AN: Chapter 13 here we go. The last chapter was pretty uneventful, so I promise to try and make this one more exciting; perhaps a little bit longer even. We'll just have to see! Anyways, I am really enjoying writing this story and can't wait to finish it. I promise I will too because I've got the ending all planned out in my head! Sorry to torture all you loyal readers. Well here we go!

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

{-}

Relena had graciously given Noin a nice, comfortable room to stay in. As the soldier looked around, she felt somewhat…different. No one had ever been so kind to her in all her life. The room was much different from the tent she was used to while serving Lord Treize.

Noin placed her things on the bed and looked out her window. She was in a higher part of the castle, and thus was able to overlook much of the city. The entire place was in a bustle of activity. It was as if King Darlian had not died at all. Everything seemed normal, from what Noin could tell. The marketplace was busy, selling everything from food to clothing. Women were taking bundles of clothes to the nearby river for a wash. Children played games and dogs ran around barking at anything. It was as if the war was never happening.

Her heart was troubled. Ever since she had arrived back in the city, Noin felt strange. Why did the enemy have to be human? Why did they have to lead a life, just as she did?

Noin sat down in a chair by the window. Why had she accepted this mission? She loved Zechs but things were starting to change. Then again, war does change things. She sighed and as she did, that same burning question came through her head: Why did the enemy have to human?

{-}

Trowa was in his room. He looked out into the night, watching the stars twinkle. So much had happened to him within the course of a few weeks. He thought about his sister, Catherine, wondering how she fared. He missed her dearly and prayed that he would return to her soon. Secretly, he simply just wished to return to her…alive.

He missed the forest each day. His home for the entirety of his life had been underneath the bows of the juniper trees. Trowa found that entering the forest cleansed his soul. He was born there, he belonged there. Every day he was inside the city walls, he could feel nature calling him back home.

Closing his eyes, Trowa recalled the day he left his home. He had been talking to Catherine,

She was deeply troubled by the visions she had the previous day. Crying as she hugged him, Catherine spoke to Trowa about what was going to happen. She told him of the great danger he was going to face, that he would meet more companions who all shared in his destiny.

"What do you mean Catherine when you say they will all share in my destiny?"

"I cannot tell you…it would reveal too much about the future, Trowa," she said as she pulled back from his embrace.

"Does Quatre?"

Catherine nodded meekly, "Yes he does. Trowa, you must take care of Quatre. In time, a great pain will be upon him and you shall have to guide him back to the life he was knew."

"What will happen to him?"

"I cannot tell you, but you will know when the time comes."

Trowa nodded; concern evident in his eyes although the rest of his face did not show it.

Catherine smiled sadly, "The future can change at any given moment Trowa. Please take care of yourself and come back home to me. You are all I have left." Her voice faltered and new tears began to fall down her pretty face.

Trowa wiped them away gently, "I am not afraid to die, Catherine."

She looked up at him sharply, "I know. That's what scares me."

He stared at her blankly before leaving the cottage to set off on his journey. He needed some answers. He needed to know that Catherine and all that he loved would be safe. If dying was the only way to save his home, then so be it.

As he came back to the present, Trowa stood up and moved towards his window. A tree stood tall just outside, and in a single swift leap, Trowa jumped out the window to the nearest branch. His acrobatic skills form his days as a gypsy served him well. Trowa settled into the branches of the great oak tree. His nostrils were immediately filled with the freshness of its nature and for the first time in a while, Trowa felt at home again as he watched the stars.

{-}

The next morning, the entire court filled the Great Hall for breakfast. The Five Warriors attended, being honorary guests in the palace. They sat nearby Relena, who sat next to Martin and a woman whom no one had ever seen before. The woman had short hair, like a man, but a beautiful and gentle face. She dressed in the garb of a warrior, standing out among the other ladies of the court.

"Who's that?" asked Duo between mouthfuls of food.

Quatre answered, "I asked Relena the same thing this morning. However, she would not speak to me of it and claimed she would explain later."

"That is not like the Princess at all," commented Trowa.

"Well whoever she is," exclaimed Duo, "I give her credit for wearing those clothes and looking that good!" he laughed out loud as the others rolled their eyes.

"Do not speak of such things," shushed Quatre.

"Just kidding around, Quatre," smiled Duo. "You know though," said Duo growing serious, "for never being around this palace before, she sure made her way to the top quickly. Something is going on between her and Relena. There must be some sort of a deal."

"Did it ever occur to you bakas that the woman may be of no consequence at all?" inquired Wufei.

"Well, you never know with things the way they are right now!" said Duo. "For all we know, that woman could be a spy for Lord Treize! Heero, tell them that I might be right."

"Hn," was all Heero had to say.

