Haruka's Wings Chapter 14 The Whereabouts of Happiness, a Gundam Wing/AC + Amagami SS/アマガミSS Crossover fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Amagami SS or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.

Chapter 14 - The Whereabouts of Happiness

Mobile suit designate: Wing Gundam or Unit 01 as referred to by its enemies was a symbol of rebellion by the Colonies against the tyrannical Earth Sphere Alliance. The Gundam was one of the five prototypes released when Operation Meteor was initiated by rebel citizens of the Colonies in response to the assassination of its charismatic and pacifist leader, Heero Yuy. An advocate of peace and total pacifism, he was considered as the rallying point that could have bridge the differences between Earth Sphere and the Colonies. His untimely death triggered the resulting events that would turn the gears of rebellion into an all out campaign for the Colonies independence. The mobile suit participated in numerous military assignments, armed conflict and field operations piloted by a nameless young boy, given only a code name taken after the very same illustrious leader of the Colonies.

A name symbolizing peace, unity and total pacifism.

However, his approach and skills utilized in ending the dispute were considered a polar opposite to the methods employed by the person whose name he was given with.

The pilot played a central role in finally attaining the long sought peace between Earth and the Colonies after a year of countless battles which led to a climactic confrontation that resulted to the greatest armed conflict witnessed by mankind. His extraordinary capabilities had been invaluable when peace was threatened once again, barely a year following the conclusion of the largest confrontation that consumed the entire Earth Sphere. Both occasions the young man has came out triumphant which ensured mankind's transition from a history full of wars and bloodshed to a future where weapons such as mobile suits were deemed unnecessary.

Yet as of this moment, his actions were a complete opposition to everything he had previously believed in.

'Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer! Betrayer!'

Wing Gundam veered to the right before letting loose a devastating combination of strikes. Its green harlequin beam saber gleaming with extreme turbulence as the pilot relentlessly poured one assault after another. The Gundam was going up against the Tallgeese III, with its own pilot hard-pressed on the defensive end, forced into an arduous task on either parrying or blocking the seemingly endless wave of attacks. The forced duel has been going on for the last quarter of an hour with the Wing Gundam's pilot, Heero Yuy vehemently refusing any attempts for a peaceful resolution or dialogue from Tallgeese III's pilot, Wufei Chang.

"What's gotten into you, Yuy?!"

His mobile suit specs were considered obsolete if compared statistically to that of its opponent. The Wing Gundam might have an edge when it comes to raw acceleration but the Tallgeese III surpasses it on many aspects. The white behemoth was not only larger in size, but boasts better power output and mobility thru its enhanced third generation twin Super Vernier thrusters. The unit sports an impressive array of weaponry to complement its armor made from Gundanium alloy. For melee or close quarters combat, the Tallgeese III has a pair of concealed beam sabers through hidden compartments within its shield. While on mid-range, it employs the usage of a heat whip capable of shredding even Titanium composite alloys. Its designated weapon for extended or long range is a powerful Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon which was more than adequate to destroy a resource satellite at full power setting. While Wing Gundam's own Buster Rifle was able to incite terror into the hearts of the enemy during its heyday, the weapon's power rating still pales in comparison with its adversary's rail cannon. However, for all of the Gundam's tactical and performance disadvantages, such burdens were negated by two reasons: the first was its ZERO System which is considered as the deadliest operating system ever conceived in the history of mobile suit technology and second because of the phenomenal skills of its pilot, none other than Heero Yuy.

The transformable suit quickly winded its right arm bearing the harlequin beam saber and delivered a lethal diagonal slash aimed at the enemy suit's left epaulet. The action was immediately succeeded by a horizontal sweep initiated from its left torso going to the right, followed with a powerful overhead strike that would have cleaved its adversary neatly into two had Wufei not been able to swing his suit's cyan beam weapon against the Perfect Soldier's attack. However, Heero was relentless, unwilling to give his opponent any room to breathe, he immediately connected a spin slice coming from the Gundam's own left shoulder. Still unsatisfied and fully intent on stressing a very serious point, the ZERO System powered suit completed its combination with an exclamation, thrusting its beam saber towards the center of Tallgeese III's torso.

Wufei Chang already had his mobile suit's shield raise to protect himself from Heero's unwavering offensive but never expected that the brown haired boy will seriously target his cockpit.

The force and resulting impact proved too much for Wufei as his guard was forced open by the Wing Gundam's ruthless assault.

Meanwhile, Heero's mind was being filled by a seemingly interminable amount of data from the ZERO System. Numerous avenues of offensive drives were being provided alongside a stream of all possible counterattacks were continuously fed into his consciousness to prepare for any possible retaliation expected from his cornered opponent. As the wave of logical calculations rushed thru his head, he continually hears the repeated utterance of one word that best describes him from a shrilling and raspy voice. No matter how harsh or how brutal it may sound, the word completely defines his most recent actions. The voice was resolute, leaving him without any cause for excuse or explanation.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Yuy?!" Wufei's scream rang across the commlink but he resolved to ignore his fellow Gundam Pilot's inquiry.

Prudently, Heero allowed Wufei some breathing space by slamming a turning kick that landed on Tallgeese III's torso. The white behemoth was forcefully pushed backwards, and in the process creating a good amount of distance between them.

Wing Gundam could be likened to an angel bringing death and destruction.

Harbinger of chaos and devastation.

And its normally calm and composed pilot is now no different from a frenzied warrior drunk with reckless savagery and insane fury.

A berserker.

The brown haired boy could feel the adrenalin continuously surging through his nerves.

His heart was beating abnormally fast and pumping blood furiously through his veins.

His mind was being strewn by an endless streak of thoughts and memories.

All because of one woman.

All because of Haruka Morishima, the lovely young lady he fell in love with.

The most important person in his life.

The one he left behind.

His thoughts has been in a constant haze throughout the fight, apart from handling the ever increasing mental strain caused by the ZERO system, he also has to deal with the influx of memories brought by his own emotional despair. The images were insistent as it flashed rapidly into his mind's eye, spanning from the time he first met Haruka till the moment he silently witnessed the raven haired beauty's painful wails after breaking her heart. The guilt of leaving her crushed him immensely. It gutted his conscience tremendously and left him a deeply broken man. Heero knew that he brought all the pain and sorrow to the two of them because of his decision... and his actions. He was solely to be blamed for everything that happened.

"Are you doing the right thing?!" He heard Wufei furiously asked after recovering from his last assault.

Once again, he decided not to respond.

Instead he resumed assailing the beleaguered pilot of Tallgeese III.

The Wing Gundam's green harlequin beam saber swung and clashed repeatedly against the cyan blue energy blade of the Tallgeese III. The two adversaries were now elevating their duel to a higher level as Wufei was beginning to respond with more aggression after each exchange of their weapons. It was hardly considered a sword dance as Heero removed whatever grace or finesse he normally exudes during mobile suit combat. After his earlier outburst, he has now regained the stoic and cool demeanor everyone was familiar with. But deep within, he was being stormed endlessly by the brutal pangs of conscience incited from his total disregard of Haruka Morishima's feelings. Pushing the throttle to his desired direction, Wing Gundam swerved to the left with Wufei kicking in the Tallgeese IIIs Super Verniers to match his lateral movement before cutting loose with a series of strikes and slashes as the Perfect Soldier once again went on the offensive.

"I'm asking you, are you doing the right thing?!" Wufei once more queried with irritation while trading well timed swings to properly defend himself from each strike of the Wing Gundam's harlequin beam saber.

"My existence right now serves as a proof that I am no longer needed." Heero calmly replied, finally breaking his silence.

"What?!" The fiery pilot from Colony L5 asked in annoyance as the Perfect Soldier slammed a backhand slash that almost got past his mobile suit's shield.

"This is a meaningless battle Wufei. Me… being a soldier is making it a necessity." The brown haired boy carefully explained, now transmitting a visual feed of his image to both Wufei's Tallgeese III and Quatre's command center.

"Stop what you're doing Heero! Please! Stop fighting! We've been looking for you since you've gone missing!" Quatre interjected on the private channel as they continued swinging their blades at each other.

"What has gotten into you, Yuy?!"

'I need to goad Wufei even further... if I intend to get the result I truly want.'

"I'm taking responsibility for my actions, Wufei. Show me the warrior in you or die by my blade." The Perfect Soldier sternly responded as he looked at his opponent straight in the eye before adding, "Besides if you fail to stop me, it would be a cruel end to the sacrifice made by the countless deaths of your Clan and Colony."

"Damn you, Yuy! The sacrifice they made was all done in the name of justice! That I would never waver when confronted with the truth! Yet you are throwing everything you once believed in for reasons unknown since your return!" The hot-headed former pilot of Altron Gundam hollered in anger after hearing his taunt.

"Wufei... you were right back then. We could only acknowledge our existence in the battlefield. And I... I just killed another innocent civilian." Heero seriously uttered as he pondered the truth behind his words.

'I killed... the most important person in my life. I'm... rotten down to the core, it would be better if I'm dead.'

"Go to hell, Yuy! You are evil!" Wufei exclaimed in sheer wrath as he geared up Tallgeese III's left limb in combination to its sword arm.

The white behemoth's heat whip quickly slithered out like a serpent now that Wufei has began using it in tandem with the suit's own beam saber.

"Please stop it, you guys!" Quatre once again pleaded yet his words only fell on deaf ears as they were deliberately ignored by his fellow Gundam Pilots.

'That's right Wufei, kill me... and release me from this torment...'

The pilot with Oriental features roared in anger while he pushed the Tallgeese III's Super Verniers into maximum, exhuming a large wave of energy out from his thrusters. Heero noticed the sudden shift in Wufei's behavior before commencing with probably his last voice command on the advance mobile suit system.

'I'll negate whatever advantage I have in my side to completely turn the tables on Wufei's favor.'

"ZERO, disengage usage of Operating System. Switch to full manual piloting."

All three display screens, the main, the starboard and the port side flashed a brilliance of golden hue which enveloped Wing Gundam's cockpit. A clear indication that the powerful ZERO System has relinquished entire control of the mobile suit to him. But the moment cold hard logic departed, Heero never anticipated that he was left all alone to face the unforgiving wrath of his own mind, heart and soul.

The momentary equilibrium was gone.

The balance has been tipped in favor of those who disagree with him.

-oxo-

Minoru Takeda's business card landed softly beside the young woman sitting on the ledge of the school fountain. The cool breeze gently swayed her curly tipped raven hair. However, it was still kept in place by the black headband she was wearing. Using her left hand to shield her face from a few strands of hair, she then noticed the business card lying at her side. Picking it up with her right hand, she was about to read the contents when she seemed to have felt him walking towards her.

He was already approaching the young lady with the intent of retrieving the contact card when she faced him and their eyes met.

Heero froze dead on his tracks, unable to take a step further when the realization hit him. The young woman right in front of him is the very same young woman he saw on the images inside the Wing Gundam while traversing the Spatial Transit Hole. His intense and piercing cobalt blue eyes could only stare in wonder at the lively cornflower blue eyes of the young woman.

The girl stood up and smiled at him before asking, "Is this yours?"

Referring to the business card she was handing at him.

It was the first moment he met Haruka.

ZERO only showed him fleeting images earlier... while his mind now replayed the entirety of everything.

-oxo-

"Nooooo!" Heero painfully howled as memories of the woman he completely loves began submersing his thoughts... his sentiments.

Despite now being battered by his own heart, mind and soul, he remained defiant as the times spent with Haruka threatened to consume him.

The Search Eye alerted him that the opponent was advancing towards his position.

His pitch black orbs threw a tempestuous stare at the main screen upon noticing the Tallgeese III was now in striking distance to lash out its heat whip.

Wing Gundam leveled its left arm at its opponent, the tip of the weapon being held started glowing… concentrating and building up power.

It was also an indication that energy discharge was imminent.

The hidden installation owned by Winner Industries in L4 Colony had always been dormant. It was only bristling in activity each time the Gundam Pilots conducted test runs focused on the upgraded Fold Generator. Normally after each failed run, the pilots would silently convene inside the conference room and discuss the adjustments they needed to implement on the next trial. Moments ago, the ninth field test of the Fold Generator Mark II had just ended in failure. However, instead of reconvening at the conference area... both Quatre and Trowa were still at the command center, they could only watch helplessly on the main screen display as Wufei struggles to defend himself from Heero's furious assault.

Tensions has been running at an all time high as the auburn haired Trowa along with the blonde haired Quatre knew that Heero and Wufei rarely talked to one another despite recognizing each other as comrades during the Eve Wars. The two even fought each other after conflicting principles and beliefs saw them at the opposite sides of the Mariemaia Rebellion.

The current duel between Heero and Wufei had been raging on for some time already. Trowa had been silent since the episode started yet his lone visible eye held a fixed look on one of the secondary monitor screens, focused particularly at the movements and actions of the mobile suit being maneuvered by their long lost comrade. Meanwhile Quatre has repeatedly tried and failed in his attempts to stop the ongoing fight as both combatants had disregarded the blonde pilot's call to cease the conflict. Initially, their only problem was placating the reckless behavior Heero has exhibited upon his reappearance. Yet now, they also had to contend with Wufei's flared up temper who has already been agitated to the point of taking matters into his own hands.

'Heero and Wufei may not have been very close to each other, but both share a mutual level of respect common between comrades. I still don't understand why Heero's acting in such a manner.' Quatre pondered as he gazed in frustration at the main screen display.

"We have to stop them Trowa! Something is definitely wrong with Heero!"

"Haven't you noticed...? Heero's style of combat is very different from his normal move set. Even if he lost control of the ZERO system, Heero would never wantonly jump at any opening and leave himself vulnerable for a counterattack. The system would urge his subconscious into avoiding a critical mistake." The taciturn pilot carefully explained while never removing his emerald eyes from the auxiliary display.

The soft spoken blonde boy centered his attention on the Wing Gundam and began searching for details or clues that would support Trowa's observation. It took him some time along with a high level of familiarity and knowledge of Heero's piloting skills to discern the elaborate and carefully veiled intentions of the Perfect Soldier.

"I-I think you're right Trowa... So you're saying... he's deliberately... doing everything?"

"If my analysis is correct, Heero maybe desperately seeking death in the battlefield. If I'm wrong, it would simply mean that he's completely gone berserk."

"It does makes sense... he's been prodding Wufei to break out from his defensive stance and be more aggressive." The Winner heir agreed as the pieces began falling into their rightful places, slowly completing the puzzle of Heero's unusual behavior.

"But why would Heero be so inclined to take his life the moment he returned?"

"Only Heero could provide an answer for that." The auburn haired pilot noted before Quatre placed another question as his mind raced for possible solutions to alter their comrades' current situation.

"Trowa, why won't Heero just throw down his guard to let Wufei finish him off?"

"Heero knows that Wufei's high sense of honor would prevent him from dealing the killing blow on any opponent simply looking to die. Wufei on the other hand would never want to repeat that matter with Treize." The former pilot of Gundam Heavyarms replied at Quatre as the duel between their fellow pilots escalated even further.

