Chapter 2
By the Bay

It was still dark out when she was being forced to wake up. She opened her eyes to see Heero hovering over her.

Kasen, come on, we're leaving.

She sat up in a groggy daze, Where are we going?You'll know when we get there.Why can't you tell me now?Would you just hurry up. We need to leave right now.What happened?Nothing. We just can't afford to stay in one place.Fine, fine, she said as she stood up and stretched.

Once she was fully awake, she went to the green Gundam and entered the cockpit waiting for Heero. The sounds of machinery filled the air, like a fleet of helicopters. The two of them took flight, leaving the empty house behind. They passed over fields, going higher once their reached a city. It whizzed past in only a few short seconds, becoming a haze of lights behind them. The landscapes changed rapidly from rural to city. A bay came into view, the city lights surrounding the edge of land. It was there that they reduced their speed, landing on a private air strip with a warehouse nearby and another smaller building next to it.

Kasen leapt out, happy to be on solid ground again.

Well hello there, said a man who greeted them warmly. He was in his forties, his brown hair beginning to turn gray. Glad you could make it, he said to Heero.

Thanks for letting us drop in like this.No problem. He just noticed Kasen, his eyes widening a bit, I had heard that the Gundam pilots were special, but I didn't realize one of them was a girl.This is Kasen.

She bowed to him, a habit of hers from her ninja life.

The name's Drake. Come on inside. I'll get the others to dock the Gundams.

He headed inside, but Heero did not follow him right away. He came up to Kasen and spoke, It would be wise if you didn't mention that your a ninja. He's an ally for the colonies, and whatever he knows he tell them.Who's The politicians who are running this whole show.

The went inside the warehouse, which had been turned into a hanger filled with a variety of vehicles. Trucks, cars, a helicopter, a jet, and several large contraptions which Kasen guessed were for holding the Gundams.

They went up the metal staircase that went around the entire upper perimeter of the warehouse, going around one of its corners and taking a right into a hallway composed mostly of tinted windows. On the left was the airstrip, and on the right the bay. Kasen looked at it briefly until the window was replaced by a wall as they entered the adjacent building which appeared to be the living quarters.

They traveled to the very end of the hallway were a single door stood. Drake opened it and casually walked in. The first thing that caught Kasen's eyes was the carpet, a rustic color from a time of bad taste. The walls were covered with cheap dark wood halfway and the rest painted a moss green. Everything about the room was tacky, from the traditional office desk lamp to the mini bar globe, which had been left open.

Drake didn't seem to notice it though as he walked right past, then turned around to face them. You guys wait right here and I'll go get boss Rowen. He'll inform you about our next plan. With that, he left the room, closing the door after him.

Kasen went to the window, needing to see the landscape of the bay instead of the horrific room she was trapped in. She didn't know why it bothered her so much. It could have been that she was used to bamboo and rice paper walls, or it could have been her mother's taste that had been burned into her.

I know you won't understand what's going on, but just pretend that you do, said Heero, leaning against the nearby wall.

I'm good at pretending. She said it without pride. It wasn't a talent she enjoyed, but it had kept her alive.

You know Kasen, you could always go back home. You don't have to stay here.Home? You mean back to her. I will never go back, like a dog with my tail between my legs. She probably wouldn't take me in even if I did.Did you always have so much pride, or is that just a ninja thing?I suppose it's both.

Their talking ceased, neither one of them knowing what else to say. The door opened followed by Drake and Rowen, shutting the world out once more with the closure of the door. Rowen was a burly man, with a stern face like a general, though he was dressed like a thug, wearing brown jeans and a black jacket with a black shirt underneath.

We're glad to have you both here. I'll get right to it. We were going to hit the base here by the bay, but then we heard that OZ is transporting mobile suits by train from here down to Fort Guinner. They will be completely vulnerable, much more so than the base.Sounds like a trap to me, said Kasen under her breath, though the others still heard it.

It might be, but if we succeed, we will take down a good portion of their mobile suits, said Rowen in response, bothered that she would dare question his word.

That's if the mobile suits are even on the train.Our intelligence is accurate. They are there. You are not assigned to ask questions. We tell you where to hit and you hit them.

Kasen stared him down with daggers for eyes, but Heero quickly intervened before she could say more.

She just doesn't want us to waste our time that's all. We will do as you ask.Good, the others are close by. He brought out a map of the area, having highlighted the train tracks. Here is the train route. We will attack here at this check point. They'll be like sitting ducks.

Kasen just rolled her eyes at the cliché, trying to keep her mouth shut, though she found it most difficult.

The train should arrive at 6:15 tomorrow. Destroy as much of the train as possible. That's all. Now if you'll excuse me, I must tend to other matters.

