Author's bit: Three months... since the previous release yet the contents of this update has been expected way back the beginning of 2012. It's the 23rd of October 2013 and following the number of my handle, I now present the revelation every HW reader has long been waiting for.

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. If I had the skills, I would've drawn a doujinshi manga while if I had the money, I would've created an anime for this. =)

Chapter 18 – Secrets of the Perfect Soldier

'W-where... where am I?' Haruka wondered the moment she opened her eyes upon regaining consciousness.

Everything was still blurry for the raven haired beauty as her pupils adjusted themselves to the inherent darkness of the area. The room was a large expanse inadequately illuminated by sodium-vapor lamps. Slowly she turned her head slightly towards her left and was relieved to see a lone silhouette sitting on a metallic folding chair by the bedside. Even though her vision had yet to adapt from the area's poor lighting conditions she was confident that it belonged to the young man who undoubtedly still owns her heart.

"H-Heero..." She softly spoke while extending her hand out to him.

"Haruka." He gently answered before holding her palm lightly with his hand.

"What happened?"

"You fainted, don't you remember?" Heero replied yet her irises were still blind to the duskiness prevailing over the room.

"Oh... yes."

'It was not a dream... that scary looking robot he calls mobile suit is real.' Haruka whispered in her thoughts as she remembered the spectacle earlier.

"I... still can't see clearly... Heero."

She felt him lightly brush her hair with his fingertips.

"Your vision will return soon, don't worry."

The pretty campus idol nodded in understanding, though she somehow wondered why her heart would be appeased each time he would tell her that it's ok or there was no need to worry. Even under the current circumstances, after his out-of-this-world revelation that he was not from her time then showing that highly advanced cockpit inside the fearsome robot which by the way could easily stand up using its two legs aside from emitting a dazzling radiance out of the large glowing emerald sphere on its chest along with its own pair of smoldering beryl eyes. It would be fairly normal and definitely understandable for anyone... well, basically... everyone to simply freak out.

However, she found herself... weirdly calm and strangely receptive of the situation.

'I must... really love him... so much.'

Yet she also realized that there was now a wide chasm separating them.

"How long was I out?" Haruka inquired while she tightly held the palm of the young man from another time.

"Probably about half an hour."

Both of them remained silent for the next few minutes as they waited for her eyesight to return. His hand's grip on her palm was very gentle. The warmth emanating from him was enough to quell the questions abounding inside her thoughts, at least for moment. Visually, everything was still hazy for Haruka, though now she could at least see the outlines of the various objects in their immediate vicinity. She focused her attention at the item blowing steam behind Heero and soon after the raven haired beauty recognized that it was an electric kettle where a mist of warm air had been churning out from its spout. Haruka's sky blue eyes darted past the kettle, there a good distance from them, was the dreadful behemoth stooped on its right knee with its left fist clenched over the ground.

The sight of it was enough to cause her to rise from the mattress.

A stinging pain shot through her head the moment she was on a sitting position.

"Oww..." She muttered, her hand instinctively clutching her forehead while the brown haired boy alertly moved to support her.

"You need to take it slowly, Haruka. Though you fell sideways, there's still a bump on the left side of your forehead." Heero cautioned, worry evident from the look of his normally indecipherable eyes.

She smiled kindly at him before placing her stare back on the dark crimson mobile suit.

"The moment I saw that thing after waking up... it was only right then that I finally accepted this was not a dream... and everything was real." Haruka opened as she placed her feet on the ground while seated at the mattress.

"I don't know... if I would believe you... or if I could accept that what you were saying is true... or just close my eyes and pretend... nothing happened." She continued, her sky blue orbs never leaving the fearsome colossus.

"How does a girl respond when her boyfriend tells her... I am not from your time?" The pretty campus idol softly spoke, sharing her thoughts honestly to Heero.

The brown haired boy only remained silent but she knew he was looking at her intently with his Prussian blue eyes.

"Back then... when I... found out and accepted that I have fallen for you... it was also the first time I admitted to myself how immature I really am. Here was this... kind boy who was even a year younger than I am but already knows so much in life. I admired your maturity a lot. It inspired me to grow up... I want to be matured enough for your sake too. Be that... girl you'll be proud of." She recounted before shifting her gaze at Heero.

'This... is the talk... we both know is bound to happen, Heero. I have readied myself for this... countless times... while I waited for you.'

"When... we became a couple, there were bits and pieces of you that I don't understand. That felt missing. Disjointed. It was also during that time when I realized why I truly love you. Because you let me be myself... you accepted me for who I truly am... jealous, childish, carefree and immature. I can be myself in front of you."

She paused to draw her breath and exhaled as the action freed up the growing tightness inside her chest.

But it would not be truly enough.

The cornflower blue eyed young woman understood... this was the time to pour out and address the issues between them.

She loves him certainly... deeply with a boundless passion.

Tonight... she will get her answers.

"I was so... happy every time we were together. I look forward to each day we will be spending with each other. I always want to feel you... everything about you... how much you love me... each time we become one. Life was so perfect whenever I'm with you. Then the next thing I know... you were gone. You just suddenly disappeared. Vanished."

"I took away your right to know and decide in our relationship the day I cowardly vanished from your life." Heero opened while staring at the monstrous robot that was kneeling a considerable distance from them.

"What I did... could never be excused. I know... it is impossible to be forgiven completely for my actions. I... I don't know what you would think of me once you know who and what I truly am. I only... thought of myself. I've been so selfish... I was deeply troubled with my current circumstances and I am so ashamed of my past that I knew... I was so unworthy of you."

It felt like a stake was driven through the center of her heart.

Stabbing fiercely at the very place where her feelings for him were the strongest.

Haruka shook her head sideways while biting her lower lip in frustration.

"Unworthy... of... me?" She said in disbelief yet the pain could no longer be hidden as seen from the reflection of her cornflower blue eyes.

"How did you know? And who ever gave you the right to say you're unworthy of me?" The pretty campus idol questioned, plainly hurt from his answer.

Before the mobile suit pilot could reply, she pressed on and shared her thoughts as all the grief stored within her chest wanted to burst out in fury so badly.

"You will never know my answer unless you hear it from me. You simply assumed base from your own logic and reasoning. How about mine? Shouldn't I be the one to have a say in it? Where does mine stand? It's my feelings, Heero! It's my heart, my emotions and all the love I have for you that YOU doubted!" Haruka seethed in anger with her sky blue irises glaring at Heero.

"You only thought about yourself. You just ran away without considering my true feelings. It's so hard to know... that... this... is all I am... to you. You doubted me. You never trusted me and had no faith in our relationship."