"Of course... Heero doesn't want Wufei to end up blaming himself for what he plans on doing." Quatre surmised before an idea finally presented itself within his mind.

"Trowa... how's Duo?"

"He blacked out the moment his suit was anchored on the hangar." Trowa tepidly replied after sparing a glance at one of the screens assigned to the primary air dock. The part-time circus performer was about to resume his observation at the ongoing duel when he realized Quatre's desperate plan.

"Quatre... are you thinking of using that suit?" He inquired just in time to see Quatre already making his way towards the exit.

"There's no other choice! You know those two haven't talked to each other after the Mariemaia incident!" The blonde boy reasoned out before leaving the command center.

The shift between locations hardly deterred Quatre, after quickly exiting the command center and passing through the interlocking passageways where air control was abundant, he cleared the route towards the hangar with little difficulty even though the presence of gravity was barely a third of the normal. The former pilot of Gundam Sandrock made a mad dash from the installation's control room all the way to the main air docks. He did not even bother to change into a flight suit as time was badly against them. He has been left with no other choice but use the only remaining mobile suit they had in possession to hopefully end the atrocious duel between his two comrades.

Quatre bounded the railings aggressively in well calculated leaps till he reached the retractable gangway where the suit containing the Fold Generator Mk II was located.

The gentle blonde boy always felt an undeniable anxiety and a foreboding threat that encroaches itself in his thoughts whenever he was within the vicinity of the mobile suit.

There was this unknown presence that was supremely imposing and deadly critical hovering around it.

It commanded fear and exuded annihilation.

It demanded devastation and inspired death.

It was insanely powerful and impressively dreadful.

Brushing aside his thoughts for the time being, Quatre soon found himself in front of the mobile suit's hatch. Pressing the designated code from the hidden keypad at the underside of the hatch to unlock it, the blonde pilot only waited for a couple of seconds till its pressurized hull released air before finally allowing access to the cockpit. Upon opening, the first sight that greeted him was Duo slumped unconsciously at his seat. Still Quatre was slightly amused at seeing the current state of the braided pilot, without wasting anymore time, he immediately moved to release the cross-strap that firmly secured his friend before carefully pulling him out of the mobile suit.

Gently, Quatre laid Duo's back to rest comfortably at the railings of the gangway. Once he was sure that his friend was settled, the blonde pilot moved right back towards the compartment. The Winner heir was initiating the start up sequence when he heard the sound of someone throwing up just a couple of meters away from him.

"... This is what you pay for eating a lot of Chinese right before a Fold Generator run." Duo sarcastically spoke out while gripping the hand rail for support.

The braided pilot stood up albeit on shaky legs, he was still dizzy caused by no other than the recent failed testing of the Fold Generator Mk. II. Supporting himself by relying heavily on the railings, Duo was just as equally surprised upon seeing Quatre busily preparing the mobile suit.

"Q-Quatre? E-everything's still quite hazy... A-are you doing another run? You know that's impossible... we need to recharge the fusion reactor…"

"Duo, I'm really sorry, but I have to pilot this suit." The blonde haired boy apologetically responded while flicking a couple of switches.

"Huh? W-what's going on?" Duo wearily asked still plainly tired after events of the earlier field test.

"Heero and Wufei are fighting each other to the death, I have to stop them!" He alarmingly told the usually jovial former pilot of Gundam Deathscythe.

"Whoa... Heero? Our buddy's back? Why is he fighting the Wu-man?"

"There's no time to explain, Duo. I'll be launching once everything's set."

"Let me do it Quatre, I'm quite better than you and Trowa at handling this big guy here..."

"You're in no condition to go out there and mix up with those two." Quatre said to him point-blank while the mobile suit began building up energy on its reactor.

"But this guy's expanded most of its reactor charge... The Mark II Generator ate up a big chunk of its energy."

Both of them were distracted by Trowa's sudden transmission, "Quatre, Heero's aiming the Buster Rifle at Wufei!"

"Damn, things are looking pretty bad!"

"Duo, go back to the command center and give Trowa a hand there." The Winner heir decided before throwing Duo's headgear towards him.

"Roger that, Quatre." Duo uttered in compliance after catching and putting on his flight helmet.

'We're faced with a critical situation and our hands are all tied to come up with better solutions.' Quatre mused as he gave the signal for Trowa to open the massive bay doors.

The intense luster coming from a blinding ray of golden yellow tore through space previously occupied by the Tallgeese III. Wufei swerved precisely in time to avoid getting struck by the powerful blast coming from the Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle. However, instead of becoming fearful or wary from his adversary's capability, it all the more fired up the already impassioned former pilot of Gundam Altron.

"Damn you, Yuy! Your actions only justify the words you've spouted earlier!"

Heero ignored Wufei's last tirade but instead swung his beam saber against his opponent's heat whip. Raising the Gundam's left arm quickly, he felt the impact from the Oriental pilot's beam weapon slamming through his mobile suit's shield. The Perfect Soldier soon initiated an endless clashing of beam sabers with Wufei, green harlequin and blue cyan energy repeatedly met each other in a violent show of swordplay. Blinding sparks coming from the brilliant discharge of energy similar to lightning bolts, consumed the area around the two monolithic suits. Heero crashed three successive powerful blows that were met by the Tallgeese III's buckler. Wufei parried the last strike and fiercely thrust his own beam saber at the Wing Gundam. He boisterously followed it with two consecutive slashes that were all faced by the Perfect Soldier's undaunted energy weapon.

"You're nothing but a killer of innocent civilians! A murderer! A slayer!"

Streaks of bluish and blackish lightning flashed across the Wing Gundam and Tallgeese III. Whirling the heat whip in a wide arc, Wufei forced Heero to break off from the melee and dodge the sweeping attack. The brown haired boy responded by unleashing a barrage of low powered shots from the Buster Rifle against the white behemoth driven by Wufei. The fiery pilot of justice swiftly retracted his mobile suit's heat whip before reaching at the weapon lodged at its back. Acting fleetly, he raised the instrument of war towards the Wing Gundam and began targeting the transformable suit.

The weapon's barrel opened and split into two, amethyst colored electric wave began forming at the space between its twin shafts as energy accumulated steadily.

The Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon was all primed.

Wufei never wavered as he set loose a high velocity and cruelly potent shot of the rail cannon at Heero.

The Perfect Soldier sheered the Wing Gundam to his left, evading the powerful blast with just mere moments to spare as it passed through the space he recently held. His pitch black irises glared in vexation at the Tallgeese III before discharging a salvo of low concentrated energy shots from the Buster Rifle. Concussive blasts of yellow beams lanced through the vastness of open space, Wufei initially used the mobile suit's Gundanium shield to protect him, however he was forced to go on evasive maneuvers as Heero relentlessly rained golden yellow fire from his rifle. The Tallgeese IIIs Super Verniers billowed azure bursts of energy while the Oriental pilot skillfully dodged the brown haired boy's shots.

Noticing that his rail cannon was once again primed, a hail of medium-sized hyacinth colored beams greeted the Perfect Soldier as Wufei squeezed the trigger steadily after each successive blast.

Heero evaded the high impact rounds before rapidly pulling the Wing Gundam's overhead lever towards him causing the colossus made of Gundanium alloy to revert from mobile suit to neo-bird mode. The transformation allowed him to easily breeze through the barrage of thick amethyst rays filling his direction. It was a magnificent display of piloting as Wing Gundam twisted and rotated while in mid-flight to avoid the horrendous beams of death being spewed by the Tallgeese III's Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon. He swerved to the left before sharply banking to the right then speedily gained altitude all the while being chased by rail cannon energy beams. Upon reaching the needed elevation Heero then droved furiously towards Wufei by nose diving the neo-bird Wing Gundam at his rival's direction.

He pulled the Buster Rifle's trigger in good succession forcing Wufei to raise his guard and shield himself from Heero's aggressive assault. Closing the gap between them once again, the Perfect Soldier pulled the overhead lever forward, switching from neo-bird transformation into mobile suit mode instantaneously. Wing Gundam's emerald green eyes were smoldering with hatred as it reignited its harlequin beam saber before savagely lunging towards the Tallgeese III.

Wufei anticipated the move and quickly swung his suit's own cyan energy blade across Heero's beam saber.

The resulting impact from the clash of their beam sabers was blinding, it illuminated the immediate radius surrounding them.

-oxo-

"I... know you care for me... feel you worry for me... Were my feelings wrong? Was I mistaken? Or you don't see me that way?" The cornflower blue eyed lady spoke in wonder as she laid before him all the questions inside her heart.

"Every time we spend together... Every moment we share with one another... Every second we look into each other's eyes... I fall even deeper... I thought we're getting closer." Haruka tenderly recalled while smiling painfully at Heero.

"It's already at the point where it's beginning to hurt so much... I am the girl... the girl who doesn't know her place with you." The beautiful young lady finally admitted, spilling everything to him.

"I... I like you!"

-oxo-

The reminiscence of her confession slowly receded from the deepest annals of his mind.

The logic and strain placed by the ZERO System on him earlier was the only deterrent separating his frustrations and guilt from completely taking over.

Now left alone… he could only crumble, was powerless at releasing the ever consuming rage and berserk fury dwelling inside his anguished soul.

Cold, lifeless, pitch black orbs glared mercilessly at his main front screen, his consciousness was severely battered from the influx of memories involving the raven haired young woman he had promised to love and nurture. His heart was being beaten savagely with the knowledge and realization that he has shattered everything she held dear. Everything that she believed in. All that she cared and cherished. All the joy and happiness she treasured which had been solely... him.

"I love you so much, Heero. I really do!"

"Noooooooooo!" The brown haired boy howled in aggravation before pushing Wing Gundam's Verniers to the maximum.

Heero furiously hurled the entire might of his Gundam against Tallgeese III, while also increasing the energy released to its harlequin beam saber. The monolithic suit made from Gundanium began pushing its opponent backwards. Wing Gundam then strongly deflected the enemy suit's cyan beam sword before slamming its left shoulder on Tallgeese III's torso. Wufei was thrown back against his seat as his cockpit got walloped from Heero's ferocious move. The momentum brought on by Wing Gundam's surge was too much for the fiery warrior of justice as the white behemoth got hurled rearwards.

A fair amount of space once again separated the adversaries. However, Wufei was quick to react as he wasted no time on raining purple fire at the brown haired pilot's direction. Heero was able to shield the first few shots but had to go on the evasive from the increasing amount of stress brought by the rail cannon fire. The Wing Gundam zigzagged through the wide expanse of space, while being expertly maneuvered by Heero as it eluded the medium powered volleys from Tallgeese III's Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon. Wufei then propelled his mobile suit in an upward vector, increasing the vertical distance between them. The Perfect Soldier getting some respite from this action aimed the Buster Rifle at his opponent and returned fire while driving hard towards his opponent. He was swift to notice the delay on the succeeding shot and braced himself in preparation of Wufei's next move.

His prediction was spot on as the rail cannon emitted sparks of amethyst electric wave at the tip of its barrel.

Wufei has him dead on his sights.

'Oh, no, you don't!' He growled after putting the Vernier thruster output on maximum while madly rushing at his adversary.

Tallgeese III discharged an insanely powerful blast that rocked back Wufei in his cockpit. The release of such a highly concentrated and destructive energy resulted into one lustrous explosion. The Oriental pilot slightly shifted his gaze away from the main screen due to the sheer luminescence, he knew that his aim was precise and the timing has been well executed. But he also recognized that it was not enough to fully stop a pilot at the level and caliber of Heero Yuy.

Wufei was right - within mere seconds Wing Gundam was steamrolling out from the blast's course, its Gundanium alloy fully intact, as fumes of smoke brush out lightly from its frame. Heero was able to weather the massive beam despite the impelling force brought by his fierce drive, he barely dodged the shot and only in using his own momentum to precisely thread a parallel path with mere meters to spare as the ray of death passed had he been able to survive.

Tallgeese III was now in danger after having much of its energy exhausted due to the strain on unleashing a maximum output blast from the rail cannon. Its mobility has been cut down tremendously while its fusion reactor strived to restore and stabilize the particle charge flowing through the entire suit.

The Perfect Soldier grunted deeply upon seeing Tallgeese III right at his course, noticing that his targeting system has locked on to the white behemoth he squeezed the weapon trigger without any restraint. Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle fired repeatedly, hitting Tallgeese III thrice on its shield before getting a shot past its defenses that smacked through the area between the frame's chest cavity and right shoulder.

"Stop what you're doing Heero! We're you're friends! What's going on with you?!" Quatre desperately cried on the private frequency.

"It's no use! He's gone mad, Winner! We have to finish him off!" Wufei barked at the radio while still reeling from the shot that Tallgeese III received from the Buster Rifle.

"Either one of you kills me..." Heero replied pausing for a few seconds before continuing in one deadly chilling tone, "or I KILL ALL OF YOU!"

Pushing both throttles into its utmost limits, the Perfect Soldier swooped mercilessly like a hawk towards the Tallgeese III. The mechanisms of the white behemoth's right arm labored tediously to hold a decent and proper defense against Heero's impending onslaught. Wufei knew that the earlier shot he received had almost incapacitated his mobile suit's right limb but still endeavored to put up a fight upon seeing Heero charging at him. The hot-headed pilot from L5 scarcely parried the initial blow as he desperately swung the cyan beam saber against the Wing Gundam's harlequin energy blade. Heero subsequently made another slash at Wufei forcing the Oriental Pilot to slightly stagger backwards before moving rapidly and smashing an overhead blow that was fortunately received in the nick of time with the Tallgeese III's buckler. Ascertaining an opportunity to counterattack, Wufei swiftly drove the cyan energy blade but realized that his motion was all for naught as Heero readily fended off the attack with a reverse diagonal slash.

The parry has been so powerful that the Tallgeese III's beam saber was thrown off its grasp.

'This is it, I'm dead.' Wufei's thoughts determined while accepting his impending doom.

Wing Gundam geared up its next attack - twisting its torso and building up force before unleashing a devastating shield bash squarely landing at the Tallgeese III's midsection. The ensuing impact had been so powerful that the white behemoth was forcefully strewn back. The mobile suit's inability to use its Super Verniers as a counterbalance only resulted for it to be thrown back more farther than should have been. Wufei coughed blood incessantly after being violently jolted from his seat. He could feel a few of his ribs crack due to the concussion received from his opponent's shield.

Breathing heavily, Wufei's hands shakily held both throttles, beads of sweat were now pouring down past his temple as he attempted to stabilize his mobile suit as best as he could. The fiery, pony-tailed pilot raised the Tallgeese III's left arm aiming the Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon at the Wing Gundam who was now silently observing him. Wufei knows that in his current condition, there was no way he could hit the Gundam in front of him, but nevertheless braced himself for what he believes would be Heero's final attack.

The Perfect Soldier leveled the Buster Rifle being held by his mobile suit's left limb at the Tallgeese III. He easily perceived that his opponent was already in its death throes. Even as it aimed its own weapon against him, his unparalleled skills as a pilot would effortlessly forestall any act of possible retaliation. The Search Eye quickly displayed cross-hair markings on all potential target spots before highlighting the most critical area, the Tallgeese III's cockpit. The tip of Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle began glowing as concentrated energy began building up while Heero primed it at maximum output.

