Haruka's Wings

by EpyonZero23

Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy is strewn across time and space, only drawn to the image of a woman the ZERO System conjured during a desperate trial run. Will time prove to be a space that would keep them apart? Or will he defy the odds that separate them?

15. Chapter 15 The Locus of Victory & Defeat

Finally, after almost 4 months of hiatus! Sorry - we're back to the drama, no more battle chapters.

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 15 - The Locus of Victory and Defeat

"Mr. Winner? This way please, sir." The elderly gentleman motioned for him before leading the way.

The former pilot of Gundam Sandrock briefly nodded as they began walking past the hallway. The man he noted was already in his mid-fifties has gray hair, long face with deep set eyes reflected from his circular spectacles. He surreptitiously followed the older man through the large dim lighted passageway. The only source of illumination came from a single row of reed-thin fluorescent lamps neatly arrayed on both sides of the hallway placed at about one foot above the floor surface. The walls were bare aside from the aforementioned detail, through his extensive knowledge on engineering he was able to determine that the composite alloys were made mostly from Titanium shaded in gun metal. The facility was eerily quiet, that if someone should drop a needle, the sound it would create is more than enough to disturb the silence emanated within such an enclosed area. Amazingly, despite the lack of proper luminosity, the elder gentleman or properly referred to as the Senior Cataloger had no difficulty on locating their destination. Stopping in front of a bare wall, the older man gently held out his palm an inch above the metallic surface before moving it sideways. He heard the low audible sound of mechanisms moving into action as a miniaturized display screen came into view from the space previously covered by a metal plate.

The elder man then removed his spectacles and leaned over to peer at the display screen. A three-layer retinal security scan was conducted by the system laser nodes on both eyes of the cataloger to confirm his identity. They did not wait long as the bare wall in front of them parted at the middle before sliding sideways. The man replaced the spectacles back to the bridge of his nose before bowing slightly at him and gesturing to enter the newly revealed private room. The gentle pilot felt the cold temperature and somber ambiance coming off from the enclosed area. It was enough to send a mild chill inside his heart upon remembering what he intends to do.

"As requested, Mr. Winner... Master Catalog VIII - Asia Continent." The Senior Cataloger presented while nodding respectfully to him.

"Thank you, Senior Cataloger." Quatre courteously replied bowing politely in return.

"How long will you be... examining the Catalog?"

"The most you could allow."

"Of course, Mr. Winner, the usage of the records is limitless considering your status. However, working or browsing on such conditions could prove fatal to the researcher's body. Thus exposure is restricted to a maximum of four hours. You may rest for an hour at the main lounge and I shall assist you again if necessary."

Quatre understood the repercussions involved should he linger more than necessary at such a congested space. The installation has a strictly maintained ambient temperature and the amount of air being allowed is set at the minimum to ensure proper administration of the entire restricted area.

"Please come back for me at the maximal time."

"Very well sir, then I shall return after three hours and forty five minutes. The trip back to the main lounge would take us fifteen minutes from here. Should you decide to end your session earlier than intended press the button icon on display screen here at the entrance. I'll then proceed to guide you back towards the lounge."

The blonde pilot smiled and nodded at the Senior Cataloger before proceeding inside the bleakly illuminated room.

-oxo-

"Come on Quatre... even I'm opposed to what you're planning." Duo said to him as he made preparations for his trip.

"During the Eve Wars, Heero always faced death without even batting an eye. He had so little regard on the value of his life. He... only thought of himself as a soldier, nothing more but a tool for war. Yet now... after seeing him so desperate to destroy himself... being a man tormented by guilt and failure. How could we, his only friends just stand aside and do nothing?"

"We both know that his situation is complicated. It... Just wasn't meant to be, Quatre. In the end, Heero still did the right thing."

"But what is the right thing Duo? If ever you were in his shoes, what would you have done?"

"I... well..." The Gundam pilot from L2 trailed as he tried searching for a proper response before sighing, "...probably do the same... I don't know... But we're talking about the greater good here... history as we know it could be disrupted if Heero did otherwise."

"So the right thing is always for the greater good. Sacrifice your personal desires."

"Quatre, let's be practical, realistic and reasonable here, our very own existence, everyone we know, the peace we fought so hard for, all of it... will be at risk. If Heero does something so little or even ordinarily mundane in the past… it could result to drastic consequences that would affect the course of history. "

"Duo, his accident already caused a rupture to the natural flow of time no matter how you look at it." The blonde pilot carefully pointed out.

"But its effects never made enough ripples to tip the balance of historical events." Duo answered determinedly prior to realizing the content of his own response.

Quatre smiled confidently and nodded at him.

"S-so... what you're saying is..."

"The Fold Generator's conception... its assembly... Heero's accident... they are instances that were meant to happen." The Winner heir enumerated in an effort to help Duo understand.

"H-him... meeting and falling for that young woman... their relationship..." The former pilot of Deathscythe uttered in slight shock as his purple orbs widened in recognition.

"You could answer that one way better than me, Duo."

"Damn it... Alright Quatre, you win. I'll hold the fort till you get back." The braided pilot sharply inhaled before sighing in resignation.

"Talk to him, Duo."

"You know how much I want to... but that guy's probably got the thickest skull among the five of us... even worst than Wu-man at times."

-oxo-

"Forgive me, Heero. Destiny has been very cruel to you since childhood. But you were fated to be thrown back into the past for a reason."

Having said that, Quatre began typing the necessary credentials on the terminal's keyboard as the display screen slowly illuminated the small room.

---

He purposely avoided going to THAT part of Quatre's massive hidden installation with good cause. For more than a week since waking up from the half-month long comatose he was inauspiciously placed in after his rampage with the Wing Gundam, Heero kept himself away from the mobile suit hangar. The Perfect Soldier was never in any way forbidden by his fellow pilots despite the fact that his mental and emotional stability was currently questionable. He knew that the other pilots were now... privy to some factual details that evidently resulted to his destructive behavior. Yet still, after the confrontation with Duo and Quatre on his debriefing almost a week ago, he never heard any word from the gentle blonde pilot prohibiting him from entering the mobile suit hangar.

Quatre approached him two days ago, informing the brown haired young man that he was leaving that same day for a business trip on Earth. He only nodded at the Winner heir before going back inside his room to continue the endless musing he had become accustomed with since that rainy evening by the colony's central park. He wanted to just lie on his bed and think about her... then sleep it off when his mind was too tired to process any further thoughts.

'Your memory... is so... everlasting. I'm already back where I'm supposed to be... but you're all that I could think of.'

Heero bitterly curled his lips before subtly shaking his head.

He knew because even if his sentiments did not pose a question, his heart had a ready answer for him.

'Because I never stopped feeling this way for you. Even if we're now rightfully separated by time... You're still the most important person to me.'

The pilot of Wing Gundam always felt a sharp twitching pain stab through his chest whenever his thoughts would stray to that one emotion. He had lost every right to utter or even whisper it inside his mind. As a result, he was suffering the same amount of pain and anguish brought by the decision to turn his back from her.

The resounding feeling which still holds him completely.

Binding him to her.

To Haruka Morishima.

The Perfect Soldier was stirred out of his deep thoughts upon being nudged by his sentience that he had been standing in front of the entryway to the mobile suit hangar for some time now. He pressed the security access code on the numeric keypad found at the left side of the metallic sliding door. After receiving the proper encryption the doorway slid open giving him admission inside. The hangar was capable of storing a total of eight mobile suits with each having its own docking facility. The secret runway was situated beside the primary air dock, this allowed the transformable Fold Generator equipped mobile suits to launch and return with relative ease whenever they were conducting trial runs. At the opposite side of the runway was an auxiliary hangar which holds two private shuttles which were capable of entering the Earth's atmosphere and a lone transport ship that was utilized for ferrying and retrieving mobile suits.

'Wing Gundam.' He mused as his cobalt blue irises landed on the nearest mobile suit found at the docking station to his left.

'Seems... Quatre and Trowa had been working overtime to restore it.'

His observation was spot on accurate, as the mobile suit only needed a few more days of constant work before it could return to its tip-top condition. Its right arm which was disintegrated by the Tallgeese III's Rail Cannon had been reconstructed and already fitted back to the Gundam's torso. A few internal mechanisms and circuitry were still bare while pieces of its corresponding armor plating could be seen suspended from the ceiling held by a good number of gigantic servo mechanical arms. He surmised that Trowa having the most extensive knowledge among them when it comes to mobile suit maintenance was still in the process of troubleshooting all of the reintegrated parts.

'The right arm had been reinstalled yet the area on the torso directly next to the cockpit was sheared by the Ultra Mega Particle Rail Cannon. The most tedious work was guaranteed to be focused on the mentioned part as most of the relays and connections to the mainframe could be found there.'

Heero was briefly reminded of his most recent duel with Wufei that was marred by the relentless fury unleashed from his berserker rampage. It was never his intention to desecrate the memories of his fellow pilot's Clan and home colony. Admittedly though, he deliberately goaded Wufei into fighting him with potent force thus ensuring Heero's... longing to die on the battlefield as atonement for his sins and a quick solution by escaping what would be a never-ending torment for breaking Haruka's tender heart.

The brown haired boy knew deep down that his survival had been a miracle. Wufei's shot had been triggered by his supposed killing intent that threatened Quatre's life alongside the actions he had exhibited during their fiery clash. He clearly remembers the only deterrent to his madness, the sole impediment capable of stopping the raging demon within him. The reminiscence of her voice woke him up just in the nick of time from almost spilling the blood of his fellow Gundam Pilot. She was the only one in position and capacity... to calm him down.

Her effect on him was too great... the emotions she was able to invoke had been impossible to ignore.

Even in memories... she was the sole bright spot in his otherwise darkened and hopeless existence.

'Haruka...' He lowly muttered while staring blankly at the head piece of Wing Gundam.

"Since you're here could you pass the electro-pneumatic driver lying there?" A familiar voice droned on him, breaking his chain of thoughts.

The Perfect Soldier turned his head slightly just enough to see its source. The owner had long straight auburn bangs that partially covered his face revealing only the emerald orb of his left eye. The young man was obviously busy adjusting the linear alignments of the Gundam's revolving parts located underneath the hinges of the torso and right arm.

"Hnn..." Heero grunted in acknowledgment before kneeling to pick up the requested equipment.

He walked slowly towards his fellow pilot to hand over the tool but halted the moment another spectacle came into full view.

"Defy the irony of life.

Conquer your fear.

Ascend towards your fate.

Claim your destiny.

Fulfill the premise of eternity."

The verse... drifted away like smoke being scattered by a passing gale.

'Epyon.'

The highly imposing and impressively dreadful mobile suit was stored at the farthest docking station along the same row of the Wing Gundam. It only became visible to his periphery till the moment he had approached Trowa. The auburn haired pilot barely threw him a glance as he handed the pneumatic driver while performing the necessary repairs. Heero stared long and hard at the dark crimson mobile suit while pondering bits and pieces of his dream that was still... ever present inside the young man's memories. Streaks and flashes of the various scenes that involved the mobile suit rushed swiftly through his mind.

The manner on how he fought the Virgo Mobile Dolls prior to the eventual downfall of Luxembourg.

The extreme combat methods after going out of control with the Epyon's own ZERO System.

The madness induced rampage which only receded upon seeing the one woman he deeply cherishes.

His cobalt blue orbs never changed its focus as he stared with bewilderment at the mobile suit. The Perfect Soldier had been pondering for the past couple of evenings before going to sleep the meaning behind his dream, which involves Haruka, the Wing Gundam, the Epyon and the little girl with her small dog. He was shaken out of his musings upon hearing the usually placid and equally silent Trowa open up a conversation.

"Quatre made it possible for that... suit to be brought here. Using his connections with Lucrezia Noin, he was able to convince Milliardo Peacecraft himself on handing over the Gundam. It probably arrived here about two weeks since you went missing."

"I see... It is right to assume that Zechs doesn't have any more plans with the Epyon?"

"I believe so. Unless he wants to wage a war by himself. He... immediately sent that mobile suit after Quatre informed him it will be used to help in searching for you."

"How many became aware of my... condition all those three months?"

"Hmmm... Aside from me, Quatre and Duo, only Lady Une and Wufei for the Preventers, along with Lucrezia Noin and Milliardo Peacecraft."

He nodded in understanding before the auburn haired pilot continued.

"The suit's higher specs... allowed us to make an upgrade on the original Fold Generator concept. This mobile suit has a better energy output due to its more advanced fusion reactor, enabling us to tweak the Fold Generator settings which resulted to the Mark II's formation. Quatre... altered and adjusted everything we could just to improve the new generator's performance. Two weeks after, we began conducting the trial runs in hope of replicating your feat during the initial field test."