"You are... right when you said that there are many things I need to know... to learn about you. You were also right to say that you have been selfish with your decision. But it is not your position to decide if you are unworthy of me! That decision belongs to me! Because I'm the one... the one who fell deeply... madly... hopelessly in love with you!" Haruka pointedly uttered in anguish, spilling out the frustrations and sorrows residing in her heart after knowing the true cause of his actions.

"But you know what... I will give you the chance to tell me everything. You're right – because, I deserve to know everything about you. I will give you the opportunity that you deprived from me! Because that's what it means when you say you love someone!" The raven haired beauty stated in a raised tone while her eyes became mistier.

"You accept the person for who and what they truly are! That's true love! You accept each other mutually! It is not only receiving... it is also giving! Heero, it takes two persons to create a relationship... and it also needs those two persons to make it work! A relationship born from love is a two-way avenue... because if not... then you are left with a martyr wandering on a one-way street." Haruka seriously exclaimed with her irises locked into Heero's cobalt blue orbs.

"You're a time traveler."

"That is your time machine." The campus idol said while pointing at the mobile suit.

"You're a boy from the future and I'm a girl from the past. I fell in love with you and you said that you loved me. Now... why did you leave me?" She ruefully inquired with pain and heartache unmistakable from the look in her eyes.

Haruka noticed him swallow subtly before responding to her question.

"Because... I... let my fear get the best of me. I was... afraid." Heero admitted with the surreal sparkle in his cobalt blue eyes clearly indicating he was telling the truth.

"Afraid?"

"That I would ruin you. What your life should have been or was supposed to be... what was originally intended for you." The brown haired boy explained.

"Intended for me? How could you still say that after all that has happened?" She inquired in disbelief.

'This is unacceptable!'

Her mind flared up as her heart burst in fury upon hearing his justification.

"You came here!" She crisply opened with her index finger pointing downward referring to the present.

"I fell for you!" Haruka heatedly remarked.

"So hard... that my heart can't see anyone else except you!"

"That's the story!" The pretty campus idol finished while bristling in anger.

"Haruka... you don't understand..." Heero attempted to interject but she cut him off while still in mid-sentence.

"I'm the one who doesn't understand? You're the one who refuses to understand! Why is it difficult to see? Don't you get it yet, Heero? You were meant to go back to the past so you will find and meet me. We were fated to meet each other... my future lies with you! We are destined for one another! Now why am I saying these things when you're the time traveler here!"

"My arrival back then... had been purely... entirely accidental... it wasn't intentional." The brown haired boy revealed meeting her eyes with his.

"Intentional or otherwise, that accident has led you to me!"

"Haruka an accident is an occurrence that wasn't meant or planned to happen."

"So you're saying all that we have is a mistake?! Did you even love me in the first place?!" The raven haired beauty fumed while glaring at Heero.

"I'm trying to tell you that if my accident didn't happen, your life would run its normal course and history won't be threatened or affected in such a manner."

"We're going around circles here! What has history got to do in this?"

"History means a lot in this, Haruka. Everything from the future where I came from was a result of all the events in the past, which is here and now."

She was stunned.

Though his voice barely changed a timber... the raven haired beauty felt a deadly undertone covered beneath what seemed to be a calm surface.

"I was never supposed to be here in the first place. After my arrival and finally understanding the situation I got myself into... I have to be careful. Because I could create or cause an event that would potentially alter the flow of time. I might do something that would result to devastating consequences in the future. I'm a walking distortion to the natural course of history. I knew then that I have to go back to where I... I rightfully belong as secretly and discreetly as possible. But I needed to bide my time here till the machine I arrived with had its power plant fully recharged in order to make another attempt on a journey back to my timeline. Like every regular human being I also needed nourishment to survive if I am to wait for the day when I can make that return trip... which is why I worked at GDT Builders."

His cobalt blue eyes had a steady and appealing gaze at her that she found herself held hostage and a willing listener to his tale.

"I... studied at Kibitou Senior High to complete my... cover. I have to act as regularly and as mundanely as possible. I wanted to keep a low profile, but as the 'events' would have it... I came to meet a few kind individuals who made my stay here unforgettable."

"So that's all I am to you... a kind individual that made your stay here unforgettable." She could not help but voice out, unable to hold back the sarcasm.

He only smiled subtly and shook his head sideways.

"Then there was you. The one person who changed my life and gave meaning to my existence."

His Prussian blue eyes glimmered as he referred to her before the young man she cherishes gently held both of her hands.

"What I'm about to tell you... is nothing but the truth. It might be too difficult to comprehend. But it's what happened to me prior to even meeting you. Could you... promise me to listen first?" He kindly implored which left her no choice but to nod approvingly.

"I could never forget that day... we were doing the first field test for a new component that we installed on my original mobile suit."

Heero might have seen the questioning look in her eyes so he elaborated.

"You see, the mobile suit or robot that got me here isn't the one in front of you right now... it was a different model. We have installed a new component we called 'Fold Generator' which was supposed to create a warp hole that would allow the pilot and machine to cover a great span of distance in a small amount of time. This component would cause the freak accident that threw me back in time. While the accident was happening the mobile suit's highly advanced and powerful... I guess we could say operating system which was supposed to help the pilot in navigating, running and flying the machine showed me... flashes... a multitude of images." The brown haired boy recounted pausing for a while to catch his breath before resuming.

"All these images... were pictures... scenes of events I have yet to see or encounter. What was interesting though was the fact that all of them had one thing in common."

She felt him gently press her palm after holding it earlier with his hand.

"All of them had you."

The lovely young woman knew her heart quivered upon hearing his disclosure.

"At first... I did not understand any of it. I wondered why a machine would show pictures of a person I haven't seen before. But on my first day at school, I met you... at the school fountain. Exactly in the same manner from the scene I saw inside the mobile suit. I collapsed... then when I woke up, I found out it was you who took care of me and the rest as we know it became history. Haruka... I wanted to find out the reason behind these flashes... the visions shown to me inside the mobile suit. In the process I got to know you. One very special woman. Somewhere... deep inside of me, I needed to know the meaning of those images. But with all the things I told you earlier... I needed to be careful. I... wanted, no, it's time I admit this to you... but I intentionally kept my distance, set a barrier to properly separate us. However... as I strove to know you... I found myself... having these new feelings... that I never encountered before. When I realized what it was... I wanted to run away but the more I tried... the closer you get."

The raven haired young woman's cornflower blue eyes stirred unconsciously upon hearing Heero's admission.