"Heero! No! Stop it!" Quatre yelled in frustration over the commlink upon seeing the inevitable.

The blonde pilot's words brought a surge of memories to his strewn mind.

-oxo-

"Heero! No! Stop it!"

The dagger was mere inches away from the gang leader's skin when her words brought him back to his senses. Heero felt a pair of arms wrapping themselves tightly around his chest. It was followed by the tender warmth of a body closely hugging him from behind. Shortly after, a fresh, warm moistness began drenching through the mid-section of the coat on his back.

There was no mistaken, those were tears.

Her tears.

She was shedding them on his behalf.

'Haruka...'

Indeed, it was the young woman who had entrenched herself deeply into his mind, heart and soul. Haruka was crying in sorrow while sobbing every now and then as her arms clung tightly around Heero's chest from behind. In between chokes as she poured out her emotions, the raven haired beauty pleaded for him to put an end to his actions.

-oxo-

Heero felt his hands tremble while the targeting sensors of Wing Gundam flashed repeatedly, he could hear the Search Eye chiming in response, both notifying him that his weapon was locked on the enemy and all ready to deliver the final sentence.

Unleash the killing blow and bring his opponent to kingdom come.

However, his pitch black orbs were stirring, his mind was wavering and his heart was all against him.

The memory evoked inside him was ever consuming.

It reminded Heero of the one woman capable on calming down the demon inside him.

The beautiful raven haired young lady that endlessly raptures his thoughts, his decisions and most importantly... his emotions.

"Don't kill him, please!" Quatre shouted in defeat on the private channel, pleading for him to discontinue his actions.

It only served to cause more confusion inside his mind as the memory resurfaced once again and continued from where it previously left off.

-oxo-

"Don't kill him, please!"

He felt his rage and fury drop considerably upon hearing her voice. Heero's eyes slowly reverted back to its natural color, while the dark thoughts that earlier clouded his mind began to clear off as his expression began to soften.

"Heero... I'm scared... please..."

The Gundam Pilot felt Haruka bury her face further in his coat as tears continued to stream down from her cornflower blue eyes. By now he was fully supporting her body which was leaning on his back, but somehow it had a calming effect causing him to finally relax.

"I don't want to lose you... You're the most important person in my life." She whispered softly, but audible enough for the brown haired boy to hear.

"Morishima... sempai..."

-oxo-

"H-Haruka..." Heero softly whispered as the remembrance slowly ebbed away.

Cold, lifeless, deadly pitch black orbs slowly shifted back to his piercing, intense, cobalt blue irises.

Panting heavily, the Perfect Soldier regained his consciousness and equanimity. He exhaled in deep, long breathes as his brain tried to recollect his thoughts and quickly made an assessment of the situation. His eyes roamed inside the cockpit, looking somewhat lost and confused as he attempted to recall the events which led to his current situation. His musings were rewarded as he was able to slowly put together everything piece by piece. He had lost control of the Wing Gundam, or more accurately, his sane self was replaced by the furious and frenzied berserker who wanted to destroy all on its path. Right now he even had Wufei at his mercy with just one squeeze from the left throttle's weapon trigger.

He did not intend for the current circumstances to occur.

He wanted a very different outcome.

He was looking forward to meet death's cold embrace.

Only Haruka's voice pulled him out of his insanity.

Her memory was overpowering, everything inside him answered to a resounding reminiscence on Haruka.

The lovely young woman who has captured his heart, mind, body and soul.

The most important person in his life.

The one who loves him with all her heart.

"Why did you abandon me? Was it something I said or done? If you disliked something, why didn't you tell me? I told you we have to be honest with each other. You could tell me everything and I promised that I'll try to understand you. I will do anything... no... Everything for you. That's how much I love you! Yet you still left me!"

Her words pierced deeply inside his chest... straight through his heart.

He will set back things on how it should be... on how he wanted it to be.

'I won't dodge the rail cannon's blast once Wufei fires it.' Heero decided after the Wing Gundam's heat sensors alerted him of the increase in energy density from the Tallgeese III.

"Heero! Stop the fighting! Please! That's enough!" Quatre transmitted over the private channel.

His long range radar alarmed him of the arrival of a new contact. Switching his attention to the secondary display monitor at his left, the Perfect Soldier's cobalt blue eyes widened upon seeing the mobile suit traveling rapidly towards them. Heero was very familiar with it. In fact, the suit was originally given to him. It always emanated a very imposing and highly regal appearance. The mere sight of it was enough to strike terror and drive fear into the hearts of the enemy. The colossus was painted crimson red on its wings, torso, forearms and lower part of its legs. Both arms and upper joint of its legs were shaded grey while patches and linings were filled in black. Its head bore a crest similar albeit different in pattern to the one on his mobile suit's forehead. Its face was no different from all the other suits he and his friends have piloted during the war. The mighty beast approaching him was made from pure Gundanium alloy and he has been a witness to its supremacy in the field of battle. The powerful suit was currently on its mobile armor configuration, both of its legs was at the forefront while its wings were fully extended at the sides, and lastly, one of its fearsome weapons acted as its tail. Anyone looking at it would instantly be reminded of a fire breathing twin-headed dragon.

Call Sign: Oscar Zulu Wan Tree Mike Sierra

"Epyon..." Heero lowly muttered while correctly surmising that its pilot could be no other than Quatre who was desperately trying to close the distance between them.

'Fold Generator Mk. II.' He pondered before being reminded of the bitterness caused by the memories and events that transpired on the last three months which had been caused by the trial run of the original generator. Deep inside him, he wants to destroy everything related to the Fold Generator - from the actual and existing down to the plans and concepts. But Heero knew that he doesn't have time to accomplish it as the brown haired boy felt the need to end everything for him right there and then.

He spared a quick glance on his primary screen and noticed that Wufei was already finished and had the Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon aimed at him.

Everything was going according to his plan.

"Quatre, stop using the Fold Generator. It only destroys people's lives... It only screwed my fate and destiny." Heero broadcasted, subtly yet vaguely sharing his experience that resulted to his current state.

"What? Heero? What... what do you mean? What's the Fold Generator had to do with...?"

"Heero! Buddy! It's me, Duo, I... I can somehow relate with you. Come on, we can talk about this, man." He heard a new voice joining the dialogue which the Perfect Soldier determined was indeed no other than the self-proclaimed god of death himself, Duo Maxwell.

"You don't understand anything, Duo." The Perfect Soldier replied in a very spiteful tone.

"He's been the one flying the field tests for the Fold Generator Mk. II. We've been trying to find you for the past couple of months!"

"Winner, there is no point reasoning with him! Yuy is unstable!" Wufei suddenly interjected on the commlink, warning Quatre of his emotional and psychological demeanor.

"Quatre, stop doing and attempting to repeat the mistakes brought by the first trial run. Stop... causing unhappiness. Stop this sick cycle before another one of you ends up like me."

"Heero... What do you...?" The blonde pilot trailed obviously confused at his words.

"Stop playing god, Quatre! Stop shattering people's dreams! Stop messing up everyone's hopes and destiny!" Heero uttered in vexation, as his heart, mind and soul were all weary from the events he had unknowingly caused and witnessed before going back to his rightful time.

"Put the Buster Rifle down, Yuy!" Wufei screamed over the radio, the brown haired boy knew that the pilot with Oriental features was now very edgy which no doubt had been caused by their earlier clash.

"Quatre..." Heero trailed as he switched targets and aimed the buster rifle at the Epyon who has ceased its advance and was currently bearing due his northwest.

"STOP INTERFERING!" He ended before unleashing a maximum output shot from the Buster Rifle at Quatre.

'Do it Wufei.'

"Yuy! Damn you!" Wufei cried at the private frequency upon seeing him taking the shot.

A wide golden yellow beam sliced through space, its pure brilliance and sheer power was astounding yet fiercely baneful. Quatre could only raise the Epyon's buckler on its left forearm to shield him and hope that either by some stroke of luck he survives the ordeal entirely or the reaper's scythe claim him faster than the blink of an eye. He never expected the Perfect Soldier will push for such an attack, as all things considered the brown haired boy was their friend and comrade. The Winner heir knew however that he was a dead man the moment Heero had him at the center of his crosshairs.

Only a select few have lived to tell the tale of surviving an encounter with a Gundam.

And almost none when it came to facing the one that Heero is piloting.

The intense splendor radiated by the full power shot from the Buster Rifle streaked towards Quatre, he shut both eyes tight as he awaited impact.

But it never came.

The ray of destruction narrowly went past to his left.

Consequently another beam ripped forth at the wide expanse of space, this one was purple amethyst in colored with streaks of electricity current similar to lightning spikes. The shot surged fluidly, roaring a gruesome song of death while rapidly approaching its designated mark. However, unlike earlier, the intended prey made no attempt to fend itself against the chaotic power flung by the rail cannon.

'Thank you... Wufei.'

With the end drawing nearer, Heero was reminded of his bleak childhood, his experiences as a soldier during Operation Meteor, his endeavors at the height of the Eve Wars, his resoluteness while defying the Mariemaia incursion and lastly, his time with the one woman who changed everything about him.

Haruka Morishima.

They both landed with a soft thud on the snow, Haruka laughed giddily while Heero smiled softly at her. The pretty campus idol rested her forehead on top of his before gently smiling with her sky blue eyes gazing steadily at Heero's Prussian orbs

"Remember... I'm yours now. Call me Haruka. I'm your... Haruka." She spoke tenderly while looking deeply into his eyes.

Impact.

The amethyst beam of pure devastating energy from the Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon cleaved and disintegrated the entireness of Wing Gundam's right limb. Heero was thrown to the left side of his seat before his head circumstantially bashed the port side monitor screen. Fortunately for the young man, his flight headgear managed to absorb the brunt of the ensuing shock. A series of minor explosions occurred almost simultaneously as on-board consoles, auxiliary systems and screen displays were either conflagrated or obliterated. This resulted for the right hand part of the cockpit to be fully exposed after the shot barreled through the mobile suit. However, Heero was struck near his abdomen by sharp debris as a rain of rubble surged from his cockpit.

Blood began to trickle out while his nerves reacted expectedly from the excruciating and piercing pain brought by the wound. The Perfect Soldier was prompted of that time when he was at a loss on how to deal with Haruka's confession. What would be his final thoughts before the grim reaper claims him? What would he actually do upon reaching the breaking point? What would be his final words during the last precious seconds of his life?

As Heero felt the void take total control and completely engulf everything into nothingness...

Felt his existence began to dwindle and slowly fade out...

Felt the last speck of memory being robbed and erased from his heart and mind...

The one thing that he would hold on tenaciously as life's essence is being drained away.

Is called Hope.

His hope had always and only been her... Haruka.

One… final reminiscence stormed out of his crushed heart, drawn undeniably by his battered mind to which his butchered soul acceded.

"...Isn't that enough for you to realize how much you mean to me? How much I love you? I did all of those because you are everything to me! But why do you have to abandon me? Don't you want me anymore? Don't you need me anymore? Don't... don't you love me anymore?" Haruka painfully wailed while gazing at their portrait taken inside the photo booth which was contained within the picture frame she held.

The instance he witnessed her wallowing in the depths of despair.

The time all hope was lost for Haruka.

The moment she learned that he gave up on her.

"Haruka... I... never... stopped... I'm..." Heero desperately whispered while looking at the same picture of him and lovely young woman taken at the Arcade Center. By some stroke of luck or divine intervention, it had survived unscratched and still remained clipped at the lower left panel of his main screen display. The brown haired boy felt his eyes become heavier as he strained himself to finish his sentence. His breaths had already been ragged a few seconds ago but were now weak and shallow.

Heero stretched out his left hand... in a seeming gesture of reaching out at the portrait clipped on the lower left panel of the main display screen.

The Perfect Soldier felt his vision began to falter while looking at the face of the one woman he has solely cherished.

'Haruka...'

Even in his final moments he remained gritty… grimly determined.

'...sorry.' His last thoughts managed to utter just before finally closing his Prussian blue orbs.

6:17pm, 9th of January, A.C. 198

A school bag.

A keychain.

A snow globe.

And a picture of him with a beautiful young woman.

These were the items they found in Wing Gundam's cockpit along with those inside the compartment under the pilot seat after that monumental duel reached its climactic conclusion almost five days ago. Or rather... these were among Heero's possessions that greatly stood out from the rest upon his unexpected return. They had only been able to extract the Perfect Soldier out of the mobile suit when the retrieval shuttle arrived. The Gundam's Ultracompact Reactor was fortunately spared from any serious damage as the rail cannon beam grazed harmlessly beside the volatile power plant. Its survival prevented any major malfunction or serious breakdown on the energy generation procedures that involved nuclear fusion which could have resulted to a core meltdown that would no doubt completely obliterated the torso where the cockpit was also located.

Duo deeply sighed as he continued to take careful account on the other articles found at the mobile suit's compartment. There were books and notes utilized for the school named "Kibitou Senior High". Two sets of campus uniform which he surmised was worn for the same academic institution and wads of bills or cash from a nation he knew no longer existed. The most glaring and disturbing fact he had discovered after studying all the unusual or highly unique items under Heero's ownership was that each one of them had either been produced or created no earlier than the year 2011 A.D.

'That's around one or two thousand years from the current date.'

Putting such thoughts aside for the time being, the braided pilot resumed his inspection of Heero's personal belongings. With his lavender eyes landing and taking a keen interest at the keychain attached to the school bag. The key holder was simple - it was circular in shape, made from light metal with an etched design of a dog's paw print which were alternately shaded in black or grey on each side. Truly, the ornament could be considered as something quite normal and ordinary from all angles, but it was certainly out of place on Heero Yuy's school bag. Duo's eyes wandered next to the snow globe originally found inside the Perfect Soldier's backpack, the object was expertly handcrafted and finished with exquisitely shaped details. He gently held the snow globe in front of him before closely eyeing the two small figurines of a boy and a girl in front of a snow cabin. Unconsciously, without thinking, his fingers rotated the snow globe's key, winding its drum mechanism. He gently placed the ornament back on the tabletop directly in front of him and curiously listened to the soft tune programmed on the instrument's revolving cylinder. His purple orbs widened slightly upon hearing the melancholic and haunting rhythm being played by the drum mechanism and its programmable pins.

'This music carries a lot of... affection... of endearment... It's a song of love.'

Duo shifted his stare at the picture of Heero and the beautiful young lady, all in all, the portrait held five different shots of them fixed into an outline. The four smaller photos on the left side showed various poses of the brown haired boy and the pretty young woman. As Duo carefully studied each image, he noticed that the girl always emanated a bright and optimistic aura. While Heero was different from how he remembers or they were familiar with. Though the Perfect Soldier still had that calm and composed demeanor, his eyes were different. It held a relaxed and somewhat... satisfied gaze, far from the usually guarded and indiscernible piercing Prussian blue orbs they had been accustomed with. The braided pilot stared at each of the smaller pictures repeatedly once again before finally focusing at the largest one which adorned the upper right side of the portrait. It had Heero and the raven haired young woman kissing each other in front of the camera. He could not help but flash a Cheshire smile on his lips before casually turning the photo to its opposite side.

