Disclaimer: This is by far... the longest chapter I have ever written. ::sigh:: I put soo much effort into it. I hope you all like. I probably edited it 100 times, and made sure every nook and cranny was perfect. If you find a spelling mistake, than I will be very upset.
Loki: ::sniff:: It's the final chapter... how sad.
Heero: So what... it was a stupid story anyway.
Loki: ::glares::
Heero: ::sweatdrops::
Loki: ::begins to sick evil squirrels and chimpunks on him:: HA HA HA!!
Heero: Not again!!
Loki: Please enjoy the chapter. this is the grand finale, so pleae review! Thankz!
-Loki
The Lost Pilot
Chapter 17
by Loki
Maxine Arwell squinted as the light hit her face. The air was cool, the sky was blue, and her mood was as good as ever. She felt like humming as she walked down the street, and that's what she did. Children were running around playing games like hide-and-go-seek, and also a couple pretending to be Gundam Pilots. A little girl with blonde, long hair was racing after this one boy with thick, messy brown hair, who seemed to be a little daredevil. "Now what does that remind me of?" she smiled, and continued down the street.
The crate which she carried shifted, and momentarily caused Maxine to loose her balance. "Don't move around too much," she softly ordered the animal inside it.
An understanding purr answered her. She smiled and said, "Good kitty..."
Out of no where, a harsh wind blew at her when she turned the corner, almost making her lose her hat. Maxine ran back behind the corner, out from the wind. "That's a little strong, she said to herself.
Deciding to take another path, Maxine turned around. A little boy with a long braid ran by her, followed by four more children. She smiled as they played war with sticks. The braided boy smiled, and looked at Maxine. He smiled even more, revealing blue-purple eyes. Maxine gasped, and quickly walked by the child. "I shall not be burdened by the past..." she murmured.
Walking past a television station, she heard the News as it said: After the death of Oz Commander, Rasam Tanner, and many other Oz soldier two months ago, it seems like Oz is diminishing slowly. But with Leader Trieze leading them to fight more, it seems like this colony will have to do nothing but give into his demands. That is all for this hour... Now for the weather. Looks like we'll have another windy day, folks...
Maxine glanced at something else, and droned out the voice of the reporter in her head. She spat in disgust and thought, Give into Oz? That'll complete nothing but more deaths! Idiots...
She looked up as she reached her destination. "Oh, here I am..."
Bob looked up as the front door jingled. "Welcome to my store! Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Hiya, Bob," Maxine said, half-heartedly.
"Hey there Maxine! Why the long face?"
She stared at the thirty year old. "Have you not heard the news? This colony's planning on giving into Oz's demands."
The man smirked. "Yea... I heard. But it doesn't hurt to spread a little hope and joy. So what can I do ya for?" he asked.
"Oh, just the usual.." She set the crate down on the floor.
"Right-o," he said, and disappeared into the room behind him.
Maxine stroked her fingers through her black hair boredly. Noticing a mirror on the wall, she walked to it and stared at herself. She still had her forest green eyes, and the same mischievous look. Maxine began to play with a streak of silver bang. Some tings will never change...
"Here ya go, Maxine," said Bob, reappearing behind the counter. He placed the brown paper bag down on the counter.
She smiled and took her groceries. "How much, Bob?"
He raised up his hand to stop her. "On the house. Just take it."
Maxine smiled again, and gave him a hug. "Thanks. You're the best."
She turned to leave, but stopped and turned back around. "I almost forgot, can I ask ya something Bob?"
"Sure."
Maxine picked up the crate and put it in front of him. "I was wondering if you could take care of Tasha," she opened the crate to let her cat out. I'm panning on leaving this colony soon. So I can find a better life."
"Well of course, Maxie," said Bob, using his favorite nickname for her. "But why are you leaving?"
She held back an oncoming tear and answered, "Too many memories.."
"Thinking about Duo, are we?" came a voice from behind her.
Maxine looked around, and cried out loud when she saw Dr. B. "Oh my gosh!" she ran up to her and gave her a hug. "I haven't seen you in ages!"
Another woman walked beside her. "Do I get a hug?"
"Maude!" Anni hugged the old woman as well, and stared at her two friends. "How ya guys been?"
"We're fine... but we want to know how you're handling, Anni."
"Did you cut your hair, B? It looks much shorter."
"Yes I did... but I'm not the main issue, honey."
"And I think this is the first time I've seen you in casual clothes!" Maxine stared at her light purple t-shirt, and wrinkled beige pants."
"Anni..." started Maude.
"That shirt goes really well with your hair, B. You should wear purple more often!"
Dr. B stopped Maxine and said, "Stop beating around the bush, Anni."
Maxine frowned and looked at the floor. "That's the past, B. I don't want to live in the past. I wanted to start a few life..."
"Ha! So you think you can just erase 15 years of your life! What about the Gundams?"
"What about it," snapped Maxine.
Maude placed a hand on Maxine's shoulder. "Let's stop this fighting and just talk." She glanced at B. "Right?"
"Yes. Fine."
Maxine nodded, and asked if they could go in the backroom, where there was a table. "Of course you can, sweetie," said Bob happily. "I'll be right out here if you need me."
While Maxine was inside, Maude whispered in Dr. B's ear, "Don't push her too hard. She's been through a lot."
"Right." The two women proceeded to the room.
Maxine placed her groceries on the other side of the room. She finally sat down with B and Maude, and Tasha jumped onto her lap. "So what do you want to talk about?" asked Maxine, stroking Tasha's fur gently.
"What have you been doing for a living?" asked Maude.
She sat up straight and answered, "I'm a teacher."
A quiet snort emerged from Dr. B. Maxine didn't even glance at her. "Well, I wasn't expecting that..." said Maude.
"Oh! Not that kind of teacher! I give piloting lessons! You know, with airplanes, helicopters, jets... stuff like that."
"Interesting..." said B casually.
"I would have taught with Mobile Suits, but since they were abolished by Miss Relena, I thought this was the next best thing."
Bob entered the room, and took a seat. "Although, not many people want their children to become pilots. Because occasionally, they will have to fight. They don't want their children to die."