"These images or flashes... I soon realized were events that would happen or come to pass. You... sleeping on the library while I was reading a book. That time we... went swimming to the indoor pool. And many more instances. Everything unfolded with my eyes bearing witness... the moments and experiences we shared... I knew... it was wrong for me... but I started to fall for you. We belong from different times and my arrival has been nothing but unintended. Instead, I attempted to focus my mind on getting back to where I rightfully belong, I kept on telling myself... you were supposed to have someone from your time and create a lineage that would preserve the original course of history."

Haruka found herself smiling tenderly after finally knowing the moment he began to love her.

"You asked me earlier if I ever loved you, the truth was... since that night I risked everything for your safety... mercilessly beating those gang members... and almost killing one of them... even as I tried to deny it... but my heart already belonged to you. My actions back then could have resulted to potentially more drastic consequences if you didn't stopped me... but it also reminded me of the responsibility I must bear. Haruka, my very existence here is an abomination to the natural flow of time. I am a walking distortion from the future gambling everything with the roll of a dice."

"But as we both know... the events that night would only serve to bring us closer. And as the days continued to pass... I began... straying and deviating even further from my original objectives despite the supposed wake up call brought by the folly of my actions that evening at the back alley. Your presence continued to grow stronger within my mind... and deeper inside my heart. Every day... after school, after we go to a cake shop or restaurant or the view deck park and after I take you to your home... while alone inside my room... I feel light and looked forward to the next day. When... we started making that centerpiece for the High school Foundation Day, the robot replica made from wood, carton and fiberglass... it reminded me of my situation. It also pushed me... on finding a way to make my exit clean without you noticing... and me hurting your feelings."

'I... I remember... now I know... the reason you were so sad... while looking at that massive replica while we were talking at the school grounds.'

"As the day of my departure drew nearer... I tried to accept that everything was for the best. I will be going back where I should be. Yet the part of me that became greedy... my heart... wanted to at least keep some more memories of you for me to cherish in the future. I knew... I was wrong... and with the way things stand... I'll end up hurting both of us. When you asked me to spend Christmas with you, I was very happy though I also understood it would have to be the last time I will be with you. I toughened my resolve, keep everything at bay and imprint the whole lot in my memories on what would be the last of my borrowed time here with you."

Heero paused slightly and smiled subtly while the twinkle reflected from his cobalt blue eyes enamored her heart more… causing it to pound even harder.

"But it was impossible for me to deny these emotions any longer especially when you confessed your own true feelings for me that Christmas Eve."

'H-Heero...'

"If someone were to ask me how much I love you, I would never hesitate to tell the person that it was the only time I allowed myself to have the one thing I wanted most. I threw everything out of the window and instead... dreamed of having a future with you. Same as what you told me that Christmas Eve at the hotel room... I also wanted to keep you. I became greedy too. I wanted you to be solely mine same thing you wanted me to be yours alone."

The lovely young woman felt the tension inside her chest loosen up and instead was replaced by an overpowering feeling evoked by Heero's admission.

"For the first time in my life... I felt alive. How to be alive... How to be... truly alive... How to live... be happy and contented. It was all because of you. You showed and taught me that the simple things in life are more valuable than even all the treasures in the world combined. Especially when you share it together with the person you love. The joy you gave me was priceless. It was overwhelming... it made me believe... as I never had any hope till you came into my life."

The brown haired boy held her gently on each shoulder while gazing dreamily at her cornflower blue orbs.

"You are so precious to me, Haruka... more than you'll ever know... more than you or anyone can even imagine."

She only realized that something was already trailing down her eye when Heero gently flicked his index finger across her left cheek.

"I love you so much, Haruka."

She smiled fondly in return before placing both of her palms on the sides of his face while gazing longingly at those Prussian blue irises.

"I love you so much too, Heero. Always."

Quickly and without warning, the lovely young woman pulled the unknowing mobile suit pilot towards her, fully surprising him as she passionately crushed their lips together.

Slowly... Haruka closed her eyes as her tongue slithered and made its way inside his mouth.

Gently... Entwining with his tongue before twisting, coiling and snaking through the breadth of each other.

Warmly... Heero locked her in an affectionate embrace as that familiar sense of belongingness enveloped Haruka's whole being.

His touch left a blistering sensation on her skin... feverously prickling through every corner of her body.

The brown haired boy... whom her heart would always cherish and solely acknowledged... ardently pressed his lips on hers in return.

She felt his yearning... how much he had languished... the intensity of his now growing passion... and that ever burning desire of how deeply he truly loves her.

Their tongues were comparable to a pair of snakes... was like a dance of two swords... and no different to a duet performed with melodic harmony.

The raven haired young lady was out of breath as Heero reluctantly broke the kiss.

His cobalt blue irises held a mysterious glow... smoldering with passion and desire as he gazed intently into her eyes.

"For all we know, Haruka, our union might cause an entire bloodline to disappear."

She placed a forefinger above his lips to shush him as her cornflower blue orbs returned his gaze.

"No. There would be only one man in my life. It's you, only you alone, I'm sure of it. There would never be anyone but you." Haruka lovingly replied as she gently thumbed the outlines of his cheek.

"If you never returned, I would die an old lady... single, all alone... never married without leaving any lineage."

"Haruka... there's still much you must know..."

"No. I can't wait any longer... you've made me miss you so much for far too long." She decidedly answered before leaning towards him and joining their lips once again.

'When you suddenly disappeared... when you left and vanished without a trace...'

'Everything stopped for me. I was frozen in time. I could not move on.'

'The ache I endured to kill my heart... was worthless... because it never forgot you.'

'Why do I love you, Heero?'

'Why does my world revolve around you?'

'Why is happiness only present when you're around?'

'Why do I feel so incomplete without you?'

'I don't believe there should be a reason why someone would fall in love with another person.'

'If that reason... or all those reasons are gone... does that mean you don't love him anymore?'

'Should that be the case... could we even call it love in the first place?'

'Tell me, Heero... was it so wrong for me to love you this way?'

'I honestly don't know... if you would ask me.'

'There's one thing I'm sure though... that my place is with you... solely by your side.'

'So, take me back into those arms where I belong.'

'Because your place is here... with me... embedded deep inside my heart.'

'Be mine only... as I am yours alone.'

'Hold me tightly... cherish me like no other... nurture me with all your care... and spoil me to the best that you can...'

'I promise you... I'll return everything ten-fold.'

'That's how much you mean to me.'

'My joy... my life... my home... my everything.'

'After all... we belong to each other, right?'

'You will forever be the most important person in my life... for all of time... even beyond the stars.'

'My first love... my one and only true love...'

'I love you so... Heero.'

