Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song Escape belongs to Enrique Iglesias and the company that recorded it. It was used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to the people who I never married when they asked and to the one that I someday will.
The Marriage of Relena
Part One: Forced Hearts
During a peace conference that Relena attended with friends Heero, Quatre, and Wufei, she became quite ill, but her drug induced illness soon passed due to Sally's help. Prince Jesse announced their arranged marriage to the entire delegation. Relena tried to refuse to marry Prince Jesse, but when Milliardo asked her to go through the marriage for the sake of the Sanc Kingdom, she reluctantly agreed.
***
If you feel like leaving
I'm not gonna make you stay.
Ania gets anxious as they get closer to the Peacecraft Mansion. "I wonder if Hilde's left for home yet!"
Relena sits in silence between Quatre and Wufei. She hangs her head sorrowfully.
Heero reaches out his hand and touches Relena's knee, but she jerks away from him.
Prince Jesse stares out the window with a stupid smile on his face.
Wufei glares angrily at Prince Jesse wishing he could rip his face clean off.
"Hilde might have left by now," says Sally, "She does have a business in the colonies that she runs with Duo."
"She'll have a fit when she finds out," says Relena quietly.
"Relena?" asks Heero.
"Hilde. She'll have a fit when she finds out," repeats Relena as if she hadn't heart Heero speak, "She always imagined me marrying Heero."
"She wants you to marry him?" asks Prince Jesse turning to look at Relena.
Heero glares icily at Prince Jesse. If Ania and Sally hadn't been between them, he would have lunged for Prince Jesse.
Wufei gently takes Relena's hand and squeezes it.
Relena rests her head on Quatre's shoulder and closes her eyes. In a moment, she falls asleep.
Ania sets her hand on top of Heero's to try to comfort him.
The limo in which they all sit pulls up in front of the Peacecraft Mansion.
Prince Jesse hurries out of the limo and into the house.
Wufei climbs from the limo and pulls Relena up into his arms.
Sally climbs out and hurries to open the door for Wufei to take Relena inside.
"Quatre, Ania, would you get the others and meet me in the den?" asks Heero, "I'd like to start making our plans to break up Relena's engagement!"
"Of course we will, Heero," says Quatre.
Ania and Quatre hurry inside to find their friends.
Pagan climbs out of the driver's seat slowly. "Mr. Heero, maybe it isn't my place, but I have been with Miss Relena for such a long time. She was happy when she left here with you. Now she is so sad. It is almost like she has lost her heart."
"She has, Pagan. Just leave the car here. I'll unload the luggage myself later," says Heero starting to walk towards the side of the house. He sees the garden and the balcony to Relena's room. For a moment, he stares at that balcony not knowing what he can do to save Relena. He heads in through the patio doors and starts towards the den. He walks into the den and sees Quatre and Wufei sitting beside each other.
Hilde sits on the arm of Duo's chair with her arm across his shoulders.
Ania sits on top of the desk and Sally has pulled the chair around in front of the desk to sit with the others.
"Where's Trowa?" asks Heero.
"He had to head back to the circus," says Hilde, "Is something wrong, Heero? Where's Relena?"
"Relena's asleep in her room," says Wufei.
"And something is wrong," says Quatre as Heero turns the screen of the vid-phone towards the group.
Heero quickly dials a number and waits.
After a few moments, Trowa's disheveled face appears on the screen. "Dammit, Heero! Do you know what time it is here? I have a show to do in two hours!"
Ania blushes as she sees Trowa without his shirt on. She hops off the desk and walks over to Quatre so she can see the screen more clearly. She smiles secretly as she stares into the emerald green eyes.
"I'm sorry, Tro," says Heero, "But I only want to say this once. Relena is getting married…"
"Really?" squeals Hilde.
"That's great news," says Trowa with a sly grin.
"To Prince Jesse!" exclaims Heero angrily.
"That's terrible news!" exclaims Trowa losing his grin at once.
"How did she get engaged to him?" asks Duo repulsed.
Heero clenches his fists angrily.
Quatre jumps up and quickly explains everything that happened while they were away at the conference.
"So is the wedding planned yet?" asks Trowa.
"Probably, but we don't know a date," says Sally.
"We need to find some way to keep her from marrying that jerk!" exclaims Heero.
"Why don't you marry Relena, Heero? Before she has the chance to marry Prince Jesse," suggests Hilde.
Heero collapses to his knees on the floor. "She's too strong-willed. She wouldn't go for that. Milliardo managed to use her soft spot for the Sanc Kingdom into forcing the marriage. He believes the union will be good for the kingdom."
"Relena's been crying off and on since he talked her into it," says Ania, "More on than off."
"Heero, why do you want to stop this marriage so much?" asks Duo with a wink to Hilde, "Milliardo may be right. The union could be good for the Sanc Kingdom, and Relena may even be happy with Prince Jesse."
Heero is on his feet in a second with a strange fire burning behind his eyes. "Relena won't be happy with him. If you say that again, Duo, I won't hesitate to kill you."
"That's what I wanted to know!" exclaims Duo raising his hands in surrender, "Now let's try to get Relena widowed before she gets married!"
"I wish it were that easy," says Sally, "but we can't kill him for obvious diplomatic reasons. We just need to prevent the marriage."
"Guys, I'm going to think on this and get back to you tomorrow," says Trowa yawning, "I have to get some sleep. I'll come back as soon as I can."
Heero nods his thanks to Trowa and the screen suddenly goes dead.
Ania's shoulders drop, and she returns to her seat on the desk.
"What do we do?" asks Wufei looking around at everyone for ideas.
Hilde slides into Duo's arms.
The black phone on the desk starts ringing.
Ania lifts the receiver to her ear. "Ania speaking."
All eyes turn to Ania as her body stiffens.
Ania leans back on the desk and opens a drawer. "Just a sec. I want to write this down to tell Trowa later."
Quatre moves towards Ania as she pulls out a notepad and a pen.
"Okay, go ahead," says Ania sitting up again. She writes something down on the paper. "Does Relena know?"
"Know what?" asks Heero with wide eyes.
Ania drops the receiver back down on the phone. She looks at everyone and says, "That was Noin! She called to tell us while Milliardo went to tell Relena."
"Tell her what?" asks Heero quickly.
"The wedding will be held a week from Saturday," says Ania.
Heero storms out of the den.
Duo stands up quickly pushing Hilde to her feet and runs after Heero. "Hey, buddy! Heero, wait up!"
"Now… how can we get Heero to marry Relena?" asks Hilde sighing.
"Are you sure Heero is in love with Relena?" asks Sally, "Does Relena love him?"
"Yes, Relena does love Heero! She's my best friend, Sally, and I know her," says Hilde, "She's even told me that she loves him desperately!"
"And does Heero love her?" asks Sally.
"It certainly appears so," says Ania.
"Allow me and Wufei to demonstrate!" exclaims Quatre. He whispers quickly into Wufei's ear.
Wufei nods and stands. He repeats the words he had said to Heero when they were at the conference together. "Heero, do you know what you just gave her? That bill had a hundred written on it!"
"Listen, Wufei! I don't care!" exclaims Quatre grabbing Wufei's collar and pulling him closer. His imitation of Heero is quite accurate. "Relena's sick, and all I care about is her! I don't need money! I need her!"
Hilde squeals excitedly as Wufei and Quatre separate with small smiles. "Did he really say that?"