"Hnnn." Heero grunted in acknowledgment though his gaze was still fixed at the Epyon he was listening intently on Trowa.

"Each of us completed at least two test runs with that suit. Duo, surprisingly, came up with the best results - both in piloting compatibility and system synchronicity."

"Duo..." He trailed after hearing how the role was assigned to his fellow pilot.

"Heero." Trowa called out to him evidently seeking his attention.

The Perfect Soldier turned his head to face Trowa who was now looking back at him intently.

"Don't be too hard on him. He's also going through some difficulties right now, both mentally and emotionally."

The brown haired boy knew what Trowa meant, in fact, as much as he wanted to push aside the latest episode with Duo from the previous evening, his mind won't simply let it slide.

-oxo-

It was already late in the evening. The digital clock displayed 11:12pm, in less than an hour it would be midnight. The secret Winner facility within the colony during such an hour was dead and somber as it could be. The only activity that breathes in life to the otherwise barren atmosphere normally present in the hidden installation was whenever the Gundam Pilots were busy on conducting tests runs for the Fold Generator. However, since his return a couple of weeks back, the massive base had been back to its cold and silent ambience... no different than the muteness found inside the catacombs of an underground labyrinth. Quatre had left a few days ago to attend a business summit in the Swiss Alps. Trowa was always busy inside the main hangar, barely leaving its premises except only to eat meals and whenever it was time to turn in for the evening. Surprisingly Duo did not bother him since their confrontation during his debriefing hardly a week ago. He had been somehow... accustomed to the braided pilot's penchant for annoying not only him but also the others. While the brown haired boy was no different... he had returned to his usual ways. He was back to being by himself.

Lonesome.

Solitary.

Isolated.

Heero shunned... all... everything around him.

Except for one.

Try as he might... the Perfect Soldier was powerless against the reminiscence of the only woman that had been able to carve a niche inside his heart.

On the contrary... the lovely young lady wasn't limited to just a spot or a part or a place, she owns and occupies the entirety of it.

His affections... His thoughts... His dreams... His feelings...

In the end, he failed to suppress his emotions. The killer without fear, the slayer without remorse, the murderer without mercy... was still but only a man.

He could only admit it to himself, the words that escaped from him while immersing himself at the memories of her.

That late afternoon he ventured out, all alone at the colony central park, dark clouds hovering above him, while the rain was falling down hard.

Like Haruka's tears...

He had always made her cry.

There had been many moments, situations and occasions.

Yet in spite of it all... she still loved him.

"I miss you, Haruka."

His Prussian blue orbs ruefully gazed at the picture frame containing the portrait of him and the raven haired beauty. He then switched his stare at the snow globe lying beside it, focusing particularly at the two figurines of a boy and a girl in front of the small cabin.

"That boy is you, while the girl is me. And the snow cabin is our home." The pretty campus idol started while looking sincerely into his eyes.

"However, I really think that what truly makes the cabin a home is because of the people who dwell inside it. Not the house but the boy and girl in front of it."

"Haruka..." He breathed in as he gazed profoundly into the young woman who means the entire world to him.

"Heero, I love you so much. Where you are is where I will be. They say home is where the heart is. I agree with that saying because your heart is the place my heart considers as home." Haruka truthfully told him as her face gently flushed while her eyes softly glowed.

He felt his chest constrict as if wanting to trap the air inside his lungs after the remembrance faded out. Since that one lonely evening at the central park, Heero barely left the hidden installation, let alone even go out of his room. He not only wanted... but seriously needed the time for himself. A desire... for solitude. To be left alone with no one to interfere as he contemplated the repercussions of his last action. Reflect on the results of his gravest mistake. How it tore Haruka apart... and destroyed whatever hope that remains for him which he so carelessly squandered.

That moment of admission... only emboldened his heart to further reveal the emotion he kept within.

He not only misses her, but longed for her intensely. He deeply wanted to see that mischievous grin hanging over her lips whenever she plans something absolutely crazy yet adorably witty. To witness first hand that disarming, truly honest and loving smile she only had for him. To gaze back at her cornflower blue irises that was capable of standing its ground in a match of stares with his Prussian blue orbs. To hold her tightly while feeling her warm breath and the fragrance of her curly tipped raven hair as she pressed the softness of her body against him.

She was... not with him physically anymore. But even though he left her, the lovely young woman was everywhere.

Their portrait taken inside the photo booth.

The key chain hanging at the zipper of his school bag.

The snow globe she gave him last New Year's Eve.

The fortune reading that elusively escaped Duo's attention inside the secret pocket of his backpack.

Those may be the only physical objects related to her that was left in his possession.

But...

His memories of her never missed a single heartbeat on reminding him.

Haruka Morishima... the beautiful, kind and loving young lady he abandoned back in the past.

His... devoted and affectionate girlfriend.

Probably, the one great true love he was destined never to have.

It was driving him mad... frustrated... anguished... lonely... but most of all... guilty.

His feelings for her never receded. She was still at the top of his mind, heart, body and soul.

All he could ever think of...

All he could ever dream of...

And all he could ever want or need...

Was her... the one he gave up on.

Calmly he placed the tip of the gun barrel on his temple a few centimeters above his right ear. He inhaled deeply before exhaling to strengthen his resolve.

It was not that he was unable to do it.

His mind, body, heart and soul were all against it.

Heero shut his eyes tight as he prepared to pull the trigger. His index finger now rested at the gun trigger itself. He only felt the cold, hard sensation of the side arm's barrel pressing lightly on his right temple. Yet as he prepared to end it all, his dream flashed before his mind's eye. Making him remember what he only realized since his return.

"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." Haruka 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.

He was a coward.

He succumbed to his fears.

He only ran away.

Try as he might... his finger was unable to pull the trigger. Heero could not even will his mind to let him take the easy route. His heart screamed at him, his body would not follow him, his soul pleaded with him and his mind... the one thing the brown haired boy thought he has at least some sort of control... could not summon even the slightest willpower to go through with his cowardice.

Heero was only filled with thoughts and feelings about Haruka. Her memories had a firm grip on his wholeness. The happiness and joy he felt while they were still together haunted him. The care and adoration she showered him with was ever present inside the annals of his mind. The love and devotion she had given him indeed... forever altered his concept on the essence of life.

Haruka's simplicity and innocence... along her bright and positive outlook in life.

That time he saw her at the Arcade Center in Kibitou trying to collar a keychain which she truly planned on giving him.

Or the occasion she tricked him into teaching her how to swim and later on making him worry after they glided from the pool's long slide.

Those moments at the View Deck Park where they threw snow balls at each other before building their respective snow man.

And that instance inside the Shrine while Haruka was happily catching gold fish.

He saw the radiance and happiness on her face.

Sadly... the very same qualities he adored and cherished were also the ones that drove him to move away from her.

'I... don't want her to be tainted...'

"Hey buddy. I'm going in." Someone announced from the other side of his doorway.

He attempted to stash the gun underneath his pillow but moved a tad too late. Duo caught him in the act as the automated door slid to open.

The braided pilot took one step inside his room before the sliding door closed.

Both of them were unable to say anything... the air inside the room was heavy with tension.

The deafening silence was only broken when Duo opened the conversation.

"So... you want to take the easy way out... tell me... by doing that what do you think would Haruka feel?"

"We both know it's impossible." He tersely answered. "We're now immeasurably separated by distance... by time."

"I'm not talking literally here, buddy."

"If she knew... she'll..."

"I am so much in love with you, the moment I learned of the tragedy... I want to see you, I have to be at your side, I need to be sure you are safe. I thought I lost you, Heero. I was really worried. You are so precious to me. Losing you to an accident or to another woman... I could never take that."

"If that happens... I don't know if I could live on. No... I'm sure of it... I... I would die if you leave me."

"...She'll never know. What's already happened to her has yet to occur for me."

"Then tell me... why? I could understand why you did what you had to do. Yet now... even after that incident with Wufei, why do you still feel the need to end everything for you?"

"Memories."

"Huh?"

"I thought... that upon returning here, I could let go of Haruka. I could... live on and be contented with my memories of her. I thought... it would only take time. But everywhere I go, every second that expires, all I could think of... is her. I thought giving it time would allow me to move on. But the more I tried to look away, the more I am reminded of her. Nothing's changed since my return. Everyday I wake up, every passing moment, till before I sleep... Haruka is the only person in my mind. Even in my dreams... she's all I could see. Her memory... is always with me."

"And this is how you intend to honor her memory." The braided pilot earnestly said before smiling bitterly at him. "By driving a bullet through your skull."

"I could tell that obviously though, you're not having any kind of success doing that. You'd have long been gone if your way of reasoning triumphed above your instincts and emotions." Duo continued smiling wryly at him.

"Since you always like to stick your head on someone else's personal affairs, tell me Duo, what would you have done if you were in my shoes?"

"I..." The braided pilot trailed having been caught unaware from Heero's emphatic question.

"I left her for all the practical reasons. Everyone we know, everything that we accomplished... just for mankind to give up on wars and finally attain peace... could be altered if I continued to be selfish. The natural flow of history would have been disrupted if I placed myself above everything." Heero straightly answered with his cobalt blue orbs looking seriously at Duo.

Seeing his fellow pilot remain silent, the brown haired boy continued.

"You may have a better experience than me on such matters. However, my circumstances with Haruka vastly differ to what you and Hilde have. Hilde knows who you truly are. While Haruka... was entirely in the dark about the real me."

"You never had to contend with the fact that time and history... your past is against you." The Perfect Soldier solemnly uttered.

-oxo-

"Hilde broke up with Duo after he started piloting that... mobile suit." The auburn haired young man spoke, purging him out of his thoughts.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Whenever Duo conducts the test runs for the Mark II Fold Generator... he's been seeing images. Flashes or fragments it may be... but the experience left a lasting impression on him." Trowa disclosed as he continued tightening one of the bolts using the tool Heero had earlier handed.

"Images?" The brown haired boy curiously inquired, his monotone voice never betraying him as he wanted to hear what the emerald eyed Trowa knew.

"From what I know, Duo plans to tell you personally regarding that matter. So far I'm the only one he's ever told about it. Duo wanted to know if you experienced the same thing during the original trial run."

"Hnn..." He grunted, neither acknowledging nor confirming his fellow pilot's musing.

'Could it be... he's also seeing images of another person? Of a woman, perhaps? Why would the ZERO System do such things?'

"Heero." The auburn haired pilot suddenly called out his name, which was more than enough to stir him out of his thoughts.

The Perfect Soldier shifted his attention from the Gundam Epyon back to Trowa, he was slightly astonished upon seeing bits and traces of concern carefully peeking out from the part-time circus performer's normally unreadable face.

"Siberia... do you... remember that time?"

"How could I forget...? I came so close to meeting death that instant. Self-destructing your own mobile suit... really hurts." Heero answered, smirking knowingly upon being reminded of his actions back in the days they fought OZ.

"I remember you saying that as well." Trowa agreed smiling slightly at him. "Heero, the boy you were that time and the man you are right now... was there any difference?"

"Trowa... nothing's changed for me. I am still the same soldier... who knows nothing about life outside the battlefield. My existence, no matter how pathetic as it may seem has been borne from the ever consuming flames of wars."

"People change, Heero. Whether it be for better or worse, because it is in our nature to adapt. To react on all the intrinsic factors that life... living makes us aware... experience."

"If you're pertaining to survival... it is at the top of everyone's most basic and primal instincts. To survive means to live." The brown haired boy assessed while wondering where their conversation was leading to.

"But Heero, how does a person truly live? Is it only by means of meeting the necessities for survival?"

"A purpose." He responded, pausing slightly before continuing, "To give meaning to life... or living... everyone has their own motivations... reasons... purpose."

"Heero, if you know such things, if you're aware of such matters... then why is it that you're contradicting yourself?"

"Huh?"

"Finding then losing your purpose... equates to giving up the essence of life."

'Not even you, Trowa.' Heero thought to himself after deducing the true intentions of the auburn haired pilot's carefully masked discussion.

"You're referring to my actions. From the time I was lost until my unfavorable return." The cobalt blue eyed pilot said before feeling his jaw clench after seeing Trowa slightly nod in confirmation.

"I have my reasons. Trowa, you're the most logical from all five of us, I expected you among the others to understand."

"You can't place logic and emotions together, Heero. They are the counterbalance of each other."

"Your point is?" The Perfect Soldier challenged, daring the emerald eyed young man.

