AN: Okay so here is Chapter 12. Now that I have some more free time, I will hopefully be able to produce more chapters for all my loyal readers. You guys are the best! Just one thing: I revised a few of the chapters, you know editing and a new format for easier reading from now on, and I just had to change Quatre's weapon. Someone pointed out that it sounded like he was a caveman and it made me laugh. Whoever you were, you're right, Quatre doesn't deserve a club. LOL! Instead I have given him a metallic staff along with his sword. LOL! Sorry if this bums anyone out, but it just didn't seem right to me. Well, enjoy this chapter.

I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.

{-}

The Five Warriors were in the courtyard around the soldier's barracks. Martin insisted that they train with their new weapons. So they had been out all morning, getting used to their new armor and the weapons they carried.

Wufei was having little trouble with his new Katana. He touched the blade lovingly and moved swiftly. Duo stared at the former farmer in amazement,

"Wu-man, where in the world did you learn to use a thing like that; where did you get all those moves?"

Wufei grunted, "It is tradition in my family to know the ways of a warrior. In the Far Eastern lands, where I come from, all the boys are taken at a young age and trained for three grueling years. That way, should the need come to defend our homes, we would be ready. It is a necessity."

Duo grinned, "Well I learned from street smarts. You learn to fight when you are on your own. It just came naturally to me I suppose," he said slyly as he slashed his scythe around. Spinning around, Duo did his best to intimidate the other young men with his moves. "You can just call me the God of Death!"

"Your best moves do nothing to intimidate me with that long, girly braid of yours," snorted Wufei.

Duo grabbed his precious hair in defense, "Now see here, this braid and I go a long ways back. Never had a haircut in my life; I wouldn't even let the sisters cut in when I was staying with them in the missionary. No way, this is here to stay."

"You look like a stupid Onna," snorted Wufei as he walked away.

Duo looked at his braid, shrugged his shoulders, and grinned.

Meanwhile, Heero was currently dueling with Quatre. The blonde haired man found himself equally matched as he clashed weapons with the emotionless Heero Yuy. Quatre was practicing with his metal staff while Heero used his saber. Heero could tell Quatre had been trained before. The young man's strategies were excellent. However, Heero possessed far more experience. A moment later, he had Quatre on his back with the sword pointed at his neck.

The blonde haired man breathed heavily as he looked up at the point of Heero's sword.

"Heero, where did you learn all of this? I have been training for years with one of the best swordsman in all of Mythica, and you still bested me."

Heero did not reply. He sheathed the saber and began to walk away. Trowa helped Quatre to his feet. Quatre was still curious. He walked after Heero who had seated himself on a rock.

"Heero, where did you learn to fight?"

"That is none of your concern."

"I was just wondering," replied Quatre. "Your skill is great. You have seen many battles before, haven't you?"

Heero was silent for a moment, "Yes, I have; I have seen many battles."

Duo moved to sit down next to them after overhearing their conversation, "So what's the story with you Heero? Did you use to be a soldier?"

"No."

"A mercenary?"

"No."

Duo grew agitated, "Well what did you do? Where did you come from? You have to tell us something about yourself! I know a little bit about everyone here but you!"

Heero grew angry. He picked Duo up by the throat and looked at him in the eyes with a death glare, "I was nothing; my past is none of your concern."

He dropped Duo to the ground and stormed off. Duo picked himself up and watched his companion stalk away. He looked over at the others. Quatre had a concerned look on his face, while Trowa and Wufei simply stared.

"What did I do?" asked Duo. "I was just wondering."

"Do not take his words personally, Duo," said Quatre. "Heero suffers greatly and wishes to speak of his past to no one. I think the only one who could tell us anything about him would be Martin."

"I do not think even Martin holds all the answers," Trowa replied quietly. "In time, Heero will learn that what he once was does not affect who he is now. It is a lesson all of us will learn."

{-}

Relena was in his father's old study, looking over his library full of books. She flipped through parchment papers over the history of Mythica. Frowning, Relena put down the document she was looking at and picked up an old book. Flipping through the pages, Relena scanned the pictures until she stopped suddenly, and then went back a few pages.

She stared at the picture of man in white armor. He was depicted as holding a sword above a slain dragon. In the background, soldiers were cheering. Relena looked over at the writing under the picture. She read it carefully,

Centuries ago, when the world was cast into shadow, the Four Guardians

Sent forth a man to bring light into the world once more. He was given a special gift,

And led the people of Mythica to glory. History will forever name him as the greatest

Warrior to ever walk the earth…Heero Yuy.