"Yes!" exclaims Wufei, "If I had gotten between him and Relena, he probably would have killed me!"
"And don't forget how he fell asleep with his arms wrapped around her!" adds Ania happily.
"Yeah, Sally. I'm sure he loves her!" exclaims Hilde, "We just need to get him to admit it to her! If he tells her that he loves her, she will refuse to marry Prince Jesse! I know she will!"
Here's how it goes, all it takes is some trying.
They all slide their chairs closer together to start the plans for Operation: Lovers Born; it's not quite the same as Operation: Meteor, but it is equally as important.
***
Relena sits on her bed listening to Ania and Hilde chatter. She can't make out their words, and she can't see them clearly through the tears in her eyes.
"Relena, do you want to go take a shower before dinner?" asks Ania.
Relena doesn't answer.
"Am I seeing things or does it appear that no one's home?" asks Hilde.
"Her eyes are glazed over," says Ania moving to the phone. She dials the extension for the den, hoping that Sally is still there.
Quatre here.
"Quatre, is Sally around? I'd like her to come check on Relena," says Ania, "She's acting strange."
Sally isn't here, but I'll find her for you, says Quatre, And I'll send her up to Relena's room.
"Thank you, Quatre," says Ania. She sets the phone down. She turns towards Hilde. "Quatre's going to find Sally."
Hilde nods. "Relena? Relena? Do you hear me?"
Relena doesn't even twitch at Hilde's words.
Hilde and Ania sit with Relena for several minutes trying to get some form of response from her. Then they hear someone knock on the door.
"Ania! Can I come in?" asks Quatre.
"Yes, Quatre!" exclaims Ania.
Quatre opens the door and leads Noin and Sally into the bedroom.
Sally walks over to Relena and looks into her eyes. She snaps her fingers beside Relena's ears. She sighs. "I don't believe there's anything physically wrong with her. I believe her problem is severe depression."
"If Zechs were any stupider, I'd kill him!" exclaims Noin huffily, "I hate this! If someone needs to be forced into marriage, why can't it be him? He could marry the Queen Mother of the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom!"
"I want to talk to him, Noin," says Sally, "Ania, Hilde, try to get Relena ready for dinner." She moves up beside her close friend.
"All right," says Noin, "I'll take you to him."
Noin and Sally leave together.
Quatre approaches Relena. He kneels in front of her. "Relena, please… you need to be strong now… for yourself!"
Relena blinks a few times.
Quatre pulls Relena into a quick embrace and holds her tightly. "Please, Relena, be strong!"
"Quatre, you'd better go. We're going to get her ready for dinner," says Ania.
"Yeah, we're going to wash her and stuff her and throw her in the oven!" exclaims Hilde joking.
Quatre chuckles as he releases Relena. He stands up and heads out of the bedroom.
Hilde pulls Relena to her feet and drags her into the bathroom while Ania quickly selects a pretty dress and undergarments for Relena.
Ania heads into the bathroom. "Maybe a cold shower will wake her up!"
"Couldn't hurt," says Hilde turning the shower on cold and closing the sliding glass door, "Now let's get her into it."
Hilde and Ania stumble over each other as they undress Relena.
Ania opens the opaque glass door, and Hilde pushes Relena into the icy shower.
Ania closes the door, and they watch Relena standing dumbstruck as the cold water runs over her body.
Hilde sighs. "If she keeps this up, we're hiring a nurse to take care of her!"
Ania slaps the glass door and shouts, "Relena, wake up!"
Relena just stands there.
Ania opens the door and turns the water off. She pulls Relena out of the shower.
Hilde grabs a towel and wraps it around Relena's drenched blond hair. Then she grabs another towel and starts to dry her best friend's body.
Once Relena's dry, they lead her into the bedroom and put her clothes on her. Then they help her sit down on the bed.
"Ania, do you want to do her hair while I do her make-up?" asks Hilde.
"Sure," says Ania. She heads into the bathroom and comes back out with two cases, one dark blue and one pearly silver. "You should find all her make-up in the blue case."
Hilde opens the blue box and pulls out various make-ups and applicators.
Ania opens the silver box and pulls out Relena's hairbrush. She dries Relena's hair with the towel and takes it off. She drops the towel on the floor and starts to brush Relena's hair.
"You're going to have a wonderful dinner tonight, Relena," says Hilde using a large brush to put the pink blush onto Relena's cheeks, "and Prince Jesse will be nowhere in sight!"
"But Heero will be there," says Ania, "He loves you. I hope you know."
"Heero," whispers Relena.
"Yes, Heero," says Ania, "He'll be waiting to see you at dinner tonight. He'll be waiting for you to tell him that you love him!"
"Heero," whispers Relena.
Hilde smiles at Ania as she starts to put the rose pink color onto Relena's lips. "Heero will be waiting for you, Relena!"
"Heero," whispers Relena.
Ania sets the brush down and starts to braid Relena's hair as if she were making a crown, but she stops at the back of Relena's head and fastens her hair to her head. Then she begins again from the front and starts working her way back on the other side of Relena's head. "Heero… Heero Yuy… Heero will be waiting for you!"
"Heero," says Relena in her normal voice.
Hilde looks in Relena's eyes and shakes her head so Ania can see. "Heero."
"Heero," says Relena.
Hilde forces Relena's eyes to close and she quickly applies the silver eye shadow.
Ania brings the two half-crown braids together at the back of Relena's head and fastens them together with a beautiful silver clasp. Then she drops the remainder of the length onto Relena's neck. She smiles at Hilde.
"Heero will think you're the most beautiful girl in the world," says Hilde.
"Heero," says Relena.
"Let's go meet Heero, Relena!" exclaims Hilde.
"Heero," says Relena.
Hilde pulls Relena to her feet and leads her towards the door.
Ania hurries to open the door before Hilde gets to it with Relena.
If you feel like leaving,
I'm not gonna make you stay.
Noin and Sally walk into Milliardo's office.
"Milliardo, could I speak with you? Alone, if you don't mind, Noin?" asks Sally.
"Of course not," says Noin frowning, "I have the wedding preparations to start." She backs out of the room and leaves.
Sally closes the door.
"Sit down, doctor," says Milliardo.
"I would prefer to stand," says Sally.
"Suit yourself," says Milliardo.
"Have you heard about the attack on Relena?" asks Sally.
"Yes, Wufei briefed me on the entire incident," says Milliardo, "I'm glad you were in the area to save my sister's life."
"So why are you throwing it away?" asks Sally leaning on his desk.
Milliardo crosses his arms over his chest. "What do you mean?"
"I mean forcing her to marry Prince Jesse! She is in her room practically comatose! She appears to be awake, but she acts like she's asleep!" exclaims Sally angrily.
"Can't you do something for her?" asks Milliardo standing to look Sally directly in her eyes, "You are a doctor after all."
"I am a doctor, but she needs a psychologist!" exclaims Sally, "Apparently though, you need one more than she does! Doesn't it bother you that you're trying to control her life? You are killing her!"
"Of course it bothers me, Sally! But the Sanc Kingdom does need a strong alliance with the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom!" exclaims Milliardo pounding his fist on the desk, "I've already exhausted all our other options!"
"Damn you, Zechs!" exclaims Sally turning away from him in anger. She looks over her shoulder at Milliardo, "Next time you think about arranging a marriage, go after Noin's pants and leave Relena alone!"