His eyes narrowed considerably upon reading the words Heero had no doubt scrawled with a technical pen at the upper left corner.

16th of November 2011 - Time with Morishima-sempai inside Kibitou Arcade Center.

'2011... 2011 A.D., could it be...?'

The braided pilot moved to face the small laptop at his left and tapped a few keys, conjuring the data log copy they were able to take out from Wing Gundam's primary memory drive. Trowa needed three days non-stop hacking on the salvaged mainframe and primary memory drive to get past the slew of security systems and encryptions Heero had place to safeguard the integrity of his files. Even after the part-time circus performer established a breach on Heero's security protocols, most information he placed on his daily log still seemed to require a cipher to fully comprehend the meaning of his notes.

He quickly browsed Heero's daily activities before stopping and taking a closer look at the entries which were last updated till the end of December:

October 09th - Sakura-Yamato Airport ocular inspection, Wing Gundam storage secured

October 15th - Episode with Morishima-sempai in the library

October 16th - Ultracompact Reactor Charge at 36%

October 25th - Intentional skipping of classes with Morishima-sempai

November 13th - Ultracompact Reactor Charge at 64%

November 16th - Rescued Morishima-sempai after verbal altercation turned into hostage situation

November 20th - Performed General Maintenance

November 27th - Scheduled day out with Tanamachi at the theme park

December 01st - Conducted Diagnostics Check

December 08th - Ultracompact Reactor Charge at 89%

December 12th - Invitation to spend Christmas holiday with Morishima-sempai

December 17th - Accomplished procurement of keepsake for Morishima-sempai

December 24th - Together with Haruka

December 28th - Spent the day with Haruka

December 29th - GDT site accident, miscommunication with Haruka

December 31st - New Year's Eve with Haruka

end log

'Everything before the 24th mostly involved this Morishima sempai... while all things after that were with this Haruka.' Duo dragged in his thoughts while taking another serious look at the logs for December when a thought reminded him of something.

'I think... I saw it... earlier...'

The self-proclaimed god of death quickly reached out at the backpack lying at the tabletop's far left corner and began rummaging through its contents. It didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for. Duo pulled out a package covered with blue wrapper which was half the size of a shoebox. Opening the top lid off, he peered inside the box and found a small card placed inside. Pulling the card out in plain view, he noticed that it was colored in powder blue with a few words scribbled in Japanese hiragana and katakana characters.

Despite some rust and struggle he was able to properly translate the message written on the note.

Heero,

Merry Christmas! I love you so much!

Yours Forever,

Haruka

He chuckled lightly after reading the note before his brows scrunched seriously while taking another look at the date written on the upper right hand corner of the card.

December 31, 2011

'Damn... he's... been truly thrown back to the past...'

Duo stole another glance at the snow globe before switching his gaze at the picture of Heero and the young woman. He didn't need a shrink or an expert to help him realize and understand that Heero was in some sort of romantic relationship with the girl on the portrait. Especially after reading the words of affection that was written as a declaration of the writer's feelings for the stoic Gundam Pilot. He shook his head sideways as the realization came to him. They had been more preoccupied and concentrated on knowing where Heero ended after his return. They forgot or didn't place much attention to understanding what really happened to him, all those three months he had gone missing. A part of Duo could not help but ponder at the irony of the brown haired boy's situation. He never expected Heero would greatly change in the span of time they were searching for him. They had been so accustomed to seeing him as the ever professional and consummate soldier. The only woman they knew that had a good effect on him was Relena Peacecraft, yet Heero only drifted farther away from the former Queen of the World once the Mariemaia Rebellion got concluded.

He never went after her.

'But... this girl... seemed to have changed him.'

His lavender orbs conspicuously darted to the powder blue card and at the laptop's display screen.

'Hiragana and katakana characters... Japan... Morishima-sempai... Wait a sec...' Duo mulled over the words before recalling one of the lessons he learned on the crash course in World History and Culture given to him by Professor G.

'You don't call your academic senior there just by saying their first name... It would be disrespectful. Even if you are familiar to a personal level with each other... there's still a load of other honorifics to use.' He contemplated before the facts slowly fell into place giving him the answer he was looking for.

"Right! There's only one reason, it's because... they are now intimate with each other! This Morishima-sempai and Haruka is basically one and the same!" The braided pilot successfully deduced while nodding his head in satisfaction.

'You're truly one lucky bastard to have a woman as pretty as her to fall head over heels for you.' Duo thoughtfully concluded while smiling smugly at the picture of Heero and Haruka.

The purple-eyed young man quickly typed a couple of keys on his laptop as he immediately resolved to inform the others of his breakthrough.

"How's he doing, Quatre?" Duo inquired with concern despite the sad look on his friend's face upon appearing at the display screen.

"Still the same. No other development except that his external injuries have all healed already." Quatre worriedly replied before heaving a sigh.

"I see... well I got something for you guys. I think... I figured everything out. Can I discuss it with you and Trowa on the conference room?"

"O-of course! Anything so we could understand what really happened to him." The blonde haired pilot excitedly responded, he noticed the hopeful look on his friend's eyes after hearing his piece.

"Alright, tell Trowa I'll talk to you guys in 15." Duo answered before cutting the communication.

"Mr. Perfect Soldier... was thrown back to the past. During that time..." He trailed as his eyes went back and forth between the powder blue note card and his laptop screen.

"Heero fell in love with... her." He continued after fixing his gaze at the picture of the two in front of him.

"Haruka Morishima." The purple eyed pilot correctly finished as he pondered the next question in mind.

'But... damn it, Heero... why?'

5:09pm, 11th of January, 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

It was just the second week of Kibitou Senior High's third and final term for the current school year. The snow alongside its accompanying cool weather dominated the whole prefecture as the winter season went forward in full swing. Despite the chill and shiver brought on by the climate, one young woman remained steadfast from where she was seated. Barely giving notice or care to everything surrounding her, the raven haired lady stared despondently at the ice covered waters of the school fountain. Her normally vibrant and lively cornflower blue eyes were inflamed and swollen, end result of the nights she had spent crying herself to sleep. Her lips were devoid of the light yet disarming smile she graced naturally and breathtakingly. Her face, considered as the highest epitome of beauty not only inside the campus but even the entire province only reflected grief and agony, caused undoubtedly by the anguish of losing the one person she has utterly fallen in love with.

The young woman, Haruka Morishima, gazed despairingly at the thin sheet of ice enshrouding the entire span of the campus fountain.

Her thoughts still in shambles while her emotions still in disarray.

For three years she had been the face and darling of the whole campus. Many have attempted, professing and declaring their attraction or feelings for her, but none had been successful. There had never been anyone fortunate enough to be given a chance on receiving even the slightest amount of her attention. No one had managed to get past her first barrier as the young lady explicitly made it clear that she was not yet considering or even thinking of getting into a relationship. As Haruka entered the second term of her senior year, the school population had already accepted the fact that she was absolutely unattainable.

Then he came.

Everything changed upon the arrival of a junior transferee student that fateful day in autumn, final week of September 2011.

His name was Heero Yuy.

She first saw him during a very placid and mundane situation at the school cafeteria, though her initial assumption was proven wrong, the young man left a lasting impression on the lovely campus idol. Their initial meeting was totally unforgettable but was also at the same time unmemorable due to the resulting circumstances for both of them. The beautiful young lady was a bubbly and kind person at heart, she did not understand why but only felt it was natural for her to help him during that day by the school fountain. She found herself mysteriously drawn to him after recognizing he was the young boy that made a good impression on her. She never thought twice on interacting with the young man despite barely knowing him as they walked together outside the campus. Soon they became friends, all the while never realizing that she was getting very... very close to him.

Her best friend and confidante was the first to notice it, the resounding glow of her aura, the inspired outlook on her persona and the distinct sparkle now reflected in her eyes. She was changing. Something was growing inside her. She did not give it much thought but only focused on getting to know him more. She needed to see him more as days go by. She wanted to talk with him whenever there was a chance. She hoped to spend more time together with him.

She was getting greedy.

She strongly denied the matter when the topic was brought into the table by her best friend. She was adamant in her stance - they were only friends nothing more. She never thought that her denial would result to a very dire situation for her. She only realized it when her position was threatened by another woman. She was already nurturing feelings for him. It was so profound that the resulting backlash unearthed a powerful emotion she became recently aware of.

She was jealous.

Helpless and totally consumed.

Overwhelmed.

It was also then that she finally acknowledged and admitted that she was deeply in love with him.

Haruka Morishima... fell completely and hopelessly in love with the young man named, Heero Yuy.

Giving it everything she got for fear of losing him to another woman, Haruka bravely opposed and weathered all the hardships that were thrown on her way. Her rivalry with Kaoru Tanamachi may have been known to only a few but it left an everlasting mark of respect on both of them as they fought tooth and nail in every given opportunity with his heart at stake. The raven haired beauty never knew that she always held a commanding lead against her fiercest competitor. She was insecure, anxious and fearful. After Kaoru's valiant final charge ended in a crushing defeat, she was the only one left standing at the battlefield.

Yet even with the road to his affections cleared from any more opponents... the task of winning him still proved to be a tough one. Utilizing all possible resources and throwing everything on one desperate final push, Haruka broke through his defenses and won decisively. Her confession was ultimately clumsy and downright forgettable, but she could never be totally blamed.

It was the first time she loved another person. It was the first time she wanted to have someone so badly. It was the first time she cherished the idea and possibility on being in a romantic relationship. It was the first time she desired to be committed and loved in return.

Heero accepted not only her confession and admitted he also loves her as much as she loves him.

She gave everything to him on that unforgettable Christmas Eve.

The days that followed had been full of joy and happiness for her. She was finally complete. She had the one thing she always wanted. The love of Heero Yuy was the one encompassing aspect she considers as her most cherished and most prized possession. She deeply treasures all the moments they share together and all the times they spent with each other. They had a lot of great times together, their relationship was also tested in a very severe way, but both of them had managed to come out stronger after the ordeal. She was falling more and more in love with the cobalt blue eyed young man. Not only because of his handsome looks, his thoughtfulness, his maturity or the keepsakes he gave her but because he allows her to be what she truly is. He accepted everything about her. He follows her every whim no matter how silly or illogical it is at times. He made her happy. She felt very special with him. Haruka was always assured and appeased each time they consummated and affirmed their feelings for one another. He loves her a lot and he never thought twice on proving it.

Her whole world revolves around him. Her joy and happiness was focused on him. Her everything was him, he was the entirety of her. He only belongs to her same way she only belongs to him.

And the only place where she would always want to be is inside his loving embrace.

Within Heero's arms... that's where Haruka belongs.

Everything has been perfect for them as the year ended.

Then he was gone.

Vanished into thin air.

No explanation.

Nor given reason.

Not even a single word.

He left her in the worst possible way.

'Why did you leave me, Heero? Why?' Haruka whispered in her thoughts while gazing at the snow covered fountain in deep sorrow.

Everyday she would try to recall the story of their love, spanning from the time she first saw him till the day she learned that he had moved out.

And at the end of each remembrance, she would always ask herself the same set of questions.

'Was it something I said or done? Did I do something wrong enough to displease you?'

She had pondered hard and seriously, but could not come up with any answer to even one of those questions.

'Don't... don't you love me anymore?' Her heart faintly wondered, but was staggeringly frightened and terrified at knowing his reply.

The raven haired beauty had only returned to school just yesterday. Upon learning and confirming Heero Yuy's sudden transfer out of Kibitou Senior High, she had spent the remainder of the previous week locked up inside her room crying endlessly till exhaustion finally overpowered her thus forcing the young woman to get a few hours of sleep. Despite the pleas and soft urgings of her kind mother, the curly tipped raven haired young lady had remained resolute. She did not attend her classes, which resulted to a prolonged absence of no less than four straight days.

Her sorrow and despair on losing Heero was like a fresh wound on the days that followed. The pain had been too difficult to bear that Haruka refused to eat anything, losing her appetite for food. She only wanted to be left alone. She needed the time to think as there are a lot of questions that were devoid of answers. She also needed space from which to ponder and reflect on the circumstances abounding her situation. However, an empty mind could never hope to function on an empty stomach, this was a point driven to the young woman by none other than her own mother. In a remarkable display of tactfulness and diplomacy, she was skillfully persuaded by her mother to take in some food with the assurance that they will give her the space she needed.

She acquiesced and impelled herself to eat.

True to her word, Haruka's mother kept the matter a secret and made her firstborn promise that she'll go back to classes on the following week. Haruka almost balked at the agreement but only relented due to the fact that her father was returning from a business trip over the weekend. She also knew that her mother would not be able to keep the situation away from the eyes of her stern father forever.

-oxo-

After her mother had left the room and locked the door, Haruka lifted the white puppy stuff toy lying beside her pillow. The raven haired beauty gazed sadly at the cute stuffed animal before gently squeezing it against her chest.

"Yuki... Daddy's already left me... but don't worry... Mommy will do her hardest to get him back."

The lovely campus idol had fondly named the stuff toy as Yuki or Snow in her native language mainly inspired by the whiteness of its fur. Haruka's behavior by seemingly talking with it was in no way a sign of insanity or suffering from delusions. It had been done mostly out of habit, given her childish nature alongside the stuff toy's importance to the cornflower blue eyed young lady. The cute little puppy held a very special place inside her heart. It was the gift she had received from Heero last Christmas. Haruka had playfully treated the stuffed animal like an offspring born from her and sired by the Gundam Pilot whenever she talks to it.

"I really love him... so much..." The raven haired beauty whispered as tears began crawling down her eyes.

Of course, the cute puppy did not say anything, it was unable to wag its little tail or lick the side of her cheek or yelp at the very least to show its sympathy. However, talking at the stuffed animal meant a lot to Haruka as it had somehow became a source of strength and silent confidante for her. It allowed the beautiful young woman to freely express her sorrow and speak out her thoughts regarding the pain of losing the man she deeply loves. The little toy did not judge or belittle her or at any way looked down at her with contempt. It was just there... silent.

Witnessing and hearing everything.

Her heartrending wails.

Her pain-filled cries.

Her poignant lamentations.

All of it.

Because each time Haruka hugged the stuff toy during moments of despair, the young woman was consoled by the fact that the item she held dearly came from him.

Given to her by the only person she has allowed inside her heart.

The cute puppy was a very important memory of Heero, the man she still cherishes and loves deeply... despite him abandoning her.

Haruka gazed forlornly at the top of the small center table found on the receiving area which was visible from her location. There situated above the table was a spherical glass bowl filled with water where a pair of gold fish could be found swimming within its confines. The pretty campus idol would never forget the moment she caught both as it was also the last time they were together. Tears slowly made their way down her eyes. It all seemed like yesterday... They were both happy. She belongs to him, while he belongs to her. They have each other. They were in love... so much in love.

"They're like us you know, even if separated from the rest. They could survive as long as they have each other." She mused, her cornflower blue eyes glimmering under the bright lights surrounding the festivities.

"I need you beside me... I want you by my side... Is it so hard for me to have that wish? Am I... so undeserving of you? I don't know if I could survive now that we are separated from each other." The raven haired beauty murmured as a sob escaped from her lungs.

-oxo-

Her room was full of him, filled with his memories. They created a lot of unforgettable moments with each other inside its boundaries. The lovely young woman's abode had been a silent observer to the intense and fiery passion they shared on her bed. His touch... his kisses... the way he held her... whispered to one another all those sweet nothings... manifested the true depth and breadth of their affections. Those precious moments they would reach the heights and pinnacle of intimacy after releasing themselves from all restrictions thus attaining its purest and ultimate expression.

Now, her personal chamber is home to the sorrow and despair she deeply harbors in her heart. It houses all the pain and frustration she steadily built up inside her mind. It is also the residence of her weary, tortured and battered soul. Indeed, everything had changed drastically for the girl everyone fondly refers as the "campus idol" throughout her three years in senior high. Gone are the bright sky blue eyes kindly gazing at anything that have manage to catch her attention. Lost are the soft heavenly smiles that always graced her lips. The angelic face that could constantly turn heads, incite awe and admiration... is now devoid from all the splendor and tender warmth she had just recently exhibited.

She lost everything.

Her dreams.

Her hopes.

Her aspirations.

Her happiness.

Her joy.

Her fate.

Her destiny.

Her love... her Heero.

"Haruka... brooding about him everyday here at the fountain... won't change anything." Someone suddenly spoke, interrupting her flow of thoughts and returning the raven haired young woman's consciousness to the school fountain.

It was a voice Haruka knew well, probably from the only person she could rely on to never leave her side... especially on such dire times.

"This is the place we first met. I'm waiting for him here, in case he comes looking for me inside the campus." The pretty campus idol stated with certainty while her sky blue irises remained fixed at the thin ice covering the fountain.

"We both know that's not going to happen. You should start to move on... Let go."

"Hibiki... you know I won't listen to you. Now... just... leave me alone."

"Haruka... Heero has already left you. I understand it must be painful and all that because he's your first..." Hibiki started to explain before the raven haired beauty cut her in mid-sentence.

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ME! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING! YOU DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND THE PAIN I AM GOING THROUGH!" Haruka viciously exclaimed while glaring at her best friend.

"He's... He's... No... why am I even explaining myself to you?!" She resumed before realizing her very trying predicament.

"I'm... I'm sorry, you're right... I don't know anything... But I'm still your friend. And I do care on what's happening to you right now." The swim team captain worriedly replied.

Haruka's hard stare softened a bit upon seeing the concern in her closest friend's eyes. "Then lie to me Hibiki..."

"Huh?"

"I have no hope... I don't have anything to hold on... I lost everything... since he left..."

"H-Haruka..."

"Tell me... tell me he's coming back for me! Even if it is just a lie! You have to tell me, Hibiki!" The lovely young woman pleaded as she fought back the tears that had started to stream down her cornflower blue orbs.

It was severely crushing for anyone... especially for Hibiki who cares and values her closest friend only to see her stumble... and eventually breakdown.

Haruka never gave her any choice.

Despair was slowly gnawing at the sky blue eyed young lady... consuming even her very heart and soul.

"... He'll... come back for you... Haruka..."

She only nodded to Hibiki before faltering... weeping painfully for the loss of her most cherished and loved person.

The swim team captain moved slowly and gently consoled her, patting the sky blue eyed young woman lightly on her shoulders. Haruka could only cover her face with both hands to stifle her sobs as warm tears flow freely down the corners of her eyes.

'You're my happiness, Heero... where are you?'

The wail of gunfire was deafening. Wing Gundam's machine cannons rattled angrily at the two Virgo mobile dolls approaching his port side. Both targets exploded in a ball of fire as he aimed the Buster Rifle at an incoming trio of Virgo suits on his right. Conserving needed energy, he fired three low powered shots from the energy weapon which was still potent enough to penetrate the defensor shield pods of the enemy mobile dolls. Three successive explosions confirmed he has successfully disposed his artificially controlled opponents.

"There's still too many of them." Heero flatly noted as he surveyed the area.

The battlefield was going well against his side's favor. Charred and smoking metal hulks of Leos and Aries could be seen strewn across the battlefield. Earlier, they had successfully weathered the initial assault at the cost of many lives from his allies. Right now they were doing their damn hardest at repelling the second wave of Virgo mobile dolls sent to subdue their remaining forces. Heero as expected accounted himself very well, the Perfect Soldier strategically positioned his mobile suit at the first wave's left flank before firing the Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle at full charge. His initial assault resulted to the loss of over a third of the enemy forces. From there Heero drove Wing Gundam at the thickest of the battle and began fighting fiercely against the Virgo suits. Drawing out his unit's harlequin beam saber, the Perfect Soldier started mowing down the black painted Virgo mobile dolls in a superb display of swordsmanship combined with sporadic fire from his Gundam's Vulcan Cannons. His strategy worked well against the AI-controlled mobile dolls, as the Virgos were programmed to raise their defensor shield pods at the first sign of enemy fire. This renders the mobile dolls incapable of utilizing their highly concentrated beam cannon during the span their shield system is in place as it barricades both sides of the energy wall. Using the Vulcan to exploit this, Heero would then quickly rush towards the Virgo suits and slash them down with the beam saber.

Multiple squads of Virgo suits fell from his tactic, however, as the battle continued to rage on, his supply of Vulcan rounds eventually got exhausted. Heero had used the machine cannons sparingly and mostly as a last resort whenever the cobalt blue eyed boy was alerted by the sensor systems that he was locked on by multiple targets. The sky was raining with streaks of golden yellow fire. Smoke from scorched metal coming out of the various ruined behemoths and military ordnance billowed out towards the atmosphere. Explosions from destroyed facilities and gun downed mobile suits continued to rock the entire battlefield.

Wing Gundam had transformed to its Neo-Bird configuration and was skillfully evading countless energy bolts from Virgo Beam Cannons. Heero gracefully maneuvered the mobile armor amidst the storm of enemy fire while picking down his targets. The suit made from Gundanium returned fire with its own golden yellow beam of death, the Buster Rifle shots proved too much for the planet defensors as the Virgo mobile dolls were decimated one after another. Within the span of half a minute, five of the artificially controlled suits were decimated by the Perfect Soldier.

Another detachment of Virgo suits had entered his area, he swiftly pulled the transformation lever and in seconds Wing Gundam was back to its mobile suit form. Pulling out its harlequin beam saber out from the crash shield, Heero kicked the Vernier Thrusters into full throttle and streaked towards the enemy. He threw a diagonal slash at the lead Virgo over his right shoulder followed by another diagonal slash this one coming from his left shoulder at the unit next to it. The two Virgos were yet to fall down when he boosted towards his third target and impaled it with a forward thrust from the beam saber. Quickly in one fluid motion, he pulled out the energy sword out from the Virgo and lashed at the remaining three mobile dolls by sweeping them with his weapon in a wide arc.

All six Virgos collapsed and erupted simultaneously.

He was about to proceed towards the next enemy squad before intercepting another transmission from the side he has chosen to fight for.

"This is Luxembourg mission control, Third Mobile Platoon, do you copy?"

"Affirmative, this is the platoon leader. Go ahead mission control."

"Elements of the Fourth Mobile Platoon have been completely wiped out. The Second and Eight are already on the move to close the gap. But they are already spread out too thin."

"What do you need us to do?"

"We need you to lead a strike with the Tenth at the rightmost wing of the enemy while the Seventh and Ninth platoons try to hold the line."

"That's impossible, mission control… we are losing units faster than anticipated."

'They have to add more reinforcements on the defensive line. Their center won't even last long enough for the maneuver to be completed.'

"The Fifth and Sixth were already decimated from the first wave. The few remaining units of the First have been pulled back to act as rear guard on His Excellency's manor."

"How about trying to contact the Gundam fighting alongside us?"

"We have repeatedly tried but the pilot has completely ignored all our attempts. Besides, it's already doing us a big favor by holding our entire right flank."

"There's no other choice then. I'll inform the Tenth since their unit leader's already dead. We'll do our best or die trying. For His Excellency, Treize Khushrenada!"

'They are throwing themselves to certain death.' Heero mused as he cut off the transmission and focused at the enemy in front of him.

The brown haired boy was about to resume hostilities when he was alerted to a series of explosions caused no doubt by a coordinated fusillade from the main contingent of Virgos that rocked the entire Luxembourg base. The defenders, which were mostly outfitted with Leo and Aries suits, had suffered another severe beating, more than half of those positioned on guarding the center had been destroyed by the last salvo. Seeing the situation getting more desperate, the defenders began pulling back towards the last row of structures to make one final stand.

The mission controllers of the Virgo mobile dolls saw the successful result of their recent barrage and began advancing the entire contingent forward.

'Hnn...' He grunted as multiple traces began lighting up from his targeting sensors.

His immediate area was currently clear from hostile activity and he was also positioned at the fringe of the leftmost side of the battlefield, this allowed the Perfect Soldier to concentrate on his next move.

Wing Gundam held the Buster Rifle in its left hand from where the Gundanium crash shield was also mounted, he carefully leveled and aimed the weapon towards the right flank of the AI-controlled suits steadily moving forward. He began building up the needed charge for a full power shot while carefully scanning the field of any possible stray units. Heero decided to extend the range of his sensors before being alarmed from a trio of mobile dolls slowly approaching his position.

"70%" He muttered under his breath after quickly checking the Buster Rifle's energy gauge.

The three Virgo suits continued on their steady advance, they were now in visible range however there was still a considerable distance separating them.

Sparing another glance at the charge levels, he was pleasantly satisfied at seeing the number displayed on the screen.

90%.

'Just a little more...'

The main body of Virgo mobile suits was also nearing his designated kill zone.

As Heero turned his attention at the three AI-controlled dolls bearing towards him, he was slightly surprised as beam cannon shots began charring the ground surrounding him.

100%.

The bulk of the entire contingent were now inside the blast radius should he fire.

Heero had two choices: first, self-preservation then realign for another shot or second, take it now and depend on his phenomenal skills along with his extraordinary stroke of luck by dealing with the immediate threat later.

It was a risk he willingly took.

Unleash hell.

A massive beam of golden hell flame blazed through the horizon, incinerating three companies of Virgo mobile dolls in the blink of an eye. Their individual explosions were dwarfed by the colossal power displayed by Wing Gundam's Buster Rifle. Heero's shot smashed and plowed through the right flank before cutting down entirety of the main body of their enemy's second wave. The brilliance and luster of the energy was blinding, its sheer force devastating. Even the AI-controlled suits that were just grazed by its dramatic firepower had been obliterated.

Such was the chaos brought forth by the Wing Gundam's most fearsome weapon.

However, the Perfect soldier had barely savored his tremendous shot when one of the blasts from the three Virgos engaging him managed to hit the Wing Gundam's left shoulder. Heero was slightly jolted from his seat but it was barely enough to contain him as he lashed back at the enemy. The white suit made from Gundanium struck back with his machine cannons on the lead Virgo before rushing at the next one with a vicious side sweeping slash, the last of the three was finished off by an overhead slice that split it in half.

The brown haired boy shifted his attention back on the main defensive line. He was a bit relieved to hear the elated cheers from the survivors as they finished off the last units of the second wave. Heero was admittedly tired from all the fighting. He could even feel the sweat dribble down his temple. He had just single-handedly weathered and turned the tide of battle against their opponents.

However, victory was not fated to be his that day.

No sooner had he even began contemplating on the next thing to do, his long range sensors were already blaring with activity.

A multitude of hostile signatures had already amassed from his north and were bearing directly towards him.

'Hnn... They're truly fit to finish the job.' He nonchalantly noted as he began charging the Buster Rifle for its third and last full power shot.

Four ranks of freshly arrived Virgo mobile dolls were slowly advancing onwards to their location, with all of them forming an impressive wall of planet defensors. The enemy suits were similar to a tortoise walking tardily. However, they were perfectly shielded from any frontal assault as such it was a suicide nonetheless to try charging them head on. The Perfect Soldier considered flying towards the flank of the daunting phalanx but knew it was fruitless upon seeing backup troops being airdropped at the rear via high altitude carriers.

The third wave was truly fearsome in terms of numbers and deployment, but the Gundam Pilot never hesitated from his stance. He remained defiant and resolute. He will continue fighting till the last breath. The Buster Rifle was already primed and only waited for him to let loose its desolating power. He relaxed his breathing and carefully took aim at the rightmost wing of the phalanx. The Perfect Soldier knew that he would not be able to fully maximize the amount of casualties on his final shot. Instead he was relying on capitalizing at the ensuing pandemonium brought by punching a deep gaping hole through the enemy formation.

Conjuring all the remaining power of the Buster Rifle, Heero calmly pressed the trigger and once more, summoned destruction against his enemies.

The hellish fire spewed by Wing Gundam's main weapon never failed to impress or disappoint the naked eye of any observer. The gargantuan beam sheared through the batch of Virgo dolls directly in front of him. The recoil from the monstrous weapon forced him to steadily plant both legs of his mobile suit above the ground. He was then able to slightly sweep the rampaging beam a few degrees from its origin by turning the Buster Rifle a little from its base angle. This resulted to a somewhat wider area of devastation than earlier intended. Numerous Virgo suits were once again obliterated from his attack.

However, despite his best efforts... it was simply not enough.

An infernal rain of bright yellow concussive energy returned his way as the AI-controlled dolls fired at will while steadily marching forward. Heero could only hold the Buster Shield in front of him as explosions raged and scarred the area black surrounding him. The ground shook violently underneath him while he was repeatedly jolted from his seat as the Crash Shield strained to absorb the stream of enemy fire directed at him.

There were just too many.

'Hnn...' He grunted upon seeing the Virgo troops slowly progressing to his position.

Heero was still thinking of his next move when one of the energy beams struck Wing Gundam's right knee. His mobile suit lost balance and limply fell backward. His first reaction had been driven by pilot instinct. The brown haired boy immediately toggled both throttles but received no response. He flicked a couple of switches in an effort to divert more energy from the reactor towards the damaged leg. However, after taking a serious assessment of the damage, he became finally aware to its gravity. The main or primary mechanism driving the Wing Gundam's right knee had been fried and was no longer working. Simply put, his mobile suit has been disabled.

'It looks like I won't be getting the death that I've wished for... here in the battlefield.' He mused after relenting to the fact that he was just waiting for the end.

No sooner had he finished with his thoughts when his commlink cackled into life.

"Don't die... You must live. You have to survive." The speaker's voice implored.

"Treize Khushrenada." He replied, acknowledging the person on the other line.

"I'll be waiting for you, Gundam Pilot."

"Defy the irony of life.

Conquer your fear.

Ascend towards your fate.

Claim your destiny.

Fulfill the premise of eternity."

"Stop doing that, EPYON!" Heero growled as he piloted the Gundam made by Treize himself out of the hidden hangar in Luxembourg.