Made took a sip of her drink and set it down. "I see... does it pay well?"
Maxine shrugged. "Enough. I can manage both me and Tasha."
"Tasha?" questioned Dr. B. "Didn't you tell me that she was being taken care of at the Winner Mansion?"
Maxine petted Tasha again, as she purred happily. "Yes, well.... I couldn't leave her there. She is my cat, after all... I snuck in one night and got her. Trust me... no one saw."
"That's good."
Bob heard the front door jingle, and muffled voices of customers. "Well, I'm very sorry ladies, but I must be going. My work calls."
"Oh no problem, Bob. We'll be out of your way in a minute."
"No rush.." he pushed opened the door. "How may I help you today?"
Maxine looked at Maude and Dr. B. "How did you guys get here?"
"Oh, we drove. I knew I had a car stashed somewhere on this colony," B answered calmly. She stared out the window as the sky began to turn grey.
Maxine really looked at Dr. B's face this time. Her hair was definitely shorter. It was now a little higher than her shoulders. She still wore her scientific-looking glassed, and purple drop earrings. Her lips were coated with a dark purple, and it glistened in the little light the outside provided.
Maude on the other hand, kept getting older and older. Wrinkles started forming around her forehead and cheeks. Her gray-white hair was placed in a bun located on the back of her head. She had reading glassed hand from her neck, accompanied by a normal golden cross necklace. She wore a dark plum colored jacket, with spotted wool insulation. At the bottom, she wore a regular pair of jeans, and sneakers. She had a scarf wrapped across her shoulders.
"You look well," said Maude, trying to start a conversation up again.
"As do you both too."
Dr. B fiddled with a lock of purple hair. "Yes, well.... I thought that I needed a change."
She let her hair fall back in place, and stared seriously at Maxine. "Now, Anni..."
"Don't' call me that," Maxine interrupted. "My name's not Anni. It hasn't been for three months. My name is Maxine Arwell."
B smiled. "Interesting. Did you choose that name yourself?"
"Yes.." Maxine answered carefully. "Why?"
"Oh nothing," she said. "I was just thinking that is you place the first and last syllables together, it says..."
"Coincidence.. Pure coincidence."
She shrugged. "If you say so."
Maude decided that now may be a good time. "Ann... Maxine.. We have a birthday present for you.."
Maxine smiled. "How did you know my birthday's tomorrow?"
"Look, I may be old, but I raised you for most of your life.. You don't think I wouldn't remember something as easy as that?" Maude countered, smiling.
Dr. B patted the table. "Ok, well lets take a drive to it, and see what you think."
Maxine looked at her watch. "Well... ok. But I have to be back at my place by 4:00. I have a student of mine to teach."
".... Of course."
She opened the door, and gestured Maude and Maxine to walk though. She nodded in thanks, and went through.
When all of them were out, Dr. B closed the door. "See ya later Bob, we'll be leaving now.."
"Alright, Ladies... That'll be 25. 30, Miss" he said to them, and then his customer.
Maxine glanced at the lady. She had shoulder length blonde hair, that was in a tangled, yet beautiful mess. She wore a dark blue business suit, with a mini skirt as the bottom piece. Maxine knew she had seen her before, but where... "Oh Chris, do you think we'll need this for the party?"
A short, blonde haired teenager emerged from the nearest isle and walked next to the woman. She wore a pink mini skirt, with a buttoned up white sweater. She was about Maxine's age, but has the feature of a matured adult.
Maxine knew who this girl was, and ducked into a nearby isle. Her name was Relena PeaceCraft, former Queen of Romerfeller. She heard the jingle of the opening and closing of the front door, and exhaled in relief.
Maude looked confusedly at her, while B nodded in understanding. Bob didn't notice, because he was writing down his credits of the day. "Are you three leaving so soon?"
"I'm afraid so, Bob," apologized Maude. She walked up to Maxine and gane her a noogie. "We need to give Maxine her present!"
"Ah," said Bob. "We'll, I'm saving mine for tomorrow." He glanced at Maxine and winked. "Don't get too attached to their present, kay?"
"Right.." she smiled and waved. "Bye Bob! Take care of Tasha!"
She opened the door, but was caught by surprised when someone was already opening it. "Wait a minute, Chris! I think I dropped my wallet somewhere."
She accidentally collided with Maxine, and they both fell to the ground. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was.." she looked at the person's face. ".... Anni?"
Maxine stared at the girl, not knowing what to say. "You mean Miss Anni is here?" asked Chris from outside. She looked at Maxine and smiled. "Hey! It is you! How ya doing, girl?"
"I... I'm sorry... you must have me confused with someone else..," Maxine stuttered, trying to get up.
But Relena just pushed her back down. "No. Your Anni! I know it!"
When Maxine denied it again, Relena retorted, "I'm not stupid, Anni. I know it's you! Stop lying."
Finally comming to the point that lying wasn't going anywhere, she finally admitted it. "I'm sorry... It's just that I have been Maxine Arwell for three months, and everything is falling apart on the same day. It puts a little pressure on me.."
"Don't worry about it. I actually wanted to see you!"
Maxine quickly turned her head at the girl. "Me? Why/"
Relena frowned. "Everyday, more and more people are torn apart from the U.E.S.N. and the electives say that I am the only thing keeping it from falling apart. Knowing that knowledge, you can see why the enemy might want me dead. I need bodyguards to protect me, so I can keep the peace going. But so far.... only one has been proven to be the best." She turned and stared out the window, obviously thinking about Heero.
Man, thought Maxine. This girl needs to get a hobby or something...
Relena cheered up, and looked back at Maxine. "But sometimes, one isn't enough. I thought that since you trained with them, you might be a good bodyguard. What do ya say? Will you protect the Vice Foreign Minister, Anni?"
This came as a shock for Maxine. She did protect Relena once when she was kidnaped by Oz, but was she willing to do it as a career? Relena said something to Chris while Maxine was in thought. Her secretary nodded, and rummaged through her briefcase. Finally pulling out the much needed item, she gave it to Relena.