Trowa might initially utilize subterfuge to gain a foothold on any situation he was unfamiliar with. However, his fellow Gundam Pilots also knew that the silent, part-time circus performer hates indirect approaches. Once he has established his position... Trowa never hesitates, whether it is in combat or in an argument, the emerald eyed young man was guaranteed never to disappoint.

"Why do you allow your past to dictate your future?"

"Why does your existence have to be bounded with the shadows of yesterday?"

"Why don't you break free from the shackles of your past and live life accordingly?"

All three questions struck home, hitting their targets precisely... similar to the missiles Trowa expertly launches whenever he pilots the Gundam Heavyarms back in the days of war.

"Because my past is a part of me that defines the kind of person I am." Heero pointedly answered prior to resuming, "Even if we remove the fact that I am a reluctant time traveler thrown accidentally into the past, it doesn't change the truth behind my own history."

"She... Haruka, doesn't deserve a man whose past is tainted with the deaths of countless civilians. She doesn't deserve a man whose own hands have spilled the blood of innocent people. She doesn't deserve a man who can't even find it within him to forgive himself." The cobalt blue eyed young man bitterly admitted before pausing as he felt something heavy accumulating inside his chest.

"She doesn't... doesn't deserve... a man who still carries his crosses up to this very day. She... she doesn't deserve me."

Trowa sensing he was finished laid down the pneumatic drill and stared straightly into his eyes.

"Heero, if that is the way you regard yourself then no one among us deserves a better life. Not only you, not only me, but also Duo, Quatre and Wufei... along with all the countless men and women who were robbed of their youth and innocence, desecrated and trampled during the last war. No one. The guilt you are carrying... no matter how big or small... is basically the same for each and every one of us. Wufei has to live with the memory of his whole clan sacrificing everything. Quatre even has the largest burden to carry among us... the Resource Satellite... and the abandoned Colony... we both know that massive structures still require maintenance from civilian personnel. I'm not exactly sure what happened or what you committed back then, but all of us... deliberately or accidentally are stained with the blood of innocent civilians. Never forget that Heero. Everyday... we strive to live, find meaning and purpose while attempting to seek solace at the closest semblance of the normal life that we dreamed and fought hard to attain. But once our life is over... when you look back and ask yourself... did you really live it accordingly without any regrets?"

The Prussian blue eyed boy only remained silent.

"It is... sad... no, pathetic really. To see the very same person who once told me the true essence of living... does the contrary."

'I... am but a hypocrite now, Trowa.' He sadly thought before grunting and fully expecting to receive the brunt of the auburn haired pilot's next words.

"You said it yourself back then... the best way to live a good life is to act on your emotions."

He stood motionless there while Trowa started packing his tools.

"You only have one life to live Heero. Make it count. If not for yourself then at the very least... for the most important person in your life." The emerald eyed circus performer closed before nodding slightly at him then leaving the hangar.

---

The Catalog was a monolithic structure found in the deepest caverns of the mountainous Swiss Alps. It was secretly constructed at the innermost regions of the former European nation renowned for implementing the principle of neutrality throughout its existence. Abolished five centuries prior to mankind's expansion and eventual colonization of outer space, its successor nations continued this precept which earned the country prestige, high deference and unquestionable authority on matters pertaining to confidentiality and safekeeping of all the priceless treasures and wealth from around the globe. The Catalog was a joint project by members of G7, comprised of the most powerful nations back in the years of Anno Domini. All information across the sphere, no matter how relevant or insignificant during the course of history had been stored in its massive databanks through a highly sophisticated encryption system known only to the former world powers. Previously the Catalog maintained a constant uplink with a network of satellites covering the entire planet. However, the advent of mankind on outer space and the subsequent wars that ensued between Earth and the Colonies, the Catalog was... deliberately erased from existence which coincided with the eventual downfall of the old governments that facilitated its conception.

Years... decades... centuries... millennia had passed... only a select few were privy to the details or even more... with the existence of such a monumental trove of information.

And among these privileged was the ancient and royal bloodline of Rebarba. Originating from the Middle East, the men bearing the name were sheiks, princes and nobility, whose ownership of land was measured by the rich amount of oil that used to be the primary source of energy before the breakthrough on compact nuclear fusion by the beginning of the 23rd century. Knowledge of the Catalog was handed only to the principal successor of the family name, generation after generation. The Catalog has remained dormant all this time, knowledge of its existence even eluded the ambitious eyes of the now defunct Romefeller Foundation during the height of its power. Visitations to the hidden library require sufficient headway and proper notification as the journey and approach towards it remains a secret even to those with privilege. Quatre Raberba Winner, unquestionably was qualified on all the pre-requisites. The heir to Winner Industries had been met by a lone representative on the airport, he was ferried and transferred no less than five times: either on transport, animal or foot. All the time he was either unconscious or blindfolded as a safety precaution to ensure the continued integrity and secrecy of the Catalog's exact location. The kind and gentle former pilot of Gundam Sandrock had also been thoroughly scanned for any possible tracking devices that could give out his destination's position. A visitor is not allowed to take anything inside. Thus, it is fairly obvious that the visitor is also not allowed to leave while illegally taking something out from inside.

Research and study conducted within its confines are completed under the guidance and supervision of a Cataloger. In the case of Quatre, a young man of wealth and prestige, he was assisted by no less than the Master Cataloger himself.

Three hours had already passed since he started his search. Quatre's first set of keywords, "Japan" and "Kibitou" yielded close to nine trillion entries, taking the massive database three quarters of an hour to complete. The next set of keywords, "Morishima" and "Haruka" narrowed down the earlier entries to around three million and eight hundred sixty seven thousand matches while consuming another half an hour. For the last 90 minutes, he had been filtering the entries using a yearly search beginning from 2012 A.D. but had been unsuccessful in finding anything relevant or concrete which could provide information on the woman that greatly affected their friend and comrade, Heero Yuy.

"2062 A.D. still nothing..." The Winner heir stressed as he prepared to move his research on the succeeding year.

'I've already considered the possibility that she got married but there are no records from Japan's Statistics Bureau of a Haruka Morishima born in Kibitou, Japan securing a marriage license between 2014 till 2042 A.D. There have been no entries either pertaining to her death which would feasibly be possible once she reaches forty by 2043 A.D.'

'Wait a sec... There's... something I didn't consider yet...'

Quatre didn't understand why... but his hands were trembling as he replaced the year from 2062 to 2012 A.D. He swallowed deeply before typing the next keyword on the tertiary filter column.

He held his breath and pushed the enter button on the keyboard.

The Catalog finally isolated his search down to a pair of entries.

The first was an article in the newspaper.

The second was a state bureau certificate.

The gentle Gundam Pilot decided to display both articles side-by-side.

His soft brown eyes widened and stirred upon comprehension.

"Good... heavens..."

The following words stood out above the rest, leaving the kindest of all the Gundam Pilots... greatly disturbed and immensely stupefied:

Haruka Morishima.

19 years old.

February 2012.

Death.

---

5:33pm, 28th of January 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

"Morishima-san... you've dropped 18 notches since the third and final semester begun. It is just the preliminaries, though I believe in your capability to cover lost ground but remember... University exams are just around the corner as well."

Her homeroom teacher's words seemed nothing more than worthless blabber repeating itself incessantly within her mind. The young woman stared uncaringly into the horizon as she gently rested both arms on top of the safety railings. The sun was already setting. The moon would reign across the skies shortly. A cool chilling wind swept past her, blowing the locks and strands of curly tipped raven hair. The small number of people around the area was slowly dwindling. Soon, Haruka would be left all alone once again inside Kibitou's View Deck Park.

Every day after school, Haruka alternately and scrupulously waited for Heero either by the campus fountain or at the top railings in the view deck park. For two hours, from Monday till Saturday, she can be seen staking out at either location hoping that by some strange stroke of luck, the heavens will be kind enough and let Heero pop back in front of her. She believes that he will eventually realize how much she means to him and would decide to go back for her. She wanted to be sure he'll easily find her by... waiting for him at the places the two of them frequented. Of course... deep down she knows it was impossible and another one of her foolish ideas. But she wanted to believe. She wanted to try. She dearly wanted to hope. If there was that one bit and tiniest ounce of hope... Haruka wanted to cling on it no matter how desperate and frustrating it seems.

Everything was turning from bad to worse for the young lady, her relationship with her father was strained, most of the campus population already knew her situation with Heero and just recently she became aware that her grades had sharply plunged, a direct result of the emotional distress she was experiencing. Yet despite of it all, she remained adamant, foolish to everyone's perception and bordering on obsessive for some. Haruka was persistent. She continued to love the young man who left her. Her stubbornness stood defiant against reason, vehemently opposed judgment and deliberately ignored consequences.

Was she going mad?

Was she losing her sanity?

Or was she getting crazy?

Out of her mind... like her father had stated.

'No... I can remember everything clearly! From the day we first met... to the moments we spent with each other... the places we went together... I-I can see them vividly inside my head like they only happened yesterday! Heero's... all I could think of... the good times... the bad times... and even the times I don't quite understand him!' Haruka pondered in frustration as tears slowly crept down her sky blue orbs as she grasped the iron bars of the view deck park's railing with one hand while using the other to cover her mouth before coughing lightly.

-oxo-

Haruka sat down at the bench situated near the railings as Heero nodded his head subtly in understanding before turning her head towards the ocean's direction. The cornflower blue eyed girl breath in the fresh air and looked contentedly at her surroundings. Her inner self had been greatly appeased since coming to the view deck park, she felt another part of her go out to the unknowing Gundam Pilot. The pretty campus idol smiled softly, remembering the brashness of her whim and his response on that request, only caused her heart to lean more in approval at the Prussian eyed boy.

'Heero...'

As she shifted back her gaze to the brown haired young man, Haruka was startled upon seeing the intense look on his face. The mobile suit pilot's eyes were seriously fixed on the ground. The raven haired beauty became worried at him as she noted the faint hint of pain and sadness Heero tried to conceal within his eyes. She moved closer to him and held his head using both of her hands, tilting his face to meet hers.

Haruka stared deeply into Heero's cobalt blue orbs, she attempted to discern the emotions he had closely guarded within. She was certain that something might have caused the Gundam Pilot to slightly open the windows of his soul. In an action that came naturally to them both, Haruka gently placed Heero's head to rest at the crook of her shoulder before stroking his hair softly with her hand.

"Yuy-kun... I am very thankful you brought me here. Actually, this is the one place I like most in Kibitou."

Haruka heard his usual grunt of acknowledgment as she continued, "I don't know what's in your thoughts or what you feel right now. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. Whatever your endeavors are, Yuy-kun."

They remained like that for a while, neither of them talked as Haruka gently stroked Heero's brown hair. Both of them content and at ease with the serene atmosphere. Birds were chirping while perched on the trees around the park, the buzzing of a few cicadas could be heard as the sun peeked slightly amidst the cover of clouds. Haruka closed her sky blue eyes as she leaned her head against Heero's own that was nestled above her shoulder.

'I want to stay with you like this... Always.'

She was broken off from her reverie when Heero gently lifted his head and gazed solemnly at her eyes. Haruka timidly glanced back at the Gundam Pilot meeting his piercing Prussian blue orbs. She felt enamored and overwhelmed as she fought back her own emotions while their eyes again locked each other in a warm embrace. Haruka knew that behind those seemingly cold, hard and unfeeling eyes was a sensible, kind-hearted individual who closely guarded his emotions.

"Thank you, Morishima sempai." Heero simply uttered, those words were enough to give her complete assurance as she felt her own feelings flutter.

"I'll take you here anytime you want me to." He added, looking at her intently much to Haruka's own delight.

-oxo-

'W-what... were you thinking that time, Heero?' She wondered upon remembering that particular instant during their first visit on the View Deck Park.

'Why were you sad? W-why do you look lonely... back then?'

Using her left hand to flick away the tears streaking down past her eyes, Haruka sighed deeply as she stared absentmindedly at the horizon.

The lovely young woman pondered heavily as reminiscence from various occasions they were together began presenting themselves.

First and foremost was the most haunting memory of that one fateful evening.

-oxo-

The situation was desperate.

The young man she loved... capably and effectively beat down three or four of his opponents already. He was now squaring off with the largest brute amongst the goons. She thought all was going well until his behemoth of an enemy struck him with two successive blows from both sides of his face.

Haruka's fear for his safety and well-being caused the raven haired beauty to leave the safety of her hiding place despite the cobalt eyed boy's explicit instructions.