"Noin?" asks Milliardo. All the anger drains out of him just from hearing that one word.
"Yeah. Lucrezia Noin!" exclaims Sally turning towards Milliardo again.
Milliardo smiles. "Is there anything else, Sally?"
"No, I suppose not," says Sally turning towards the door.
"You surprise me, Sally. I would have thought you'd like to keep Noin to yourself," says Milliardo in a hushed tone.
"I want her to be happy. That's all I've ever wanted for her. I do care for her… very much," says Sally walking back to sit in front of Milliardo's desk, "but she has always cared for you more than me."
"That is why she always strives to be second, just behind me," says Milliardo, "but could you live without her?"
"I have to," whispers Sally as Milliardo moves around to sit beside her, "She can't live without you."
Milliardo takes a deep breath and sighs. "Does she know how you feel?"
Sally smiles and nods. "She knows, and she understands everything. I can be content just being her best friend. What about you?"
"I can't say the same," says Milliardo, "You're right though, Sally." He stands up and walks towards the door.
"Right about what?" asks Sally standing.
"The next time I think about arranging a marriage, I will think about Noin," says Milliardo opening the door. He smiles back at Sally. "And right now I'm thinking about arranging a marriage!"
Sally grins madly as Milliardo hurries off down the hall. Then a thought hits her, and she runs out of the office. "Wait! Milliardo, you didn't tell me anything about Relena's marriage!"
Milliardo just keeps running down the hallway.
***
Hilde and Ania lead Relena down to the patio where a small table has been set up to serve Heero and Relena dinner.
Duo and Quatre come out onto the patio with Heero.
Heero looks at Relena, standing there looking so beautiful, but the passion for life is gone from her eyes. He swallows hard and walks towards Relena. "Hello, Relena."
"Heero!" exclaims Relena.
"You look beautiful," says Heero.
"Heero!" exclaims Relena.
Heero quickly pulls Relena into his arms. "I'm right here, Relena! I'm right here!"
"Heero!" Relena doesn't even move to hold him. All she seems to be capable of doing is just saying his name. "Heero."
"Relena! Let me help you!" exclaims Heero holding her face gently and staring into her eyes.
Ania and Hilde slip over to join Quatre and Duo.
"Heero," says Relena.
"Enough of this!" exclaims Heero lifting Relena into his arms, "Hey, Duo! Grab the door, buddy!"
Duo follows Heero to the outside doors and swings them open.
Heero walks out carrying Relena.
Ania, Hilde, Duo, and Quatre run after Heero.
Heero carries Relena along the brick path to the large swimming pool.
"Heero! We already tried the water treatment!" exclaims Hilde.
Heero looks back at Hilde. "I doubt you would try to drown her!"
"Heero, no!" screams Quatre as Heero jumps into the deep end of the pool with Relena in his arms.
Heero clamps his mouth over Relena's giving her the breath of air he'd just inhaled.
Relena bats her eyes as she feels Heero's lips, and the water stings her eyes. She grabs Heero's hand quickly and starts to pull him up.
Heero swims up alongside Relena, and they surface together.
"Heero! What are you trying to do? Kill me?" asks Relena climbing out of the pool.
Heero pulls himself out of the pool and stands up. He helps Relena to her feet. "I told you I'd kill you."
"That was a long time ago, Heero!" exclaims Relena.
"Yes, Relena, but I got you to snap out of your depression!" exclaims Heero with a sly smile.
Relena laughs and pulls Heero into a passionate embrace. She whispers into his ear, "Thank you, Heero."
"You're welcome, Relena," says Heero holding her close to him.
"If you two don't hurry, your dinner is going to get cold!" exclaims Ania.
Relena moves out of Heero's arms and grabs his hand. She pulls him at a fast jog towards the patio.
"Now let's just hope that Heero tells her he's in love with her," says Quatre.
"Uh-huh," says Ania smiling.
Quatre looks at his watch. "Oh, hey! I gotta run! Wufei and I are going into town!"
"Have fun!" exclaims Duo, "If you meet any gorgeous girls I might like…"
"Keep them for yourself!" exclaims Hilde as Quatre runs off. She elbows Duo in the ribs. "Keep this up and you'll be sleeping alone for a year!"
"I was only joking, Hilde!" exclaims Duo starting back towards the house with her.
Ania stares up into the night sky longing for the one who stole her heart.
"Hey, Ania! Want to join Duo and me for dinner and a movie in the living room?" asks Hilde.
"I don't want to intrude," says Ania walking towards them.
"Nonsense!" exclaims Duo throwing his arm over Ania's shoulders. "You wouldn't be intruding on anything! We'll wait until later to do all that stuff!"
Ania smiles. "Thank you."
Duo, Hilde, and Ania hurry into the house.
***
Sally walks into the living room at ten o'clock the next morning. She walks up behind Noin and wraps her arms around her friend's chest. "You said you had good news?"
"I do," whispers Noin tilting her head backwards and to the side so she can see Sally, "Closer. It's a secret."
Sally slides her hands down to Noin's stomach as she leans her head in closer. Her cheek almost touches Noin's.
"In a few months, I will be saying 'I do' to Milliardo," whispers Noin, "Thank you for talking to him, Sally." She moves her mouth over to Sally's and kisses her deeply.
Sally returns the kiss with full force and smiles as they break apart.
Noin shows the half-carat diamond ring to her best friend. "He asked me to marry him last night, and he even gave me permission to take you on as a lover… if we both wanted to."
"I just want you to be happy," whispers Sally, "I don't know if I could be with someone else's wife."
"I understand, Sally," says Noin, "Thank you!"
Sally smiles wider and embraces Noin tightly. "Relena's doing fine now. You can discuss the wedding plans with her."
Noin nods.
***
Over the next four days, Noin and Relena are practically inseparable as they go around the house together discussing the wedding plans.
So if you go,
You should know
It's hard to just forget the past.
Trowa arrives a week before the wedding. He meets up with Duo, Wufei, Quatre, and Heero out in the center of the garden.
They all sit down amongst the flowers.
"So, is there a plan for stopping the wedding?" asks Trowa.
"So far nothing has worked!" exclaims Quatre.
"Milliardo is still convinced that the union will be good for the country!" exclaims Duo.
"What about Relena?" asks Trowa.
"Milliardo's convinced that the union will be a great way to keep her from thinking about marrying me!" exclaims Heero, "I'm not giving up, but I don't know what else to try!"
"And we can't just kill Prince Jesse," says Wufei, "I hate politics!"
Duo pats Heero's back. "Don't worry, buddy! We'll fix everything… somehow."
And together once again, all five ex-Gundam pilots lay out every possible strategy and analyze them.
***
Relena tries on the dress she'll wear for the wedding, a bulky white ball gown. She looks at her reflection in the mirror and sees the teddy bear on her bed; the bear Heero gave her for her sixteenth birthday.
A tear rolls down Relena's cheek as she turns towards Noin, Sally, Hilde, and Ania. "I can hardly move in this!"
"We can take off one of the rings," says Noin, "That'll make it much lighter. And you should wear your hair up in the pretty crown braid."
"We'll be here early to help you," says Ania sadly.
"Thank you," says Relena with a weak smile. She looks back towards the teddy bear, and she remembers….