Relena then gave it to Maxine. "This is my private number. I am the only one who answers it, so don't worry, I wouldn't reccommend leaving a message though."
She got up, and dusted her skirt. "Oh! Silly me! My wallet was in my pocket the whole time!" she laughed, and walked away with Chris.
Oh yea... she's definitely a blonde...
"So what's your answer?" asked Maude.
"About what?" asked Maxine.
"Are you going to consider it?" asked B. "This might held you get closer to important Oz officials and..."
"That part of my life is over.." she yawned. "But it may pay well... I'll sleep on it."
"Right. Come now... we have wasted enough time."
"Bye ladies!" Bob called.
"See ya Bob!" yelled Maxine. "I'll be here tomorrow!"
"You better be!" he joked.
The door jingled shut, and they all gathered around a silver Lexus convertible. "Ok." said Maude, as she buckled in the back seat. "You sit in the front, honey!"
Maxine nodded, and placed her seatbelt on. Dr. B turned the car on, and the radio at full blast. "Next stop... airport!"
"Why are we going ther—"Maxine tried to ask, but was stopped as gale force winds met her face when B took off.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A motorcycle pulled up to the front entrance of the Winner Mansion. The rider, was dressed in blue jeans, a white shirt, and leather jacket. He also had a helmet on his head. He pressed the intercom button and said, "I'm back."
"Ah. You're here, Trowa. Come in."
A light buzzing echoed and the gate squeaked open. Trowa pushed off the ground and slowly drove around the fountain in the center of the driveway. He pulled off his helmet. Setting it on the handle, and taking the keys, he put them in his pocket and walked up the steps. Trowa pushed open the huge white doors and said with almost no emotion, "Hey. I'm back."
"Hi Trowa!" Quatre happily greeted him. "Did you find out anything?"
Trowa sighed and slumped onto the couch. "Nothing. I have no clue wether that base is still modeling MS or not. Even though they definitely have signs of it, they're computers are massive and powerful. It's very had to decrypt. Maybe I'll take Heero with me next time.."
"Hmm?" Heero asked, hearing his name. He walked into the room, carrying a glass of water.
"I need you to come with me to this base. I think that they're still making Mobile Suits, but I can't get into their main computer. I want you to do that."
"Hn."
The front door opened again, followed by a lazy, "Yo, guys. What's up?"
"Duo!" yelled Quatre, automatically getting up and running to him. "What happened to you! It's been two months! Where have you been!?"
"Aw, don't worry about it, Q-Man. I had some things I needed to settle first." He yawned. "I'm kinda tired. I'll be up in my room..."
He turned and proceeded up the stairs. "But Duo!" called Quatre once more. "We're just about to have lunch!"
Duo slightly turned around. "I think I'll pass. Thanks anyway, buddy." He closed his door.
Quatre stood there, in awe and shock. "P.. Pass? He's never missed out on lunch!"
"You idiot," came a voice from the hallway. Wufei walked into view, arms across his stomach. He headed for the living room, and his much adored armchair. "Why do you think he was gone for so long? I'm positive it wasn't a vacation.."
"But... he passed out on lunch."
Wufei sighed. "Winner... he was gone so long because he was looking for her."
Quatre shut his mouth, and stared at the floor sadly. "I'll put lunch on the table." He turned for the kitchen.
Duo threw his fist at the wall, and kept it there. "Damn it!"
All across his room, there were maps everywhere. One of them was what he just hit. It was a big map of the colony, and it was pasted right on his wall. Several red X's covered the paper. "Where are you?" he murmured under his breath.
He sighed and walked over to his bed. He pushed off books and maps, and fell face forward into the pillow. After a moment's pause, he sadly looked up and whispered, "Anni.."
He spun his body around, and decided to stare at the ceiling. His fan, which he rarely ever turned on, cast a shadow in the room. It stretched out to the corner, and made Duo just notice something. He picked himself up, and walked towards it. There was a small hole in the corner. Duo looked down, and saw another hole, right underneath the one on the ceiling.
He cocked his head and tried to remember where that came from...
"No, no, Anni. That's not how you hold it,"said Duo, correcting her mistake for him. "Like this."
He brought up her arm a little, and aligned it with her eye.
"Ooohhh..." she said, finally understanding how to hold a gun. With both her arms stretched out in front of her, she spun around, aiming at random objects. "So when do you think I'll be able to really use one of these, Duo?"
He smiled at her. "Until you're ready."
She rolled her eyes, and continued to aim carelessly. "Bang, bang!" she said playfully.
A loud scream ran through the house, shocking Anni. She pulled the trigger by accident, and it made a hole in the ceiling. "What was that?" she asked.
Wufei walked in, his hair a flaming red. No really, his hair was a bright red. "What. The. Hell. Is. This." he said dangerously.
Duo and Anni glanced at each other and ran out of the room, followed by a bellowing Wufei.
Duo got out of his memories and smiled. He reached into his shirt and brought out a small object. It was a picture of him and Anni. He had his arm around her shoulder, while she gave the camera a thumbs up sign, winking one eye. She wore her much adored black baseball hat backwards, and a baggy camouflage t-shirt, while Duo was just wearing his normal priest outfit.
His smile grew. That was the fifth day at the Mansion afer she lost her memory. That was also the day that Quatre mentioned something about a fair in town, and Anni said they should go. And that's what they did.
He remembered something, and walked over to his bookshelf. Skimming hi index finger over every book her passed, Duo finally tapped on one. He brought it out, and sat down. He opened it..
The photo album held all of the pictures taken at the fair. The first one showed att six of them at the entrance of it. Duo, Anni, and Quatre were smiling, while Trowa, Wufei, and Heero had no expression. The next one was when they all got ice cream. Anni had just pushed Wufei playfully in the back, but sent his face into his ice cream. The picture showed Wufei yelling at her with strawberry ice cream on his face and in his hair. In the background, Quatre and Trowa were trying to suppress their laughter.