"Yuy-kun!" The lovely young woman cried worriedly while her feet and legs moved on their own accord, rushing towards Heero's direction.

How could she be blamed?

She was in love with him. He was the only one that evoked such a powerful emotion from her.

Seeing him single-handedly fight a group of fearful looking thugs was already too difficult for Haruka to contain her feelings.

And now... witnessing firsthand him getting hurt because of intervening for a cause they originally were not involved in... was severely crushing.

"Yuy-kun are you ok? Let's leave this place now!"

'I don't want you getting hurt! I wish to be with you soon... be that special someone for you. I haven't even told you how much I...'

"Morishima sempai, get out of here. Go with Ai." Heero coldly responded, looking seriously at her after throwing a glimpse on his opponent.

'Why are you like that?! Can't you see? I am in love with you!'

"NO! I won't be leaving here without you!" Haruka yelled in frustration with both of her eyes getting watery while glaring at Heero.

The brown haired boy nodded slightly at her and determinedly renewed his assault on the much bigger foe. His moves were nothing short of gracious and finesse while his attacks were simply efficient but extremely brutal. A few moments later, Heero had properly disposed the man mountain after effectively finding a natural weak spot then exploiting it to his advantage.

Haruka was about to run towards him before she was clinched by a pair of strong arms. The pretty campus idol was unable to say anything as she felt the cold razor sharp edge of a dagger pointing at her throat. The cornflower blue eyed young lady had been too preoccupied at watching Heero that she failed to notice one of the goons already regained consciousness and moved behind her.

Now she was being held hostage... being used against the boy she dearly loves.

"Yuy-kun!" Haruka screamed, her sky blue orbs filled with fear as she looked nervously at the Gundam Pilot.

"Shut up! I'll kill you if you move!" The goon with Mohawk hair shouted at her before sneering towards Heero.

"You'll pay dearly for what you did to my buddies!" The purple eyed leader of Mad Hyenas announced with a menacing stare.

'I'm so sorry Yuy-kun... It's my fault this happened...'

"What's wrong Romeo? You scared now that I have your woman?!" Basho taunted the Perfect Soldier while tightly holding on to Haruka.

"Lay your filthy hands off her." She heard the brown haired boy calmly but seriously uttered.

'I'm... scared... Heero... please... save me... '

Basho began laughing after hearing him, instead, the green haired mohawk pulled Haruka closer and smiled wickedly at Heero.

"I'll say it again. Lay your filthy hands off her." The cobalt blue eyed young man coolly repeated.

'I promise... if we make it out of this... I'll work really hard to let you know my feelings. I promise!'

"You don't seem to know your place. I have the upper hand here! And I'll be sure to lay my hands on her after I kill you!" Basho replied, before licking his tongue on his lips and teeth.

'NO! Heero! Help me! Save me from him! Don't let him do anything to me!'

Soon after that all hell broke loose.

Heero's piercing Prussian blue eyes reverted into pitch black orbs that could only be likened to the deepest and darkest abyss. A wicked, sinister shadow seemed to have befallen the brown haired boy. His aura changed abruptly... and drastically. There was a cold, vicious and severe intent emanating from him that could freeze anyone's blood. His next choice of words gave confirmation to the bewilderment being aroused by her disarrayed thoughts.

"I will kill you."

Four words.

His threat against the man holding her only consisted of four words but was exceedingly efficient that even Haruka shuddered in fear. She was terrified. The raven haired beauty could only gasp in shock upon fully ascertaining the grimness of his current persona. The Gundam Pilot barely changed the modulation of his voice. Yet the manner on how he uttered them was nowhere like a warning, was not even close to being a threat... He was merely relaying his next course of action to the green haired mohawk that held her hostage.

'Something's wrong, he's different...'

Haruka began to despair as warm tears began trailing down from her eyes. The lovely young lady was unable to prevent herself from choking with emotion as sobs of sorrow escaped through her lips. She could only cry hard while covering her face with both hands... as Haruka began to somehow understand the situation they were currently in.

'This person... This is not the Heero I've come to...'

-oxo-

The succeeding reminiscence was all too clear inside her mind. Heero brutally mangled the thug without giving the slightest amount of mercy. His normally cobalt blue eyes were frighteningly painted in deep jet black. She knew he was fully intent on slaying... killing the man who held her hostage. Only through the lovely young woman's true feelings and inadvertent admission of his importance to her... was the rampaging demon burning inside Heero finally calmed down.

He was brimming with wrath, scorn and murderous intent.

The young man her heart solely cherishes only ceased his actions the moment Haruka poured out everything she felt inside.

But it does not change or remove the facts of that particular situation.

That eventful night Heero... changed.

That fateful evening he became... different.

That one time he...

"...was like another person..." Haruka whispered as the memory slowly washed out from her thoughts.

No sooner had she finished saying the words when the pretty campus idol realized something.

'What kind of person are you... to leave me... to abandon me when you promised to love me forever?'

Haruka's knowledge of the brown haired boy was like a gigantic puzzle with a myriad pieces missing. The only thing personal she knew about him was that his parents were working overseas and his desire to be independent. This eventually led him to move in Kibitou province and enroll at their school while avoiding residence with his relatives. Other than that information... she practically knew nothing else about Heero.

"I... I-I don't really know who you are... Heero..." The cornflower blue eyed lady sniffled as tears resumed streaking down her face.

Her mind's eye responded by providing the raven haired beauty a series of occurrences that she previously noticed but only paid little to no attention.

That time she and Hibiki went to see Heero while he was working with the Mechatronics Club in building the massive centerpiece for Kibitou Senior High's annual founder's festival. There were occasions during their conversation that she saw the Gundam Pilot looking melancholically at the gigantic replica while they were praising him for a job well done. His smile concealed something sorrowful or painful but was difficult to put into words. Even when they were all alone after Hibiki left, she caught him stealing glances at her with a somber painted from his normally unreadable eyes.

'I could feel you that time... at the back of my mind... I kept thinking if you were only pushing yourself to stay with me. I believe... It was also then that I began to doubt my place in you.'

Then there was that one particular instance while they were out together on their date last New Year's Eve. She had just decided that the number of gold fish inside her bowl was more than enough. Haruka was quite elated both from teasing her boyfriend and the successful haul now swimming within the small glass bowl. The lovely young woman was still deciding on the next thing to do when she turned and saw the unusual countenance reflected from Heero's normally stoic face. The slight twist found on the edges of his lips was different to how he commonly smiles at her. It gave out an assortment of emotions, such as gladness, yearning and uncannily... poignancy. Like that to a man who was relieved at finally seeing the most important person in his life after being isolated from each other for a good period of time. She wanted to... soothe and comfort Heero that moment, yet there was another unknown feeling residing within her. And it was that emotion which bothered Haruka greatly... the sensation of fearing something from the unknown. It was causing an enigma like a purse full of questions.

'Why do you have that look on your face? You're making me feel like you're never going to see me again.'

She asked him if he was ok.

Heero only shook his head sideways before reverting to his calm and composed self.

Haruka resolved to talk with him later on regarding the matter. Know if something was bothering him.

However... she was too much drowned with happiness as the evening passed which also resulted to another unforgettable and immensely fulfilling memory with him inside her bedchamber.

That small lingering thought... completely got off her head.

It was forgotten... until now.

Those small things... or various instances she caught him wearing that unusual sorrowful smile, pale sullen eyes and the dreadful persona he unleashed when she was held hostage. They were an assortment of memories that was rushing repeatedly and knocking endlessly at the doors inside her head. Only now did Haruka recognize there were times that she somehow had the chance to know more about him but overlooked at these opportunities because of different circumstances.

Could she be blamed? Or was she at fault for only realizing and delving seriously into these matters just now?

She felt the cold weather brush against the surface of her skin, which was just more than enough to incite a series of reactions from her bronchial tubes.

Coughing repeatedly, her cornflower blue orbs gazed helplessly into the skies as night time boldly announced its takeover. "Yet... in spite of that... deep inside my heart... I... still love you."

'Tell me... am I just plainly stubborn or is my rationale so muddled I turn a blind eye whenever it concerns you, Heero?'

Haruka knew that logic or reason flies out of the window each time confronted by that ever powerful and resounding emotion called love.

The pretty campus idol bitterly knew that as despite everything that happened between them, she was helpless and ineffectual into making just even one small bit of action to improve her situation.

She knew her faults and current condition.

Yet all of those didn't matter to her, for Haruka there was one thing she wanted to at least have known correctly... however, could no longer confirm.

"But... you did love me, right, Heero?" She asked to herself, choking her breath as clear, crystal liquid dripped from the edges of her cheeks.

---

8:45pm, 28th of January, A.C. 198

For the last quarter of an hour, Heero had been standing in front of the sliding door of his fellow pilot's quarters. The Perfect Soldier was in deep thought, contemplating if he should go inside the room. Quatre has yet to return from his business trip, while Trowa was still at the hangar doing repairs to the mobile suits and would turn in usually at the wee hours of the following day. This leaves only one other person for him to talk to, actually, he was the only guy among their pack that the brown haired boy could truly discuss the topic at hand.

Since his rather... eye opening discussion with Trowa, Heero had began taking into consideration the facts he had learned about his situation and Duo's own experiences while piloting the Epyon. The inescapable truth was there, he could no longer close his eyes and pretend nothing was happening without a cause... or without due reason. Duo's account of seeing images, no matter how vague or hazy or even if it was richly defined in clarity... was an unavoidable occurrence that Heero could not simply ignore.

'It was meant to be. It was meant to happen. It was meant to occur... then...'

"Come back to me..."

"Save me..."

'If everything that transpired with me was an example... then the same could be said as true for Duo.' He pondered before exhaling deeply and shifting his glance at the electronic controls found at the right hand side of the doorway.

'There is something... I need to know... something I have to confirm.'

The Perfect Soldier sighed as he pressed the intercom button, "Duo... it's me. I'm going in."

He was barely finished with his sentence when the automated sliding door glided sideways. The moment he set foot inside Duo's quarters the stench of alcohol immediately suffocated his senses. The room reeked of a powerful, intoxicating and highly distilled alcoholic drink. The brown haired boy next expected to see the room in disarray yet he was wrong, everything was quite in order except for the half empty bottle of brandy, a glass with a quarter of the amber colored alcoholic beverage, drawing pencils and a sketch pad larger than the regular long folder. All of the mentioned items were found at the top of a square table located not too far off from Duo's bed. The former pilot of Deathscythe wore his usual getup but was splayed in a quite unsightly manner face down on his pillow.

At first glance, anyone could readily understand that the room's occupant was dead drunk and not on any condition to engage in a... meaningful conversation. Heero slightly shook his head sideways before deciding he will just probably approach Duo tomorrow when he's sober. The Perfect Soldier turned the opposite way and was about to leave the room when he heard his fellow pilot groan repeatedly.

"Damn... it will take time before this head ache gives me some peace and quiet... Better cut down on the brandy sooner..." Duo moaned as he stroked his head repeatedly while groggily staring ahead of him.

"Whoa... this is REALLY bad... now I'm seeing things... I'm imagining knuckle-head Heero right in front of me." The braided haired young man hazily uttered as his purple irises adjusted its focus.

"Cut out the clown act Duo, it's really me. We need to talk." He formally replied while balancing his calmness and own eagerness at the subject soon to be tackled.

"Err... it is really you, Heero... you'd only visit poor old Duo whenever you're in need of information. Just give me a couple of minutes to compose myself..."

Having said that, the self proclaimed god of death opened the small drawer of the night table located at the left hand side of his bed and retrieved a small pill prior to getting inside his personal bath room. He heard the sound of water running out from the faucet before its regulator valve was closed a few moments later. Duo was using a small towel to wipe his face with both hands as he rejoined Heero inside the room.

"We truly have to be grateful for the medical advancements that spawned the 15-minute hangover wash out pill." His fellow pilot commented while smirking and nodding in approval. "So... what brings you here inside my... humble abode?"

"Trowa tells me you've experienced a... certain phenomenon while conducting the test runs for Mark II Generator inside the Epyon. Care to elaborate?" Heero directly inquired, looking seriously at Duo.

"So you went through all the trouble of going here just to ask me about that. Hmph... Only way you'll have any idea of that is through Trowa. BUT he would only prod you to get the information straight from the horse's mouth."

"I need you to confirm."

"Well, I originally planned on telling you once you're more approachable and willing to pay attention. But have hesitated ever since as it involves the subject matter you've been too sensitive about after your return."

"Duo..." Heero trailed sharply taking in air before exhaling it gradually, "...please. I have to know."