~~~Heero ripped up the invitation to her birthday party. Then he wiped her tear away and said, "I will kill you"… Heero danced with her at the school party and then saved her life… Heero was forced to go off to battle in space. She, in her space suit, tried to talk him out of it. He almost kissed her that time… Heero pointed his gun at Mariemaia and pulled the trigger, but the gun was empty. He fell into Relena's arms and rested his head on her shoulder as she held him… She found the teddy bear in her seat on the plane with a note that said 'Happy birthday.' She called out to Heero as he walked away. He turned and watched her rip his note in half. Then she said, "Next time give it to me in person"… Heero held her through her sickness and tried to comfort her. Then when she was well, he danced with her again as if the whole world revolved around them…~~~
"What are you thinking, Relena?" asks Hilde for the third time.
"You should know it's hard to just forget the past," says Relena turning towards her friends again. "I was just remembering."
"Remembering what?" asks Sally.
"When I didn't have four good friends like you!" exclaims Relena smiling. She thinks that some things are best left personal. "I'm feeling rather exhausted. I'd like to take a nap if I could, Noin."
Noin nods. "Of course. We can continue in the morning with the plans."
Relena takes the dress off and places it back on the mannequin where it was made. Then she slips into her nightgown and crawls into bed.
Noin leaves with Sally.
"Are you really tired, Relena, or was that just an excuse to get out of the wedding planning?" asks Ania.
"An excuse!" exclaims Relena relaxing, "This would all be more fun if I were marrying him!" She grabs the teddy bear and cuddles him.
"I don't think teddy bears are allowed to marry humans," jokes Hilde.
Relena laughs. "You know who I mean!"
"The person who gave you the hero bear," says Hilde, "I know. I want you to marry Heero too!"
"And I think he may want it too," says Ania, "but we should leave, Hilde. I'm sure Relena could use some time alone… to remember when she didn't have four friends like us… friends who can't even help her out of the marriage she doesn't want."
"No, really! You have been great friends to me! There just isn't a way out this time!" exclaims Relena.
"Get some rest, Relena. We'll see you at dinner," says Hilde before she leaves with Ania.
Relena holds the teddy bear and falls asleep.
***
Relena and Noin sit together in a small office arguing over the centerpieces for the reception.
"Noin! I'm making a big sacrifice for my country! I'm losing my heart for the Sanc Kingdom! I want the centerpieces to represent that!" exclaims Relena, "And no frilly flower arrangement can do that!"
"Okay, Relena. Let's look at this from a different point. Forget-me-nots, so that you will remember the past. Bleeding hearts, to signify your pain," says Noin as she looks through a book of flowers, "Keepsake roses to honor the one you hold in your heart, and maybe also teardrops. You're almost sure to cry at your wedding."
"Because I've given up my one chance at happiness!" exclaims Relena, "And for what?"
Quatre comes walking in through one of the side doors wearing a white dress suit that has been known throughout the solar system as the formal attire of the Sanc Kingdom. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but we're all dressed. The fashion show can begin!"
Relena smiles at Quatre. "Okay, walk down the cat-walk and slowly spin in a complete circle!"
Quatre chuckles as he struts down in front of Relena and Noin, pretending all the while as if he were a professional model. He spins in a slow circle so that they get a good look at his cute backside.
Noin giggles. "I think it could stand to be taken in a little at the cuffs, but it looks good! You'd make a great model, Quatre!"
Wufei walks in wearing an outfit very similar to the one Quatre wears. The main difference is that his shirt isn't tucked in, and his jacket's just a little too snug.
"Okay," says Noin pulling up a clean sheet of paper and quickly jotting down all the alterations that will need to be done to Quatre and Wufei's suits.
Hilde comes in through the door wearing a long baby pink ball gown with a high neckline. She doesn't look pleased.
"How do you like it, Hilde?" asks Relena.
"Can't talk! Can't breathe!" exclaims Hilde panting.
"Hilde!" shrieks Relena running up to her friend and quickly ripping the back open.
Buttons fly everywhere as they're ripped from the fabric.
Hilde takes several deep breaths. "I… want… a new… dress!"
"Of course!" exclaims Noin making the notes.
"Hilde, are you okay?" asks Relena escorting her best friend to the seat she had just vacated.
Hilde sits down and takes several more deep breaths. She smiles at Relena and says, "I think I'll be fine."
Relena quickly hugs Hilde as Duo walks into the room parading around in his new suit.
Hilde looks over Relena's shoulder and giggles at Duo.
Relena turns around and whistles at Duo. "Duo Maxwell! You look fantastic!"
"I can't believe this fit on the first try!" exclaims Duo walking up to Relena and kissing her cheek. He whispers, "Just wait until you see Heero."
Relena smiles.
Ania walks into the room wearing the same high-necked pink ball gown that Hilde wears only her gown hugs her body comfortably. "Would it be possible to get this shorter? I feel like I'm going to fall flat on my face!"
"Yes, Ania, we'll have the hem taken up," says Noin.
"Oh, Ania, you look…" Relena stares at her young friend in shock.
"Beautiful," says Trowa finishing Relena's statement for her. He leans against the doorframe in his white dress suit.
Ania smiles at Trowa and blushes.
"You look good, Trowa," says Quatre.
Trowa walks into the room and takes a seat.
"So, who's next?" asks Noin.
Sally walks in tugging on the high-collar of her pink ball gown. She glares from Relena to Noin. "Whose idea was this?"
"Milliardo," say Relena and Noin together.
"I didn't mean the stupid wedding! I meant the stupid dress!" exclaims Sally tugging at the collar again.
"Like we said. Milliardo," says Noin.
"All he's concerned with is beauty, not comfort," says Relena with a sigh.
"It isn't either!" exclaims Sally furiously, "This dress is the ugliest thing I've ever been embarrassed to put on!"
"If it makes you feel better, my dress is worse, Sally," says Relena.
Heero slips quietly into the room. "Can you all quit arguing?"
Relena looks towards Heero, only for a second, but her second quickly turns into minutes as she stares at the man she would give up the world for.
Heero stands with his hands in his pockets. He wears the same white dress suit as all the other men, but he wears a confidence all his own. His unruly dark brown hair hides his eyes and any tears that may be within them.
"Heero," says Relena quickly moving to him.
Heero wraps his arms around Relena and holds her tight.
"I need your strength, Heero," whispers Relena.
"I need your weakness, Relena," whispers Heero in return.
"Now that everyone is here," says Noin attracting everyone's attention. She looks at her papers. "The day before the wedding, all the men in the house will be moving into a hotel. There will not be a man in the entire building that night."
"What about security?" asks Wufei quickly.
"Women security guards have already been hired for the night," says Noin, "It's only one night! Just the night before the wedding. After the ceremony, you can all return to your rooms here!"
"Whose idea was that?" asks Hilde, "That means Duo and I…"
"Exactly what Milliardo doesn't want to happen," interrupts Noin.
You can run, you can hide…
The days blur together. The preparations for the wedding are completed Friday afternoon.
Prince Jesse, who had previously gone back to the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom, returns and checks into the White Dove Hotel where Milliardo, the five ex-Gundam pilots, and even Pagan are registered to stay the night.
Catherine shows up at the Peacecraft Mansion moments before the boys leave.
"Hello, Cathie," says Trowa with a nod.
"Trowa!" exclaims Cathie hugging him quickly.
"We're all going to a hotel," says Trowa.
"Why?" asks Cathie, "There's plenty of room here!"
"I insisted on a separation of the men and women," says Milliardo, "Now, we must be off. Cathie still needs her dress fitted, and the other girls have to plan out hairstyles."