Relena gasped at the name, reading the description over and over again. The book documented all of the warrior's great achievements and victories. It even noted Heero Yuy's devotedness to the High King.

A knock on the door forced Relena to slam the book shut.

"Come in," she said.

Pagan entered, "Your highness, there is a woman who insists she speak with you. She claims the matter is urgent."

"What is her name?" asked Relena, puzzled.

"Lucrezia Noin."

Relena frowned. She had never heard of that name in all her life. "Very well, show her in Pagan and thank you."

Pagan bowed, "Yes your highness."

Moments later, Pagan showed a tall woman into the room. Relena was somewhat surprised by her appearance. Her hair was cut short, much like a man's, and she wore the garb of commoner. However, instead of a dress, the woman wore slacks and a tunic. Lucrezia Noin bowed deeply.

"May I help you?" asked Relena.

Noin stared at the young woman whom Zechs claimed to be his sister. It was unmistakable that the two were related. The blonde hair, although Zech's was much lighter, and of course the blue eyes; they were almost exactly alike.

Clearing her throat, Noin spoke, "I have come to offer my services to you."

Shocked, Relena looked at the woman she didn't even know, "That's very flattering, but we've just met. May I ask why you have come here?"

"There is a logical explanation but you must control yourself until I have told upon whose behalf I have come."

Relena looked at the woman questioningly, but soon grew curious. She sat down in a plush chair, listening carefully. Noin took the opportunity to begin,

"My name is Lucrezia Noin. I have come here upon the behalf of your family. Not the one you have known all your life, but the one you have just recently discovered."

Relena's eyes grew sharp, but she maintained her calm, "Continue," she said quietly.

"In short, I was sent here to protect you and to offer you any council which I can give," replied Noin.

"Upon whose behalf have you come?" demanded Relena.

Noin paused looking at the girl directly in the eyes, "I have come for your brother."

Relena gasped and stood up from her seat. "I have no brother. I do not know what you are speaking about."

Noin sighed, "You have a brother, who lives and breathes. Your memory does not serve you well for you were only a babe when he last saw you. Thus you would have no recollection."

"How do you know all this?"

"Because I am one of his closest companions; he sent me here to look after you. It is his own request."

Relena raised an eyebrow, "Why should I trust you? With times the way they are, why should I trust anyone?"

"You do not have to trust me right away. I am only here to help you. I pledged an oath to your brother and I intend to keep it whether you want me to or not."

Relena stared at Noin. This was one of the most awkward situations both women had been in. Relena thought for a moment. If only she could be reassured of Noin's words. If only there was some way to know whether or not she actually had a brother. She found it unbelievable. Relena needed proof.

"If what you say is true, Ms. Noin, please tell me about my brother, and about my family. I cannot take any chances in any matters nowadays…I hope you understand."

Noin nodded. Zechs had said she may not be easily convinced but eventually she would win the girl's favor. So Noin began with a description of the Lightning Count himself,

"His name is Milliardo Peacecraft. His eyes are the same color of blue as yours and his hair platinum blonde, like the sun. He was only ten when he last set his eyes upon you. He loved you dearly as a baby and celebrated your birth when others would not. Although his current reputation must be kept a secret, not only for your safety, but for his, Milliardo has asked me to come here. He wishes for me to watch over the sister whom he once loved and thought he had lost."

Relena watched Noin as she spoke. When the woman had finished, Relena shook her head. This was all just too much. So much had happened in the last couple of days. Was she to accept this occurrence as well? A long-lost brother who wished to protect her? Why had he not revealed himself sooner? And further more, how had he escaped Lord Treize's massacre? She had never heard of the Peacecraft family having a son.

"Where is my brother?" asked Relena.

"His current position cannot be disclosed at this time," replied Noin just like a soldier.

"This does not seem logical," said Relena as she shook her head in doubt. "Why should I trust a man whom I have never met, let alone a woman whom is a complete stranger to me?"

Noin nodded her head in compliance. She approached Relena and touched the young girl on the shoulder gently. Her eyes grew warm as she looked at Relena,

"We are all asked to make difficult decisions. To offer my life to protect you was one I just made not so long ago. We are not so different. I am not asking you to accept your brother's identity, nor his trust, but I am asking you to let me uphold my oath to him. He told me I would not gain your trust immediately, and I accept that. But right now, I am offering my hand to you in friendship."

Relena nodded, "Very well, I accept your services."

Noin nodded and smiled.