The braided pilot curiously raised a brow at the brown haired boy after hearing what he just uttered.

Both men became silent for a while before Duo shook his head softly in disbelief.

"You... never plead even if you need something so desperately, Heero."

He then smiled contentedly at the Perfect Soldier and threw him a knowing look.

"Whenever I take the Epyon's helm during Fold Generator runs... I've been... seeing images. It was all too blurry and hazy at first but it became clearer and refined as the trial runs dragged on. The experience only occurs whenever the generator gets activated. However, what made it all too interesting was the fact that I am basically seeing the same person on different situations each time it happens. Man, I thought I was losing it. Even asked myself if it was hallucinations or trauma... I don't know. But I had to tell someone I could trust, just to make sure my sanity's intact... that's where Trowa came in. He was the only one who knew about it... I can't tell Quatre, he's been kicking and blaming himself a lot when we lost you... and I dare not say anything about it to Hilde."

"Why?"

"Because the person I always see during the test runs is a girl... nope... a woman actually. How do I tell my girlfriend about that? Like… Hilde, there's this hot chick I see whenever we try looking for Heero. Definitely, not cute right? But anyway..." Duo was forced to stop in mid-sentence as Heero suddenly interjected.

"A woman."

"Yep, a woman. No sane guy would tell his girlfriend about stuff like that... unless he's looking for his own grave, right? But it doesn't end there." The braided pilot reasoned out while looking at him with questioning eyes to verify if he was still interested with the topic.

"Go on."

"Things got... a little out of hand or rather creepier in another perspective. I... I began having dreams about this woman. Heck, I think she's becoming an obsession as she's all I could think of. Oh well... women's instincts is really the scariest characteristic they have in possession, Hilde figured out I was becoming distant to her... she... damn, she broke up and left me even though her suspicions were never fully validated."

"I... see."

"Now, you know my tale, you should at least answer even a single question for me."

"I suppose that's fair."

"Did you experience something like that during the original generator's maiden run?"

'Yes... that's... how I first saw Haruka. ZERO... showed her images to me.'

The cobalt blue eyed boy wanted to lie and deny everything about it, but instead decided to subtly change the focus of discussion.

"This woman... did you ever see her?" He inquired at the braided haired pilot.

"Hey! No fair! You're avoiding my question, Heero." Duo exclaimed grinning wickedly at him.

"We have an accord. I'll respond to one question if you answer that final inquiry." He replied monotonously at his fellow pilot.

"You know, you're really shrewd sometimes. But I won't let you off till you answer that one later." The braided young man remarked before shaking his head sideways in frustration.

Heero only threw Duo a terse look and grunted his usual way of confirmation.

"Nope, but... I remember her face clearly. You could check that sketch book to see what she looks like." Duo answered while pointing at the top of the square table.

Driven by intense curiosity, Heero moved towards the table and gently flipped the front cover of Duo's sketch book. The first few pages only yielded distorted pencil strokes and bleary outlines. Undeterred, the Perfect Soldier continued flicking through the sketch pad with growing interest as the braided pilot's drawings became more and more discernible showing his progress. Finally he came upon what maybe the most lucid and detailed among the sketches, Heero felt his heartbeat banging loudly through his chest. His own brows previously scrunched together were now arched in surprise while his mind was being swamped by a multitude of questions.

Noticing that he was now looking at the intended sketch, Duo smiled sadly as he started explaining.

"It's actually the fourteenth or... rather fifteenth attempt overall, I stealthily asked Quatre to teach me the basics of sketching. Well... never thought, I had some talent in that area. But it took me some time and a lot of effort. Sadly though... I could only draw her whenever I'm intoxicated with alcohol. I think my desperation mounts up during those times of loneliness, inspiring me to see her... clearly... vividly in my imagination."

He knew the person drawn on the sketch pad.

Straight, uneven, short-length, jet black hair.

Charcoal... sable irises.

Light, demure smile.

Hearing no response from him, the lavender eyed pilot resumed, "She's a beauty right? Quite matured but she's definitely pretty. If I ever meet her in person, I'd tell her straight forward to go out with me! But that's next to impossible... how it could ever happen, aside from the fact that there's around five trillion people found on both Earth and the Colonies, it's like saying the ZERO System is a forecaster or a matchmaker."

'Or a painful and cruel joke like fate... destiny.'

"However, those images I've seen really gave off a nostalgic feeling... you know? Like it was supposed to happen and I was there. But my dreams about her are really something... as most of the time it involves a very inspiring yet rather naughty situation!" Duo mused before smiling smugly at Heero.

The brown haired boy remained silent, emotionless even, contemplating the hard truths and given facts surrounding him.

It was growing... too difficult to ignore now.

Beyond more than he could bear.

Trying... testing the limits and fringes of how much he would endure.

"Come on, Heero... you've been staring at her sketch for a while now. You could clearly see that she's nowhere near Haruka's features..."

'Haruka... I first saw her through images flashed by the ZERO System.'

"...Now be a man of your word and answer my question, did you experience something like this... the images and all that... when the Fold Generator activated?"

'Images... of... everything... that will... come... to... pass...'

It was bound to happen.

It was meant to occur.

His jaw clenched firmly while his Prussian blue orbs hardened... it was very easy to lie but the truth was too hard to swallow. If there was any indication or it could be considered as a sign, the current discussion with Duo definitely served the purpose well.

Deja Vu?

Preordained.

"Heero?" Duo curiously asked noticing his attention was elsewhere.

The images were both a joyful reminiscence and a painful reminder of the past.

But also an omen... for events that would befall upon him and the young woman he so dearly loves.

'Lose... Haruka... painfully... Killing... whatever remains of my battered soul.'

"Not all hope is lost, Gundam Pilot. There is still time... and chance."

'Yet...'

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

"Earth to Heero? Hello?" He heard Duo spoke, purging him out from his musings.

"Would I bear... the pain of losing the one woman I loved... for all of eternity?"

The answer was unmistakable.

His thoughts fell in line one after another.

'Her memory... I should stop... tainting it any further...'

Like pieces of jigsaw puzzle being placed rightfully to their respective places.

'She deserves... nothing less than be honored... be acknowledged.'

Or valuable treasure unearthed... its splendor being radiated through a concentrated beam of light.

'Haruka... I will stop ignoring... the YOU that lives in me. The YOU that resides in my heart. The part of me that never stopped... that never...'

"Hey! Heero! Are you ok?" Duo once again inquired, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

'I won't lie... nor make any more excuses. I will never deny you... anymore.' He pondered before heaving out the trapped air inside his lungs.

"Yes."

"Huh? Hey... that's not my question you're supposed to answer..." The braided pilot rattled while scowling at him.

"The images... that's how I first saw Haruka. ZERO showed them to me when the Fold Generator activated during the maiden run." Heero clarified and at the same time confirming his comrade's long sought query.

"D-damn it... Heero... don't tell me..." Duo uttered in shock, wide-eyed at the unexpected revelation of the normally reserved and stoic pilot.

Heero nodded lightly as he proceeded with his tale.

---

The liquid was bitter, unadulterated and left a burning sensation as it traveled down his throat. For someone drinking on his first time, it was sufficient enough to say that Heero Yuy could hold his liquor well. He did not know why or how... but his hands moved instinctively and reached out for the bottle of brandy before Duo could make any move to stop him. The brown haired boy started by taking small, calculated sips then eventually settled for long, focused swigs as he recounted the images shown by the ZERO System. The images that became a reality or transpired as the consequence of his actions. Duo for his part took another chair and sat across the table while intently listening at the Perfect Soldier. Every now and then, the lavender eyed pilot took a couple of slugs at the brandy but never removing his attention from what could be classified as very rare and unheard of moment for a highly secretive person like Heero.

It took the cobalt eyed pilot more than an hour to finish his story before ensconcing himself silently on the chair. The bottle of brandy was already empty and the room barrenly silent. Heero noticed his thoughts became sharper and his memories a bit more unforgiving to which he ascertained had been caused by the alcohol. The Perfect Soldier also felt that his motor skills were a couple of notches below its normal reaction time, another proof he was indeed what could now be classified as tipsy. Yet his mind was working overtime, like a team of data encoders feeding enormous amount of information towards the mainframe.

'All the things I've done... all the words I've said... all the times I lied... doesn't change the fact that I turned my back on you, Haruka.'

"Heero... buddy, I know you already answered one question for me, but here me out on this... please."

He grunted.

"Didn't you ever consider that in spite of how much you detested or hated the role which destiny played on your situation with Haruka, Fate itself led you to meet her?"

"Tell me Duo, how could accidents be the precursor for two persons to meet when they were originally separated by a millennium or two?"

"Heero... you said it yourself. That accident with the Fold Generator was destined or fated to happen. It allowed the impossible to transpire. It bridged your lives together."

"Then I am indeed right. Fate or destiny is a cruel, merciless and heartless bastard who smiles at the sufferings and sorrows of the lives it has toyed with."

"Heero... you're missing the point here."

His deep blue Prussian eyes coldly stared at the braided haired pilot who took it as a queue to continue.

"Destiny or fate is an event that will inevitably occur in the future. Right? It is a result. It is a consequence. The accident with the Fold Generator was a cause. Now, the result is you meeting Haruka while stranded back in her time."

"What are you implying, Duo?"

"Aren't results or consequences determined by our own actions?"

"You're right. But we are only going in a loop here. It also brings us back to the given fact that destiny or fate means preordained. No matter what we do, it was bound to fail."

"Did you ever fight it?"

"How could we ever fight something that was already a given to occur?"

"Heero... There's a fine line separating those who only accept their fate and people who try to take control of their destiny. I've seen you claw yourself out from your intended destiny as a weapon whose only purpose was to accomplish his mission barely three years ago."

Duo's words struck him dead center. However, he was still reeling from its meaning when his thoughts brought back the verse that was repeated endlessly by the EPYON System.

"Defy the irony of life.

Conquer your fear.

Ascend towards your fate.

Claim your destiny.

Fulfill the premise of eternity."

"Heero... isn't Haruka someone you would give everything for? Isn't... your love for Haruka a reason good enough to fight for?"

'Isn't Haruka worth fighting for?' Somewhere inside his heart screamed out in anguish.

'I promise Haruka, I will tell you everything. All of it. You deserve nothing less than knowing the whole truth about me. If you're still sure about your feelings for me, then I will never… No… I will fight destiny and fate, even till the end of time to prove how much you mean to me.'

"I've been a conceited fool and one of the biggest cowards in existence... I could not even back up my own words." His thoughts ruefully answered.

"Heero, uhm, just one last question." The self proclaimed shinigami requested with a hint of apprehension.

"Ok."

"I've noticed it when you returned and... we're matured individuals here, one way or another. Since it's pretty obvious that you've already crossed the bridge with Haruka... I believe you were at the very least... 'prepared' considering you've been so deliberate on how you could possibly disrupt the future with any actions from the past." Duo concernedly voiced out.

"I... don't quite get you, Duo."

"Err... what I mean to say is... I just want to... confirm... that you always utilized 'protection' lest you wanted a couple of little Heeros or Harukas running back in 2012 A.D.?" The purple eyed pilot nervously asked as he stared incredulously at the brown haired boy.

The look on Heero's face was enough for Duo to smack his brow before shaking his head in disbelief.

"Seriously, you have to include that one on the list of reasons and among the top priorities why Heero Yuy has to get back to Haruka Morishima."

---

7:28am, 31st of January, A.C. 198

The morning breeze at the countryside of Gaullia, left a soothing touch to the skin which when coupled with the warm sunlight provided the perfect climate anyone expected from a rural area situated near the mountains. Gaullia was a thriving town located at the west of Versailles, with farming as its primary source of livelihood. The vast countryside was not only cultivated but also became an ideal location for raising livestock. Yet despite its strong contribution to the nation's agricultural development and revenue, Gaullia was better known as the birthplace of a man who became well respected and loved not only within the region being one of its sons but also across the entire globe.

The man was a major proponent for peace and a staunch advocate for pacifism. He propositioned the demilitarization of the Alliance and resumption of dialogue with the Colonies. His embrace on such beliefs was a stark contrast to the position he held as one of the highest ranking officials from the now defunct United Earth Sphere Alliance. Yet despite of his status, he never forgot his roots and maintained a permanent residence on his ancestral villa at the eastern boundaries of the region. The man led an illustrious career and was considered as a voice of reason for the UESA till his life ended prematurely three years ago which also served as the precursor to the Alliance's own downfall.

He was buried at the behest of his wife also a native of Gaullia in the country's sole cemetery located northeast of the town.