It would at the very least, suffice to say that he was extremely and profoundly satisfied with the way they concluded matters. After all… their profound love and joy lasted till the early hours past midnight.

The situation he had placed them in because of his cowardly retreat two months back along with the suppression and eventual revolt of their true feelings had only served but to heighten the already raging emotions kept within their hearts since Haruka's rescue.

All things considered... it was impossible and inevitable for them to reach that position after everything they went through.

The harrowing experience during her solitude… her sharp descent towards despair and resulting fall from grace which was ultimately allayed by his purposeful return.

His own spiral towards hopelessness before he conquered the demons of yesterday and defeating the cruel fate they were both intended to suffer.

He still loves her so much... same as she had admitted that her feelings for him only intensified during all the times they were separated from each other.

The Perfect Soldier wanted to at least... delay for the time being... the circumstances they found themselves in after the confession on his side of their love story.

But how can he stop her? Or even his own self when they were confronted by the overwhelming feelings both of them truly have for one another?

Yes, he wanted... attempted even to hold back themselves from indulging on the surmounting fires of passion and desire fanned even further with the realization that everything between them was professedly real.

All because Heero knew that he was only finished midway to his full revelation.

He promised Haruka to tell her the whole truth about him.

He has no more intentions on keeping even a single shred of secret from her.

He loves her so much that he will still accede to whatever her decision may be once everything about him is revealed to her.

Heero blithely gazed at Haruka as she slept peacefully and contentedly above his chest. Never mind the small puddle of drool that has accumulated on the area next to where her mouth is. But the brown haired young man was more focused and decidedly pleased at the calm smile still laced on her lips. It was a testament to the lasting outcome of their actions. An end result after the agonizing emptiness in her heart had been filled and only satiated by the wee hours of the morning. He knows... both of them were very happy... joyful to be exact, for despite the high tensioned confrontation and hyper charged rescue both of them needed to endure... they were still no doubt... one.

The first rays of sunlight were already peeking at the horizon. Heero was sure of this as he took a glance at the spots where specks and shafts of light had managed to pierce through the small cracks found on the hangar's walls. In spite of the higher temperature provided by the heater plugged from the miniaturized generator, he had taken extra measures to ensure Haruka would not be freezing upon waking up. The cobalt blue eyed man had tucked both of them with two layers of thick blankets made from wool. Heero laid there still... for about an hour or so as he wanted to savor and revel on the afterglow of their union. But reluctantly, he gently left her side, being very careful not to wake up the sleeping angel on the mattress.

There were a lot of things... that still needed to be done.

There were a lot of questions that remained unanswered.

There were a lot of matters that are yet to be discussed.

'This will be... one long day... depending on what Haruka's decision will be.' Heero pondered while putting on his clothes.

The Gundam pilot auspiciously surveyed the area while paying close attention if there were changes to the details of their belongings from how he could last remember them before he finally dropped his guard and succumbed to sleep.

'Nothing seems to be amiss... Epyon could wake me up from its external alarms should there be anything that's suspicious or worth investigating.' He contemplated while scanning the vicinity, the stoic Gundam Pilot was finally satisfied after his Prussian blue eyes landed on the massive hangar doors and found that both were securely locked.

No one could ever suspect that they were inside the colossal hangar as Heero also parked the car that Mr. Takeda lent him within its confines after he had settled Haruka on the mattress when she first lost consciousness. Silently, the Prussian eyed boy disabled the locks and peered through the small opening he created from the door's edges. He deduced that snowfall probably ceased only a few hours into daybreak judging from the thick amount of snow that now covered the airstrip's entirety.

'My assumptions have been proven correct. No doubt the tire tracks are all covered.' He mused before shutting the doors and securing the locks once again.

He went over to the mobile suit Epyon then proceeded to its compartment found under the cockpit seat and pulled out the small amount of rations Quatre had thoughtfully placed inside his duffel bag.

'She'll be hungry for sure after everything that's happened since.' The brown haired boy thought as his eyes landed on the spot where he created a small fire last night.

He sighed and subtly shook his head sideways.

His bonfire went out probably just half an hour before he woke up as smoke was still rising out from the remaining embers.

'Need to start a fire again.' Heero decided while he threw a contemplative gaze at the lovely young woman still sleeping on the mattress.

The current pilot of mobile suit Epyon could not help but deeply ponder and secretly shiver at the knowledge that he would soon reveal everything about him to the most important person in his life. His heart was gripped by an unspoken terror, his mind clouded by a dark shadow and his soul held hostage by a sinister truth. Will the truth... set him free? He will be left naked and everything will be bared in front of Haruka. No more secrets, no more lies, nothing but the truth. Heero had been very secretive and impassive even to his closest peers, those that he could consider his friends still knew so little to almost nothing about him. But ever since he started that journey of redemption... all he ever wanted was that one chance to be with Haruka. She was all that he wished and dreamed of. His love for her drove him to go through everything... even beyond what was considered insane and impossible. But if he claims that his love for her was boundless... the cobalt blue eyed young man knew that the only way to ultimately prove it was to be honest with Haruka. The truth in its entirety, uncovered, unaltered... unadulterated.

He still had much to tell her last night before the flames of yearning and passion consumed both of them. Yet how could he stop himself? He was still human. A man... a warm blooded male. They had been separated only by a mere two months yet the actual gap he traversed to bridge their fates when considered was around one or two millennia. It made him compare himself to the sailors or mariners back in the renaissance period, out in the ocean for months seeing nothing, smelling nothing and hearing nothing but the sea. Upon return from a long voyage... and seeing that his woman was all there waiting for his return... how could he stop himself? No, never, especially after knowing that she still loved him all those times he had been nothing but a very poor excuse for a man. Yes, he may have been very successful after confronting his past, triumphantly defeating his inner demons and making peace with himself.

'Yet it doesn't remove the fact that I have a lot of skeletons hidden inside the closet.' Heero pondered while seriously eyeing the growing flames of the small fire he created.

He felt very special, she made sure of it by showering him with the purest and honest emotions contained in her heart. Everything inside of him was crying out for her. All of him was calling out to her. Heero wanted Haruka not because of her sheer physical beauty or aesthetic qualities or for an intimate release... but to manifest all these emotions that had been bottled up at the depths of his core which he was also having great difficulty in expressing. The brown haired young man desperately wanted her to know that he was gravely sorry for his mistakes, he cares deeply, misses her sorely, yearns for her dearly and most of all... loves her fully, sincerely... without any pretence.

But how could a person such a he... a guy who was so bad with words and has a lot of trouble on conveying his true feelings tell all of the aforementioned to a very expressive young woman such as Haruka?