Duo turned the page, and laughed as he saw the next one. Duo and Anni had dared Quatre to go on the Super Dooper Daredevil with them. He had said, "You're on!" not suspecting what would happen. Duo was smiling from the ride, while Anni smiled, half worried, and half amused by Quatre, who was holding his mouth, looking very sick.
Underneath that was one that Duo remembered quite clearly. Anni had fallen down and twisted her ankle. So she got a piggy back ride from him. She smiled in happiness and embarrassment. Duo even saw a hint of blushing.
Turning the page, he saw on Old Tyme Photo. Anni, who refused to wear one of those huge dresses, decided upon being a robber. So the Photo Lady suggested that they should all be robbers, except Quatre, who played the bank manager.
Anni was posing herself as she aimed her gun at the camera, Duo was holding his gun and winking, Wufei had one foot on a stool, and staring at the camera, Trowa was holding a sack of money over his shoulder with a bandanna over his mouth, and Heero was standing in the front, holding a beer keg in his hand, with a pistol at his waist. Poor Quatre was on the ground in a white tuxedo with his mouth gagged, and his hands tied behind his back. The picture itself was in black and white, and underneath them all was: "Wanted. Dead or Alive"
Duo closed the book and placed it back on the shelf. He still held the picture he previously had under his shirt, and gazed at it, wondering why things had to turn out this way. He placed it back in his outfit, and said seriously, "I don't care where you are Anni.. I will fin you."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
B stopped the car right next to a chain of airport hangers. She turned the car off, and stepped out. "We're here.."
Finally summoning the courage to releasing the armrest, Maxine shakily opened the door, and closed it. "Don't' worry," assured Maude. "It's only scary the first time.."
Maxine nodded her head, and followed the two women. B explained that people rented the hangers to store their airplanes and other things. Just as she said, airplanes and jets were taking off and landing all around them. "Maybe I could teach here..." Maxine said to herself.
"Twenty-four... twenty-five... twenty-six. Here we go," said Dr. B.
She brought out a small, metallic key card, and slid it in the slot. It beeped green, and opened up. Slowly, the doors separated, shedding light into the small hanger. Maxine tried to see what was in it, but couldn't tell exactly. She shrugged, and walked in as Maude and B did.
The doors closed shut, and they were in complete darkness. "Now, Anni..." said Dr. B, "It's time to see your present."
She flicked on the lights, and Maxine looked up, shocked. "No way... how could... how did?"
B walked towards Revelation, and stopped in front of it. "Very clever... trying to send it into the sun. How original."
"I told you! That part of my life is over! I don't want to live in the past!"
B's eye met her's. "It's not a matter of wether or not you want to live there, Anni," she snapped back. "You can never change fate. No one is that powerful. You were meant to be with the Gundams."
"How many times do I have to tell you... I am not Anni. I am Maxine!" she yelled.
"Fine... Maxine. It still doesn't change what I'm going to say. Don't waster your time being a teacher! This is your destiny!" Dr. B retorted, pointing at Revelation.
"I told you! I gave up that like! Three months ago... I did...." Maxine fell to her knees.
Maude sighed, and placed her arms around Maxine's shoulder. "Maxine.. Do you remember what you did after you left us?"
Maxine looked up, and nodded. Slowly, she said, "Yes. I finally killed Rasam, and blew up the base. He is definitelt dead, and so are his... experiments." She shuddered as she remembered them.
"Yes, I know that... it was all over the papers.. but.." Maude she paused, trying to figure out how to say this, ".. but some Oz soldiers still exist and continued to fight. Even you heard what they're doing to this colony.. It's your duty as a Gundam Pilot to defeat them!"
"I already did my part," Maxine said softly. "I already did my part, and Taaria is resting peacefully within me. I've done all I needed to do in my life..."
Dr. B scoffed and quickly walked up to her. "When did you become so damn selfish!!? There are people dying and suffering out there, and you are the one who could take them out of it. But you decided to just sit back and deprive them of hope! What would your father say?"
"Don't!" yelled Maxine. "Don't... you dare... bring my father into this... He wanted me to live my life..."
"HE WANTED YOU TO LIVE! YES, HE WANTED THAT, BUT HE ALSO WANTED YOU TO CLEAN UP THE SCUM CALLED OZ!" B exploded.
"I told you!" she yelled back. "I am not Anni! I am Maxine Arwell! I am a poor pilot teacher trying to make it in life! None of it... has to do with Gundam!"
B and Maude watched as she turned and headed for the door. "Anni..." said Maude sadly. She reached and arm out to her, and took a step, but B stopped her."No. She's made her choice."
Maxine heard this, and looked at the ground. "I'm sorry..."
She closed the door behind her.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"But mommy! Miss Maxine is a great teacher! I want to keep learning!" complained a small girl, as she tugged on her mother's sleeve.
"I'm sorry, darling, but I need to stop the lessons. They're just too dangerous." She had decided to take her daughter, Casey, to the park and spill it out. Maybe she wouldn't cause too much of a commotion there. She was wrong. She never expected her to be so angry!
"But I like it mommy! Miss Maxine taught me how fun it is! It's way better than piano practice! I wanna stay!"
"Casey! I told you no! I won't say it again."
Duo walked beside the playground, hoping to clear his mind. He caught the conversation between the little girl and her mother amusing, so he jumped on the play set, and decided to listen in..
Casey stomped her feet and shrieked loudly. Turning to her mother, she said, "I hate you!"
Casey ran away.
Her mother stood up. "Casey!" She was about to chase after her, but went to fetch her two year old son first. When she came back with him in her arms, she looked for her daughter. "Casey! Casey, where are you!?"
To himself, Duo contemplated what he should do. With little dispute, he jumped down and headed in the direction Casey went. "This'll get my mind clear..."
He searched the whole block, and came to a spot where he was a little uncomfortable. This was no place for a girl to be alone in... A high pitched shriek got his feet moving, as he ran to her aid.
Casey stumbled to the ground as she stared, terrified, by two men in front of her. She started to scuffle backwards, but one of them picked her up by her pigtails. She yelled in pain, as the man laughed. "Get a load of this one... she's to young to sell to someone, but she might make a good slave. What'dya think, Boss?"