Wufei snorted, "No woman would ever be capable of being a spy for the most feared Warlord in all of Mythica. Women are a weak race. They are simple minded and annoying."

A voice from behind him interrupted, "I suppose that's why we are the ones who clean up all the mistakes that man has ever made; because we are weak." Wufei spun around to face an extremely flustered Sally Po.

"What do you want?" asked the oriental man.

Narrowing her eyes, the medicine woman spoke, "I want you to know that although you may not think so, I am quite capable of doing anything you can do Wufei."

"Really," he snorted, "is that why you spend the majority of your time folding bandages?"

She smirked, "I spend the majority of my time folding bandages so that I can use them, later on, to take care of your battered body after I have beaten you into the ground repeatedly for your sexist, dirty mouth." She briskly walked away.

"I've got ten shillings on Sally!" exclaimed Duo with a grin.

"Shut up you baka," grunted Wufei as his face turned red. "Stupid onna, who does she think she is?"

"Wufei," continued Duo, "I think that you and Sally have just the begun the workings of a beautiful friendship."

Quatre laughed with Duo, while Trowa slightly smiled. Wufei grew even angrier, "Shut up Maxwell or I will ring your neck!"

Heero moved to get up. The others stopped their conversation and stared at him in question,

"Heero, where are you going?" asked Quatre.

"To find out who that woman is," said the emotionless man as he walked out of the Great Hall.

Making his way up through the castle, Heero entered the room that belonged to the mysterious woman. He had carefully been observing anyone who had entered or left the palace within the past couple of days. He would take no chances of Lord Treize sneaking in a spy; especially once Relena's true identity had been released to the public.

He entered the room quietly. However, as he looked around, there was no trace of any personal belongings. Frowning, Heero searched under the bed and in every nook and cranny, nothing. He left the room and made his way down to the Great Hall again, where his companions awaited his return,

"Did you find anything" asked Trowa.

"No."

"Well, if Relena does not wish to tell us, then it is none of our business," said Quatre. Trowa nodded in agreement, along with Wufei.

"I will ask Relena about it later," said Heero.

Duo smirked and was about to say something, but a death glare quickly shut his gaping mouth.

{-}

After breakfast, Relena found herself spending the day with Noin. Her new found protector told Relena all about Milliardo Peacecraft, as well as the rest of the Peacecraft family. Noin actually found herself enjoying Relena's company. She was relaxed. She did not have to worry about carrying out orders and the city was a peaceful place. Peace. Is that the goal that she was striving for?

The two women laughed,

"He has a stubborn disposition," explained Noin, "but a strong will. Anything he sets out to accomplish he will."

"He sounds an awful lot like me," laughed Relena. "Father always said I was stubborn and full of pride."

Noin smiled warmly. Relena reminded her very much of Zechs. Or was it Milliardo she was talking about?

Relena continued, "Lucrezia, where is my brother now? Why had I never heard of him until recently? I was sure I knew all of the Royal Family."

The smile on Noin's face fell. Relena looked concerned, but Noin began speaking,

"The answer to your question is complicated, Relena, and you must listen carefully without getting upset."

Relena nodded. Noin continued, "Years ago, Mythica was threatened by war. King Peacecraft's philosophy, as you know, was total pacifism. Your brother, however, did not comply with that. He was a warrior at heart and wanted to fight. Milliardo argued constantly with the King until he eventually ran away, cursing his family and his name."

Relena frowned, "If he does not choose to be a part of the family, why then did he decide to protect me?"

"Because from the moment you were born, he sensed something wonderful about you. He knew you were going to be special and he loved you dearly."

Relena nodded, bowing her head. "Lucrezia, I am glad you came here. It's nice to talk to you because I feel like I have a sense of what my past was like. I hope to meet Milliardo someday. Maybe, when the war is over, I can see him."

Noin smiled sadly, "Perhaps."

{-}

For three days and nights she had gone without food, water, or sleep. Hilde pushed herself on, sensing danger all along the way. She knew she was behind schedule. On foot, she was making little progress. If only there was a quicker way…

Snap out of it Hilde, she thought to herself. "I'm going to make it no matter what; just a little bit further."

She was coming out of the forest. As she looked into the west, she could see Darlian's city looming in the distance. Hilde smiled to herself. She was almost there. All she had to do was make it to the city.

Hilde began to walk forward little by little. Her stomach burned from lack of food; her mouth was parched from lack of water. The world seemed to begin spinning around her. Three days and nights without sleep can really takes its toll on the human body.

Shrugging all these thoughts aside, Hilde forced herself onward. Just a little bit more and she would be there. In a little less than a half hour, she could warn Princess Relena, then perhaps be treated to a warm meal and comfortable bed to sleep in.