Heero Yuy, has but one answer. It was the principle that kept him human. It made him hold on to his sanity. Allowed him to endure the countless battles, the numerous deaths and bloodshed he caused which robbed him of his innocence. Survive the harsh and brutal reality in life while barely escaping with the purity of his soul.

'The best way to live a good life is to act on your emotions.'

In all honesty and without any doubts... he gave himself up to those tender yet powerful feelings that dwell truly within his heart.

'What will you think of me, once you know the type of person I really am?' Heero reflected with his cobalt blue irises stirring as he switched his glance from the slowly burning cinders to the lovely young woman warmly covered and safely tucked on the mattress.

"No matter what happens, I'll respect your decision. Because, I love you." He uttered under his breath while smiling ruefully at Haruka's sleeping form.

Simply said it was the best sleep Haruka ever had for the past two months. She woke up feeling all refreshed, dandy and most especially... loved. The moment she opened her two cornflower blue orbs, the first thing they did was to search for the one young man that made her life complete once again. The sun was already high up the skies based from the radiance brought by its rays now spilling across the entirety of the hangar. She was able to see everything in clarity... the smoke of steam rising out from a pot over the small fire to her right, his dark green duffel bag which seemed to be the only thing prominent among his meager belongings, a couple of metal chairs and tables, a miniature diesel powered generator where various electric cables are attached and the sodium-something lights that were placed strategically around the room. Haruka slowly turned her head to the left and found it was impossible to ignore the fearsome and colossal robot at his disposal located a good distance from the bed side. Her clothing and other personal articles were neatly folded on a metal chair beside the mattress. Lastly, the only person that could set her heart at ease was alertly watching her with those piercing Prussian eyes in a tender gaze.

"Heero..." She uttered, smiling brightly and contentedly.

"Haruka." He kindly responded after pulling his chair closer to the mattress.

"What time is it?"

"10am... you're already late for school." Heero answered before running his fingers across the locks of her curly raven hair.

"Too late to worry about that." The sky blue eyed young woman cooed, obviously enjoying the feel of his touch.

"I tried to wake you up though."

"We both know that's impossible." She softly replied while impishly smiling at the brown haired boy.

He grunted lightly and subtly nodded in acknowledgment.

"Are you hungry?" Heero curiously inquired.

'For you? Hmm... yes, I'm still!'

Was what she wanted to answer.

But instead, the pretty campus idol decided to directly address his question.

"Yes... the only thing we ate after the accident was a bowl of rice gruel brought by the hospital staff. Once we arrived here... you placed me under a lot of stress, got me all unconsciousness and worked me up all night into a fatigue." Haruka honestly and naughtily recounted while smirking mischievously at Heero.

She was all the more delighted upon seeing his face heat up from embarrassment.

However, Haruka was caught off guard with his reply.

"You're the one who told me not to stop." He retorted as a rare, subtle gleam was briefly reflected in his cobalt blue irises.

It hinted playfulness.

Light-hearted.

"What?"

"You also said to me you wanted more." Heero added even though his face was still reddened.

Summoned… somewhere… deep into the annals of her memoirs… last night… the images of her and Heero… locked in a passionate embrace…

"Heero Yuy!" Haruka promptly cried out, getting all the more flustered each passing moment.

The pretty campus idol knew he had turned the tables against her.

Badly.

Agitatedly and purely driven by instinct, Haruka abruptly rose from the mattress with both of her hands at each side of her waist.

"I'll get you for that!" She tensely mused while quickly scrambling her thoughts on how to get even.

"Y-you... y-you... should get dressed. It IS cold after all..." Heero nervously suggested, looking away from her while flushing deep red.

'Eh?!'

Due to her rather... sudden movement, she had forgotten to cover herself.

'Acckkkhh! Now, he'll think I'm a shameless woman!'

'Composure Haruka, composure!'

"Hmph!" Haruka miffed after looking away from him and covering herself quickly with the thick blankets.

"I was expecting... gel or toothpaste like food coming out from tubes similar to those being consumed by astronauts." Haruka commented after placing another spoonful of stew into her mouth.

"My comrade, I mean, friend made sure I had enough rations this time. But I do have some high protein bars stashed inside the pockets of my other backpack." Heero answered as he handed her a cup of water.

"Futuristic high protein bars... beef stew prepared from the future... Heero, don't people from your time just eat capsules or tablets to get themselves all full?"

"No... we still prepare, cook and eat food like how it is being done in the past... like today."

"But there are already... flying cars, space ships and big scary robots in your time, right? Do people also live underwater?"

The brown haired boy softly chuckled after hearing her remark.

"There's no flying cars, but there are space ships and other big scary robots in my time. There are underwater facilities, but the real advancements are the massive colonies that allowed mankind to set up residence in space."

"Really? Space colonies? We're going to live on those when I come with you! I'd like to experience being an astronaut... it is something not very common here on my time." Haruka exclaimed, her sky blue eyes lighting up in anticipation.

The Gundam Pilot smiled kindly at her as he stowed away their now empty food trays.

"I'll study and get better with my culinary skills... so we don't have to eat instant food everyday. As long as we're together, I think we'd be able to get by... no matter when or where we are." She contentedly stated with her cornflower blue orbs gazing him.

'I promise... I'll improve my cooking and prepare your food everyday so once you're home after a day's work all you need to do is relax while I take care of you and our children.' The raven haired beauty happily thought as she resumed helping him clean up the dishes.

She saw him nod contentedly before grunting in acknowledgment.

"Haruka... there are still many things you need... you must know about me." Heero replied as he led her towards the small fire.

They had already finished clearing the cookware and disposing the leftovers of their meal. The young man she still deeply loves had prepared tea from the simmering water in the electric kettle. He handed her a small cup filled with tea before settling on the metallic chair beside her. Soon they were silently watching the tongues of flame that seemed to waltz in the air while listening at the occasional cackling of the burning twigs that fueled the fire. The aroma of the tea filled her senses as Haruka took small, calculated sips to savor its inherent richness in taste and rather elegant flavor.

"It seems they perfected the art of blending tea in the future." She thought out loud while exhaling contentedly and smiling back at the brown haired boy.

"The same friend who prepared the rations included the tea. For a person of his position and stature... what we already consider as luxury is only ordinary with him." He answered before turning to face her.

"He must be filthy rich... that friend of yours."

The cobalt blue eyed young man grunted in acknowledgment.

"Heero... I don't care if you're just an ordinary guy. My only wish is to live a quiet, happy and simple life with the person that I love the most." She sincerely declared while looking deeply into his intense Prussian blue irises.

