AN: Thanks for all the reviews! I knew you would like the last chapter, so I did my best to get this one posted ASAP! Keep up all the support. I really appreciate it. Let's see what happens to our characters!
I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.
{-}
Trowa rode with all speed as he entered the gates of the city. When he entered the courtyard, an array of men greeted him in surprise. Hopping off his horse, Trowa gave the reins to a stable boy. The gypsy walked past lines of soldiers who were training.
Standing on a podium, Wufei watched as the tall gypsy made his way into the castle.
"Barton! What are you doing here?" cried Wufei from across the courtyard.
However, Trowa did not hear him. Wufei jumped down from his platform, motioning for his men to continue their training. He ran to catch up with his companion.
"Barton! Slow down, I am trying to speak with you!" cried Wufei. Trowa kept walking.
Narrowing his eyes, Wufei simply followed the tall youth into the study where Martin was conversing with Quatre. The wizard looked surprised and Quatre looked slightly worried.
"Trowa," began Quatre, "what's wrong?"
Trowa shook his head to answer no. He then turned to Martin and began to speak.
"Martin, we believe we have found him."
"Found who?" asked Wufei. "Will someone tell me what is going on?"
"Hush, let the man speak," ordered Martin.
"The High King," continued Trowa. "We believe to have found a man that fits the description that the Lady of the Spring has given to us."
"Are you sure?" asked Martin.
"Yes, Heero and Duo agree as well."
Quatre's eyes grew wide with excitement. "Do you know what this means? We finally have a chance of defeating Lord Treize now!"
"Does this man know of his identity?" asked Wufei.
"No, we thought it best to seek council with you first."
"Then tell us everything," demanded Martin.
So Trowa began with his tale. The usually silent man was sure not to leave out any details of their encounter with Anton. He explained Anton's healing methods, and his past history. He described the haven. After a while, Trowa stopped. Martin slowly stood to his feet.
"If your assumptions are correct, then we must bring this Anton under our protection immediately. He must be told of these predicaments," said Martin. "Trowa, I will ride back with you to meet with Anton and reveal all to him. It should come as a shock."
"Martin," piped in Quatre, "should I continue on with the evacuation plans while you are away?"
"Yes, immediately and make no delays."
Trowa looked at them slightly confused. Martin explained,
"We plan to evacuate the city into the forest. I will explain more on the ride back to my cottage. But right now, there is no time."
"What about the others?" asked Wufei. "Will you bring them back?"
"Yes," replied Martin. "Heero and Duo will return with us."
"What about Relena?" asked Quatre.
"She will remain where she is, safe and unharmed. When the people of the city flow into the forest she will need to be there with them. It is important that she be there."
"Noin will look out for her," stated Trowa.
"Very well," said Martin. "Come, Trowa, we must leave at once! Quatre, I am leaving you in charge of the people. Wufei, continue on with the training. I shall be back in two days time…at the latest!"
{-}
Noin sat outside the cottage. It was late. Everyone else was inside enjoying a nice meal. She had politely decided to excuse herself, finding that she had no such appetite. Her mind was swimming with thoughts. It had been ever since they had arrived back from Anton's. Never in her life had she ever felt so free and so alone. For a while now, Noin had managed to keep her identity a secret. If she should reveal herself to Relena or any of the others now, she would lose their trust and she would have failed Zechs.
Zechs…the thought of his face flowed through her mind. She missed him terribly and could sense something tugging at her heart. She was worried for him. What would he say when she finally saw him again and confessed her true feelings. For now, Noin had come to realize that Treize was wrong. She relished in the freedom of her new life. It was different and strange to interact with people. But Noin was finding that she liked it. Would Zechs condemn her actions? He had always been an avid follower of Lord Treize, but the more Noin thought about it, why did she use to do the same?
She loved Zechs; that was why. She would follow him to the ends of the earth; do anything for him at anytime. That was why she had agreed to take on the mission to protect Relena. However, by taking on the mission, she was betraying him in every way shape and form. She was taking the side of the enemy now; whether he would agree to it or not.
Frustrated, Noin threw herself to the ground. Tear streamed down her cheeks. What was she to do? Betray the man she loved for the life that she always, deep down, wanted to have? What was her life without him? He was cold, but caring, a soldier, but a lover. She could not follow him forever though. Not if his path led her down the path of evil as well. But she loved him…
"Lucrezia?"
Noin looked over her shoulder to see Relena, standing next to her. The girl knelt down and placed a gentle hand on Noin's shoulder.