He left the room as grudgingly as he had came.

I apologize for his behavior. the boss just likes to get things done as soon as possible without any chit chat, said Drake.

We understand, said Heero, answering for Kasen once again.

The two rooms with the open doors are yours.Well if we are done here, then I shall retire, said Kasen, heading for the door.

Good night, said Drake warmly.

She left the room, giving Drake the opportune time to question Heero.

So, where did she come from?From the colonies where do you think?Things must be getting edgy if they felt like we needed another Gundam.Believe me, things are only going to get worse.

Kasen waited till it was the early morning, when the warehouse would be less occupied. She had to get out, even if it was just for a little while. Even if she got on the bad side of the brute. She hid herself in the shadows of the helicopter and jet, making her way to the Black BMW Sedan. She only hoped that it wasn't a manual.

A maintenance crew member walked past, oblivious to her presence. Once he was gone she crept to the driver's side of the car, slowly pulling the handle. A soft click released. Sliding in the seat, she bend down to the steering wheel to avoid being seen. Now came the tricky part.

She pulled out one of her daggers and unscrewed the plastic covering around the wheel to reveal the wires. She pulled out two and started to hot-wire the car. It was one skill that Makoto had taught her and for once she was grateful for it. With a jolt the car came to life. Now that her cover was inevitably blown, she slammed the door shut and put the care in drive, relieved that it was an automatic. The maintenance crew had finally noticed but they were too late. She push the accelerator an inch above the floor, speeding out of the warehouse before they could close the heavy door.

What they hell just happened? barked Rowen, who had arrived at the scene just as she left the compound.

Sir, one of the cars...has been hijacked! said a crew member rather shakily.

Did you see who it was?Yes sir. It..was a girl.What's all the fuss about? asked Drake as he and Heero came from across the hallway.

That little bitch just stole one of our cars!She'll be back.And what if she doesn't?I could go after her if you'd like. he grunted as he went back through the hallway.

Do you even know where to look for her? asked Drake.

I have an idea. said Heero, going down the stairs. He had spotted a bike that had been hidden behind a car from the entrance. He smiled and turned to Drake. You wouldn't know where the keys to the bike are would you?

She parked the car next to a park downtown, the grassy lawn surrounded by small businesses. Finding a single bench, she sat down, watching people go by. Most were on their way to work. She could tell by how hurriedly they walked and often glancing at their watch with a briefcase in the opposite hand. Although Kasen wanted a normal life, she could not see herself doing that everyday.

As she sat there, some pigeons hovered around her feet, picking up leftovers seeds. Having spotted the birds, a little blonde boy came creeping up to them with seeds in his hands, trying to get them to come over. The birds kept ignoring him so he moved closer, too close for the pigeons taste as the flew a few feet away and resumed their scavenge.

Don't go after the birds, said Kasen, crouching next to the boy who had started to pout, Make them come to you.

She took some seed out of his hand and made a short trail from his open hands. Slowly, the birds gravitated closer to the trail, picking seeds up and moving closer. Sure enough, they followed the trail right into his hands. The boy's face widened with joy.

He looked over at Kasen and smiled. Say, where'd you learn to do that?My father taught it to me. Animals like to do things on their own terms.There beaks tickle, he said, giggling.

Rei, come on it's time to go, said his mother who was waiting for him by a tree.

Okay mom! said the boy, dropping the seeds. Bye birdies! he said waving to them. He turned to Kasen as he ran away, waving his whole arm through the air. Bye lady!

She waved back, watching the two of them disappear into the busy streets.

She opened the door, greeting the new sunny day. She knew things would be tough, but she was willing to do whatever it took to set things right. Going down the stairs of the hotel, a bellboy stood next to a pink sedan, opening the back door.

Thank you for staying with us Miss Relena. Hope to see you again. He said cheerily, as he did to all the special guests.

Thank you very much.

She was about to enter the car, when she saw something that caught her eye. Across the street, in the park, was a girl sitting next to a little boy who was feeding some pigeons. What struck her most was the orange hair that stood out from the green surrounding.

She couldn't place it, but she had remembered hearing about someone with similar hair. She shrugged the thought off and entered the car, having to go back to where it all started. Once the door was closed, the car started up, the driver, pulling out onto the street only to stop at the signal ahead.

Where did I hear that? Was it something father said? Yes, that's it. How could I forget. It was on our way back from the colonies.

The memory of the moment flooded back. At the time, she was bored of her life. Now she would give anything to have it back. She was sitting next to the window while her father talked, a conversation she was only partially participating in.

What I don't understand is why. Why does a ninja have any interest in our plans.