"Haruka, remember when I told you... there are still a lot of things you need to... learn about me?" The Gundam Pilot said, locking their eyes in a serious yet gentle manner.

"Yes. I want to know all that is about you, because I love you. You also promised me last night that you will tell me everything. No more secrets."

He softly nodded before shifting his gaze back to the small fire.

"What I told you last night... is only half of the whole story. The accident that brought me here in your time was a farfetched outcome. It was a result that we never anticipated. Even during my time such an idea was considered ludicrous despite the strides and advancements in technology."

"You mean your time machine?" She interjected to confirm if her understanding was right.

He subtly shook his head sideways before gazing seriously into her sky blue eyes.

"It was never our intention to create a time machine, Haruka."

'What do you... mean, Heero?' She wondered, throwing him a puzzled look.

"The Fold Generator was conceptualized to allow coverage of a great distance with minimal time and rapid deployment in mind. The purpose why it was installed to a mobile suit is entirely different. You see..." Heero trailed while the calm countenance normally seen on his face was slowly being replaced by a seriously dark and haunted look.

'Why is my heart beat racing so fast?' Haruka ruminated as she began sifting through his tale.

"...those big, scary, ugly robots are..." The stoic young man elaborated before swallowing lightly.

'What is it that you're about to tell me? Why is my intuition alarming me so badly?' The raven haired beauty nervously thought as the drumming inside her chest became harder and harder.

"Weapons of war." He gravely completed with his cobalt blue orbs boring deeply into hers.

Her lips parted slightly in shock.

Her hands shook reflexively causing the tea cup she held to fall off from her grasp.

Its contents were splattered on the ground near their small fire.

"I'm a soldier, Haruka." The mobile suit pilot revealed, never withdrawing his gaze at her.

"Yuy-kun! Relax and drop your shoulders, you look like a soldier in attention!" She teased at the cobalt blue eyed young man as they posed in front of the digital lens inside the photo booth.

Though Heero tried his best to loosen up by softening his expression, she still noticed him getting alarmed after innocently mentioning the word 'soldier' a few seconds ago. Instead, she decided to shrug off such thoughts for the time being and smiled sweetly at him before pressing the shutter button.

That time... back in the Arcade Center.

"I will kill you." Heero simply uttered in a deep, cold and uncaring voice that caused the gang leader to froze with fear while Haruka gasped in shock.

The brown haired boy calmly smirked at the thug holding her before she saw the evil flicker from his eyes.

They were previously cobalt blue irises but were now spine-chilling pitch black orbs comparable to that of the abyss.

"I'll personally make sure of that." He frostily said like a killer about to slaughter his prey.

And of course... those desperate moments soon after... in the back alleys of Kibitou's Commercial District.

He mangled five grown up men with ease using powerful blows and precision strikes.

He executed his attacks with perfection exhibited only by a highly skilled professional in the art of war.

He was about to kill... spill the blood of the gangster that threatened her life earlier.

If only... she didn't intervene.

Now, she knows... from here on... how does she handle the truth?

"Tell me. I want to know everything." She determinedly stated her eyes reflecting the resoluteness of her decision.

"Ok." Heero replied, nodding slightly at Haruka before leading her towards the Gundam Epyon.

"Wow! Amazing! Everything inside is totally out of this world!" Haruka exclaimed while peeking curiously inside the cockpit, bright-eyed at the highly advanced technology presented by the dark crimson mobile suit.

'She's really a bundle of joy and energy whenever she's at her usual self.' He thought in amusement, smiling slightly as he finished typing the last command string for the EPYON System to process.

Satisfied, the Gundam Pilot slowly crept out of the mobile suit before providing assistance and carefully attending to Haruka till she was situated and comfortably seated inside the cockpit.

"Set safety parameters for EPYON System to maximum threshold. Provide... unlimited access to user Haruka Morishima on all files under archive Hotel Yankee Zero Wan." Heero ordered through voice recognition prompt.

[Affirmative.] The Epyon swiftly responded, the word appearing immediately on the main screen display.

"Haruka... are you really sure about this? Remember, at any time... if you feel the need to exit, just say 'close everything' three times." He worriedly told the raven haired beauty who nodded softly at him.

"Whatever you see... when you come back... I will understand and support your decision. Remember... I love you, Haruka." Heero gently spoke, though the tone of his voice barely changed it held a bittersweet tinge he wanted to hide from Haruka.

"You don't have to worry about me. I can do this, you're here at my side to watch over me." The pretty campus idol said as he started fitting the Epyon headgear on her.

"Heero... I want to know all there is about you. Whatever lays ahead... my feelings for you will never change. I'm sure of it! I wouldn't come this far if my feelings for you are unreal. I love you too, Heero." Haruka assured as she kissed him lightly on the lips before he finally placed the pilot's headgear at the raven haired beauty.

"Epyon, initiate archive."

The highly advanced operating system responded by lighting up all three panel displays in golden yellow.

[Operation Meteor Archives...]

[Profile on Gundam Pilot Zero One...]

[Accessing...]

[Initiating...]

[Displaying...]

"This... is... unbelievable..." Haruka muttered under her breath the moment her awareness was blanketed by the EPYON System. It was somewhat similar to watching a movie. Though much better as it was an experience that details the richness and clarity of an actual event similar to high definition 3D. The events were happening with crystal clear sharpness, the movements were crisp and vivid. Simply put... everything was life-like, utterly realistic.

"The year was After Colony 195." A narrator with a dignified gentleman's voice opened.

"Rebel citizens of the colonies sent five weapons from outer space to Earth disguised as shooting stars."

"These weapons were actually mobile suits made from highly durable Gundanium alloy, considered as the strongest known metal at the onset of space colonization."

"Each was piloted by a boy... 15 years of age."

A picture of one of the mobile suits appeared. The massive weapon was similar to the one she was inside right now except that it was painted mostly in white with a few spots shaded in yellow, blue, red and green. The mobile suit had a round buckler fitted to its left forearm and held a glowing trident on its right. Other still images followed, displaying the mobile suit in various combat situations and military operations. The most notable of them showed its right arm transforming into something similar to a dragon's head, spewing out fire like a blowtorch.

"Unit zero five, 'Gundam Shenlong' was produced by the L5 Colony Cluster, its pilot Wufei Chang along with his mobile suit were primed specifically and considered highly formidable in the face of close quarters combat. Its primary weapon is a 'Beam Glaive' utilized similarly as a pole axe or pole arm with its particle technology strong enough to cut cleanly at anything... even through Gundanium alloys. The Shenlong Gundam's secondary or auxiliary weapon is a retractable 'Dragon Fang' capable of unleashing a high temperature heat blast similar to a flamethrower, which could melt composite to neo-titanium alloys."