"What is the matter?" asked Relena.
Noin wiped her eyes, "They say a soldier should not cry…"
"But all women do," stated Relena with a smile.
"I suppose you are right," replied Noin sadly.
"Lucrezia, I don't know about too much about your life, but I do know that you are a wonderful and kind person. You have protected me and provided a comfort that I cannot explain to you. I trust you…"
"You shouldn't," said Noin bitterly as she rose to her feet. She spun around to look at Relena. "Milliardo was right when he said you would be too trusting."
"What do you mean?" asked Relena.
"Relena, I am not a good person. I am learning to be now, but the task is not an easy one."
"We have all made mistakes…"
"Not like I have made!"
Relena was quiet for a while. Noin held her head in her hands and struggled to contain herself. "Relena, I did come here to serve your brother and honor his wishes, but I once served another lord."
"Who?" questioned the young woman, who was slightly confused by the outburst of emotion.
"Lord Treize."
"Lucrezia do not jest with me."
"I do not jest."
Relena looked at the woman curiously. She raised an eyebrow, looking into Noin's eyes searching for the truth. It was not a lie.
"Were you…sent here to kill me?" asked Relena.
"No, my mission was to protect you from Treize by order of your brother, Milliardo."
"Then how did you once serve Treize?"
Noin was silent as she looked away. It was too difficult, the girl would not understand. She heard Relena's voice again,
"How, Lucrezia? You must tell me!" she demanded.
Noin slowly turned around to answer her. "By now, you must understand that I have changed my ways. I no longer serve under Lord Treize. I follow you through the friendship I have gained."
Relena nodded in understanding. Noin continued, "I once served Lord Treize because I was in love with a man who is now dead. He was brave and courageous; always believing that you should fight for the cause you wish to achieve. I would follow that man to the ends of the earth if he would allow for it. So, when he became allies with Treize, I willingly agreed to do so as well."
"Who was the man that you once loved?" asked Relena.
Noin was quiet. Her eyes filled up with tears and she found that she had no voice to speak. Struggling, Noin tried desperately to choke out the words. When she couldn't, a man's voice answered for her,
"Your brother, Relena."
Relena spun around to come face to face with Heero Yuy. He was looking at her solemnly. She shook her head at his words.
"No," she began, "my brother is a Peacecraft. Though he may have believed in fighting, I know he would not do such a thing."
"Relena, you do not know what he has become…" began Heero.
"No! He wouldn't do that! That is not who he is! My brother does not follow Lord Treize!"
"Relena," said Noin quietly as she found her voice, "Heero only tells you the truth. Milliardo Peacecraft abandoned his namesake in rebellion of his family. When he allied with Treize he became a completely different man with a new identity."
"I cannot believe you," cried Relena.
Heero grabbed her and shook her slightly. "Relena, your brother is not who you think. I have come to realize it as well through Noin's tale. He is Zechs Merquis, Lord Treize's famed general!"
Relena's eyes grew wide. "The Lightning Count?"
"The very same," replied Noin.
"May the gods have mercy…" whispered Relena as tears streamed down her face. She pulled herself away from Heero and began to walk away. Her steps led her beyond the cottage and to the forest.
Heero motioned for Noin to stay. He followed the girl and watched as she finally gave into her emotions and sank to the ground. Her knees gave way and she collapsed in a heap. Heero made his way to her and picked up the sobbing girl into his arms. She cried into his chest, not really knowing that it was he to whom she cried.
Heero felt a sense of awkwardness seep through his body. Holding her like that felt foreign to him. However, she needed someone to look after her, and at that moment, Heero Yuy realized it.
"Relena," he spoke.
She looked up at him with tear streaked eyes, "Yes?"
"Your brother and Zechs Merquis is not the same person."
"Something terrible must have happened," she said.
"Maybe and maybe not," he replied. "Relena look at me."
She did so, staring directly into his Prussian eyes. Despite being uncomfortable, Heero began to feel himself drawn to her again. "Relena, it does not matter what happens from here. It doesn't matter who your brother is or what side he is fighting on. I will be the one fighting on your side and I swear to protect you Relena, through it all. You have to trust in that."
She silently nodded her. Quietly, she rose to her feet and made her way back to the house. Heero watched, confused at himself for his feelings.