For the past two years at no regular interval, the Perfect Soldier had visited the man's grave twice already. On both occasions he only found himself... standing silently in front of the tomb. Staring without any focus at the grave. He wondered at his intentions for coming to the very monument of the man whose life ended... taken by his own hands.

Today was the third time, but it was different. He now has a purpose for coming here.

Three days.

He has racked his mind and toiled with determination. His reason now clear... it was time to pick up the pieces of his past.

His jaw tightened at the sliver of memory brought on by the rashness of his actions then.

"Young man... do you know what you're doing?"

The brown haired boy gently knelt and placed the bouquet of flowers at the base of the grave. Looking at the headstone idly guarding the tomb, he silently read out the words inscribed as a tribute... an epitaph to the man's legacy.

"A man who dreamed of peace and harmony.

A devoted father, not only to his children but also to the people of Earth Sphere.

A loving husband.

A proud son of Gaullia.

And most of all, a believer of pacifism."

'Marshal... Noventa...' His thoughts trailed while his cobalt blue eyes softened slightly, revealing the amount of suppressed emotions he had been carrying.

'I came here... twice... lost on both times. No matter how hard I've tried, I still could not find the answers that I so desperately searched. I've labored hard each passing day... I never forgot my sins... I continued carrying my crosses. I know... there is no atonement for all the blood I've spilled... lives I've taken... sins I've committed. Even if you're not in this existence anymore... I wanted you to know that I... I found someone. Someone... I... I will give up everything for. Yet... I have wronged her. And it pains me to finally understand... that as much as I know how I am so unworthy of her... I never made any step to better myself. I have long admitted and accepted past sins... but right now, even if you could not answer me anymore... I...' He silently admitted and trailed as his gaze landed on the green grass covering the gave.

"I... seek... forgiveness..." Heero softly worded out, the remorse and sincerity evident from the tone of his voice.

"Heero Yuy?" Someone suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his musings.

---

No one save for a select handful could ever surprise or caught him unaware behind his back. The brown haired boy silently chastised himself before turning to face the newcomer. The young woman stood a good distance from him, she had shoulder length pale blonde hair and kind green eyes. The girl was wearing a light pink sweater dress and white flat shoes. Also he easily and correctly surmised that she was of the same age as him. The Perfect Soldier only took a couple of moments to fully recognize the person, he remembered the last time they met each other was around three years ago albeit on very different circumstances. Heero had previously approached her and presented his sidearm, so that the young woman can give judgment... for his killing of her very own grandfather.

The man that was finally laid into rest at the grave before him.

"Sylvia... Noventa." Heero softly acknowledged.

"It is... a pleasant surprise to see you here, Heero Yuy."

He nodded slightly in agreement.

"Thank you, for remembering... honoring my grandfather's memory. It means so much for you to be physically here. Where ever he is right now, I know... he truly appreciates this."

The Perfect Soldier only grunted before standing up and fully facing the young woman. Upon careful observation, he noticed the change, no, big difference from the girl he met three years ago to the lady in front of him. Sylvia Noventa exuded a blinding radiance, a glow only present to someone who has clearly accepted the past and bravely moving on to the future.

'Yet me... I am still a coward.'

"You look troubled? Anything the matter?"

"I... came here... seeking forgiveness, but how could I be forgiven if they're already gone?" The Gundam Pilot admitted after casting a glance on the grave in front of him.

"It doesn't mean that when someone is already gone, you can no longer ask to be forgiven."

"But it also doesn't change anything if I ever ask for forgiveness... I could no longer bring back the lives I've taken." Heero earnestly spoke holding his breath for a moment before looking at the young woman.

"Yes, you are right. Yet in doing so... allows the healing process to begin. For the wounds, pains and hurts to be cured."

"Wounds leave scars." He countered while staring at the vastness of countryside.

"No one is spared from a painful memory." The emerald eyed lady wisely replied.

"How does that fare for those who are already gone?"

"You pray for the eternal rest of their soul and convey your apologies." She kindly answered.

Seeing the bewildered look on his face, Sylvia continued.

"Heero Yuy... they may now be on another plane or existence but they will know."

"I... don't even know how to properly ask for forgiveness."

"As long as it comes sincerely inside your heart, the message would reach its intended recipient. But that is not all."

"What do you mean?" Heero wondered.

"Asking forgiveness from others is meaningless, lest you learn to forgive yourself. It has to begin from you." The blonde young lady replied while smiling at him.

"Begin... from me?"

"Only now... as I look into your eyes do I see you still carry the burdens of yesterday. To ask for forgiveness is a sign you are ready to move on from your past mistakes. It is an act of repentance. While atonement is a way of proving to others you are doing everything with your strength and sincerity to better yourself." The fine young woman explained as her emerald eyes stared deeply into his.

"Our family has already forgiven you. Me, my mother... and of course, my grandmother since that time."

"But... I have spilled... a lot of blood, caused a lot of deaths, not even including Marshal Noventa's." Heero reasoned out.

"I sincerely believe that most, if not all of them have forgiven you. The war has taken away our love ones, yet to dwell on the past is also a dishonor to the lives that were sacrificed in order to reach this new era of peace." Sylvia sagely said before throwing a sad smile at her grandfather's grave.

"Heero, in a perfect world, you can ask and receive the forgiveness of everyone. But in reality, every person still has varying opinions. Most would forgive. Some would rather forget. Some would harbor a desire for revenge... but if you are to repeat that act of cowardice... don't you think someone would be deeply saddened should you die in such a manner? And in the process... repeat the tragic cycle of death and vengeance."

Her words pierced him deeply, striking at the very core of his own heart. The brown haired boy knew exactly what she meant. It was the moment he offered his life to her. Take vengeance and pass judgment for the death of Marshal Noventa.

"I am so much in love with you, the moment I learned of the tragedy... I want to see you, I have to be at your side, I need to be sure you are safe. I thought I lost you, Heero. I was really worried. You are so precious to me. Losing you to an accident or to another woman... I could never take that."

'Haruka... will be sad...'

"It would be a shame to see you bounded to the past while everyone else is doing all that they can to face the challenges of today and tomorrow."

"Thank you, Sylvia Noventa."

She stared deeply into his Prussian blue orbs for a few moments before nodding softly and smiling sincerely at him.

"Lastly... don't forget one of the main essences in asking for forgiveness, as it is the most meaningful endeavor to accomplish for the persons closest around us. They are the ones who are prone to get hurt directly because of our actions. I may only be a woman but I could sense... that there is someone out there... you truly wish to ask for forgiveness. Do not hesitate Heero Yuy, make it count... before it's too late."

"I will." He answered, his cobalt blue eyes glimmering with appreciation as he extended his hand towards Sylvia.

The young lady smiled once again and held his hand in return.

---

6:14pm, 1st of February 2012 A.D. (GMT +8:00 Tokyo)

The last rays of sunlight had long been gone. Darkness had already covered the night sky in full mantle. Winter still reigned over the province of Kibitou, yet the large gray clouds looming across the heavens were a clear indication that the sudden shift in weather is imminent. Streaks of lightning could be seen radiating the outlines of these clouds as muffled sounds of thunder was to be heard even across the distance. It has been forecasted by the weather bureau that there will be scattered thunderstorms and rain showers brought on by the changing of tides. Now it was only a matter of time till the prediction becomes a reality.

The trains and other means of public transport as expected were jam-packed with commuters. Students, laborers, office workers and members from various communities filled the local transportation. All were rushing to reach their homes before downpour.

Haruka barely cared or at the very least gave a damn to the weather condition. The raven haired lady slowly trudged the snow swept pathway towards her destination with resoluteness displayed by a haunted person. Yes, she was haunted... by the love she had lost and now so desperately sought. The dark rings around her eyes along with the paleness of her normally rich fair skin maybe the obvious, physical evidences. But sadly, those manifestations could never hold a candle to the emotional and mental stress she had suffered from since the month Heero left her.

Lack of sleep.

Loss of appetite.

Emotional distress.

Battered mind.

Shattered heart.

Tortured soul.

She felt her knees buckle and would likely give up provided the opportunity, but she continued to press onwards. Fierce determination? Plain stubbornness? Or sheer obsession?

Haruka didn't care.

"I-I'm... a-almost... there..." She struggled to say as waves of coughs were violently dispersed from her lungs.

"S-seems... I really... took all your misfortune... H-Heero..." The cornflower blue eyed young woman sadly noted but still managed to smile despite her condition.

Haruka then placed the handkerchief she held inside her school bag before raising her head to check the monument ahead. She softly heaved a sigh of relief.

She had finally reached her destination

Taking a few more steps, the raven haired lady soon removed a small white purse out from her winter coat's pocket. Slowly, Haruka opened the hand purse before withdrawing a fairly thick wad of bills from it.

"Let's go Haruka, it's our turn now." The Gundam Pilot gently said as he led her towards the temple.

'Heero...' Her mind whispered, remembering the time she went with him to this very same place before the year changed.

Sleepless nights had finally taken its toll on Haruka, couple that with the lack of proper nourishment caused by distress resulted to her current condition. The young woman had tediously saved the allowance given by her mother in a firm hope that she would use the money to fund her search. Yet as she calculated her expected monthly allowance... the sky blue eyed lady found out it would still take her three more months to meet the required sum for the plane fare at the very least. Plus to make matters worst, she does not have anything set aside yet for lodgings and pocket money. Though she planned to look for side-jobs while in Europe, Haruka was also frightened at the prospect of getting entangled with members of organized syndicate that sells young women as...

Haruka closed both eyes and shook her head sideways, THAT possibility or option sometimes lingers inside her thoughts especially during the most desperate times whenever she was running out of ideas. But aside from her moral upbringing and her own divine faith... she could never bring herself to commit such an act. It was borne from a deep fear that she might forever lose Heero or will never have the face to meet him should she lower herself to such a level. She made a promise to him that she'll only be his. The cornflower blue eyed girl intended to keep it at all costs. And even without that promise, she knows full well that everything inside her - heart, mind, body and soul would never allow the raven haired young woman to soil herself.

Because all of them still belong undeniably to Heero Yuy.

She was willing to do menial tasks, be a housemaid, a street vendor, or a person with many odd part-time jobs or even just someone who cleans toilets. Haruka was willing to go down from the high perch where she had been sheltered and kept safe. Risk and turn her back from all the affluence accorded by the only life she knew. All of those and more... just to find him... be with him. But the cornflower blue eyed lady would never tarnish the love she nurtures for Heero. The campus idol was willing to give up all the privileges and advantages that came with her birthright. She could lay down her pride, be called shameless, forfeit all claims to her rightful inheritance and many more.

All that... just to be with him.

Yet she would never relinquish her dignity, it was something the sky blue eyed young woman greatly valued.

It would be the one thing that Haruka wanted to protect fiercely till she was reunited with Heero.

Since that Christmas Eve she gave everything to him.

And that New Year's Eve she reaffirmed her affections for him.

She wanted to be together him... knowing that she did everything honestly and could still face him without any guilt or shame.

No one, but Heero... Alone.

However, everywhere she goes, everyone she knows and every time she tries... everything was turning from bad to worst for Haruka.

-oxo-

"Morishima-san, your performance on the last exam... how do I say it... has dropped you an unprecedented 18 notches from your previous rank. Is there anything troubling you at home? You always belong to the upper 10% of the class, as your homeroom teacher, please tell me if there's anything I could do to help you."

'What would I tell you, Mariko sensei? That I'm unable to concentrate because my boyfriend left me?' She deadpanned inside her mind before instead replying, "I... have been feeling under the weather lately. My apologies for causing you to worry, sensei."

"Morishima-san, please don't hesitate to approach me. We could get in touch with your parents and try to solve whatever it is that..."

'My father... would probably transfer me to another school if he learns of this.' Haruka resentfully thought as she decided to interrupt her adviser.

"I'm fine Mariko sensei, there is no need to contact my parents as I am still on track to pass Senior High with my credits."

"Morishima-san, you're missing the point here, the cause of concern here is..." The class 3-B adviser attempted to reason out but was cut abruptly by the cornflower blue eyed lady once again.

"Thank you, sensei. I appreciate your concern. Now please excuse me." Haruka tersely closed before bowing and leaving her homeroom teacher dumbfounded.

'You don't know my problems, sensei. I don't have any intentions on sharing... a matter that I consider highly personal.'

Her school marks were declining at a steep rate. The instructors from different subjects had approached her homeroom teacher to report the sudden drop, out of concern for the raven haired young woman. Her mind was flying elsewhere. She could not concentrate. She was unable to focus. Aside from the fact that she had also lost interest on her studies. All she could ever think of was him. The Prussian blue eyed boy who took her heart and shattered it to pieces. The young man who was always inside her mind. The brown haired transfer student that was solely recognized by her soul.

Yet her grades were only a single facet out of the many concerns that abound the campus idol.

His memories would haunt her every evening, at the deepest part of the night, during the few hours of sleep she would have.

Haruka would wake up from her dreams... gasping for breath... sobbing uncontrollably due to the pain... crying out of sorrow.

The kind-hearted young woman was always robbed of sleep. Once awake, it was guaranteed that she would have difficulties on going back to slumber. Even if she managed, her consciousness would be all too susceptible and highly sensitive from getting easily awaken. She would either come in late and sleep on her desk or arrive early before requesting to be excused for the campus clinic. Ms. Kanae, the school nurse had repeatedly attempted but was constantly declined whenever she tried to approach Haruka in hopes of having the young woman confide her problems. The school nurse had her own inkling on the reasons surrounding Haruka's depression and Heero's sudden disappearance. It didn't require an expert to realize and understand the circumstances surrounding the two students as the young nurse was also a witness to the obvious attraction going between them. Twice or thrice a week... Haruka was sure to spend three to four hours sleeping inside the clinic.

At times the raven haired lady wondered if being awake was crueler than the nightmares that come to visit her every time she would close her eyes. The state of consciousness only forced the campus idol to face the reality that Heero had already abandoned her. That he was no longer with her.

She had to stare at her most terrifying dreams come into life every single day.

Heero had left her... he was gone, she was now alone.

Deserted.

Thrown aside like a worthless piece of...

-oxo-

Closing her sky blue orbs tightly, Haruka slowly shook her head sideways to shrug off the painful reminiscence.

True... Haruka's loss of sleep was among the reasons for her failing marks. But there was another glaring subject that had been preoccupying her thoughts as of late.

It caused her to relentlessly ponder the one thing she just realized a few days ago.

'Who are you...? Heero?'

She wanted to know. The young woman ascertained that answering the question would help her understand why he left. The raven haired lady, however, was left with only more questions since Heero disappeared. Haruka deeply believed that solving the riddle of Heero's identity would lead her to him and in doing so give their love another chance. Only recently was she able to recognize and point out the sad truth that she practically knew so little about him.

She was naive.

Unknowing.

But she was known to be compulsive... tireless... and stubborn.

And yet the more Haruka delved, the more time she spent brooding over the topic only led to her continued loss of nourishment. She did not deliberately stop eating or lost her appetite entirely. The true reason was that she unconsciously forgot to take her meals regularly. The campus idol would skip food intake at times, or would consume a small amount of sustenance just to appease her stomach once hunger sets in. Unknown to Haruka, her irregular eating pattern and sub par consumption of food was damaging her health little by little.

Instead, she busied herself by attempting to decipher the massive puzzle that was none other than the person she deeply love.

'What kind of person are you... Heero?'

She needed to know. Not as a gauge for her to love him any less but due to a deep desire to correctly perceive the reason behind his sudden departure. Know whatever issues he might have had with their relationship and how she could address them. Did she force herself too much on his personal space? Was he suffocated from her ceaseless need of attention? Had she been too jealous at times that he became tired of her? Or she was too demanding... too needy that it smothered him?

Haruka was still very much in the dark on the truth of their abrupt separation. However she was not yet past the stage of fully accepting the fact that Heero has left her. The raven haired young woman was only at the point of needing to understand the cause of their breakup. Haruka surmised that once she was able to properly translate the questions surrounding Heero, ergo, understanding his entire persona, they could go back to the happy days.

However... it was easier said than done.

First and foremost, his current whereabouts are unknown. They only knew he was somewhere in Europe.

Second, he never left any details or clues that could help in tracking him.

Third, no one truly knew Heero Yuy... even she, his girlfriend was no exception.

Finally, her means of finding him was severely hampered by various circumstances.

Her situation was no different from that of someone trapped inside a deep mine where the constant threat of cave in was imminent. She had no choice but to wander in the dark never knowing if the end of the tunnel was near. The light of hope at its end had been avoiding or worse seemed to be non-existent for Haruka. She lay muddled and lost inside a labyrinth filled with nothing but shadows. That was the difficulty she was up against in her fervent desire to find the love of her life.

The acknowledgment of the truth caused a pair of tears to fall down from her sky blue orbs.

'It was not just about money... resources... It was also about looking for someone who doesn't want to be found.' She mused in frustration.

"Ok, we have to clap our hands three times before you pull the rope for the Shrine Bells. Got it?"

"Was it my fault for falling in love with you?" Haruka uttered in sorrow.

"What did you request for earlier? Could... you... tell me." She hopefully inquired, her cornflower blue irises staring widely in anticipation at him.

"Not once... did I ever think it was a mistake for me to love you."

"I... just asked that everything you prayed for will be granted." The Perfect Soldier replied, smiling subtly in return at her.

Haruka smiled bitterly at the remembrance before coughing repeatedly.

"My only wish was to be with you forever."

Loss of sleep.

Lack of nourishment.

Deteriorating health.

"I truly love you, Heero... so much." She softly spoke as tears continuously trailed down her cornflower blue orbs.

"Morishima sempai..." His deep baritone voice called out somewhere from the depths of her memories.

"I... I don't want to lose hope. I want to find you... I want to be together with you." The campus idol said who was now sobbing in sorrow to loosen up the growing weight inside her chest.

"Haruka..." He coolly mentioned her name, which brought ripples of electricity to course through her veins.

"But... But why is it too difficult to understand... answer the questions around you? And... And... why is it so hard... so hard to love someone like you?"

'I've been doing all that I can... Heero. I really am.' Haruka pondered as she choked her emotions.

"I want to be that someone... someone who would always stand next to you... but you won't let me..." She murmured while tears now rolled down unabatedly from her sky blue eyes.

'I'm very thankful this year to have met and fallen in love with the boy standing beside me right now. I'm also really thankful that he accepted my confession and admitted that he loves me too. He's all I've ever wanted in my life, so please... help us make it through. Please watch over us and take good care of us both, I'm sure I won't be able to move on or handle it if I ever lost him. I really love him a lot...'

The nostalgia brought back a fleeting moment of joy that was soon burned immediately within her thoughts. Haruka wanted to hold on tightly... a promise, fast fading like the light from a candle flickering helplessly against the unforgiving bursts of strong wind. Grip onto it tenaciously even with the bleakest of prospects. However, as fast as it came... the feeling was soon replaced and vastly overshadowed by the grief and despair embedded inside her heart.

"Heero..."

Haruka's shoulders shook uncontrollably as the powerful wave of emotion and sensation that came with loving him washed over her. She slid down the bills inside the offering grills before sinking on both knees in front of the altar. Sniffing and choking while using the back of her palms to wipe away her tears. The weather was getting colder by the minute and rain would surely fall anytime soon. She could feel the heat surface from her skin, covering the entireness of body. Her face felt prickly. Her eyes were chafe and sore. And even from within... Haruka knew she was badly bleeding. Her shattered heart knew no rest... but only pain... only sorrow... only...

"Heero..."

A brilliant flash of lightning streaked across the skies followed shortly by the roar of thunder.

It was a price she would pay... dearly. The raven haired young woman had neglected everything in her pursuit of the one person she had solely cherished.

Malnutrition.

Sleep deprivation.

Emotional strain.

The heart, mind and body... could only take so much.

"Heero..." Haruka wailed in grief as the floodgates of paradise rushed down to this Earth.

Like countless pins that descended from the skies...

The hemisphere was nothing but a rueful scene of despondence...

Even the heavens cried a river of tears...

Despite the chilling embrace of her clothes soaked wet from the rain, Haruka closed both eyes tightly as she clasped her hands in prayer.

"Please... please... lead him back to me. I... I want to be with him! I need him in my life!" The raven haired young woman started in a bid for divine intervention to listen and accede with her solitary desire.

"Thanks. My name is Heero Yuy, class 2-A, I am grateful to you, miss..." He introduced himself after receiving the plastic bag and nodding softly at her inside the school infirmary.

"Is it too difficult to ask? Is it so hard to grant my wish? Am I so undeserving to suffer like this? Why do I have to lose him when he's the first one... and the only one I ever cared for?" She continually asked while wondering why fate... had been so cruel to her.

"Don't worry... I won't let any harm come to you." Heero sincerely assured as he cradled her safely in his arms before gazing kindly at her while gently pleading, "Just please... say something, Morishima sempai."

"I love him so much!" Haruka admitted in grief as memories of the Gundam Pilot crashed down around her... like sheets of glass breaking into a myriad fragments.

"Morishima sempai, you can't do anything that will make me mad at you." The brown haired boy started before turning her to face him and holding her softly on both shoulders. His cobalt blue eyes were staring deeply at her cornflower orbs as he gently spoke to the raven haired beauty.

"I will never let any harm come to you. I will... protect you, Morishima sempai."

"If you can't... then please... please make my heart stop loving him. I don't know what to do anymore... I've really tried... my hardest... I've been doing all that I could... But I always fail!" The cornflower blue eyed young lady painfully surrendered even as she loath her own helplessness of the situation.

"You're..." Heero trailed once again before calmly and honestly finishing his sentence "...the most important person in my life too."

"Help me set him free if I'm not the person for him. Help me let him go. Help me give up on him!" Haruka intently prayed while tears streamed down from both of her sky blue orbs.

"I am... in love with you, Haruka." Heero answered and confessed to her after slightly tilting her head upward using the corner of his index finger encircling the thumb of his left hand.

"I'm sorry Heero... I'm really sorry... please... forgive me. But if my heart can't set you free... it would be best if I just die... I can't forget all the moments we shared... the times we spent together. My head is filled with your memories even if you don't love me anymore!" Haruka ruefully expressed with both hands clenched together above her chest.

Her shoulders shook uncontrollably as she wailed pitifully amidst chokes and sobs.

"I... just asked that everything you prayed for will be granted." The Perfect Soldier replied to her question before smiling subtly in return.

"I can't live without you!" Haruka closed in admission while weeping in sorrow as she concluded her prayer.

A sudden yet blinding spear of lightning blazed through the night sky accompanied closely by the deafening sound of thunderclap.

'Heero... why did you leave me without even saying just one word? I'm really worthless to you.'

The angry skies were dominantly shaded by black and grey.

Lightning and thunder fought each other for supremacy across the atmosphere.

The heavy deluge seemed to have dowsed whatever hope that she kept within.

Haruka attempted to stand up but felt her knees fold.

Both buckled which caused her to lose balance.

She fell sideways on the cold, hard, stone pathway in front of the Shrine's Altar.

Were her knees numb with cold due to the ongoing downpour?

Did her entire body became numb as faith and hope abandoned her?

Or was her heart and soul too numb now after getting battered and tortured?

Haruka was left with nothing.

Empty.

"Morishima-san!" She faintly heard a female voice cry out from a distance.

The figure was hazy... however, despite the difficulty, Haruka attempted to discern the outlines of the person.

Slowly the fuzzy draft changed in clarity yet it was nowhere better than the view seen from the opposite side of frosted glass.

Whoever it was... she no longer cared.

She felt cold.

She was tired.

Too tired.

"Come back to me... Heero."

Consciousness was about to abandon her.

Lying sideways in front of the Shrine altar as the rain streamed down... drenching Haruka without any remorse.

"Save me..." She whispered desperately.

Rain melted the snow.

The void wanted to claim her.

Everything felt distant.

---

Author's Notes:

More than a quarter of a year (almost 4 months! Arrrggghh!) had already passed since my last update, progress was really slow last December because of the holiday season while January had always been the toughest month in terms of workload on my profession. Good thing though, I was able to pick up the pace by February. Sorry for the delay… err… it could already be considered as hiatus already, guys and gals - lots of going ons for the last of couple months. However, there's a reward for all the hard work, I'm glad to say I had been promoted (professionally) just recently. I'm currently transitioning my duties and responsibilities to my replacement before undergoing training on my new designation. Ok, enough about me, here's some background data surrounding HW15:

The Catalog - Is a massive information vault located deep within the Swiss Alps. I was inspired to create something like this due to mankind's perceived value and esteem on history, heritage and it's treasures (works of art, paintings, crown jewels, etc.) while providing another catalyst for Heero. Its conceptualization might be jarring if we consider the power previously held by the Romefeller Foundation in A.C. timeline but my inspiration came from the existence of a secret society that only concerned itself on preserving the heritage of humankind.