The screen blacked out before showing the next picture, that of a mobile suit shrouded by a rag-like cape. The design was simple. It only had extra protrusions at its epaulets while the paint job was only a mix of white, black, grey and specks of gold. The mobile suit was definitely formidable soon as its pair of melee weapons came into light, two crescent-shape blades whose length was almost if not equal to the war machine wielding them. Similar to the previous mobile suit, the behemoth was also fitted with a huge shield at the left forearm. Again, other images were flashed, showing the unit in different combat operations while at certain scenarios bearing a submachine gun proportional to the size of its limb.

"Unit zero four, 'Gundam Sandrock' was developed at the L4 Colony Cluster, it made a perfect pair with its designated pilot Quatre Rebarba Winner. The mobile suit had been created with desert warfare as its field of specialization. Its primary weapon is a pair of two massive 'Heat Shotels' capable of slashing at virtually anything even Gundanium alloys after superheating it with the mobile suit's Ultracompact fusion generator. The Sandrock uses a Beam Machine Gun as its mid-range weapon along with the standard Vulcan cannons mounted on its head piece. Tertiary weaponry would be the pair of homing missiles located at the clavicle section at either side of its head. Optional equipment is the desert shawl or ragged cloak utilized to conceal the unit while also providing ample protection against standard beam weaponry."

A third mobile suit appeared, replacing the previous model, this one in red-orange color combination. At first glance the unit could easily be said as highly impressive with the gigantic gatling cannon carried by its left forearm. Its chest cavity revealed a pair of chain guns while other compartments found on the shoulder blades, thighs and legs were actually missile racks. Soon various pictures of the mobile suit were displayed, one showed it unleashing a salvo of missiles with all its racks open, another had it spraying a group of enemy suits relentlessly with its massive gatling cannon while the most notable of the images exhibited the behemoth performing an acrobatic spin-like move using the vicious dagger concealed in its right forearm.

"Unit zero three, 'Gundam Heavyarms' was created in the L3 Colony Cluster, the mobile suit specialized in long range warfare, bombardment/barrage operations and salvo/fusillade offensive strikes. The machine may have been conceptualized as a long distance fire support unit as its only close range weapon is the 'Army Knife' found at the backside of its right forearm. However, in the hands of its highly capable pilot, Trowa Barton, the mobile suit is a very deadly force to reckon with. The Gundam could easily mow down squads of enemy mobile suits from a good distance while dispatching the survivors from its withering barrage through the expert use of its lone melee weapon. It sports machine cannons at the clavicle section and Vulcan guns on the head piece aside from the pair of chain guns located at its chest cavity. Multiple missile racks have been placed on the shoulder blades and its legs."

The display once again went blank for a few seconds prior to displaying the next picture. Another mobile suit, this unit was painted mostly in black and white. Haruka felt a slight chill run through her as the gigantic machine reminded her of the grim reaper. The behemoth carried a large gruesome harlequin green scythe while its black cape protracted and retracted similar to bat wings. The mobile suit had some sort of shield placed on its left forearm that also acts as a projectile on the other images that were arrayed on the main screen. She was able to witness how easily the fearsome colossus plow through its opponents using either stealth combat or even frontal assault.

"Unit zero two, 'Gundam Deathscythe' was built at the L2 Colony Cluster, pilot Duo Maxwell perfectly complemented the mobile suit due to his expertise in stealth, black ops and close quarters combat. Primary weapon is the massive Beam Scythe which was later upgraded to a Double Output Beam Scythe. Similar to the other Gundams, the Deathscythe was also fitted with a pair of Vulcan cannons on its headpiece. However, the shield carried by its left forearm could also be utilized as a projectile, aptly called 'Beam Scissors' - the only drawback, being a one-time use only auxiliary weapon, it needs to be refitted with a new replacement after each operation. The effort involved in the recreation and outfitting of a new Beam Scissors might be painstaking but the rewards are deemed proportional as it could penetrate even through the thickest slab of neo-titanium alloy or if needed, against Gundanium as well."

There had been some delay before the next image appeared, while waiting, Haruka could feel her heartbeat pounding through her chest. Her mind was racked with a mountain of thoughts as her brain tried to process the huge load of information being coursed by the Epyon's highly advanced operating system. To say there was a multitude of questions spinning inside her head right now was similar to stating the given fact that the sand found on the shoreline was abundant.

Soon, the screen lit up and with it appeared two images. The first displayed another mobile suit, painted mostly in white with red and blue trimmings along with a few patches colored in golden yellow. The war machine carried a huge shield, probably, almost half its total height on its left arm. Its right hand wielded a massive gun of equal proportion to the colossal shield. The behemoth also had a large emerald green sphere embedded on the center of its chest, similar to the one found at the heart of the fearsome unit she was presently in.

The second picture left Haruka awestruck soon as her sky blue orbs landed on it.

It showed the portrait of the young man who had completely captured her heart.

'It's… you… Heero…'

However, there were a few interesting differences with the image shown to her and his current physical features. The Heero reflected on the screen still possessed the same handsome face, chocolate brown hair and Prussian blue eyes. But he looked more... juvenile while at the same time there was a cold and distant aura hovering all over him.

'H-Heero... t-this must be when you were fifteen years old... probably about two or three years ago from your time.' Haruka deduced, remembering the introduction provided by the narrator earlier.

Soon as the thought left her, the voice or guide resumed his commentary.

"Unit zero one, 'Wing Gundam' was assembled in the L1 Colony Cluster, the mobile suit was developed with speed, maneuverability and rapid deployment considered. The unit carried an enormous 'Crash Shield' made from Gundanium alloy that could also be utilized as weapon to impale or smash through opposing enemy mobile suits. Its most prominent feature was the 'Buster Rifle' held by the right hand which is capable of releasing a torrential amount of concussive high-energy beam that could pierce through heavily reinforced composite alloys similar to those in use for the construction of Space Colonies. It has a pair of Vulcan guns located on its headpiece as well as Machine cannons fitted at the clavicle section of its shoulders. The Wing Gundam also has a beam saber stored inside the crash shield for its melee weapon. The unit is able to perform atmospheric reentry from outer space through the use of its 'Bird Mode' configuration."

Images showing the mobile suit in an assortment of combat operations followed. She was able to see the different occasions it was transformed to its jet fighter-like design.

'Was… this the robot that Heero used to get here?'

She was purged from her musings as the image of the mobile suit vanished and Heero's portrait was placed into the fore.

Below it a small profile came into view.