{-}
Treize smirked as he circled the man who was once Milliardo Peacecraft. He looked fittingly at Lady Une, who nodded in approval. The man who now stood before him was the true Lightning Count. Zechs Merquis was as solid as a statue. His once pale blue eyes were now filled in completely with black. There was no emotion on his face, no feeling in his heart. He was now cold and uncaring. The perfect general to uphold the task that Treize was about to order him.
"General, I am now bestowing upon you the honor which you have always been waiting for. You will lead my new army to the Northern Realms. There, you will destroy all who oppose you. Your orders are to capture Queen Relena Peacecraft and bring her back here to me unharmed. Here, she will die a slow painful death, under my watchful eyes. Do you understand?"
Zechs simply nodded. Treize smirked.
"Good…Anne!"
"Yes, my Lord?" said Lady Une.
"Assist me."
She nodded and took her place behind him. Treize slowly closed his eyes.
"Let your power build up," said Lady Une soothingly into his ears.
Treize nodded.
"Good," replied Lady Une. "Now, imagine what they look like in your mind. According to legend, they will take form of whatever you wish them to be. They will be indestructible. Just imagine them and they shall appear before your very eyes."
Treize squinted hard trying to make them perfect in his mind. Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. The room grew dark. Lady Une jumped as a shadow began to take form in front of her. The dark shape twisted with a will of its own. Fear began to grow inside of her for the first time in a long time. She felt herself clutching onto Treize's cloak. Suddenly, the shadow took its final shape.
Treize opened his eyes and nearly gasped. It took him a moment to realize what he had just done. Before Treize, stood a creature, dressed in brown leather, wielding a sword, and shield. It stared back at him with piercing red eyes. The creature stood on two legs, much like a man, but its skin was tougher than the thickest leather. It bowed in respect to Treize.
Lady Une stepped forward, "My Lord, this is the army which you have requested. They will obey your any command. All you have to do is say the word."
Treize smiled viciously. He circled the creature, taking in its grotesque form. After some time, he spoke,
"Here are your orders…"
{-}
She was beginning to feel something strange and powerful. Why did he have such an effect upon her? Relena sighed as she watched Heero with his training. She had hid herself from him for the majority of the day inside the cottage. She hadn't even bothered to help Hilde with any of the chores that day. Last night's news had taken a grievous affect upon her. At the moment, she did not wish to be disturbed. Thus, the others left her to her thoughts.
She watched as he swung his sword through the air. He and Duo had taken their shirts off and were now dueling with each other. Relena almost blushed when she saw the rippling muscles of Heero's upper body. It was indecent for a lady of her position to witness such a sight, but then again, it was not like they were in public.
"You are taken with him?" asked Noin quietly.
Relena spun around to face the woman. She smiled slightly, "Yes, I suppose I am."
"It is not easy to love a soldier," Noin replied sadly.
"I said nothing about love," defended Relena.
"You do not have to. You look at Heero the way I once looked at Milliardo."
Relena gazed at the woman silently. "You loved my brother?"
Noin stared at the ground, "I loved the man that was your brother. That is what I was trying to explain to you last night. Zechs Merquis and Milliardo Peacecraft are two different men, yet one in the same."
"What happened to him, Noin?"
Noin stared out the window and watched as the young men continued on with their battle, "Life began to take its toll. They say that the Peacecrafts have blood from the fair folk in them. Well, as you know, fairies tend to be adventurous and your great great great grandmother was Queen Laetitia of Alderon. She was the most adventurous of all. I suppose Milliardo inherited some of that blood and took his wings to fly."
"I must have as well," Relena said with a smile. She moved to stand beside Noin. "I never thought that my life would turn out this way. Never in my wildest dreams did I dare believe that I would one day be a ruler of the people. A fine job I am doing, hiding like a rat from a cat."
"Your time will come Relena. It does not matter what you are doing now. The future is what we make of it."
"I vow to live up to my family's namesake," said Relena with a bowed head.
"I have no doubt in my mind," Noin replied as she watched the girl. "What of Heero though?"
Relena was quiet for some time. She watched as the boy threw his sword with all his strength at his opponent. His eyes were fierce, his face set in battle rage. She found herself becoming lost as she stared at him.
"Relena?"
Relena bowed her head, "I do love him, Lucrezia. I have come to see that now. But where do I go from here?"
"Where ever your heart may lead you."
AN: I know that this chapter is shorter but please bear with me! I promise to finish this story! Please review, I love to hear from you all! Oh by the way, I am starting on my next Gundam Wing story this week. Hopefully in the next chapter, I will give you a little preview of what is to come. Trust me, you will love it! Email: