He had not allowed his emotions to influence him. In fact, he had buried them so deep, he seemed devoid
of them. He had tried to act on his emotions once, when Heero had told him to. Instead he had just
calculated what he had thought the best thing to do.
And she had stopped him from self-destructing.
Answering to her tears was the first emotional act he had ever showed. She still remembered the
look on his face, when she had gotten through to him. His eyes had spoken of a vulnerability, she had
not sought in him. It was then that he had touched her heart.
She had seen that look again when they had met in the artificial rain on the colony. He had lost
his memory and had just walked on and on in the rain, soaking wet. She had taken him in, saying she was
his sister. Somehow they had both adopted that as truth. And now they didn't know any better.
After five years of peace he had to work again, to be what had made him so heartless. She just
hoped he wouldn't return to that state.
~~~~~~
Duo deftly docked the shuttle Quatre had lend him, and escorted his fiancé out. Trowa and
Catherine were waiting for them at the gate. Duo realized how long it had been since he had last seen
his friends.
Trowa had grown. The lanky fifteen year old had become a muscular man with broad shoulders. He
was athletic and looked more trained than ever. The lines in his face had become more pronounced. His
hair was the same though, his bangs obscuring part of his face. His green eyes sparkled, something very
unusual.
"Hey, Duo," he said. "It's been a while, huh?"
Duo smiled. He was happy his friend had found a welcoming home. "Yeah, it sure has. How've you
been?"
"Busy," the taller man answered. "The circus has been traveling around a lot lately. And every
night a show, no matter where we are. Congratulations with the baby. You too, Hilde."
Duo heart swelled in his chest as he saw a smile appear on his love's face.
"Thank you, Trowa," she said. "It's good to see you again. And in one piece. I hear you pulled
quite some stunts over the past few years." She glanced at Catherine at those words. Apparently the
redhead had told all about her brother's adventures and woes.
Catherine leaned over to Duo and pecked him on the cheek. "So, how does it feel becoming a father?"
she laughed.
Duo rolled his eyes. This was not a question he was looking forward to answer. He was very, very
insecure about the upcoming baby. But he couldn't let Hilde know that. She would freak. Worse, what if
she thought that he wasn't capable of being a good father and would leave to care for the child on her
own. That thought frightened him beyond his wits.
He grinned. "I am really looking forward to the day of the delivery. I can't wait."
"You're gonna have to. It takes nine months to grow a baby."
Duo grinned at those words, but he didn't feel too happy. He knew very well how long a baby took
to grow. And nine months was way too short to his taste. "Well, I don't mean to be a party pooper, but
I think we really have to go. The Lady is gonna be pretty pissed if we get in late. Quatre was already
on his way, when he contacted me. We gotta get going."
Trowa nodded. "See you later, sis."
"Yeah, bye, Trowa."
Duo cocked an eyebrow. That woman sure was easy about letting her brother go. On the other hand,
they probably talked about last night and Trowa never repeated himself.
"Well, honey, it's time to go."
Duo was nearly knocked from his feet, when Hilde jumped at him. He immediately closed his arms
around her, hugging her closely. He would miss her so much. They had been together for four years now.
And now that she was pregnant, Lady Une had decided she needed him for some mission. It had to be serious
for all the Gundam pilots to have been called upon.
He hid his face in Hilde's now shoulder length hair. Her scent entered his nose and he breathed
in deeply. He would miss her so much. She clung on to him, making it so much harder for him to let go.
But he had to. Gently he pushed her away.
"Don't worry. I'll be back and in time to enjoy you being pregnant."
She smiled weakly. "Thanks, Duo. I love you."
He gave her another hug. "I love you too, honey."
Moments past.
"Uh, honey? I really have to go now. Would you let go of me?"
"No," she said in a strangled voice.
"I know this is hard, but I think we're facing some serious trouble. I really have to go. I love
you, okay?"
She sighed against his chest. "Okay. Good luck."
"Thanks. You take care of that baby of ours now. And you." He shifted his attention to Catherine,
who jerked upright from his stern voice. "You take care of my girl here, okay? I want her back whole and
healthy, you hear?"
"Yes, sir," Catherine grinned.
Duo gave Hilde a good long kiss and then bolted after Trowa who was already walking back through
the gate to their shuttle. He easily caught up with his friend, but his mind was more difficult to
redirect. He kept seeing Hilde's face before his eyes. He knew that if he looked over his shoulder he
would see her standing next to Catherine, but he didn't dare turn around. He would never be able to face
forward again.
"Don't worry," Trowa spoke up next to him. "Catherine will take care of her."
Duo looked sideways, silently thanking the taller man. He didn't know how, but Trowa always knew
what was going on in other people's minds. Sometimes Duo thought that spooky, but at moments like this,
he appreciated his friends peculiar gift.
"What do you think Lady Une wants from us?" Duo asked as they entered the cockpit.
"I don't know, but it had better be important. I don't want to be away from Cathy for too long."
Duo smiled. He knew how much Trowa loved his sister for giving him a home. In a way that was
also part of the reason he, Duo, loved Hilde, but the kind of he love he felt was different.