The taller man smiled. "Of course not.. In a couple of years, she'll be a good woman. We can then sell her. Take her."
"Let go of me!" she screamed, and bit down into his arm. The man yelled, and dropped her. She got up, and pressed her back against the wall... it was a dead end.
"Damn brat!" he yelled, and pulled out his knife.
Casey's eyes went wide. "We can't make profit on a disobedient girl... kill her."
The man with the knife smiled, and tossed it in the air. "With pleasure." He caugth the knife in mid-air, and advanced towards her.
"HELP!!!!"
"Leave her alone!" came a voice from outside the alley.
They turned around to come face-to-face with death himself. "I said..." warned Duo dangerously, "Let her go..."
"Stupid punk!" the man with the knife yelled, and charged after him.
Duo smiled. "You asked for it." He locked his arms around the man's throat, and cut off his air. He punched Duo in the stomach, and shook free. Duo ran behind him, and hit the back of his neck.
Paralyzed, he fell to the ground. The last man stared at his fallen comrade. He grabbed his arms, and pulled him out. "Man!" he said to Duo, scared, "You're not human!"
He ran away.
Duo spat out, and wiped his face. He smiled and looked at the girl. Extending his hand, he motioned her to take it. She looked even more scared, and hid behind a trashcan.
Duo frowned. "What's the matter?"
"Th... That man... said you... you weren't human..." she answered, horrified.
Duo laughed. He casually picked up a piece of broken glass lying on the floor. Making sure that she was watching, he used the edge to cut his palm. Blood spewed for the fresh wound. "See? If I weren't human that I wouldn't be able to bleed. Right?"
Casey stared at him, and glanced at his bloody hand. "O.. Ok.."
Duo wrapped a piece of cloth around the wound, and bent down to face Casey. "Now.. Tell me why you ran away..."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maxine knocked on the townhouse door a couple times. "Mrs. Harrison? Are you there? I'm here to pick up Casey!" she called.
No answer.
"Darn.. I must of missed them. Hmm?" she heard someone call her name.
"Oh! Maxine! Thank God you're here!" yelled Mrs. Harrison as she ran to her.
"Hi, Mrs. Harrison. I'm just here to pick up Casey." She saw that the woman only had her two year old son in her arms. "Is she at a friends house?"
"No! Please help me! Casey ran away!"
"What!?"
Mrs. Henderson began to cry. "I... I made her upset... and she said she... hated me... Please find her so I can apologize! I'm so sorry!"
Maxine couldn't stand to watch someone beat themselves up. "Ok. You go inside and call the police. I'll star checking around here..."
"Thankyou!" she ran inside her house.
As Maxine searched up and down the streets, she couldn't get one thought out of he head. Casey was always a carefree girl... what made her so mad? What did her other say? Seeing that the park was near, she decided to start looking there. Kicking off into a run, she called, "Casey! Casey, where are you! It's Miss Maxine! Answer me!"
Duo walked with Casey as she talked about her role model in life. "I want to grow up and be just like Miss Maxine!" she said happily.
"Why's that?" Duo asked.
"Because she's teaching me to be a pilot. She says that se used to pilot Mobile Suits! That's sooooooo cool!! I wanna be a pilot when I grow up!"
"Really? That's cool. I'm a pilot too."
"Are you serious? That's awesome! Do you pilot Mobile Suits?" Casey's eyes lit up with awe.
Duo smirked at the child. "Well... you can kinda say that..." The wind picked up, and blew his hat off. "Oh shoot..." he said, not wanting to use language in front of Casey.
Seeing the park, he bent down to Casey. "Wait for me by the monkey bars... I'll be there in a minute. Kay?"
"Okie-dokie!!! she yelled happily, and buzzed off to the playground.
He shook his head happily and went to catch his hat.
Maxine looked up, and saw a little girl running towards the park. "Casey!" she cried happily.
Casey stopped and looked around for the person who called her name. "Miss Maxine!!!"
Forgetting the gym, she ran to her much adored teacher. The two met in a powerful hug. "Oh, Casey! You're mother is so worried about you!"
"She... she is?"
Maxine smiled and brushed off a smudge of dirt from the girl's face. "Of course she is... silly. Why did you run off?"
Casey hugged her again. "I want to keep learning! I want to be a pilot just like you!!"
"Wha... what are you talking about?"
"CASEY!!" yelled Mrs. Harrison, who ran up to her daughter and gave her a hug. She kissed her cheek and said, "Don't ever do that to me!" But it wasn't in a scolding voice...
"Mommy! I want to keep learning from Miss Maxine! Pleeze??"
She looked at Maxine, and smiled. "Of course. That is... if she still wants Casey as her pupil..."
Casey released her mother and grabbed Maxine. "Well... yea... she's a good kid and student... but.." she scratched the back of her head. "Why did I say that I didn't want her as a student?"
"Oh forget it..." Mrs. Harrison said.
"Yay!!" cried Casey, and jumped on Maxine's back. Not suspecting this, they both fell to the ground in a heap of giggles.
Duo dusted off his hat. "Damn wind..."
"Stop, Miss Maxine! That tickles! Hee hee!!!"
Duo looked up at the sound of Casey's voice. "No.. No way.." he said slowly, dropping his hat again.
Maxine was tickling Casey wildly in her ribs. Mrs. Harrison stood behind them, laughing. "Oh, Maxine... you're so good with kids!"
Duo had a look of confusion on his face. "Maxine?"
He took a step forward. "AN– !!" a cloth was placed over his mouth, and he passed out. Before he was gone completely, though, he felt himself being dragged away from her. Again.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maxine brought Casey and her mother to their little two level townhouse. Mrs. Harrison told Maxine that Casey had an unexpected doctor's appointment today, so she couldn't make it to class. But that she would be there the next day. "That's fine.." said Maxine, and went to say bye to Casey.
The little girl stood by the street, looking left and right. "Ya looking for someone?" asked Maxine.
"Yup. This nice man helped me get to the playground, and I just wanted to say bye."