Everyone shares a few last memorable glances before the boys head out to the awaiting limo.
Relena collapses to her knees in a fit of tears.
Hilde helps Relena to her feet. "Come on, Relena. You can rest in your room. I'll bring you some dinner later on."
Relena continues to cry fitfully as Hilde takes her up the stairs.
We'll get it right;
Worth the fight
Cause love is something you can't
Shake when it breaks.
Heero sits in his hotel room watching the sunset through the open balcony doors. He looks over to the closet where the one outfit he brought hangs, and he glares at the Sanc Kingdom's dress suit. "Relena… I can't let you marry him!"
Heero stands and walks out onto the balcony. As he watches the last rays of sunlight dissipate, the only hope he has of saving Relena comes to him with a thought. He returns to his room to check that he locked the door then he runs out the balcony doors and jumps over the railing.
Heero falls into the pool with a loud splash. He climbs from the pool quickly and runs as fast as he can out to the street. He hurries down the streets to a deserted building, a historical place that was never repaired after it was condemned. He enters the building through the side door and looks around at the place he's called home since the end of the war.
Heero looks at the one decoration in his home, a newspaper clipping featuring a large picture of Relena. "I've stayed here so I could be close by to save you."
Heero turns from the picture and opens the cracked dresser. He rips off his wet clothes and puts on a faded pair of blue jeans with a black tank top. He takes out his dark blue denim jacket and pulls it on. Then he searches for his rope and grappling hook. He pulls on his spare shoes and leaves.
This time, Heero heads to the Peacecraft Mansion. He easily slips past the female security guards. He stands beneath the balcony to Relena's room. He throws his grappling hook up to the fourth floor balcony, and he quickly scales the rope. He pulls himself over the balcony rails and taps gently on the door.
Relena pulls the curtains back after the third knock. She sees Heero and quickly opens the balcony doors.
"May I come in?" asks Heero.
"Yes, Heero!" exclaims Relena wiping her eyes.
Heero quickly pulls the rope up onto the balcony.
Relena lets Heero walk into her bedroom. She closes the door and draws the curtains closed. "What are you doing here?"
"Relena, look at me," says Heero, "I need to tell you something."
Relena turns towards Heero. She smiles.
Heero pulls Relena up to him. "You are beautiful, Relena."
"Is that what you came all this way to say?" asks Relena relaxing in Heero's arms.
You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love.
"No. I came to say something else. I came to say… I LOVE YOU, RELENA!" exclaims Heero pulling her further into his arms. He gives Relena her first real kiss, a long and passionate, full-mouthed kiss.
Relena's knees weaken, and she falls into Heero as he holds her into their kiss.
Heero pulls out of their long kiss with several shorter kisses. "Relena, please, will you refuse Prince Jesse's marriage proposal? Relena, would you instead marry me?"
"Heero! I love you, Heero! Yes! I will refuse to marry Prince Jesse! Yes! I will marry you!" exclaims Relena, and she kisses Heero's lips. In all her life, she never felt as free as she feels right now. She pours her entire heart into this one kiss.
"I want to be at your side forever," says Heero running his hand through Relena's hair and smiling. He enjoys the sensation of having Relena's full weight in his arms, supporting her. "I'm sorry I never told you sooner, Relena, but I love you."
"I will protect you, Heero," says Relena.
Heero's eyes widen in shock. "Relena? You knew?"
"I've known for a long time, Heero. You say you'll protect me, but you mean you love me," says Relena smiling, "In the language of your heart, protect means love."
"I will protect you, Relena, because I love you," says Heero kissing her again. "Now, how do we cancel the wedding tomorrow?"
You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love.
"I'll need you and the others to help me," says Relena, "I mean, I need the five Gundam pilots! If you could get into my room, I'm sure you could get into their rooms and get appropriate clothing for them. The girls and I will wear suits instead of those hideous dresses! Then, I, as the Sanc Princess, will handle the rest."
"I can get the clothes for the guys. That won't be a problem," says Heero starting to blush, "I… I should go… I'm… not supposed to be here…"
"Heero, no!" exclaims Relena quickly, "Please stay with me tonight!"
"Relena?" asks Heero looking deep into her eyes, "Do you know what you're asking?"
Relena steps away from Heero. "I know exactly what I'm asking."
Relena pulls the straps of her lilac nightgown off her shoulders and allows it to fall to the floor. In one swift movement, she slides her underwear down her legs. She steps out of her pile of clothing. "Heero… please stay with me tonight."
"I will only stay if you're sure that's what you want," says Heero.
"I want you to stay," says Relena.
"Then I will stay with you," says Heero taking off his jacket and dropping it to the floor, "but we'll have to be quiet. I'm not supposed to be here."
"I don't plan on making as much noise as Hilde," says Relena as Heero takes off his tank top.
Heero kicks off his shoes and pulls off his pants. He drops his underwear and moves to Relena. He gently wraps his arms around her. "I'll stay as long as I can, but I'll be gone before you wake, Relena."
"I understand, Heero," whispers Relena sliding closer to him, "but right now, I want you to be my lover."
Heero lifts Relena and carries her to the bed. He places her down gently and climbs into the bed with her.
Here's how it goes
You and me,
Up and down, but maybe this time
We'll get it right.
All it takes is some trying.
Relena wakes up at six in the morning. She feels for Heero, but he's not there. She sits up quickly, desperately searching for some sign that last night was real and did happen.
Relena feels her blanket against her bare skin, and she sees the pile of her clothes on the floor. She smiles as she turns towards her clock and sees a beautiful red rose, freshly picked from the garden. She lifts the rose and inhales its fragrance.
So fast
It was good,
It was bad, but it was real.
Relena closes her eyes and lies back down to sleep some more before her alarm wakes her.
***
Relena showers quickly and puts on her white Sanc Kingdom dress suit. She sits down in front of the mirror to brush her long blond hair. She pulls her hair back into a sophisticated braid.
There comes a loud knocking on her bedroom door.
Relena walks over and opens the door. "Come in."
Hilde, Ania, Sally, and Cathie walk in carrying the pink bridesmaid dresses.
Relena closes and locks the door.
"Relena? Why are you dressed like that? You're getting married in two hours!" exclaims Cathie.
"Actually, I'm not," says Relena smiling, "I had a nice long talk with Heero last night. He gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. He finally told me he loved me. I'm not getting married. We'll announce it at the ceremony."
"You're not marrying Prince Jesse?" asks Hilde in amazement. She throws her arms around Relena's neck happily.
"We'll burn these dresses later," says Relena, "but right now, you have to get dressed. I hope you all brought suits with you."
"I'll need to borrow one from Noin!" exclaims Sally.
"I brought one for the reception," says Cathie with a nod.
"And I still haven't worn that navy blue suit I brought for the conference," says Ania smiling, "I bought it specifically for that conference and I didn't even get the chance to wear it!"
"Relena! You know I don't even own a suit!" exclaims Hilde.
Relena moves to her closet and pulls out her navy blue and gold suit. She tosses it to Hilde. "That suit should fit you, Hilde."
The phone by Relena's bed suddenly rings.
Ania snatches up the phone. "Ania here!"
Ania, could I speak to Relena. It's Heero.
"Relena? It's Heero!" exclaims Ania.
Relena quickly takes the phone from Ania. "Morning, Heero!"