"Are we clear for take off?" he asked.
"Yes, I just contacted the control tower, so I suggest you get in your seat," Trowa answered.
It was then that Duo realized he was still standing at the entrance of the cockpit. Trowa had
taken the pilot's chair, which was fine by Duo, because he wanted to catch up on his sleep.
He settled back in his chair and let himself be flown to Earth.
~~~~~~
Trowa leaned forward to check if the autopilot was still directing them on the right course. It was.
He glanced sideways at his passenger. Duo was pretty shaken by the thought of becoming a father.
Still, he wasn't afraid of facing his responsibility. But when had Duo Maxwell ever run away from his
obligations.
Neither of the Gundam pilots ever had. Trowa had never rejected a mission. He had always done
anything to complete an assignment without any regard for his personal well-being. He had never thought
his life to be of any value. Until Catherine had showed him otherwise. She had given his life meaning,
she had given him a home by adopting him as her brother. He owed her too much for that to just give up
his life.
He looked ahead and admired the stars and the looming Earth. The comm signaled. He pressed the
designated button.
"Trowa, thank god I could find you. Wake that pile of American flesh next to you."
Trowa cocked an eyebrow. Why would Lady Une herself contact them, while they were on their way
to her, and then use such language. Something was up. He nudged Duo, who immediately jolted upright. His
eyes fell on the vid-screen and he said, "What's up, Colonel?"
"I'll cut to the chase. An explosion took out a wing of the royal palace in Cinq. The whole main
building burned down."
Both men stared at the woman on screen in disbelief. "What?" Duo shouted. "How? When? Who? WHERE
IS RELENA?!"
Trowa blinked a moment. His ear was ringing from the abusive shouting. "That's what I'd like to
know," he added.
"We don't know. And what we do know, I don't want to say over this channel."
"Understood," Trowa said.
"I would like you two to check out the Cinq kingdom to see of you can pick something up."
"We'll go."
Lady Une merely nodded. "Have you heard from Heero?"
"Isn't he with Quatre?" Duo put in.
"Not any more. From what we heard, he was last with Wufei."
"Wufei?" Duo said incredulously. "Well, there's a name I haven't heard in a long time. A long time."
"What has he been doing?" Trowa asked.
"I don't know and I don't care. As long as you find him and Heero. Then you can ask him. Now if
you will excuse me, I have work to do. And so do you. Good day, gentlemen." She terminated the connection.
Trowa stared blankly at the screen. The situation was a lot more serious. But if the Preventers
had already gotten wind of it, why hadn't they acted sooner? The first that should have been done was
tightening the security around Relena, to prevent what had happened. But why would Heero and Wufei be
anywhere near Relena, if the Preventers hadn't told anyone outside them of the new threat that had
attacked her?
There wasn't anything to do, but obey the Lady's command.
~~~~~~
Wufei leaned against the wall in his darkened cell. Every bone in his body ached, but he didn't
pay attention to it.
He was angry at himself. How could he let himself be taken by surprise? How could he have left
his guard down like that? It probably had something to do with Heero's elbow plummeting into his stomach.
He wasn't quite sure how long he had been unconscious. His kidnappers had left in their ship. He had seen
the familiar interior when he woke up with a pounding head for just a few minutes. Sally had been there,
but no sign of Heero or Relena.
Well, Relena was probably dead and Heero had most likely only returned by the time they were long
gone. Wufei hoped Heero didn't think he had been abandoned.
He had woken up in this tiny space about an hour ago. He was alone in this five feet square room.
Where was Sally? Had they hurt her?
Even though he couldn't place a name to 'they', he knew they were part of the organization that
had planned the assassination of Relena and who had abandoned the base in Tibet. He doubted though they
had been brought back to Canada. That place was bound to have been taken by Zechs and the Preventer team.
'They better not have hurt her, of I'll kill them.'
Futile thought, of course. He was in no position to anything. If the door he had felt earlier,
opened, he would probably be blinking against the sudden light and find himself staring down twenty
barrels.
In other words, this situation was completely hopeless.
He wondered what these people were after. They had had five years since the Mariemeia incident
to prepare for this, to gather followers and train soldiers. Were they just another peace-hating, war-
loving gang of idiots? Or was it more they were after? Taking out Relena was the fastest way to chaos.
Countries would start blaming each other. Whoever they were they had timed the attack perfectly. The
Covenant was growing, but the majority of Earth was still no part of it. It was likely that the nations
part of the Covenant would blame the independent nations, who were most adverse to the idea of another
Alliance-like organization. The free countries would split and join the different sides. The situation
could easily escalate in a war and the Preventers weren't strong enough to stop it.
And all Wufei could do, was wait to find out who his captors were. Angrily he shifted on the hard
floor. One thing he hated to the most, was waiting and doing nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN And that was another chapter. Next, Heero and Relena, though in a rather disheveld shate. And more on
Wuffers and Sal. I really like that pairing. I'm working on a humor fic around those two. Very nice.
Anyway, please review? makes puppy dog eyes at reader I live of reviews. Perhaps it can get my muse back
to work. That would be nice.