Maxine also wanted to thank this mysterious man too. "Well... what did he look like? Do you remember?"
"Uh-huh... he looked like Father Thatch. You know, with the priest outfit and all..." Maxine gasped. "He also had long, long, brown hair in a braid. It was kinda funny seeing a boy with that kind of hair. I really wanted to say bye..."
"Casey! Time for dinner!" called Mrs. Harrison.
"Well, I hafta go, Miss Maxine. I'll see ya tomorrow!" she said, while giving her a hug. "Bye bye!!"
Maxine watched the door close, and she stared at it. After that, she began to stare at the playground. "Duo..."
Carefully, she proceeded towards the playground. Why is he here? Don't tell me.... that he's still searching... Something white on the ground caught her eye. I was probably nothing, but she still wanted to see.
It was a cloth. Slowly, she sniffed it. Her hand immediately went to her nose, and she threw the cloth on the ground. "Ether!!!"
Next to it, was a black cap. It was definitely Duo's. "DUO!" she yelled, terrified. "DUO! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Duo... Duo where are you? Those words kept echoing in his mind. That's what got him to wake up. "An.. Anni?"
"Nope, sorry. Not her," said a male voice.
Duo lazily looked up at two men. They were the same one's in the alley way. "So.. He's awake?" said the one, who was called 'Boss'. "What do you think we should do to him, Ken?"
Ken, walked up behind him, and placed a knife under Duo's chin. "Oh, I dunno... you pick, Boss."
Boss began to think. "Give him the same hell as he did to you.."
Ken smiled. "With pleasure."
Duo started to chuckle. Ken frowned, and picked him up by his braid. "What's so funny, punk?"
Duo stared in the man's eye. "It's not wise to mess with Death, you know."
"Ooooh!!! I'm sooo sacared! Yeah right.."
After five minutes, Duo was in bad shape. His lip was spilt. His nose was bleeding. He has numerous bruises on his cheeks. Some of his ribs were broken. And his let eye was black. But he still kept laughing. "I told you..." Duo broke the handcuffs that held him down. "It's not wise to mess with Death."
He got up, and punched Ken in his stomach. After that, he did an upercut, and sent Ken falling to the ground. One more to go..
Boss walked up to him, his hands in his trench coat pocket. "Nice work. How bout joining me and my gang? I'll let you have 15 of the profits. What do ya say?"
"I say this.."
Boss was left on the ground, unconscious. Duo had taken off Boss's trench coat, and placed it on him. "Thanks, buddy. It was a little chilly out..."
He left the room, stumbling slightly.
Maxine switched her search towards the city. Each street in there seemed more dangerous than the next, but she couldn't stop. She has to find Duo.
A train crossing the street made her stop her search for just a minute. Maxine looked down at Duo's hat, which was in her hand. She shrugged, and placed it on her head. Wow! No wonder Duo loves this hat so much! It's comfy!
She smiled as the last cart left, but stopped smiling when she saw who was across te street.
Duo couldn't believe it. There she was... standing right across the street from him. "Anni!" he yelled happily.
Maxine didn't know what to do. Her mind kept saying, 'Move dammit!' but he body refused. It wanted to stay a little longer..
Seeing that Anni wasn't going to say anything, he said, "I see you found my hat! Doesn't it feel good?"
He started to cross the tracts, when her bod began to move. She turned around and ran, the hat flying off her head. As she ran, a tear drop fell from her face, and into the air. "Thank goodness he's ok..."
"No!" yelled Duo, and tried to ensue. But the wounds he received, he couldn't do it. So instead he just stood there, and watched as she disappeared into the distance. He picked up his hat, and sniffed it. It smelled like her! Smiling, he glanced at her one more time. "I still love you, Anni." He turned around and headed home.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Relena's offer flooded Maxine's mind as she walked home. And also, ever now and then, Dr. B's voice would sneak it to. It's your destiny! It said. Should she really go back to being a Gundam Pilot? Would that really make a difference? Mentally, she hit herself. "No. I can't. I won't."
As she walked by one store, the television in the window showed the news. Tomorrow was supposed to bring... she would never now. The television went out, and so did the electricity in the whole colony. Luckily, the emergency lights kicked it, so they weren't in complete darkness.
A red light flashed before everyone, and a loud sired echoed. People began screaming and heading for their homes. Maxine looked up, and saw Mobile Suits falling down from the air. "MS? How did they get in here?"
One of the Suits, the leader, said, "We are Oz. Do as we say, and no one will get hurt!"
Three shots were fired, and they hit the leader. Of course, it did nothing, because it was just bullets. Maxine shot her head at the old man beside her, holding a riffle. "How dare you do that old man! Maybe you're just not taking us seriously!"
The leader brought up his beam rifle, and aimed it at a stream of townhouses. "NO!" yelled Anni, as she watched fire ignite before her eyes.
I.. I can't believe they actually did it! How could they!? She stared to search for survivors. The flames were deathly hot, and falling pieces of the house threatened her life. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
She heard a quiet cough, and ran to it. There was a wall of flames in her way, but she jumped though it. "Hello?"
On the ground, she saw a tiny hand. Lifting the table off the body, she cried as she saw who it was. "Mi... Miss Maxine?" said Casey. "You... you were the best teach.." Casey sighed and closed her eyes forever.
"No..." Maxine picked up the child, and held her in her arms for a long time. "I'm so sorry, Casey. If I had just stopped thinking about myself, than maybe... maybe you wouldn't have had to pay the ultimate sacrifice.."
"Why... why is it always the one's I love... THAT DIE!!" she buried her face in Casey's hair and cried even more.
The whole house was falling apart, but Maxine didn't care. She didn't care if she died. Unexpectedly, arms picked her up, and carried her outside, before the place did collapse. Casey was still in there, though, getting crushed even more.
Maxine wanted to slap the person that rescued her, but when she saw them, she stopped.
"B..."
"Do you understand now, Anni? Why it's important to fight for the one's you love?" B looked at Maxine to see if she was making an impact.