Hilde's eyes began to close. She forced them open, making herself focus on the city looming ahead of her. A sharp pain suddenly shot through her stomach. Gasping, Hilde fell to her knees. She panted heavily, while clutching her stomach with her left arm. With her right one, she dragged her body against the ground. Breathing heavily, Hilde told herself to remain calm. Her system was just not used to going without food for so long that was it. Another sharp pain, however, made her cry out.

Collapsing completely on the ground, Hilde could go no more. Cursing to herself, the girl struggled to get up. It only resulted in more pain. Finally, exhausted, Hilde gave in. She promised herself to only rest for a minute, but soon, the weariness she had been battling for three days took over, and her world went black.

{-}

Heero walked down the hallway like a predator seeking out its prey. He stopped as he came to the door of the library. He had been told by Pagan that the young women sought shelter in there after a long day of royal engagements. As for Heero, he needed answers. He was not about to let a spy inside the palace, if indeed that's what the mysterious woman was.

Knocking on the door, Heero heard a sweet voice respond,

"Come in."

He entered, closing the door quickly. Heero found Relena relaxing in a plush chair. Her legs were sprawled over the sides, revealing her delicate ankles. She seemed startled to see Heero at first. Jumping out of the chair in a very unladylike manner, Relena struggled to straighten herself up. She smoothed her dress and pushed the stray hairs out of her face. She smiled nervously at him,

"Heero, I am sorry I thought you were Pagan."

"Hn."

"Please do sit down," she said as she gestured towards a chair.

"What were you doing?" he asked monotonously as he remained standing.

"Oh, I was reading," she replied shyly. "Father always made books a wonderful gift for me. It's my way to escape for a little while."

"Hn."

She swallowed a little bit, unsure of why he had come. "Heero, may I help you in some way?"

"I need to ask you some questions."

"Alright, you may proceed."

"Who is the woman you were with today?"

Relena was somewhat startled. Why would he want to know? "Her name is Lucrezia Noin. She is here on a personal matter."

"Will you say why?" he asked.

"Heero, all I can say is that she is her as a sort of advisor, a guardian if you will."

"How long have you known her?"

"What does this have to do with anything?" she demanded.

"I need to know, Relena. You cannot afford to get hurt at a time like this."

"Noin would never hurt me," she assured him. "And to answer your question I have only known her up until yesterday, but please Heero, you must trust my judgment when I say she will do me no harm."

Heero was shocked, "You only met this woman yesterday and you are willing to accept her trust?"

"Yes," replied Relena sharply.

"Don't be ridiculous, Relena."

"Ridiculous?" she cried as her temper grew. "I only met you just the other day and since then, my whole life has turned upside-down. But, I have already given you my full trust as well! You have yet to give me yours!"

"The situation is entirely different," he replied coldly.

She narrowed her brows, "You do not even know the situation in which I am acquainted with Ms. Noin. Do not judge my actions so harshly Heero Yuy."

He could feel his own temper rising, "Relena, this is a time of war. If you are to make one mistake, on false move, your life could be forfeit. You need to focus on the mission. Mythica is looking to you right now to lead them to victory."

"Is everything a mission to you?" she asked bewildered.

"Hn."

"Do not forget that I am also just a person who is trying to live their life! Mission indeed! I know the pressure I am under right now. I assure you that Ms. Noin is not a spy, assassin, or even a thief of any kind! Why can't you trust me?"

She stared at him, challenging him with her own eyes. She would not be defeated by this man. She felt she deserved to make her own decisions. She was after all, eighteen now, and quite capable of taking care of herself. However, as the two young people continued their face off, Heero Yuy would not back down.

Each one was just as stubborn as the other, though neither of them knew it. Relena had her dignity, Heero had his pride. The competition ensued for several moments before Relena stormed away towards the window in exasperation,

"Heero, I do not wish to quarrel with you over this. But please, I have entrusted you with my life, now you must trust me with this."

Heero stared at her for some time. Why was she so demanding? Didn't she know she could be making a huge mistake by taking this Lucrezia Noin under her roof? Then again…she had given him all her faith, could it be possible for him to return the gesture? No, he was right in this matter.

"Relena, do not be foolish." The soldier stormed out the room with a death glare on his face.

Relena watched him leave with a fallen face.

{-}

Duo had found training to be incredibly boring, the marketplace rather dull, and the castle dreary. It was nearing dark, and everything was winding down. Even the feast he had had for supper was not exciting. He needed a change in scenery; perhaps a night ride through the countryside on horseback. But, he didn't want to go alone.

So, the braided boy asked around. Heero was off sulking, looking particularly pissed off. He had not spoken to anyone since dinner, not even Martin. When Duo asked if it was a lover's quarrel with Relena, the only answer he got was a punch in the face. Wufei had taken up meditating, while Quatre was conversing with Martin. Thus left Trowa, who anxiously agreed to go with him.