He was not sure if the machine had merely been challenging him or instead, actually mocking him with its endless chant of the same verse over and over again. It first started out as a whisper but now was echoing inside his mind like a town crier repeating the same announcement without any hesitations. The Perfect Soldier magnificently guided the advance mobile suit out of the secret installation and was still contemplating on his next plan of action when he was notified that the resistance had been subdued. Upon hearing the broadcast he easily presumed that any remaining troops under the Treize faction was either captured or had already retreated.

'No point of dying here anymore.'

The spherical console at the center of his cockpit began showing all possible avenues of escape as well as presenting the impending attack patterns of two Virgo squads preparing to converge on his direction. His mind was beginning to get swamped from all the logic calculations and analytical forecasts being provided by the EPYON System. His air intake transitioned from regular and normal to long, sharp drawn exhales. The computations and projections were arriving non-stop in a rapid pace while everything that surrounded him seemed to slow down in motion.

It was then that he lost it.

Drowned and unfamiliar with the sensation brought on by the EPYON System, his cobalt blue eyes reverted... into the deadly, unforgiving pitch black orbs.

The Epyon veered sharply before transforming from its current twin-headed dragon mode to mobile suit configuration instantaneously. Pulling its left arm back, the heat rod slithered ferociously like the tail of an agitated scorpion before burning into deep crimson red. The first squad of Virgo dolls which were comprised of seven suits had caught up with him and was now pouring a torrent of beam cannon fire. Heero furiously crashed towards the AI-controlled suits and lashed back savagely with the heat rod. The first two Virgos were cut into half with the torsos serrated from their legs. The third suit was sheered diagonally by a backhand slash while the fourth had been decimated from another vicious whiplash. The remaining three mobile dolls attempted to deploy their planet defensors but were mercilessly cut down by a single spin slice from the hyper-extended heat rod. All seven units exploded one after another with the exception of the final three bursting into flames in one combined detonation.

Heero consequently ignited the Epyon's monolithic beam sword and accelerated madly towards the next squad of Virgo suits. Once again the mobile dolls rained golden fire at him with their beam cannons in an attempt to shoot him down. But the Perfect Soldier was relentless. He blazed fiercely at the nearest Virgo and hacked it down with a single blow. The second and third suits were strewn haplessly by a wide sweeping slash. The Epyon then swiftly hovered and neatly dodged a barrage of beam fire being thrown at him by the remaining four mobile dolls. He closed the gap in a brief instant and sliced the fourth unit split into half before cleanly thrusting the massive beam sword at the torso of the fifth Virgo. The last two AI-controlled suits were not so fortunate. They met their fiery end with a savage buffet from the beam sword that cleaved the sixth and seventh units.

Leaving the scene quickly after selecting the best escape route offered by the Epyon System, the brown haired boy was forced into a halt as he approached a small hill where a lone target was indicated. The heat signature was very small when compared to that secreted by a mobile suit, but nonetheless, whatever it was... the target was considered a threat.

The lone bogey was situated under an enormous tree. He instantaneously inflamed the massive emerald beam sword and rushed cold-bloodedly towards it.

As he streaked forward, the advanced operating system immediately homed in on the target before displaying it using three times normal magnification.

The mark was a person. A young woman with long flowing curly tipped raven hair. She was dressed in a black high school uniform and was looking fearfully at his approaching mobile suit.

He swung the beam sword pitilessly at it.

But at the same time a crippling and excruciating pain suddenly sprang out of his chest.

It debilitated Heero completely in the midst of his madness.

His irises... turned back to its normal Prussian blue shade.

"Haruka!" He screamed upon recognition of her.

Exerting all of his effort, the Gundam Pilot successfully altered the strike on a higher angle that harmlessly passed over the tree while the Epyon safely zoomed beside it with good distance to spare.

He landed past the small hill and turned the Gundam Epyon to face... the one woman he had always loved and cherished.

The dreadful mobile suit walked slowly towards the hill and stopped a safe distance in front of the lovely young woman.

Haruka was still knocked back due to the strong gust brought by Epyon's earlier momentum. She was still splayed on her knees and looking back at the fearsome mobile suit when he decided to hail her from the Epyon's speakers.

"Haruka... it's me... Heero." He announced before opening the hatch and stepping out of the cockpit.

The brown haired boy stood at the tongue of the mobile suit's scuttle and slowly removed his headgear.

He saw Haruka's initial terrified reaction changed into relief and gladness upon recognizing him.

"Heero!" He heard her cry out while smiling tearfully at him.

'How I long to see you smile... again...'

His cobalt blue orbs were immediately seized in a long and passionate embrace from Haruka's cornflower blue irises. No words were needed to be spoken out between them. Both were contented at gazing each other fondly. His heart and mind was at peace... of finally being reunited with the lovely young woman he loves longingly and passionately. Indeed... she was the only one who could calm down the rampaging beast and tempestuous demon residing inside him.

However, their reunion was cut abruptly with the arrival of a new Virgo squad that happened to chance upon them.

"Get down, Haruka!" He yelled before scrambling off to fight the mobile dolls.

Heero quickly closed the cockpit hatch and prepared himself at engaging the incoming enemy.

"Haruka, I'll protect you. No matter what, I will keep you safe!" He spoke through the speakers while magnifying Haruka's image who by now has taken cover behind the trunk of the massive tree. She saw her nod in a frightened manner before he sped off towards the opposition.

The Vernier Thrusters of mobile suit Gundam Epyon heaved out a large trail of azure as Heero stormed the enemy. The first three Virgo suits were brutally mangled with swift successive lashes from the heat rod while the Perfect Soldier cleared past them in blinding speed. The four surviving AI-controlled dolls haphazardly bombarded his position causing Heero to panic as some of the shots flew past him and landed... at the base of the small hill.

'H-Haruka...'

"Damn you all!" Heero roared in anger as pushed the throttles to maximum.

He closed in on the fourth unit and swung the beam sword diagonally from his suit's shoulder while the fifth doll exploded a second later after receiving a cruel strike from the Epyon's gigantic energy weapon. The brown haired boy then utilized the heat rod and shredded the sixth Virgo, dodging beam cannon fire as he finished off the targets, the last suit met its end with a combined cross slash from both the beam sword and heat rod.

Heero was still panting heavily due to the sudden rush of adrenalin mixed with the sharp rise of his emotions, far from the normally calm and composed demeanor he exudes. He was still seething with wrath and the EPYON System had even been prodding him to take more drastic measures. Yet one thought and feeling trumped them all...

The welfare of the raven haired young woman and the feeling he holds dearly for her.

'H-Haruka... Please... be safe...' He worriedly hoped while making his way back to the small hill.

The small natural elevated piece of land was scorched due to the fierce combat that earlier occurred within its immediate vicinity. The previously green blades of grass had now been burned and charred. Even the massive tree was partly cut down by one of the haphazard energy beams illogically launched by the mobile dolls. Heero almost choked his breath upon seeing the limp and seemingly lifeless body of the lovely young woman he has fallen in love with.

"No... Haruka... No..."

The Epyon landed and kneeled a good distance away from the low hill, Heero quickly exited the mobile suit and threw aside his headgear before running towards Haruka.

"Haruka!" He screamed anxiously upon finally seeing the raven haired beauty lying sideways from him.

The Perfect Soldier gently turned her body and tenderly held her face to meet his. The pretty campus idol was bloodied and bruised all over. Haruka's sky blue orbs softly fluttered open as Heero cradled her body in his arms and close to his chest.

"He... Heero..." The raven haired beauty whispered upon recognizing him.

"Haruka... I... failed you once again..." He mournfully uttered while looking at the one woman he profoundly loves in sorrow.

She weakly smiled and shook her head sideways before putting her left index finger on top of his lips.

"No... You did not fail me." The lovely young lady reassured him.

"Haruka..." Heero trailed as he gently held the hand she had placed earlier near his lips.

"In fact... I'm... happy right now."

Seeing the bewilderment and conflict written on his face, Haruka proceeded to explain despite the increasing difficulty to sustain her breathing.

"You don't have to blame yourself... I'm happy because you fought for me... defended me... Knowing... Knowing... You did all you could to protect me." She contentedly related, smiling her earnest as tears slowly fell down her cornflower blue eyes.

"Yet I still failed you."

"...It is much better than getting abandoned without knowing the reason." The raven haired young woman truthfully reasoned out while holding his hand firmly with her own.

"Haruka..."

"Heero... I love you." Haruka professed for one last time before imploring him cryptically with words he would soon be unable to comprehend.

"Come back to me..."

"Save me..."

Her sky blue irises twitched as a lone crystal tear made its way down, she smiled at him weakly before closing her eyes peacefully.

'How could I come back and save you... when you're already gone, Haruka?' The brown haired boy mournfully pondered as he tightly embraced her now lifeless body.

"Why... why do I have to lose you once again?" Heero bitterly asked while pondering at the meaning of her last words.

"Because YOU left her. YOU didn't stand up for her. YOU are the reason for her loss of will to live." A soft, small voice said to him condescendingly.

Heero raised his head and there directly in front of him was the little girl and her small dog. The Gundam Pilot was then astounded upon seeing the scenery's palette being wiped clean and replaced with a pure white canvass. Erasing everything - the small hill, the charred ground, the burnt massive tree, and the immediate surroundings... even as far as the horizon. All that was left were him, Haruka's exanimate body, the mobile suit Epyon aside from the little girl and her dog. They were in a palisade of nothing but fresh, unadulterated and spotless white.

"You reap what you have sown, Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy."

"She never deserved any of this... Why must she pay the price for all the sins that I've committed?"

"You brought this upon her. Your love only caused sorrow, ruin and despair for Haruka."

"That is..."

"The ugly truth... because you waver, you falter, you never placed your entire faith on your hope!" The young girl chastised him by blatantly pointing out his thoughts and actions.

"Don't tell me you know everything! I truly loved her! I would give everything for her happiness!" Heero shot back while glaring at the little girl.

"I will have to dispute that. You know full well... that you held yourself back, Gundam Pilot. You never trusted her, completely. Despite the fact she gave everything to you."

"That's..."

"The painful truth... because if you did, both of you would have been spared from such a trying predicament."

"Because, I don't deserve her. It was a choice I made considering her happiness and well-being." He reasoned out while looking at the young girl who now seemed to have a strange aura hovering around her.

"You are blind and a fool indeed, Heero Yuy. Your perception might have been questionable and clouded at times but feigning ignorance is out of your character."

"Stop speaking in riddles! I don't understand you any more." Heero uttered between gritted teeth while staring at the girl.

"The undeniable truth… YOU have always been her happiness, her joy... her everything. Yet you abandoned her."

Her words struck him… dead-center. It was true… every one of it.

"You're... you're right... I've... forsaken her." Heero acknowledged as he looked dearly into Haruka's face while holding her body closer to him.

"Not all hope is lost, Gundam Pilot. There is still time... and chance." She replied sympathetically at the Perfect Soldier.

"What do you mean?"

"You have to reflect and find it within yourself. Realize." The little girl sagely told Heero as she looked deeply in his eyes.

'I... still don't understand.'

"You've lingered here long enough. It's time you go back." The young girl said to him while her small dog barked in agreement.

"Huh?"

"Go through that door, Heero Yuy. Soon... we shall meet again."

He stood up and briefly wondered as Haruka's body seemed to have vanished without him getting aware of it. The brown haired boy threw a glance on the direction where the little girl pointed at and was able to make out the barely noticeable outlines of a door without any knob or handle.

"Time is no longer a luxury... both you and Haruka have." The Perfect Soldier heard the little girl mysteriously spoke as he made his way towards the door. He paused for a moment and nodded slightly before continuing on his direction.

The first thing he heard were the steady beeping sounds coming from the life support system and other monitoring equipment attached to his chest. Everything was blurry and foggy when he slowly opened his eyes. An oxygen respirator covered both his nose and mouth. It still took him a little while till the haze was cleared from his eyes and became acquainted to the room's lighting. His Prussian blue irises adjusted very slowly, slightly turning his head to the left, he came upon an object that somehow seemed interesting enough to garner his attention.

He focused his eyes on the article and gradually it became decipherable.

From the general aspect to its most distinct features... the object became clearer as his vision adjusted every passing second.

Until the article was finally displayed in its full splendor for his eyes to evidently... behold.

A snow globe.

The very same present given to him by the only woman he has come to adore, cherish, care and most of all... love.

'H-Haruka...' Her name was first word and thought that came out of his mind upon laying his eyes on the ornament she had given him last Christmas.

Instinctively Heero tried to reach out for the object with his nearest hand only to find out that he was restrained and bounded by thick leather constraints. He could feel that his strength has yet to return and decided giving up at any more attempts on getting hold of the snow globe. Instead his eyes wandered around the room and carefully studied the apparatus surrounding him.

'Must... be some sort of hospital room.' He noted after seeing all the medical equipment and life support systems present at both sides of the bed. The Perfect Soldier continued his survey and came across a very important detail that all but cemented his judgment on where he currently is. The room was plated with metal alloy but the main give away was the automated sliding door made from carbon fiber.

'This is definitely not 2011 or 2012 A.D.'

Heero was still preoccupied with his musings that he only noticed the door had already slid sideways and someone was coming inside the room.

"Sorry for the intrusion, just going for a routine check old..." Duo gently announced as he entered the room, the braided pilot was quick to notice though that the life support systems were beeping continuously... a sign its occupant is already conscious and awake.

"...buddy" He finished with his jaw slightly agape upon meeting Heero's cobalt blue orbs that were staring back at him.

"Buddy! Heero! You're finally awake!" The purple-eyed pilot excitedly greeted after quickly recovering from the surprise.

"Well... where are my manners, first let me welcome you back to the land of the living." Duo continued while grinning smugly at the brown haired boy.

"Oh... by the way... The date is 18th of January, After Colony 198. It's great to have you back, old buddy." The former pilot of Deathscythe added with a knowing smile on his face.

"I know, you're all restrained and tied up, but well... at least I'll be sure you're still there once I return with Quatre and Trowa!"

"Duo... you moron..." He struggled to say through the respirator mask.

"I'll take that as complement. Just wait here old buddy! Read a book or something! Not that you could even do anything." Duo replied as he smiled broadly at the Perfect Soldier before rushing out of the room.

10:15am, 20th of January, A.C. 198

Upon waking up, it only took Heero a day and a half to finally recover his full strength. He was only given a small recap of the events after his arrival and resulting confrontation with Wufei. The fiery Gundam Pilot from L5 had also been confined inside the med bay of Quatre's hidden installation. It took the young man with Oriental features a whole week to recuperate from three broken ribs that he sustained while fighting a rampaging Heero on berserker mode. After Wufei had left, Quatre was assured by Lady Une that their fellow pilot would be given a mandatory one month R & R to fully recover from his injuries.