The word ninja finally caught Relena's attention. What ninja?She's a legend in the feudal districts. All we know is that she belongs to one of the clans on Lyria and that she has orange hair. The locals believe that she is a demon and that her hair will catch you on fire. It's amazing what fear will make people believe. Lyria just isn't what it used to be.What was she trying to do?She was after top secret information that myself and other s had put together. It involves some underground military usage on both OZ's part and the colonies. I'm sorry but I can't tell you much about it.

It's alright. It's not like that's the first time you've had to say that to me.Well she destroyed only part of the information. The half on the colonies. Luckily I made a back up. The whole incident has everyone on edge. I'm beginning to wonder if it was Oz that hired her. I fear that eventually this fighting under water will surface.

She was certain it was her. Somehow she just had a feeling.

Driver, take me back to the park.Are you sure Miss Relena?Yes, I'm sure.Well alright.

The car circled the block, heading back down the street, parking on a space next to the curb.

Relena stepped out, going over to the bench where the red head sat. Mind if I join you?

The girl looked at her and smiled warmly, No not at all.

Relena took a seat, feeling awkward. She had no idea what to say.

You're Relena Dorland right? Or is it Peacecraft now?Yes I am, and yes, it is.I'm Kasen. I've heard a lot about you.Funny. I've heard about you too.You have?Yes. My father, he told me about you. The fire haired ninja.

She didn't act surprised. She seemed used to it by now. I had no idea I was that famous. Let me guess, you want revenge for something that I did.I don't know. My father thought you were working for OZ I want to know everything I can about them, and I thought, you could tell me something.I would if I did. But that's not the way it works. I was told by the clan to do a job, so I did it. We never ask questions and we are never told who paid for the job to be done.

She looked at Relena with honest sincerity. I am sorry if I did something that caused you grief. I'm trying to leave that life behind me.No, you didn't. The only one that has caused me any grief is OZ. They're to blame for everything. I've made it my goal to show the world what they really are.Don't give them all the credit. OZ isn't the only one with blood on their hands.That's true. So, if you're not a ninja anymore, then what are you doing here?I'm trying to stop a war.So it seems we're on the same side. Relena let out a sigh of relieve, You know, you're not at all the way I thought you would be. I imagined you'd be older, and well not so charismatic. I was a little surprised to see you feeding pigeons.

Kasen laughed. I thought you were a stuck up princess that didn't waste her did with people like me.Do I really come off that way? she said with worry.

Kasen laughed again, I think your driver is becoming impatient. Relena looked over to see him standing beside the car, lightly kicking a rock.

Relena was amazed. She never once saw Kasen look in his direction, yet she knew exactly his mood.

I should probably get going, she stood up, Kasen doing the same.

Where are you off to?The Sanc Kingdom. I'm going to have it rebuilt.The city of peace. I shall have to come see it someday.

A motorcycle, gunned down the street, pulling next to a black car, the rider walking over to them.

Oh great. He just had to follow me.Who did? said Relena, her back turned to him.

Damn it Kasen did you have to run off like that? said a familiar voice.

Relena turned around, her eyes widening. It had been awhile since the last time they had met. She felt like a different person, but he hadn't changed at all.

Oh, it's you.

Somehow she managed to speak, though she felt like she could not breathe. Hello Heero.Wait, you know each other? said Kasen, confused as to what was going on.

You could say that. What are you doing here Heero?Retrieving her.Hey, I was going to come back.And what time frame were you planing on doing that?I don't know, eventually.I'm never gonna hear the end of this.I don't understand what's the big deal.

Standing there, watching them bicker, Relena couldn't help but feel out of place. They seemed so close, fighting like brother and sister. Or something closer.

I really should be going. It was nice to see you again Heero, and to meet you Kasen. She started to walk away, feeling like a fool.

Hey Relena! called out Kasen.

She turned around, letting her say one last thing before she ran into the car.

I promise, I'll come visit you.

She nodded and climb in, trying to not cry with the driver present.

You're unbelievable you know that? said Heero with the same old look of contempt on his face.

You always manage to meet people you shouldn't meet.First of all she came to me.Yeah people just tend to gravitate to you. Is there a way to turn that off? He smiled smugly.

Shut up. They both watched the pink car drive away into traffic. She smiled slyly as a thought entered her head. I think she likes you.That's it I'm leaving. He headed to the bike with Kasen right on his heels.

Oh what's this? Avoiding the subject?There's no subject to avoid.Aw, you're no fun.And you're too much trouble. Now get in the car that you stole, and follow me back.Fine have it your way. She got in the car, waiting for him to lead the way.

Heero just shook his head, knowing that the day was far from over.