I love you, Relena, says Heero quickly, I'll get the guys ready and we'll meet you on the patio. We're not coming back with Milliardo and Pagan. We'll arrive a little later.
"Nine fifty-five on the patio then," says Relena smiling, "I love you too, Heero!"
See you then, says Heero.
Relena hangs up the phone.
"We'll meet them on the patio," says Sally, "I need to go catch up to Noin!"
"You all need to go get changed!" exclaims Relena.
Sally unlocks the door and opens it. She walks out followed by Cathie and Ania.
Hilde closes the door and locks it. She takes off her bathrobe and starts to put on the navy blue pleated skirt. "So… what exactly did you and Heero say to each other last night? You're glowing! I've never seen you this happy!"
"Hilde! I'm not the type of girl to kiss and tell!" exclaims Relena.
"You mean he was here?" asks Hilde pulling the long sleeved gold t-shirt over her head.
"Did I say that?" asks Relena innocently. She sits down on her bed and looks at the pillow where Heero had laid his head after their night's passion had left them both exhausted. She smiles.
"He was here!" exclaims Hilde, "What did you two do?"
Relena blushes. "I'm not saying anything, Hilde."
Hilde tucks the bottom of her shirt into the waistband of the skirt and starts to put on her navy blue jacket. "I'll find out you know."
Relena giggles.
But soon you'll be finding…
Heero calls the other four ex-pilots and asks them to come to his room. He waits for only a few minutes before the door opens.
Quatre, Wufei, Duo, and Trowa walk into the bedroom and see Heero dressed in his faded jeans, black tank top, and dark blue denim jacket.
"What's up, buddy?" asks Duo.
"There's been a slight change of plans," says Heero, "Relena is not getting married!"
"Does she know this?" asks Quatre.
Heero smiles and runs his thumb over his lips suggestively. "She does now."
"Does Prince Jesse know?" asks Wufei.
"He will," says Heero, "You should get dressed. Our taxi will be here in a half-hour to take us to the house." He waves his hand at the four small piles of clothes on his bed.
"No fancy suits? Great!" exclaims Duo quickly shedding the dress suit he'd been wearing. He quickly puts on the clothes Heero brought for him, and he stands proudly in his loose-fitting black pants and his black shirt. He has the sleeves rolled up past his elbows to reveal the white lining, and about his neck he wears a white priest's collar. "I make this outfit look good!"
Quatre laughs as he starts taking off his suit.
Wufei watches Quatre for a moment before ripping off his own clothes.
Trowa carefully takes off his own suit.
Wufei pulls on his dark gray tank top before climbing into his white Chinese-style pants. He secures his black belt around his waist and pulls his dark gray wristbands into position.
Duo puts on his hiking boots before pulling his black baseball cap onto his head.
Quatre pulls on his brown dress pants and slips into his pale pink dress shirt. He sits down on the bed as he buttons his shirt.
Trowa pulls on his pale jeans and his black mock turtleneck.
Wufei slips his feet into his Chinese slippers and once again turns his eyes to watch Quatre.
"So… why did Relena change her mind?" asks Quatre, "Did you say something to her, Heero?" He tucks his shirt into his pants and pulls on his purple vest.
"I did say something to her," says Heero, "I told her I would protect her."
"Why would that change her mind?" asks Trowa pulling on his white sneakers.
Quatre slides his black belt through the loops on his pants and fastens it. Then, he puts on his dark brown dress shoes.
"It changed her mind because she figured out what it really meant," says Heero looking at the clock. He grabs the phone and quickly calls Pagan. He tells him to take Milliardo to the house alone. Then he hangs up the phone. "Our cab should be here."
"Then let's go," says Trowa.
Heero leads the way out of his room and walks with his four closest friends down to the lobby where they find a yellow cab waiting for them.
Heero and Duo squeeze into the front seat beside the driver while Wufei, Quatre, and Trowa climb into the back seat.
"We're heading to the Peacecraft Mansion, but we can't arrive until 9:50," says Heero, "We're meeting the girls at 9:55."
"Alright. We can take the long way," says the driver pulling away from the curb, "I hope you aren't going to Princess Relena's wedding dressed like that. It's a formal occasion."
"Just drive," says Duo, "Princess Relena knows about our manner of dress. She approves of it!"
"You friends of the princess then?" asks the driver.
"Only when we can't be anything else," says Heero.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asks the driver.
"You'll find out about that on the evening news," says Heero.
When the cab pulls into the driveway of the Peacecraft Mansion, Duo spots the limo. "Milliardo and Pagan are here."
"Good," says Heero as the cab stops, "The girls will meet us on the patio." He opens the door and climbs out.
Duo climbs out quickly.
Trowa opens his door and climbs out.
Quatre follows out of Trowa's door as Wufei climbs out on the other side.
They slam the doors shut, and Heero walks around to the driver's side to pay him the fare.
The five young men, dressed in the fashions they wore as Gundam pilots, run into the mansion as the cab drives away. They hurry to the patio to wait for the girls. They only have to wait a moment.
Relena, in her white dress suit, leads the other girls onto the patio. She sees Heero and rushes towards him. "Heero!"
Heero lifts Relena up in his arms and gives her a passionate kiss on the lips.
"Isn't that sweet?" asks Hilde moving over to Duo.
"You're about to find out," says Duo giving Hilde a similar kiss.
Ania walks over to her brother, but her eyes keep darting to Trowa. She smiles at Quatre.
"Heero! Relena! They've started the music!" exclaims Sally.
Heero and Relena pull out of their kiss but do not leave each other's arms.
"I'll protect you, Heero," says Relena smiling.
Heero smiles as he stares into Relena's beautiful blue eyes. "I know, Relena. I love you, too."
"So that's what he means!" exclaims Trowa laughing.
"Relena! The music has started," says Cathie, "And it looks like your brother's getting ready to come look for you!"
"Quatre! Ania! You're first!" exclaims Relena.
Quatre and Ania start to walk down the path to the garden where the wedding is intended to take place.
Trowa and Cathie follow five feet behind their friends.
Wufei and Sally hesitate for a moment to allow their friends to get ahead of them a short ways before walking out together.
Duo and Hilde hold hands as they follow behind Wufei and Sally.
"I need your strength, Heero," says Relena.
"I need your weakness, Relena," says Heero.
Relena and Heero stand straight and proud as they follow behind their friends.
Relena smiles when she sees the shocked expression on Milliardo's face. She looks ahead and sees her friends separating.
The girls go to one side of the altar and the boys go to the other side, just as if the wedding would be taking place.
Heero doesn't leave Relena's side as she walks up to Prince Jesse and turns towards the gathered crowd.
"I am most sincerely sorry that you had to come all this way. I know you hoped to see a wedding here today, but I'm afraid that is not possible," says Relena, "I was planning on marrying Prince Jesse for political reasons only. This morning, I have found a new way to reach the goals that this marriage would have supplied. I am sorry, but there will be no wedding today."
But soon you'll be finding
You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love…
Prince Jesse quickly slaps Relena so hard that she falls to the ground. "How dare you refuse me!"
Heero punches Prince Jesse as hard as he can in the jaw.
"Heero!" says Relena as she senses the soldier, the perfect soldier Heero used to be returning once again. She stands up angrily and glares at Prince Jesse. "Prince Jesse Yurameshi of the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom, get off my property!"
Milliardo stands up quickly. He walks towards Relena. "Relena! You can't kick him out!"