{-}

Hilde donned a particularly strange disguise as she traveled to the Northern Realms. She left immediately following Treize and Lady Une's conversation. However, as she was exiting the palace, she did not go unnoticed by several of the guards. They hooted and hollered at her, trying to grab her or touch her in any way she could. After she finally managed to fight them off, Hilde decided that going as a simple servant girl was out of the question. For a young woman of her youthful age to travel alone would be absurd. So she cut her long raven hair short, and borrowed some slacks, a tunic, riding boots, and a cloak. She smeared her face with some dirt to hide her girlish features and made her way onto the long road.

It was at least a four day journey on foot to Darlian's city. She would have to travel secretly and carefully. Treize's men were scattered about the countryside. She shuttered to think of what might happen to her should she be discovered.

Because she was on foot, Hilde's progress was not only slow, but tiring. The young girl had left in such a hurry that she had brought little to eat and drink. Her pace was almost a jog as she tried to make up for not having a horse. Time was running out. Pushing herself to the limit, Hilde continued on with her perilous journey.

{-}

Heero sat alone in the garden where he had met with Relena just the other day. It seemed more like a year since he had entered the city. He needed to be alone for awhile. He remembered the seclusion of this little garden and immediately set out to bask in its tranquility. Right now, the soldier stared into the tiny pond. Heero frowned at his reflection. What kind of a man had he become? Was he truly good, like Martin said? Heero needed an answer. He needed so many answers at the moment. If only there was some way to find out.

"I love coming to this spot," said a feminine voice from behind him.

Heero spun around and saw Relena. He stared at her, annoyed at the fact that he was no longer alone. However, the sight of the young women made him feel content. He shrugged thinking he would rather it be her than Duo; nothing more than that.

Relena walked over to stand next to him and the water. Never once did she look at him. She simply glanced at her own reflection bouncing off the water.

"I used to think that I could make wishes in this pond," she said quietly. "I wanted an adventurous life, not the one of a lady. I did not want etiquette lessons, but I wanted to be rescued by a handsome prince from a dragon or something. It's funny what you dream about when you are nothing more than a child."

She smiled sadly. Heero did not reply to her comment, but wondered why she was speaking to him of such things. Her voice was soft and gentle as she continued,

"I suppose life has funny way of playing itself out. I never expected to be much of anything. I always thought that I would be married off to some nobleman whom I did not love and that I would be destined to remain in a tower embroidering. Now, I find that I am the daughter of the greatest family in all of Mythica. What does one do when things change so suddenly?"

She bowed her head. Heero was not sure if she was asking him for an answer. He studied her face and watched as the wind blew her honey hair about her eyes. She looked beautiful. Now, she turned to look at him,

"I am not asking you for any answers because I know you are a man of few words, this much I have learned about you. But tell me Heero Yuy, what would you do if you were in my situation?"

Heero thought about the question for a moment before answering emotionlessly,

"Follow my emotions."

Shocked by his words, Relena nodded her head. She turned her gaze back at the pond thinking about her answer.

"Heero, I know that you may not think so, but for the short time I have known you, I appreciate your friendship. You and the others mean a great deal to me, and your willingness to help is more than I could have ever hoped for."

"Hn," was the only reply she received.

"I also wanted to thank you, for saving my life the other night at the party," she said somewhat shyly. "I suppose you think I am just a silly damsel in distress, but I really do mean it."

Somewhat shocked Heero looked at her sharply, "Relena, I think you are anything but a silly girl."

Now it was her turn to be shocked, "What do you mean? I know I Have acted somewhat foolishly in the past couple of days. I do not mean to… to…"

"Relena, I mean that you have showed more strength and courage than anyone woman I have ever met. To take on the responsibility you have promised to uphold takes strength. I do not think you foolish."

She blushed slightly, "Thank you."

For a moment, the two of them were silent. The warm spring breeze blew their hair about and the song of birds filled the air. Suddenly a thought crossed Relena's mind and she smiled slightly. She looked over at the handsome young man standing next to her,

"Heero," she said.

He looked directly at her, his eyes piercing through hers. Gasping a little, Relena could feel herself become lost in his deep gaze. He was godlike, the way he moved and looked at her. She fumbled with her words for a moment before she was able to speak,

"I…I just realized something: even though you and I are not from the same place Heero Yuy, we are not so different after all. You see, we are both dealing with major decisions in our lives, some of which the consequences could be dire. And I suppose that you are right, we both just need to follow our emotions."

With that she walked away leaving a somewhat baffled Heero by the pond to think about what she had just said.

AN: Well that's it! I know this chapter is shorter, but I think you will be proud to hear that I wrote it in one day just so I could post it for you guys! Enjoy! Email: Wildrose1404earthlink.net