2nd and 3rd Haruka's Future Scenes - First shown by the ZERO System to Heero during his return trip, now enacted by Haruka exactly as depicted.

Haruka's Wings Continuity - Heavy reference to the canon events from Gundam Wing was again utilized to make this crossover a seamless union between the Amagami and Gundam A.C. Universe.

Gaullia/Noventa – Sylvia Noventa's guest appearance, the creation of Field Marshal Noventa's supposed resting place and home town was included as one of the major references to the canon events of Gundam Wing. I decided to dig deep into the consequences of Heero's actions back during the war which I believe was very essential as he tries to move on with his life.

The Brawl (Haruka POV) - Well, now I've finally shown the back alley brawl through Haruka's eyes. It is among my most favorite scenes (the brawl as a whole back in HW08), hope you guys liked it.

Heero-Haruka Tidbits - This one is something I've promised to arthedain23. I've pegged Heero to grow at around 5'9" by the time he's 18 yrs. old (growth spurt). While Haruka (canon was at 5'6" during 18 yrs old) grew an inch, 5'7" upon reaching 19 yrs. old. There is more than a year in terms of their ages separating them. Heero was 17 when he arrived while Haruka already turned 19. By the turn of the year (2012 A.D. or A.C. 198) the Perfect Soldier is considered as 18. I know, I've left a good trail of information, this is just like... confirming everything in black and white.

Finally, after 178k+ words, HW has reached the 100 review mark! To all the reviewers, thank you so much! I deeply appreciate the reaction, inquiries and feedback. They're one of the motivations driving me in completing the story.

Hope to hear your thoughts on HW15! Don't forget to send a review!

Here's my response to some of the questions or suggestions fielded by guest reviewers:

Guest – Sadly, the story's already at its final arc and I honestly had no plans on creating a third wheel or a love rival (another guy) to go between Heero and Haruka. I'll probably do it on another crossover, but not in this one.

AthenaTennousu – Thank you for the crisp review and kind words. Finally, someone has pointed out the one topic that I've been extensively preparing for but has not been brought into the spotlight yet. Is it "obsession" or "infatuation"? The validation of Haruka's feelings' for Heero is the catalyst to her maturity. Establishing and solidifying the truth of her emotions for Heero is my main goal as we head to the final leg of HW. Why do we love someone? How do we know it goes past the physique? What are the reasons aside from the memories they spent with each other that would firmly prove they are really meant for each other? These and many more will be given light – of course on the climactic end. Going onto Heero's side, I agree with your observation. I deliberately depicted him as a man with many faults (which should be, as he's always portrayed as the flat-line, emotionless, perfect soldier that most had him stereotyped). His thinking that he's undeserving of Haruka because of his past was the reason why he left. Now – how does he make himself "worthy" of such affections, this is the focus of the current and succeeding chapters. About "Somewhere in Time" I really liked that movie too, now that you've mentioned it. And I only realized those lines after you pointed them out! Finally, your grasp of Haruka's Wings is really solid, hope to hear from you soon! =)

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9:33pm, 3rd of February, A.C. 198

"Again, Quatre… Why are we doing this?" Heero despondently inquired after fitting the Epyon's headgear.

"There's something you need to see, Heero." Quatre calmly replied as he powered up the Wing Gundam's console.

"Why do we have to utilize the ZERO System interface?"

"Come on now, buddy… no need to be edgy. It would be easier to translate the data once it is fed directly to the ZERO System." Duo attempted to mediate in an effort to diffuse the Perfect Soldier's growing anxiety.

"You should consider seeing it first, Heero. Then you decide your course of action later." Trowa wisely suggested over the commlink.

"Roger that." He reservedly said as the cockpit hatch of the Epyon closed and its systems began to go online.

The brown haired boy quietly sat inside the cockpit as Trowa and Duo made the final adjustments in linking the Wing Gundam's and Epyon's ZERO System interface to an isolated auxiliary line. Two days had passed since he returned from his visit to Gaullia. Quatre had just arrived earlier that day from his own trip. And while they were having their dinner the blonde haired pilot requested all four of them have a meeting inside the primary hangar. Duo and Trowa seemed to be expecting this as the two young men immediately busied themselves inside the command center without Quatre even mentioning a thing. They only asked him to put on the EPYON System headgear and mount the dreadful mobile suit without giving anymore details.

'What are you planning, Quatre?'

His troubled mind and soul was greatly appeased since the visit to Field Marshal Noventa's grave along with the subsequent talk with Sylvia Noventa. The former pilot of Wing Zero already had his next plan but was still contemplating on how he could present his request with Quatre prior to being summoned at the hangar. Admittedly, parts of him were still wavering… out of the immense fear that was crippling within his heart.

There was only one person capable of bringing out the worry he now shelters from his previously invulnerable personality.

But she was separated from him by time spanning no less than two millennia.

"All transmission lines are working. Uplink checks are good. We're all clear, Quatre." Trowa announced over the intercom.

"Wing Gundam has the comm. Quatre, you're good to go!" Duo reported after seeing the auburn haired pilot nod to him in affirmation.

Heero fixed his stare at the main display in front of him before feeling the familiar surge of information brought by the EPYON System. The pitch black screens slowly lit up as Quatre pushed out two plates of information from his subconscious.

'What the…?!'

The two sheets floated side by side as the Winner heir presented the data they contained directly from his memories. The first was a cutout newspaper article dated back in the early years of the 21st century. While the second was a bureau certificate filed as a registry record.

'N-no... H-Haruka… ' Heero whispered as a sinking feeling dawned to him.

"Time is no longer a luxury... both you and Haruka have." The words of the little girl suddenly echoed within his mind.

A blinding flash of golden yellow abruptly enveloped the Epyon's cockpit as all three monitors sprang into life. Reluctantly his own subconscious was vehemently pulled out as his frustration and desperation surfaced in full force.

"We're receiving a feed coming from the Epyon!" He heard Duo cried over the commlink.

"Heero? Are you ok?" Quatre worriedly asked.

"His subconscious is broadcasting an illusion… I'm really not sure, but I'll be patching it on the shared panel." Trowa explained as he redirected the feed from the Wing Gundam to the Epyon.

At the main screen, for all of them to see… it was displayed.

The one memory enough to haunt the Perfect Soldier for the rest of his life.

It was lucid… very vivid.

It was like witnessing an event over the shoulder of the front row spectator.

As if they were standing behind the brown haired boy while he was left powerless to stop the ensuing scene.

A beautiful young woman with curly tipped raven hair was running along the sidewalk. Her eyes were red and brimming with tears. She kept her school bag close to her chest and sprinted without any concern towards the intersection.

The young lady never looked back.

She only pressed her bag towards her.

Tears streamed down steadily from her sore sky blue eyes.

She had reached the intersection when it happened.

A ten-wheeler truck cruising at full speed suddenly appeared.

Without missing a heartbeat all of them witnessed as it rammed the hapless young woman.

The scene was gruesome.

Blood splattered everywhere.

Her body… was left…

Trowa, Quatre and Duo were all wide-eyed and shocked before a shrilling howl tore through the silence.

"Haruka!" Heero shouted in anguish.

The cry resounded as it shrieked across their primary transmission line. It was akin to that of someone who had his most precious possession lost for an eternity.

"Good… Lord… Heero…" Duo whispered in concern.

The Epyon's emerald eyes glowed as the mobile suit systems hummed on queue.

"Quatre, Heero's powering up the Epyon!" The braided pilot reported upon seeing the power levels rise from the dark crimson mobile suit.

"This bodes ill for us if he goes berserk once again. The Wing Gundam is in no position to stop him." Trowa duly noted as he carefully eyed his screen.

"Heero! Please calm down!" Quatre worriedly called out to him before disengaging usage of the ZERO system.

The familiar feeling of being swamped with a ton of information sheathed the Perfect Soldier's whole being. The ZERO System surged an interminable amount of data through his mind, he felt himself drowning… consumed with frustration as he felt incompetent… incapable of doing something for the lovely young woman that he cherishes so dearly.

He wanted to lash back. He deeply desired to get his vengeance against destiny. He needed to destroy the crushing feeling residing inside his chest. The EPYON System glowed in response… urging him…

Prodding him… to take action!

His hands involuntarily held both throttles of the fearsome mobile suit, he was sure to make someone or something pay… his wrath was growing insurmountable each passing moment. The fury residing within his heart was just waiting to be unleashed.

All the pain and suffering he and Haruka had suffered… He will…

"They're like us you know, even if separated from the rest, they could survive as long as they have each other." Her voice suddenly spoke out somewhere inside the sea of his memories, reminding him of that time they were catching gold fish at the Temple.

The glimmer from Epyon's eyes slowly faded. Its systems gradually stabilized back to its normal levels. The fearsome behemoth had been mollified to resume its slumber.

He was halted.

He had found his answer.

Sweating profusely from the ordeal, Heero carefully extracted himself from the EPYON System. His heart was beating fast while his breaths were long, ragged and sharply drawn. He was still at the process of composing himself when the cockpit hatch opened.

"H-Heero? Are you ok?" Quatre apprehensively inquired.

He didn't know what came into him. His instincts drove his next actions. Muscle reflex.

A thud was heard throughout the hangar after Heero leapt out from the Epyon's cockpit before lunging angrily at Quatre. The Perfect Soldier had the Winner heir pinned down on the railings with his forearm pressing furiously at the other boy's collarbone.

"Why, Quatre?! Why?!"

"As your friend, I could not stand aside and do nothing, Heero. I'm truly sorry for invading your privacy. I didn't properly take into account your feelings regarding the matter." The gentle pilot apologized before feeling his grip loosen up.

"But what difference would it make…? Nothing will change Quatre. Everything we've seen already happened." Heero somberly replied after letting go of the blond pilot.

"What do you mean?"

"The image you've all seen from my mind… it was a flash of memory provided to me by the Wing Gundam's ZERO System as I… after I… left her." The cobalt blue eyed boy clarified as he assisted Quatre standing up.

"You know as well as I do there is STILL a chance to save her." Duo decided to cut in while he and Trowa made their way towards them.

"I know. But it's not that simple."

"You can do it Heero. Recreate the jump back to 2012 A.D. using the details of your 23rd model." The lavender eyed pilot confidently stated.

"I am… aware of that, Duo. The time hole I've accidentally discovered would make it appear that our time moves congruently with the past. However, we do not fully understand the stability of the Spatial Transit Hole. Bounding through the very linings of time and space is not as clear cut as navigating through outer space." Heero seriously explained before adding, "There is no guarantee where I could end up if I exit the wrong worm hole."

"Heero, we don't have a clear understanding on how the Fold Generator and the ZERO System is operating in such conditions. But we're sure of one thing. It is clear that her destiny… Haruka's fate is tied to yours now. Right now, your decision will determine the outcome on both of your lives." Trowa gravely pointed out while Duo nodded in agreement.

"Will you accept such fate to befall on her? Or will you finally challenge your destiny and claim her?" The auburn haired pilot finished, his lone visible emerald eyed staring deeply into his.

All three pilots turned their attention to him.

"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.

Her words slowly dissipated like smoke scattered by a gust of wind.

Time was brazen… it would never stop or heed for anyone.

The Perfect Soldier sighed deeply.

"I'll be going to pay a visit on L1." He decided with both of his cobalt blue eyes looking determinedly at the other pilots.

"Trowa." Heero shortly said as he gave the auburn haired pilot a knowing look.

"I'll be resuming work on the Wing Gundam. It will be ready once you return." The part-time circus performer replied in understanding before nodding politely and leaving the room.

"I'll go make some sandwiches for Trowa. Wash the dishes for Quatre. And... Prepare a bigger bed in your room." Duo chimed while grinning widely at him.

"Duo... you... moron."

"Well now, we would be having a guest won't we? Better make sure the love nest is all good and ready." The braided haired pilot wickedly teased before smirking delightedly.

Heero deliberately ignored Duo's banter as he turned to face the former pilot of Sandrock.

"Quatre... I need to borrow one of the personal transports." The brown haired boy solemnly requested with his gaze steadily fixed on the Winner heir.

"Of course Heero. You may use any of the private shuttles at our disposal."

"Thank you."

Quatre smiled warmly at him in confirmation before earnestly asking, "Heero, do you really need to go back to L1?"

He saw Duo simper at him in acknowledgment while Quatre's emerald eyes were comparable to a page full of questions.

"It's time Quatre. Time to confront my inner demons. Time to face the ghosts of my past."

---

Thanks much for reading!

Don't forget to submit your review!

See you all in HW16 – "Return to Forever"