Relena's eyes widen in shock.
"That's what we have paid security guards for!" exclaims Milliardo, "Heero, Wufei! Escort Prince Jesse off our property! Immediately!"
"Gladly, Milliardo!" exclaims Wufei.
Milliardo sets his arms over Relena's shoulders, and he whispers into her ear, "I'm sorry, Relena. I never really intended for you to marry Prince Jesse, but it was the only way for me to get some key information from the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom. I would have objected when the ceremony came to that. I can see that you have given your heart to another."
"More than just my heart, big brother," says Relena quietly as she hugs him.
"What?" asks Milliardo in shock.
Relena moves away from Milliardo and sees Wufei holding Prince Jesse.
Heero pulls Relena to him and kisses her lips quickly. Then he helps Wufei take Prince Jesse away.
"You'll regret this decision, Relena!" shouts Prince Jesse, "I swear you'll regret this!"
Milliardo turns to the crowd that consists mostly of the world's leaders excluding the Queen Mother of the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom who couldn't tear herself away from her kingdom to come to the ceremony. "Since you are all here and there isn't a wedding, perhaps you could all stay for a quiet party."
Heero and Wufei hurry back up after throwing Prince Jesse out the gates.
Milliardo escorts the wedding guests into the mansion to the ballroom where the reception was to be held.
"I'm happy for you, Relena!" exclaims Noin smiling, "Always follow your heart! It can take you on a wonderful adventure!"
"Thank you, Noin!" exclaims Relena hugging her friend quickly.
Noin starts to head back towards the mansion as a strange, new mobile suit appears as if out of nowhere.
Sally grabs Ania and Cathie's hands and starts running.
The machine gun on the left arm starts firing towards the five ex-Gundam pilots.
Heero pulls Relena away as everyone scatters.
A missile shoots out of the right arm and flies towards Heero and Relena.
Heero and Relena fly apart as the missile hits the ground behind them.
The mobile suit reaches down with its right hand and lifts Relena. Then it soars up into the sky.
Wufei runs to get a car and follow the mobile suit as Quatre hurries to check on Heero's condition.
Hilde runs frantically towards the house to tell Milliardo as Trowa and Duo run after the mobile suit on foot.
"Relena?" asks Heero.
"She's gone, Heero. That suit took her," says Quatre helping Heero to his feet.
"Prince Jesse's the pilot. He's the one who had Relena drugged. He's the one who sent Milliardo that threatening note!" exclaims Heero furiously.
"How do you know?" asks Quatre.
"Who else could do this?" replies Heero, "We have to save Relena!"
"Yes!" exclaims Quatre.
Noin comes running up to Heero and Quatre. "Could you still pilot a plane?"
"Of course I could!" exclaims Heero.
"Follow me!" exclaims Noin running towards her black sports car.
Heero and Quatre run after Noin and hop into the car with her.
Noin drives them as fast as she can to a deserted airfield. "Some old friends have been working on some planes for me. I like flying. These just happen to be fully armed killing planes! They operate much like the Gundams!"
Heero and Quatre quickly get out of the car as Noin hops out.
They all run into a hangar where three planes wait.
Noin opens the doors. "We'll each take one! We can pick up the others. These are designed for a pilot and a weapons controller, although the pilot can control the weapons."
Quatre and Heero climb into the front seats of two of the planes, and they start the engines.
Noin climbs into the third plane and starts it. She closes the hatch above her head and puts on her helmet.
Heero and Quatre put on their helmets and close their hatches.
"Now we can talk to each other. There are radios wired into the helmets," says Noin, "Let's go find Relena!" She pilots her plane out of the hangar and immediately takes off into the air.
"You first, Quatre!" exclaims Heero.
Quatre pilots his plane out of the hangar and takes off once he's clear.
Heero follows quickly behind Quatre.
The three planes fly over the city.
"There's Duo and Trowa!" exclaims Quatre, "Maybe they saw where the suit went!"
"Quatre, go find Wufei! Noin and I will pick up these two!" exclaims Heero swooping down to make a vertical landing in front of Duo and Trowa.
"On it, Heero!" exclaims Quatre continuing on in search of the car Wufei drove off in.
Noin makes her vertical landing behind Trowa and Duo. She pops her hatch open and stands up. "Hey, Trowa! Want a ride?"
Heero opens his hatch and yells out, "Duo! You're with me!"
Trowa quickly climbs into the seat behind Noin and puts on the helmet. He starts strapping himself in as Noin seals the hatch closed.
Duo sees the handholds built into the side of the plane and chuckles as he climbs in behind Heero. He puts his helmet on quickly. "Where'd you get the toy?"
"Noin has friends," says Heero closing the hatch, "Let's go, Noin!"
The two planes rise into the air.
"Duo, I'm going to transfer the weapons system back to you. Be sure to hit whatever you aim at!" exclaims Heero as he pushes a few buttons on the panel.
"Great!" exclaims Duo, "I just hope Wufei got a better look at where that suit was going than we did!"
"Yeah! I saw where it was going, Duo!" exclaims Wufei as Quatre flies their plane up to join the other two, "It was headed for the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom!"
"Trowa, I'm going to transfer the weapons to you!" exclaims Noin, "Let's go to the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom! Quatre, you should give Wufei the weapons control too!"
"Already done! Now let's fly!" exclaims Quatre.
The three planes climb and race towards the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom.
***
Relena struggles against the giant hand surrounding her. "Let me go! Let me go!"
"I can't really do that," says the pilot of the mobile suit before dropping Relena into a large cage. It closes the top of the cage.
"Why are you doing this?" asks Relena, "What did I ever do to you?"
"You refused me!" screams the pilot.
The mobile suit sits down on the ground, and the cockpit opens up.
Prince Jesse climbs out of the mobile suit. "You refused to marry me, Relena! That is what you've done to me!"
"Prince Jesse! How could you do this? Where did you get a mobile suit like this?" asks Relena angrily.
"You really want to know my plan? I've been dying to tell someone!" exclaims Prince Jesse jumping to the ground.
"Yes! I want to know why you're doing this!" exclaims Relena.
"Well, I'll tell you!" exclaims Prince Jesse, "During the After Colony Wars, my father was a pilot for OZ. Zechs Merquise killed my father in cold blood. I witnessed it with my own eyes! On that day, I swore that I would get even with him! I would get my revenge! Then I learned of you. The Sanc Princess, Relena Peacecraft! You became the tool of my revenge!"
"Why?"
"He cherishes you as I once did my father. He took my father from me, so I took you from him! If that idiot, Tori, would have drugged you properly, I would never have needed to convince Zechs to let me marry you!" exclaims Prince Jesse, "I wanted to take you from him in any way I could! I wanted to kill you slowly, crush your spirit! I wanted you to beg me to kill you! Then I'd force you to continue living until I finally killed you! But now that those stupid pilot friends of yours are certainly on my tail, I have to kill you quickly!"
"You… bastard!" exclaims Relena. She grabs the bars of her cage, and a jolt of electricity rips through her body. She screams and releases the bars. She falls backwards.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you I electrified your cell!" exclaims Prince Jesse laughing maniacally.
Relena tries to move but finds she can't even twitch. All her energy was sapped when the cage zapped her.
"Now…! For the ideas! How would you like to die?" asks Prince Jesse.
"Making love to Heero!" says Relena truthfully.