Meanwhile on his end, Heero learned from Quatre that he has been in a coma for two weeks already before managing to wake up. The pilot with mixed middle-eastern lineage never hesitated even once to immediately remove his restraints after being informed by Duo that the Perfect Soldier was now awake. While Trowa and Duo were also inside the room when Quatre had the constraints taken off, the brown haired boy was quick to notice the auburn haired pilot's keen and guarded look while their talkative purple eyed comrade had a tentative yet understanding expression during the removal of the leather bounds. Heero could not blame them for acting in such a manner... especially with the way he conducted himself upon his return. Trowa and even Duo had every right to have apprehensions till they were sure enough that he has not lost his sanity. Yet it was Quatre's inherent kindness along with the respect they had accorded to his good judgment that not one of them ever questioned the blonde haired pilot's decision. The Winner heir might have been too trusting for his own sake, but Heero also knew that Quatre always had good faith in him.

He even called him "the heart of outer space" after his successful shot that destroyed the falling block of Libra as it entered into Earth's stratosphere.

After getting the needed medical clearance, Quatre had him go back in his old room inside the hidden installation to rest further. The blonde pilot also informed him that the debriefing will only be conducted once he was all ready. They were willing to wait for him get his full strength and focus back before pushing through with what he was sure would be a long list of inquiries. Quatre also made him promise not to leave the secret facility at least till the debriefing has been completed.

Heero only nodded back at the Winner heir as confirmation, yet both of them knew and understood even without words that he would not attempt to leave without giving any notice.

It was already the 20th of January, AC 198. Right now he was inside the small conference room with only Duo and Quatre present to conduct his debriefing. He knew that Trowa would avoid taking part of the panel despite being guaranteed that the taciturn pilot has his own share of inquiries as well. Which left him with the two obvious persons he was sure would never hesitate to ask all possible queries. Quatre because of the young man's concern on his comrades' well-being aside from the already given kind nature he possesses. And Duo, in spite of the common perception that the braided boy was a fool, only a few are aware or privy on the fact that he has mastered such a facade to cover up his own cunning honed from years of survival through the use of street smarts.

"Heero, let's begin the debriefing." Quatre opened up, while slightly adjusting from his seat at the small round table.

He subtly nodded before asking, "What do you want to know?"

"Everything about the first Fold Generator Trial Run." Quatre replied before sparing a quick glance at Duo who only nodded and smiled slightly in return.

"The Fold Generator's maiden run was a failure. A disaster even, because we were not able to accomplish the true and primary objectives of its creation. The malfunction of the Fold Generator during the first trial run resulted to a catastrophic accident... that... that..." Heero began to narrate but had difficulty in proceeding with his report.

"That threw you back in time." Duo completed for him looking intently into his cobalt blue irises.

"Yes... that got me thrown back in time." Heero repeated in agreement to the purple eyed pilot's statement.

"It seems you already have the data logs from Wing Gundam. I don't see any need for me to impart knowledge or information you already know." The Perfect Soldier sternly said while staring at Duo and Quatre seriously.

"Heero, we need you to confirm everything. We may have our assumptions, we may have the entire information from your databank during the three months you went missing, but all of those would be meaningless till you give us an account of what happened to you during that span of time." The blonde haired pilot carefully reasoned out in a very determined tone.

"Please, Heero... Please, we need to understand." Quatre pleaded while looking back at him in good faith.

The room became silent for some time as neither Duo nor Quatre dared to speak another word while Heero assessed his situation. Admittedly, they were not in a military organization bounded by disciplinary conduct. The brown haired boy was not in a position where failure to disclose knowledge would result to any charges. Simply put, he could just flatly refuse or withhold any information from his fellow pilots. However, all four of them, Trowa included, got involved and agreed to the construction of the Fold Generator. They had also decided that every matter involving the Fold Generator was something to be discussed openly. A part of him wanted to simply walk out of the door and contain everything else, but he knew it would be unfair to his comrades or the only people he ever considered as friends... who based from what he heard on their conversation upon his arrival... have done all that they could to find and get him back.

All those three months he went missing.

"Alright, Quatre. I'll tell you everything."

Heero proceeded to give a recount of his experiences starting from the moment the Fold Generator initiated. He provided a detailed narration of his voyage thru the inter-spatial time hole and resulting exit which brought him to the far side of the moon. From there he told the two Gundam Pilots of his attempts to contact them and his eventual decision for a re-entry after becoming aware that Wing Gundam's Ultracompact Fusion Reactor was almost drained from its charge. He also informed them of his inability to establish the supposed location of the Lunar Base at the moon. He eventually told them of his subsequent actions after considering the current trajectory and closest known friendly territory - the Winner facility in Japan.

There he landed the Wing Gundam at a dense patch of trees in the province of Kibitou after his failure to locate the supply depot despite the coordinates mapped out on the radar. Heero was quick to include that his initial suspicions of being backwashed in time, based from the data he hacked from an ancient looking orbiting satellite had been only compounded upon seeing Kibitou province alongside its wares and commodities. He resolved to keep a low profile and blend with the civilian population while bidding his time waiting for the Ultracompact Fusion Reactor to reach its full charge. The Perfect Soldier made it clear on both Quatre and Duo that he had been very careful with his dealings to avoid any unnecessary changes with the fabric of time and the known history. He was confident that the mobile suit had never been compromised as knowledge of its creation would have potentially altered everything which automatically could even result for him on losing his own existence.

Heero then gave them the charge rate of the Ultracompact Fusion Reactor without any assistance from a reloading station. His analysis was easily supported by the fact that the Fusion Reactor could only generate a measly 1% additional charge on a daily rate. The Perfect Soldier also reported that he was able to secure the mobile suit inside one of the hangars from an abandoned air strip located a few miles outside Kibitou's populated area. He then closed out the debriefing report by providing another detailed narration on his successful return. Starting from the assumption on doing a reverse navigation of the original Fold Generator Trial Run while considering the speed, acceleration and distance between velocities shift on nav-points. The brown haired boy ended the recount by disclosing that the flight template stated on his twenty-third model based from the original run allowed him to successfully complete the return voyage.

"Thank you so much for sharing every general and technical aspect of your journey, Heero." Quatre replied while smiling kindly at him. The blonde pilot had earlier asked permission on recording his personal account to which he acquiesced albeit with some reluctance.

However, like a criminal with a guilty conscience his sore spot was struck dead center after hearing the words 'general' and 'technical' from Quatre.

"Are you implying something else, Quatre?" He asked in the usual monotone while attempting to contain his annoyance.

"Heero, during the recount earlier, you included the specifics of your job at a civilian construction firm to support your daily living expenses. We're at a loss on why you didn't mention anything about your other cover."

"Get on to the point, Quatre." He coldly said after comprehending where the conversation is currently heading to.

"Heero... by now you already know that we have seen all of your personal belongings, everything that we were able to recover or salvage inside Wing Gundam. Not because we wanted to invade your privacy but we were desperate to understand what you had been through." Duo interjected between them, obviously sensing they were approaching a sensitive topic.

"So you're saying?"

"Why did you fail to mention even once... or even in passing... anything about Kibitou Senior High?" The braided haired pilot cautiously asked in return.

"Because, I don't think it was necessary to be included. But if you must know, I only enrolled and studied there as a cover while waiting for the reactor to get fully charged."

Duo laid out a sealed metal case at the top of the table, he then opened it before gently taking out a faced down portrait encased in a frame made from clear crystal and fiber glass. The braided pilot carefully placed the portrait still face down on the table surface in front of Heero.

The Perfect Soldier felt everything inside him blown away the moment he picked up the portrait and saw the image it held.

It was the picture of him and Haruka taken inside the photo booth at Kibitou's Arcade Center. The very same portrait he had clipped inside Wing Gundam. He never thought it had survived after the devastation caused by the Rail Cannon during the climax of his duel with Wufei.

"Tell us about Haruka Morishima." Duo advocated in an encouraging and esteemed manner.

"That is none of your damn business!" He icily answered as his Prussian blue eyes hardened upon hearing Duo's request.

"Please Heero... calm down." Quatre pleaded immediately after detecting Heero's prompt agitation.

"There is no need for any of you to pry into my personal affairs, Quatre." Heero dangerously shot back while glaring at the blonde haired pilot.

"We are not prying or anything, Heero. You almost got Wufei and even Quatre killed during that moment of insanity. We could understand if it happened due to sensory overload from the ZERO System, but the record logs indicated that you..." Duo attempted to point out the facts but was cut-off by Heero during mid-sentence.

"That I shutdown the ZERO System? That my actions nonetheless prove I was looking for certain death. If you have to know the answers to both questions, then... yes, indeed I am."

"Why would you want the Fold Generator be destroyed, Heero? To avoid a similar mishap or accident? We're unable to connect your motivations from the data logs Trowa retrieved and your own testimony based from personal experiences while stranded in the past. Duo made a valid hypothesis that was able to piece out important facts which might have led on your sudden change in behavior... but we still need confirmation."

"I would never confirm nor respond to any subject or topic that involves her. I am warning both of you to leave that information off the grid." Heero steadfastly replied while seriously threatening his fellow Gundam Pilots.

"Of course... because... the snow globe... the portrait clipped on the display screen... the Wing Gundam data logs... the keychain dangling at the zipper of your school bag... I take it that all of them just found their way inside your backpack and the mobile suit's compartment." Duo snorted before smirking and shaking his head sideways.

"Don't you ever... test my patience when it comes to this matter." The brown haired boy gravely said while staring darkly at Duo.

"You truly are in love with her." Duo concluded with definitive confidence as his deep lavender eyes looked back steadily into Heero's own.

The Perfect Soldier moved inhumanly fast that neither Quatre nor Duo was able to react.

Both of his hands were shaking in anger while holding the collar of the shirt Duo was wearing.

"You don't know anything!" Heero hissed under his breath.

"But I at least understand something! The young woman in that picture had a far greater effect on you than Relena Darlian ever had!" The braided pilot firmly stated with his index finger pointing at the portrait on the tabletop.

"Heero, please, let's resolve this peacefully." Quatre earnestly said while giving the brown haired boy a reassuring gaze. "We never intended to intrude on your personal space. It was Duo... actually, who pieced up everything while you were hovering between life and death. We... have no idea on why you prodded your own friend to kill you before going into a rampage with an extreme desire to spill that same friend's own blood."

"Wufei... immediately asked about your condition when he regained consciousness. He felt there was something wrong but also knew that he's the only one in position to stop you. We're your friends, Heero." The gentle blonde pilot revealed to him.

'These guys... are indeed... my true friends. I've only treated them as comrades in war, yet... their actions had only been committed out of concern.' Heero pondered while calming down and letting go of Duo's collar.

He sighed deeply and looked critically at both Quatre and Duo before opening, "I'll only say this once."

"Fate has been very cruel to me. Destiny gave me a glimpse... a taste... a whiff... of something very precious that I could never... ever hope to have. Accidents and two people from different times... is something never meant to be." Heero solemnly uttered before fixing his gaze at the portrait of him and Haruka that stood on the tabletop.

'Haruka...' His thoughts whispered after feeling a twinge burrow inside his chest.

"Come back to me..."

"Save me..."

He carefully took the crystal case holding the portrait and started making his way out of the room.

"Heero..." The braided pilot called out at him. Causing Heero to stop from walking before slowly turning and facing him.

Duo's purple eyes widened a bit after seeing through the sorrows and faintly understanding the sufferings he so desperately tried to hide within.

"You lost her."

Silence.

Only silence.

Nothing... but silence.

He was reminded of his gravest mistake... ever committed.

"No." Heero answered while masking all traces of agony in his voice.

The Perfect Soldier exhaled deeply before placing a rueful gaze at Quatre and switching back to Duo.

"I gave up on her. I... abandoned Haruka." He completed in heartrending words as anguish and remorse spilled out from the confines of his normally indecipherable cobalt blue irises.

Having said his piece, Heero silently left the room.

"Heero... wait!" Quatre attempted to stop the brown haired boy but felt Duo's hand on his shoulder.

The braided pilot smiled sadly at Quatre and gently shook his head sideways.

"If he truly feels something for her, we have to make him realize there is still a chance, something he can do!"

"He has to figure it out himself."

"But... Duo..."

"Haven't you noticed, Quatre? Despite his already given maturity, Heero was still a boy when he left After Colony. But upon his return from the past, he was already different. He became a man forged by experience... not through the flames of war but from the harsh realities of loving someone very special."

"I guess, you're right."

"This is something he has to decide on his own."

5:28pm, 23rd of January, 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

"Are you out of your mind, Haruka?!"

"Please... please, father... give me my inheritance... or even just a small part of it, I-I really need to go to Europe." Haruka pleaded despite the enforcing query of her parent.

"Why the hell do you want to go there? Answer me young lady!" Her father sternly demanded while staring in exasperation at the pretty campus idol.

"I'm... I'm looking for someone... someone very important to me. Please, father..." The raven haired beauty answered but was evidently fearful of her father's response.

"You really expect I'd allow you to go through your madness after giving such vague reasons?!" The paternal head of Morishima estate rigidly inquired as his ashen gray eyes narrowed at his eldest daughter.

"Please, father... I... need to go to Europe..."

"Where exactly in Europe?"

"I'm... not sure yet... but this is something very important which I must do... b-but I don't know where to start..." The cornflower blue eyed lady attempted but failed miserably to explain.

"And you don't even have any idea on where you have to go! This is insane!" Her father concluded with irritation before asking what could probably be the biggest of all questions for the evening. "Who is this person to you, Haruka?! Answer me!"

"I-I'm going to look for Heero... He's the man I love! Father... I have to find him... I need to get him back... Please! You have to help me..." Haruka declared which earned her a very surprised look from both her parents.

"You... you are willing to commit an act of pure lunacy just because of your infatuation to this Heero..." Her father completed who was now glaring dangerously at her daughter.

'It's not infatuation, father! My feelings for him run very deeply, it could not be even measured...'

"I really love him, father... please... even just a fraction of my inheritance... I'll work hard to return it..." The raven haired beauty reasoned out as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"Who in their right state of mind would even consider your proposal? Haruka, have you ever thought of the disgrace your actions could bring on our household? As our child did you not consider the worry you'll burden us? And as a woman, don't you have anymore shame? Even a little ounce of pride?"

"Father... he's the only one for me... I truly love him! That's why I'm going to look for him and..." She stated with certainty even while warm tears streak down her face.

"You... will stay here in Japan even after your graduation. I will not permit you to leave the country and have your scheduled annual summer vacation at your grandparents in England!" Her father decided with finality after shaking his head in refusal despite her pleas.

"Father..."

"Who knows what further foolishness you are capable of pulling off once I let you set foot on the United Kingdom."

"Father..." Haruka dejectedly repeated, losing hope and strength after hearing her father's decision.

"Get out of my sight, Haruka. Before, I lose what little remains of my patience." As if on queue, Haruka's mother quickly went to her side and comforted her, knowing that there will be no more further negotiations between her husband and daughter.

'Father... you're so cruel...' The pretty campus idol sobbed as she refused any attempts of her mother to console her.

Haruka left her father's study in frustration and rushed back to her room with a heavy heart.

The lovely young woman then moved directly towards her closet and opened its left door. Hanged at the back of the closet door is a coat from Kibitou Senior High. However, the garb does not belong to the cornflower blue eyed lady as it was designed for use of male students. It was tailored made to fit the measurements of its owner... Long, slender, chiseled shoulders with well toned muscles that seemed to have been cut precisely for his remarkable built.