Maxine stood up, and said, "B, give Maude a message."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
Maxine smiled. "Tell her... that Anni Tanner is back." Anni stood up, and looked at B in the face, fire in her eyes. "Take me to Revelation. I'll get rid of this Oz scum."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Duo glanced at the newspaper as he ate his toast. All of the Oz MS had been eliminated that day, most of them either dead or in jail. As he read further, it said that it involved a Gundam, and many people were asking questions. Where did it come from? How did a Gundam get in the colony? What will Oz do now that this has happened? Will they attack again?
Smiling, Duo set the paper back on the table. "Anni... glad you're back."
Bob hummed a little tune as he swept the dirt out of his store, and onto the sidewalk. Something caught his eye, and he looked at it. A girl was running down to him, with a big smile on her face. He smiled to and laughed as she stopped in front of him, gasping for air. "Hey... Bob..." she said.
"Why hello.. Anni.." he said.
Anni looked up and gave a weary smile. "You saw the paper, didn't you?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Who hasn't. I'm just glad that you're back. Come on in, I have your present waiting."
"Kay..." she walked beside him, still trying to catch her breath.
Tasha meowed happily as she saw her former master. "Tasha! How are you, girl?" Anni pet the cat's back, as Tasha purred happily
"She isn't being too much of a problem, is she Bob?"
"Not at all," he said. He bent down, and motioned Tasha to come to him. Tasha licked Anni's hand, and walked over to him.
He picked her up, and placed her on the counter, in front of her food ball. "Come with me," he said to Anni.
She nodded, and followed him into a new section of the shop. It was a dark room, and the only light came from the open door they were standing in. "What is it?" she asked.
As an answer, Bob flicked on the lights, and Anni gasped. There were three cars in front of her. They were all different, and all beautiful.
"You mean.."
"Yes. Pick one, Anni."
Anni looked up at him. "But I don't even have a licence."
With a flick of the wrist, he presented her with a little card. It was a car licence. Her picture was on it, and so was all the information. "How did you..."
He picked up her chin and said, smiling, "I can change a person's name, can change a person's look... now what makes you think I can't make a licence?"
She grinned and gave him a hug. "Thanks Bob.."
Letting go, she started for each car. The first one was a yellow Mercedes. Next, a deep red BMW. Last, there was a green Beetle. None of them really appealed to her, and she stopped in from of another car that had a sheet over it. "What's under here?"
Bob pulled off the cover, and Anni nearly fell backwards. It was a black Jaguar. "You... have one of these?"
Bob nodded slowly. "Do you want it?"
Anni walked over to it, and touched it. She was caught in a stream of memories....
"You're no OZ soldier like I've ever seen before," echoed a voice.
"Maybe I am no Oz soldier," she answered back.
Yes, the Jaguar brought back a lot of memories. She touched the car again, and also another memory.
"Now," started Quatre. "It's time to clean this up."
Duo ran towards Anni and slung her on his shoulders. "We're leaving now!" he hollered to the pilots as he swiftly placed her in the Jaguar. They were soon riding through the gate when they heard, "Get back here, Duo!"
Anni hid a chuckle, and turned to Bob. She looked up at him and smiled. "I can't take any of these, Bob. They're your cars. I would feel sad if I took one."
"Don't worry about it. Take as you like. It is your birthday."
She faced the cars again, and thought. The Jaguar was definitely the top one she wanted, but it brought on lots of memories. Would it be ok is she allowed those memories?
"Yes," she said to herself.
"Hmm?"
"Bob, some memories aren't meant to be forgotten. Right? Is that the way it's supposed to be?"
He gave her a hug. "It's whatever makes you happy, pumpkin."
"Thanks, Bob." She pulled away from him and added, "I should get going now. Miss Relena is waiting."
"What? Miss Relena?"
"Yea, I decided on taking up her offer. Hopefully, I'll be able to attack Oz from there. Take good care of Tasha."
She took out her counterfeit licence and jumped in the Jaguar. "Bye, Bob! You're the best!"
Turning the key, she heard the car rev like a stampede of stallions.... better yet, make that jaguars. Bob held Tasha in his arms as he watched Anni drive off, and turn the corner out of view. "She will grow up to be a great woman."
"Meow," said Tasha in agreement, and licked his face.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Two weeks for a bodyguard can seem like forever. Anni didn't know how people did it. It always boring... following Miss Relena around, escorting her to the limo, watching over everyone who speaks to her... this was not fun. On the other hand, she was getting decent information about Oz, and on her days off, she would do as much as possible to cripple them little by little. Every now and then she would have to make a disappearance because either Heero was there, or she was talking to him. Anni didn't give up on the fact the Heero might know she was there, because he likes to watch over Relena in the shadows, and would have definitely seen her. But she thanked him for not telling the others, especially Duo. She didn't want to leave. Anni was sick of running away.
Tonight was one of the rare night when she got to do something interesting. She was to be assigned one of the squads. Relena had a banquet to attend, and many Oz and Romerfeller officials were to be there. If any night, that would be the night when an assassination was to happen.
"Ok, men," she said to her squad. "We will be guarding the left wing roof. I want all of you to be alert and aware. If you see something that you think you can't handle alone, than call another tp come. Don't take stupid risks. That's the last thing we can afford right now! Understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!" they said, and saluted.
"Very good, off to your quarters and get ready! Be there in 1 hour!" Anni waved them away, and each guard exited the room single filed.
She sighed began to walk to her room. Since is was necessary for each guard to be near Miss Relena, they all have a room here she was stationed. You weren't allowed to leave without a pass, or it's your day off, and even then, you have a bug on you. They don't want any traitors.
She whipped out her key card, and slid it in the slot. She then placed her hand on the screen, and a green light scanned it. "Access confirmed."
The door opened and she walked in. Her outfit that night would consist of the squad uniform. Black pants, black t-shirt (but she always wore a black tank top), black jacket, and black boots. She also decided to wear a black hat, which concealed her face. To stay protected, Anni liked to keep some knives and guns handy. There was a gun hilt at each side of her hip, a knife in her boot, a knife in her sleeve, and three more handy guns in her jacket. There is no suck thing as being too prepared. She has been in a tight spot where she needed a gun, and didn't intend to repeat the scene.