"Hmmm… Too bad he's not here! I could shoot you both while you were screwing each other!" exclaims Prince Jesse, "But since he's not, I guess I'll just chop you to pieces with an ax!" He raises a large ax and laughs again.
Relena looks at Prince Jesse and tries to move again. This time, she finds she can move a little. Her strength is slowly returning to her.
***
The three planes fly over the Neo-Europolitan Kingdom.
"Anyone see anything?" asks Noin.
"Maybe! I think I'm picking up something on my tracking sensors!" exclaims Wufei, "Quatre and I will check it out!"
Quatre flies his plane off in another direction and keeps his eyes open as he searches for the mobile suit. "There! It's the mobile suit!"
"Switching to infrared scan!" exclaims Wufei, "There's two people down there! I think we've found Relena!"
Heero and Noin turn their planes around and fly back over the mobile suit.
"Relena!" exclaims Heero as he sees the mobile suit.
"I think he saw us! The pilot is climbing into the suit! The other person is lying on the ground. Heero, the second person isn't moving," says Wufei.
"No!" screams Heero, "Duo! We're going in! Let's kill that bastard!"
"I'm on it!" exclaims Duo, "Releasing gun pods and charging laser cannon!"
"Arming missiles!" exclaims Trowa, "Line me up for a clean shot, Noin!"
The mobile suit stands up. It turns its machine gun towards Heero's plane and it fires.
Heero spins the plane in circles and spirals.
Duo fires his machine gun as Heero tries desperately to avoid the incoming bullets.
Duo's bullets impact the mobile suit as Trowa fires his missiles.
"Ready for some action, Wufei?" asks Quatre flying them in close.
"The beam rifle is charged and ready, Quatre! Get me in for a shot at the cockpit!" exclaims Wufei.
"You got it!" exclaims Quatre making a loop.
Wufei fires the beam rifle straight into the cockpit.
"Laser cannon charged!" exclaims Duo. He fires his weapon just above the cockpit to the mobile suit's self-destruct mechanism.
The mobile suit falls forward and explodes.
"We're landing now, Duo!" exclaims Heero, "I need to find Relena!" He lowers his plane into a clearing a short ways from the spot where they believe Relena to be lying dead.
Quatre and Noin land their planes in the clearing.
All six of them run towards the spot that Wufei had identified.
"Relena!" yells Heero as he runs. His heart is filled with fear over the thought of losing the person who has always pulled him through the hardships in his life. "RELENA!"
"There's a cage!" exclaims Trowa.
"And Relena!" exclaims Noin, "Oh, God, no!"
"Relena!" screams Heero as he runs closer to the cage where she's trapped.
Relena raises her head. "Heero! Don't touch the cage! It's electrified!"
Heero stops just short of the cage. "Are you hurt?"
Relena rolls over onto her back. "Just a little," she says chuckling, "I made the mistake of touching the bars. But you know, I'm wondering. Is the top electrified too?"
Trowa lifts a stick from the ground and throws it up onto the roof of the cage. "Let's see."
The stick rests peacefully on the top of the cage.
"The top isn't electrified," says Wufei lifting another stick and tossing it at the sidebars.
The stick hits the sidebars and sizzles as electricity courses through it.
"How do we get Relena out?" asks Noin.
"I think I have an idea!" exclaims Quatre, "Relena, do you think you could show me some more of your gymnastics moves? Like what you showed me in your office a couple weeks ago?"
Relena stands up slowly. "I can certainly try! What do you have in mind?"
But soon you'll be finding
You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love.
"There's a rope in the plane. We'll tie it to the cage's roof and use the trees as a fulcrum. Get you up on the roof, and we'll just pull it open!" exclaims Quatre.
"Sounds like a plan to me!" exclaims Duo, "I'll get the rope!" He starts to run back towards the planes.
"Is Prince Jesse dead?" asks Relena.
"The mobile suit exploded," says Trowa.
Relena nods. "So be it… He said Milliardo killed his father in cold blood."
"We'll see about that," says Heero. He stares at Relena for a few minutes until Duo comes back with the rope.
"I'll tie the rope to the cage," says Trowa, "Duo, Wufei, can I get a lift up?"
Wufei and Duo both intertwine the fingers of their hands together to form two cups.
Trowa steps up into their hands. He nods.
Wufei and Duo throw Trowa up into the air.
Trowa twists and somersaults in the air before he lands on the bars of the cage.
Quatre throws the coil of rope high into the air.
Trowa catches the rope and quickly ties one end to the bars. He checks to make sure it's secure before he tosses the other end of the rope over a thick, sturdy tree branch.
Relena takes a deep breath and jumps up to grab the bars. She tucks her knees up and swings back and forth. She catches her foot on the bars, and she slips one leg up to her knee through the bars.
Trowa jumps off the cage.
Noin and the five pilots pull on the rope and the lid of the cage rises on its hinges and falls backwards towards the ground.
Relena pulls her knee out from in between the bars.
When the end of the cage's lid hits the ground, Relena rolls off.
Heero runs to pull Relena into his arms. He kisses her quickly. "Did he hurt you?"
"No, Heero. He just scared me a little," says Relena, "But I did get a nasty shock, so I'll need Sally to examine me when we get home."
Heero lifts Relena up into his arms and starts to carry her back towards the plane. "Come on, everyone. Let's go home!"
Relena rests her head on Heero's shoulder.
Everyone heads back to the three planes.
Heero sets Relena back on the ground once they reach the planes. He climbs up into the back seat of his plane.
"Will that hold three people?" asks Relena.
"As long as you're really friendly with Heero," says Duo helping Relena up.
Relena sits down across Heero's lap, and he wraps his arms around her.
Duo climbs into the pilot's seat as the others get into the other two planes.
All three planes lift themselves into the air within a matter of minutes.
"Relena, I thought I had lost you," whispers Heero, "I thought… Wufei's infrared scan didn't show you moving. I thought you were dead."
"I was too weak to move," says Relena, "I had gotten a nasty shock."
Heero touches Relena gently and locks her lips in a passionate kiss. "I love you, Relena!"
"I love you, Heero," says Relena, "I've loved you for a long time!"
You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love.
Relena kisses Heero, and she doesn't stop kissing him until the plane lands in the driveway of the Peacecraft Mansion.
Milliardo, Hilde, Cathie, Ania, and Sally meet the planes.
The seven people climb out.
"You don't need to worry about that threat on Relena's life," says Heero, "Milliardo, I'll protect her."
"Prince Jesse's dead, and his mobile suit is destroyed," says Wufei.
Hilde embraces Relena quickly.
"I'm fine, Hilde," says Relena with a smile, "I was able to borrow Heero's strength just when I needed it.
"I thought you were a goner!" exclaims Hilde hanging on tightly to Relena.
"I can't die as long as Heero is there to protect me!" exclaims Relena.
"Come inside now, all of you," says Milliardo. He smiles thankfully at Heero.
Heero nods, and everyone heads inside the house.
***
Heero sits in the chair in Relena's bedroom watching her sleep. He stands up, ready to leave. After all, she didn't even know he was there.
"Stay with me, Heero," whispers Relena, "Just stay with me."
Heero walks up in front of Relena as she opens her eyes. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"Please stay with me tonight, Heero," says Relena.
Heero nods and begins to remove his clothes. He climbs into bed with Relena and kisses her. "I love you, Relena!"
"I love you, Heero!"
And that's all you have,
In the end, our love mattered.