So Trowa rode out of the city with Duo on horseback, enjoying the cool night air and watching the stars. Although, Trowa was a mostly silent companion, Duo enjoyed his company. He was the one person Duo could talk to without being told to shut up. Thus he chatted on happily. After some time, Trowa even began to speak to him a little about his love for nature. He was glad Duo had decided to go; he too needed to get away for a few hours.

They were nearing the edge of the forest. Trowa suggested that it was time for them to turn around and go back when Duo stopped and squinted into the night.

"Trowa, I think there's something lying on the ground."

"What is it?"

"Hell if I know," said the braided man as he moved his horse closer.

He looked carefully. If only the moon were not hidden behind those clouds then I could see well. Stopping his horse, Duo dismounted and approached the object. Trowa did the same and followed him.

"Be careful," warned the former gypsy.

Duo nodded then gasped, "Trowa, it's a person!"

He ran over and knelt down beside the form of a small boy. Trowa knelt next to him and placed his ear on the boy's chest.

"He breathes," stated the usually silent man.

Duo held the boy in his lap. "Hey buddy, wake up, come on, wake up…"

The boy stirred and eyes fluttered open just as the moon came out from the clouds. Duo gasped once more. In his arms, lay not a boy, but a girl! Her eyes were violet, clear, and beautiful. Her hair was cut short, she wore the garb of a man, but her feminine features were now obvious in the moonlight.

"Who are you?" she asked weakly.

"My name is Duo, Duo Maxwell, and this is Trowa Barton. We are here to help you."

"Duo," she breathed slowly. "My name is Hilde."

"Hilde, we are going to take you to the city now, to take care of you," said Trowa calmly.

Realization hit her. Hilde's mind flashed and she panicked. The mission…she had to save Relena still! Was it too late? She struggled all at once to get up, breathing heavily and panicking. But her strength failed her.

"Whoa, hold on there!" exclaimed Duo. "Take it easy, you're in pretty bad shape."

"No," she cried, "I have to make it to the city!"

"We'll take you there, just remain calm…"

"No! I have to get there now! Please!" she cried as she tried to get up once more. But Duo's arms pinned her down.

"You don't understand!" she screamed, "They will kill her if I am too late!"

Duo and Trowa looked at each other. "Kill who?" asked Trowa.

"Relena Peacecraft," she gasped.

Duo looked in alarm directly at the city. Sure enough, a shadow began to loom in front of it. The God of Death taunted him and Duo became alarmed. The demon pointed towards the city, smiling at him wickedly.

"Shignami…"whispered Duo audibly.

Trowa snapped his head sharply.

"He comes for Relena," continued Duo fearfully.

"Come on!" shouted Trowa. He ran towards his horse.

Duo quickly picked Hilde up into his arms. She sat behind him on his steed, her arms tightly wrapped around his body. The three of them made a mad dash into the city.

{-}

Heero walked alone in the gardens trying to cool his temper. What did she know? She was nothing more than a foolish girl! She was bound to get herself killed someday. He snorted as he continued his moonlight promenade.

Why did she challenge him so? Better yet, why did she make him feel so strangely? How could a silly girl make him feel so unraveled?

Heero stopped, correcting himself. She was not silly, well not entirely at least. Curse the Guardians! Why was he even thinking about her!

Heero contemplated this thought as he stormed through the gardens. He was angry up until the moment he saw her.

She was standing on her balcony, which over looked the gardens, in only her nightdress. The cool spring breeze blew the delicate white silk around her delicate body. Heero found himself entranced; it was like he was looking at an angel. Relena's face was upturned, gazing at the full moon. She did not see him or hear him. Heero shrank back into the shadows as she watched her. His heart was racing. Why couldn't he just take his eyes off her, if only for a moment?

Finally, Relena sighed and walked back inside to her room. Heero stepped out of the shadows and stared at where she had just been. What was happening to him?

No longer angry, but confused, Heero walked over to the courtyard, near the entrance to the castle. He sat down and held his head in his hands, his face a mask of stone.

Suddenly, two horsemen thundered into the courtyard. It was Duo and Trowa. Heero sensed their urgency and jumped up. Duo spoke first,

"Relena's in danger!"

Needing no explanation, Heero ran into the palace while Trowa called for the guards. Rushing up the stairs and through the corridor, Heero made his way to her room. But just as he was close to his destination, Heero heard Relena scream in the silent night.

{-}

AN: Don't you hate it when I leave you all dying! LOL! I am so sorry but you will have to wait for the next chapter. I promise that you will love it. Please email me or post a review! I love to hear your comments! Wildrose1404earthlink.net