Last, she placed a black bandanna over her face, just incase Heero should see her. Anni did not want him recognizing her. She checked herself over and ran out to see if her squad was in place. This was going to be a long night.
"Man, why do we have to wear these uncomfortable suits?" complained Duo, as he fidgeted with his bow tie.
"Because this is a formal occasion, and we have to look out best," explained Quatre as he helped Duo.
Wufei, who was also not happy with wearing a suit, sat by the window and glared at his surroundings. Heero was the driver, and he kept a straight face on, as did Trowa, who was in the passenger's seat. He listened to the conversation with great attention, and hid smile. "Were here," said Heero, as he stopped the car.
The all soon were out, and Heero passed the keys to the valet. "Man I hate these fancy parties. They bore me."
He waited for an answer, but got none. Looking around him, Duo saw that they already left. He placed his hands behind his head, and sighed. "Let's get this over with.."
Anni held the gun in her hand as she walked along the edge of the roof. So far so good.. "How's sector 4? Everything clear?"
"Yes, Miss Anni. There's no sign of trouble. I'll report in twenty minutes."
"Good man.." She clicAked off the walkie talkie and stared at the sky. It was nighttime, and the stars were really showing. Smiling to herself, she repositioned her gun, and continued to walked.
Duo took a sip of his champagne and glanced out the roof window. He stared at the moon. For some reason, the moon had always caught his attention. A body swiftly walked past the window. Duo smiled and began to run for the stairs.
"Dammit," cursed Anni to herself. She had walked in front of a window without even knowing it! Someone could have seen her. This was not good. Out of the corner of her ear, she heard a door open, and then close.
Pressing her body against the roof, she made her way across. After making sure
that she had her gun ready, Anni jumped out from the corner, and aimed her gun. There was no one there, but an open door.
"Little too slow there, buddy," came a voice from above her.
She turned her head, but the person had already pinned her against the edge. "How's it going pal?" asked Duo. He pulled her gun away and examined it, while still keeping her pinned. "Thinking of preforming a little assassination tonight, were we?"
"D.. Duo..." she whispered. No... not here... not now..
Pushing him away, she got and made a run for her. But she stopped abruptly when Anni heard the click of a gun. "Hold it," said Duo dangerously. "Remember... I've got the gun."
With quick reflexes, she flipped out the knife in her hand, and flung it at the gun. It shot out of Duo's hand, and over the edge. She heard the clunk as it hit the second level roof. "Miss Anni!" called guard from her walkie talkie. "Miss Anni! Are you alright?"
Dammit! She thought.
"Anni...?" said Duo slowly.
She stood put, as he walked up, and removed her bandanna and hat. "It is you, Anni!" he said happily.
He gave her a hug. "God, I've been searching forever!"
Anni decided right then and there. She wasn't going to run away. She didn't want to anymore. Plus... she had a message to deliver.
"Duo.." she said slowly.
"Anni don't tun from me," he said flat out. "I don't want you to. Just stay here and hear me out.."
She looked in his eyes, and saw them glisten. They were pleading her. She slowly nodded her head, and he smiled. Taking both her hands with his, he shocked her. "I told you I loved you, and it's true.. My feelings haven't changed."
She could feel a blush coming on...
"But..." he stopped to find the right words. "If you hate me that much, then just ask me, and I'll stop. I mean, it might be a long time before I could do that, but I'll still try. All I ask is... that we become the friends that we used to be."
Anni's eyes widened. He is going to do that... for me? "We were such good friends. Nothing separated us, and nothing brought us down... until Oz came into the picture. I swore then, that I would always protect you.. And I did try, but it wasn't enough."
She laughed meekly, and looked at Duo. "Wha... what are you talking about, Duo? Whenever I was hurt... whenever I pushed you away, you kept on helping. You have protected me. Why do you think you've failed?"
Duo glanced at her eyes, and brought up his hand. He placed his finger below her eye, and brought it down to her chin. "How many tears have you shed because of me?"
Pain ran through her heart as Anni heard the question. "How many.... tears...?"
Swiftly, she grabbed his shoulders, and hugged him. Duo was surprised at first, but after a minute hugged her back. "My father... came to me in a dream one night..." she explained. "He said... that it's not your fault that he's dead, and neither you or I should worry ourselves about it. I shouldn't blame you for that, and learn to accept it. He also said that I should be true to myself, and true to my feelings. I didn't fully understand that until now..."
She paused.
Anni pushed him back a little so they could see each other's faces. "I now understand... I also love you, Duo. You have helped me see that. Thank you. Thank you for opening up my eyes when they were shut, and for opening up... my heart."
They both smiled at each other for the longest time. Duo was leaning in for a kiss, but an explosion stopped them. Mobile Suits fell from the sky, and landed around the building. They had the Oz logo on them, and demanded for the Vice Foreign Minister.
Duo looked at Anni and raised an eyebrow. "Shall we?" asked Anni.
"Ladies first."
She laughed and both of them headed for their Gundams, to do battle and fight.
The End
Loki: WAAAHHH!!! IT'S THE END!! I HOPE YOU ALL WOULD LEAVE ME A BIG PRESENT, LIKE A REVIEW!!
Anni: I had fun in this chapter, and it's sad to leave, but I must... bye bye! ::is being pulled up into the air by a white light::
Duo: ANNI! NOO!!
Anni: Bye, Duo!
Duo: ::curses:: Dammit! She's gone again! Damn damn damn!!!
Wufei: I could care less about this chapter. You made me look like I like onnas. Feh.
Inuyasha: Hey... that's my word...
Loki: Sorry, but this chapter is comming to an end. I know the ending was crappy, but I'm not good with endings. Please review and tell me how you like it. Thankz! Oh, just so you know, there will be no sequel. C'mon people! How exactly am I supposed to make a sequel to this story? If you want to do it, than by all means go ahead. Just tell me so I can read it, and see how on earth you did it. If you have any questions, than email me!
Thankz for giving me sooo many reviews!!!
-Loki