Disclaimer: No ownage or share of Gundam Wing... just this odd little story.

Chapter 15:
A Turn of Events

Quatre strolled down the riverbank peacefully, taking in the scenery as the late afternoon progressed. He watched for a moment as a few birds bathe themselves at the river's edge. They were so carefree about the world and their surroundings that it made him jealous. He had always longed to be free. To do as he pleased. But as the hire to his family's fortune, president of his late father's business, and one of the key representatives of the L-4 Colonies such freedom was an impossible dream. He was always in the lime light, surrounded by business and politics from his waking moment until he returned to his bed at the end of the day. His busy schedule and lack of personal time drove him crazy. He was sure that he would someday snap and go crazy, inadvertently bringing himself even more unwanted attention.

He sighed as his light eyes swept across the river. Looking up at the clear sky he deeply thanked Allah for blessing him with so many wonderful sisters, who had over the years taken over many section of their father's business, alleviating him from many unnecessary responsibilities.

"You look rather happy," Mariemaia's voice drifted into his thoughts. The blond man turned and watched as the small girl pulled her kimono up and tiptoed into the river until she was ankle deep.

"I have no one following or watching my every move. It is a godsend!" he radiated joy. "And thank you for sending the guards away. I didn't think that they would actually agree to leave us."

"I'm sure some are somewhere close by," she dug her toes into the cold mud of the riverbank, her smile growing.

He bit his lips nervously as he looked around. It had taken quite a while to convince the young girl to ask their guards and escorts to leave them. And while their large entourage was certainly nowhere near, he was certain that a few of the guards where somewhere in the vicinity, keeping a close eye on the two gods.

"So, where do you think the other are?" Mariemaia broke the silence.

Quatre looked over at the small girl. It had been nearly a week since they had attacked Susano-o's camp. They had known that the four other pilots had been in the campsite when the attack began, but had not been captured or seen by any of her soldiers. They had expected that the others would regroup with Susano-o's army in the capitol and make a counteroffensive, but they hadn't. Once that had become clear, Mariemaia ceased her attacks on the enemy army, allowing them to disburse without consequence. Many of Susano-o's soldiers quickly joined her ranks afterward.

"I don't know…" Quatre responded quietly, biting his lower lip. His aqua eyes rose and settled on the young girl as his mind raced. "You're sleeves are going to get wet," he warned.

The girl backed away from the river and cursed. She pulled the cascade of fabric up her pale arm and cursed once more as she realized that there was no way she was going to keep so much fabric from getting wet. She stood for a moment contemplating the situation before taking in her surroundings. With a slight shrug, the young girl let the layers of kimono drop from her small frame and onto the ground. The sleeves of the kimono she was wearing weren't as long so that she wouldn't have to worry about them. "There!" she grinned and stepped into the river once more.

Quatre brought his hand to his lips, smiling genuinely. It was at times like this the he completely forgot his anger and resentment towards her and was reminded that she was, in fact, a young child. He only wished that the young girl would behave like this more often. It was easier to get along with her during these moments.

A rustling of branches drew the two god's attention. Mariemaia had expected to see one of her bodyguards approaching, probably asking that the two return to the safety of their campsite. Instead, her crystal eyes grew large as Heero silently made his way forward into the small clearing. "What… How did you get here!"

The man kept quiet, his deep eyes burning into her for what felt like hours before they left her to settle on Quatre.

The small girl swallowed and followed his gaze to her "brother". Again, her eyes widen as Trowa and WuFei made their way forward, flanking the Moon God when they came to a stop at his side. She stared in disbelief at her godly brother, her jaw slightly dropping open.

Sharp splashes in the river drew her attention behind her. Her crystalline eyes were met by a pair of darker blue ones and a wide, playful smile. "Miss me, little princess?" Duo's Cheshire smile widened, eyes locked and narrowing on the girl menacingly.

"You tricked me!" she hissed turning back to Quatre.

"I've done no such thing," the blond defended himself. "I simply suggested a private outing between the two of us, to which you agreed. And conveniently did not mention that we would be joined by the others."

"You also conveniently got me to send the guards away," she sneered back.

"I merely made a suggestion and pushed for its fruition. Again, to which you conceded."

The young girl opened her mouth wide, taking in a sharp, deep breathe. In a split second, a strong hand clasped over her small lips as another wrapped itself around her waist. She struggled against the vice-like grip but to no avail. Her mind raced furiously as she continued to fight against Duo's grip.

"This ends now, Mariemaia," Quatre stepped forward, a stern look etched into his normally soft features. "You've had your fun. Whether you like it or not, we're finding a way back home." With that, the Arab man turned, heading towards the woods. The other pilots following silently.

The girl's eyes flickered with rage. They will pay for this. Even if it was the last thing she did.

A/N:
DAMN! Life caught up with me again. I apologize to the few who are still being entertained by my ramblings.