The coat was utterly important to the lovely young woman.

It reminded her of him.

Gently, Haruka removed the coat from its hanger and kneeled at the front of her closet.

-oxo-

She held her breathe in awe upon seeing the pectoral muscles of the mobile suit pilot. Its natural movement while Heero inhaled and exhaled was a sight she deemed noteworthy as he surveyed the rain falling from the dark grey clouds covering the skies. He turned and noticed her looking at him.

Looking into his cobalt blue eyes she was able to see it reflected a subtle indication of worry.

"Are you alright?"

"Wha- I-I'm fine, Yuy-kun!" Haruka stammered, ashamed for being caught on stealing glances at him.

The blue cornflower eyed young woman was even more surprised as the brown haired boy came closer and gently placed his palm on top of her forehead.

"You're quite hot, Morishima sempai. You could go down with a fever if you don't change into a new set of dry clothes." Heero gently spoke as he removed his hand and quickly draped his coat on her back.

"T-thanks, Yuy-kun..." Haruka replied, blushing furiously as she felt herself covered by Heero's coat.

"I've already removed that coat when the umbrella was blown off. It should be enough to keep you warm for from the time being."

She smiled tenderly at the Gundam Pilot, feeling her cheeks heating up slightly.

'I don't want to be just your sempai anymore, Heero.' Haruka silently pondered to herself, while looking at the Perfect Soldier with her sky blue eyes stirring from the emotions she was holding dearly.

-oxo-

The coat belonged to Heero. He had lent it to her that one rainy afternoon both of them got wet while on their way home. Haruka had always cherished the memories of that moment she shared with Heero under the waiting shed in spite of the strong falling rain. She had washed the garment herself and meant to return it to him but always forgot even during that time Heero was inside her room. The coat... reminded Haruka immensely of the Gundam Pilot and it had also become a source from which she draws comfort during times hope had seemed to abandoned her.

Every time Haruka cried.

Lamented.

Wailed.

Sobbed.

Or yowled in sorrow.

She tightly held Heero's coat in both of her arms while pouring out her grief.

Today's devastating failure to convince her father... was crushing and counted obviously under that category.

"I've been doing my hardest..." The raven haired beauty wept as she hugged the garb closer to her chest.

"But I'll do my best and do whatever it takes to find you..." She continued with her voice cracking even further while tears stream down from her sky blue irises.

"You... you'll take me back, right? I'll make you realize we are truly meant for each other..." The lovely young woman sniffled as her tears wetted the garment's fabric.

It was becoming increasingly difficult for her. She had attempted to look and apply for a part-time job in Kibitou but the mere mention of her family name was enough to dissuade potential employers from hiring the young woman. The respect earned and garnered by her father through his philanthropy on various civic welfare activities had placed the entirety of the province feel indebted to the Morishimas.

Word eventually reached her father's ears that Haruka was desperately seeking employment through some of his peers which she happened to send her application. This resulted for the young woman to be summoned in her father's study and led to the confrontation earlier. Her mother had attempted to get in between them, but knew deep down that Haruka's stubbornness would cause an inevitable clash with her father.

"Your daughter truly has taken your stubbornness really well!" The pretty campus idol remembered her father utter in frustration as she had stormed out of his study.

Haruka knew that her decision to go on a wild goose chase searching for Heero in Europe was definitely unreasonable by normal standards. After a lot of pleading on her part in spite of the hesitation on Miss Maya Takahashi's end in fear of getting an administrative case filed against her, the lovely young woman finally convinced his former homeroom teacher to check the school where Heero supposedly relocated. However, both of them were astonished upon learning that the mobile suit pilot's records were mysteriously deleted after his departure in Kibitou Senior High. This left Haruka unable to narrow down his location, but her determination fueled by her inherent stubbornness, strong affections and deep passion for the Perfect Soldier did not discouraged the young lady. Left with no other option, she proposed on receiving her inheritance in full or even a part of it to help start her search for the young man she was deeply loves. It was irrational and crazy at its best, but the raven haired beauty had been pushed with her back against the wall. Even though Haruka knew beforehand that such a ridiculous plan will be rejected by her father, she still pressed on. Hearing his decision and its conclusiveness should have been enough to deter her.

Yet she would not back down.

Her mind was against it.

Her heart would not allow it.

Her soul will never give up on it.

Everything within her belonged only to him.

"Heero..."

The memories of that afternoon after they waited for the rain to stop...

Together they walked side by side despite the drizzle...

She had her arm entwined around his as they left the waiting shed …

She knew there was a soft smile gracing her lips despite her best efforts to keep it…

His coat was draped over her shoulders and covering her back...

He accompanied her to the village to make sure she's safe...

The water dripping down from the locks of his chocolate brown hair drenched with rain...

The well toned muscles and chiseled frame showing from the outlines of his wet shirt...

The intense yet worried look he had for her with his cobalt blue orbs...

Her face and cheeks were blushing in heat despite the cool atmosphere...

Her sky blue eyes that sparkled in joy and happiness at being with him...

'This is one walk, I'll cherish till the moment we reach my house. Heero, I'll do my best, to be the woman who deserves you most.'

It was encompassing, drowning her thoughts, and filling her heart with longing...

Heartrending.

"I miss you so much, Heero." Haruka whispered in grief as she poured out her sorrows while crying on his coat.

The alarm clock found at the top of her corner table showed 5:47pm, January 23rd 2012, on its digital display screen.

She wanted to turn back everything to how it used to be. Bring back the moments they were together.

However, time only moves forward incessantly.

Author's Notes:

Acknowledgments – HW14 focuses heavily on Gundam Wing related story material which was last seen in full display on HW01. This chapter is for the Wing fans that initially followed the story because of the main protagonist, Heero Yuy. I'd like to give special mention to the following reviewers always clamoring for a Gundam-related battle chapter: drake202, p170yDONju9n, Jackofalltrades32456, Matchstick800 and operation meteor.

Sorrowful Battle – Originally I wanted the chapter to be named after the GW episode bearing the same title. However, the elements of this update are more than just the rematch of Heero and Wufei's duel in EW. Thus, I chose something more appropriate to Heero and Haruka's current situation.

The Loud Song in Haruka's Room and The Duel - If you guys were wondering whatever song it was playing inside Haruka's room (HW13) and the inspiration on the duel, its a nice piece performed by Finch entitled, "Perfection Through Silence". It became my personal soundtrack and the lyrics were a motivation (an allegory even if you try reading them) while writing those scenes.

Battle of Luxembourg – Well, since this was shown in a dream sequence, there were deviations and manipulations done on my own rendition of it. I deliberately did not include the conversation with Treize since I don't think it necessary for the final piece.

(Heero) Realization – It will take some time my friends, be patient with him. He'll get there once he picks up the pieces in due time. And rest assured that I won't drag the drama too much (I'm not a fan of it as well) however, I would never compromise the story by rushing things (yep, no overnight changes realistically).

Delay Culprit – Sorry guys and gals, no writer's block, but my modeler's pulse was blazing hot over the weekend. I was able to finish one of my gunplas (which took me about 9 months) because of it (well it's a 1/144 HG Wing Gundam Zero Custom if you're curious). Plus – didn't anticipate I'll have to a lot of rush office work because of the long holiday.

Once again, thank you so much for patiently waiting and the continuous support! I deeply appreciate all the reviewers and readers following Haruka's Wings towards its final leg. I'll be on an extended vacation over the holiday… so Happy Thanksgiving, everyone (in advance)!

As always, please review! I'd like to hear your thoughts on the chapter as a whole. =)

5:26pm, 23rd of January, A.C. 198

He needed some time off.

Aimlessly, Heero continued his stride around the colony till he came upon its central park located a couple of miles southeast from Quatre's hidden installation. The park was situated on a wide stretch of land cultivated by citizens of the colony to promote a somewhat semblance of a natural environment normally present on Earth. It was among the primary tourist attractions inside the colony and one of the favorite hangouts for its own citizens as well. Normally during weekends or even weekdays after work, the central park was a venue full of people from all sorts of life. Whole families, children, teens, couples and singles could be seen on its grounds enjoying the carefully controlled climate. Its artificial weather manipulated by a massive propulsion system capable of generating various conditions symmetrical to the seasons experience on Earth.

Today was different. The park was almost empty save for a few pairs that could be seen strolling at its pathways or those seated by each other at the stone benches scattered across the vicinity. As much as Heero wanted to ignore everything else or just leave the place, his feet moved accordingly to its will and soon he found himself sitting on one of the empty granite benches.

The place was pure torture. It only reminded him of her. It struck a chord sensitively inside his heart.

It only brought him memories of Haruka.

Yet for a strange yet unknown reason, instead of running away like he did prior to his return. The brown haired boy willingly immersed himself on the times he spent with her at the view deck park in Kibitou. He also wanted time away from his fellow pilots. The debriefing… or particularly the conversation with Duo proved too much for him to handle. He had failed to contain himself. Such was the hold that Haruka had over him. Even after running away from her… she was still all he could ever think of.

Both of his hands were shaking in anger while holding the collar of the shirt Duo was wearing.

"You don't know anything!" Heero hissed under his breath.

True.

Haruka Morishima indeed had a far greater effect on Heero Yuy than Relena Darlian ever had. For all her childishness and silliness, she was able to make him smile, chuckle and laugh even at certain occasions. Not that empty hollow laughter he forced himself into after regaining consciousness from the return trip. But an expression of happiness that left a warm feeling inside his chest. She made him happy in many ways. There were times before he even wondered if smiling was a natural gesture but only through Haruka did he realized that such an expression was given freely and honestly. Her wild antics always left the Perfect Soldier in awe as to the limits of what she can do. But more than that, the raven haired young woman never failed to amaze him with those sudden streaks of wisdom whenever she conveys her feelings for him.

"You can take all my fortune, all my luck and even everything that I have. I'll take all your misfortune, troubles and hardships in return."

"It's because I love you, Heero. You mean everything to me. As long as I have you, even if I'm the unluckiest girl in the world... I'll still be the happiest." Haruka earnestly said as she removed her pointer finger atop his lips.

"Even if I have to face all the problems and miseries in this world, I won't be afraid because I know I'm not alone, you will never leave me." She added her cornflower blue eyes brimming with devotion and affection for him.

He was stirred from his thoughts upon feeling the drops of water falling down from the colony vents.

'They're probably conducting the weekly natural maintenance.'

The Prussian eyed young man turned his head and surveyed the square before realizing he was all alone inside the park. The couples he had seen earlier might have been aware of the scheduled weather change thus decided to leave the park prior to the artificially generated 'rain'.

The 'rain' he knew was being done as a way of maintaining not only the central park but also for cleaning the entire colony. Instead of seeking shelter… he decided to just sit there and let himself be drenched by the synthetically combined atoms of oxygen and hydrogen.

Rain… has a somehow… poignant way of making him remember.

Remember that one afternoon…

-oxo-

The blue cornflower eyed young woman was surprised as the brown haired boy came closer and gently placed his palm on top of her forehead.

'She might get sick after getting wet and from this cold climate.' Heero noted as he removed his hand and quickly draped his coat on Haruka's back.

"You could go down with a fever if you don't change into a new set of dry clothes."

"T-thanks, Yuy-kun..." Haruka replied, blushing furiously as she felt herself covered by Heero's coat.

"I've already removed this coat when the umbrella was blown off. It should be enough to keep you warm for the time being."

They remained silent for sometime while waiting for the downpour to subside. He discreetly took a glance at the kind sempai seated beside him and noticed the light yet disarming smile she held on her lips while also stealing looks at him. He was also quick to note that the reddish shade on her cheeks has yet to subside even after he had placed his coat to cover her.

"Morishima sempai? The rain's gotten weaker with only a few drops falling lightly every now and then, but at this rate, you'll get home late if we wait for it to stop."

'Better take her home quick, I do hope she doesn't get down with a fever.'

"I- I see, its best we get going then He-... Yuy-kun." Haruka decided, not before seemingly stopping herself from almost unconsciously blurting out his given name.

"It's already dark, Morishima sempai." Heero told her before pausing to look deeply at her eyes.

"If you don't mind, I'll accompany you on your way home."

"You will? What I mean to say is... Is it really ok? I- I don't want to impose, Yuy-kun."

"It's alright Morishima sempai. I don't have work today and... I... want to be sure you get home safe."

"Oh... So you're worried about me." Haruka voiced out, looking at Heero with a mischievous smile.

The Gundam Pilot only grunted in acknowledgment before Haruka eagerly entwined her arms to his once more, nudging Heero closely enough for him to feel the softness of the pretty campus idol's ample breasts. Again, he felt the hairs of his skin tensed after feeling the warm sensation caused by Haruka's body. He willed himself to relax before turning to her with the usual piercing look from his cobalt blue orbs.

"Ready to go?"

Haruka grinned impishly at Heero before nodding eagerly. Picking up their bags they started the journey towards her village.

-oxo-

"Haruka…"

Heero mournfully gazed at the covered shed situated near the edge of his peripheral to the right. It was similar to the waiting shed they took shelter in during that one unforgettable afternoon.

Where they bided their time for the heavy shower to pass…

Before leaving together and accompanying Haruka to her village…

He clearly remembers the softness of her body as she clung tightly to him…

He could still smell the fragrance of her rain soaked curly tipped raven hair…

Her cheeks that bore a nice shade of pink as she smiled contentedly at him…

Her warm breath which he could feel grazing the side of his face while she sighed softly…

Despite the weather, despite the rain, despite everything else, Haruka was happy…

He knew there was an emotion… a resounding feeling already growing inside him…

They were happy. They fell in love soon after. They fulfilled their affections for each other…

But he ran away… and left her.

Vaguely, he somehow recalls the last words Haruka said to him in his… surreal dream.

"Come back to me…"

"Save me…"

He looked grimly upwards the colony's skies where the artificial weather even conjured dark grey nimbus clouds for realistic effect. The rain was falling in torrents. The climate conditions had truly darkened the colony. It was similar to the feeling he harbors deep inside his heart.

It was heavy.

Such was the burden he had been carrying.

Even after he returned, all he could ever think of was her.

His mind, heart, body and soul… still belonged undeniably to Haruka.

As far as he can remember, the Perfect Soldier never cried.

The truth of the matter was that he never knew how to shed tears.

But on that dark early evening, all alone inside the colony's central park as the rains continued to shower everything around him, he felt his chest lighten up.

He felt… a bit relieved and a little released even.

"I miss you, Haruka." He uttered in sorrow feeling a lump of some sort form invisibly within his throat.

Yet as the admission barely left him, Heero was reminded of little girl's haunted warning.

"Time is no longer a luxury... both you and Haruka have."

Heero forlornly shifted his gaze to the gigantic clock located on the massive centerpiece found at the very heart of the park.

'5:47pm, January 23rd A.C. 198.'

I'll leave everything to your own judgment whether Heero cried or shed a tear or not. =)

Time is given more focus now on the story, considering its importance to both our protagonists, which is why I've highlighted the times and dates on scene shifts.

Hope you liked it and see you on HW15! Don't forget to leave a review! Thanks!