Real Name: Unknown

Code Name: Heero Yuy

Birth date: Unknown, sometime in 180 A.C.

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Eye Color: Cobalt/Prussian Blue

Origin: L1 Colony Cluster

Designation: Gundam Mobile Suit Pilot

'R-real… n-name… U-unknown?' Haruka gasped in shocked.

'Heero Yuy… is just… a codename?'

As if the highly advanced operating system heard her thoughts it began the introduction to the young man she came to know and love as Heero Yuy.

["The archived information on the origins of the Gundam pilot codenamed Heero Yuy is severely limited. However, the archives were updated with factual data provided by the subject in discussion. Do you want to proceed?"]

'You can… hear my thoughts?'

["Subject designate, Haruka Morishima is directly connected to the EPYON System Neural Network."]

The response was what could be expected from Artificial Intelligence, direct and logically driven.

'I… I wish to proceed, Mr. Epyon.'

"Heero!" Haruka called out, attempting to get the young boy's attention, yet he ignored her.

'Of course… these are recordings… footages of his memories…'

Everything felt so life-like.

The events where unfolding right before her eyes.

Haruka was provided a front row seat, no, an over the shoulder view... of a great war waged in the distant future as seen from the eyes of her beloved, Heero Yuy.

The mobile suit, designated as unit zero one or referred as 'Wing Gundam' blazed through outer space. Several parts of it splintered off before the fearsome war machine was revealed in its bird configuration. Soon as it made atmospheric entry to Earth the mobile suit faced off against a large carrier, she was able to see how easily it destroy the aircraft with one shot from it's colossal rifle. The Wing Gundam was then engaged by a trio of enemy suits, two were simply blown off the skies with another shot from its huge gun before the remaining adversary held one of its limbs as both fell from the skies. Everything turned to black soon as they struck the ocean floor thereafter.

'That… evening… he… almost killed that gang member…' Haruka pondered, remembering the events of the back alley brawl.

["Gundam Pilot Designate Heero Yuy is a highly-trained soldier in the arts of war. He is a multi-faceted operator, a vastly capable specialist and an extremely dangerous assassin."]

'He… he is not like that! Heero… my Heero is a matured, gentle and caring person! He may not know how to show it but I could certainly feel it!'

["Aptly described he considers himself, a killer, a murderer… a slayer."]

'Mr. Epyon, he's a soldier… I am trying... so hard… to understand this reality… but he is nothing like that!'

["You are only provided factual data at the behest of Gundam Pilot Designate Heero Yuy. Do you still wish to proceed?"]

'Yes. Please continue.'

["Affirmative."]

The next scene she saw was of Heero, restrained inside a hospital. A few moments later, a bomb explodes and another young boy clad in all black enters. The newly arrived person saves Heero and helps in releasing him from his restraints. A parachute was provided to the stoic cobalt blue eyed pilot before both of them jumped out of the window. Haruka gasped in shock as she witnessed Heero plummeting down without any intention to open his parachute till he seemed to have heard someone call out to him. The young boy she loves finally releases his parachute but almost too late as he fell down the cliff causing him to injure his leg in the process. The next instance she saw him was that he and the other young boy were already on a ship with their mobile suits being raised from the sea.

'You really do know how to do those treatments…' Haruka mused as she observed Heero snapping back his misplaced leg bone into place.

The succeeding scene showed Heero in front of a computer terminal, deleting what looks to be his school records. She was quick enough to read the name 'St. Gabriel Institute' before each of his credentials was erased. The lovely raven haired young woman sighed upon remembering the day she learned he had 'transferred out' of Kibitou Senior High. It also gave light to how he had cleanly made his sudden disappearance out of the academy.

'Wha..?' Haruka marveled as the next scene unraveled.

Heero wore the same school uniform she earlier saw while he was deleting his identification from the school registry. However, what made the scene very interesting and somewhat… disturbing for Haruka was the fact that he was… dancing the waltz on a large ballroom with a very beautiful blonde young woman.

'Who… who is she?' The campus idol wondered as her eyes desperately trailed the dancing pair.

The blonde girl had long flowing golden tresses. She had clear cerulean eyes and the way she looked at Heero somehow struck a sensitive chord on her heartstrings. The brown haired boy and the beautiful girl danced elegantly… reminding Haruka of how Heero lovingly held her in his arms at the Eurasia ballroom. She knew the event appearing before her eyes occurred years before she met him. But still… she could not help but feel a slight pang of envy knowing someone had beaten her to the opportunity of dancing first with the young man she deeply loves.

The scene was disturbed by the arrival of enemy mobile suits. She saw Heero ride Wing Gundam and retaliate against five of these colossal units. The Gundam Pilot easily defeated his enemies but Haruka was awestruck upon seeing another spectacular display between Heero and the beautiful blonde girl. After his mobile suit had dispatched his opponents, Heero marched towards the girl and drove the massive shield on her direction. Haruka blinked several times soon as Heero removed his mobile suit's crash shield revealing the girl defiantly standing and unharmed.

'She… she must be someone… very important to him…' Haruka acknowledged while feeling the drumming of her heart beats.

The next scene shifted to a large military installation, which she carefully read from the note provided by the EPYON System as 'New Edwards Base'. Haruka saw firsthand how Heero relentlessly cut down a large number of enemy mobile suits with the Wing Gundam's impressive buster rifle, machine cannons and beam saber. The other Gundam units where present as well, despite the numerically superior enemy forces arrayed against them, Heero and his comrades disposed their opponents with relative ease.

["The New Edwards incident would be the first turning point of the war against the Gundam Pilots."]

'How is that so, they easily defeated those standing against them?'

["Their true enemy, OZ, had leaked out false information making the Gundam Pilots believe they were attacking a meeting supposedly attended by OZ leaders. In reality, it was a carefully laid trap using the Gundams as a precursor to the Alliance downfall."]

'But… Isn't the Alliance their enemy too?'

["The Gundams were dispatched by the rebel citizens from the colonies with the intention of destroying OZ. The secret organization that ordered the assassination of the original Heero Yuy."]

'Original, Heero Yuy?'

["Prior to his untimely demise, he was the charismatic leader of the Colonies that spearheaded peaceful dialogue between Earth Sphere and the Colonies. His death was among the primary reasons for the Colonies rebellion."]

Soon as the highly intelligent operating system finished its response Haruka saw Wing Gundam race after a shuttle bearing the name OZ before transforming into mobile suit configuration while in mid-air then mercilessly cutting down the aircraft in one mighty blow.

["Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy erroneously killed all Alliance leaders including the Supreme Head -Field Marshal Noventa and General Vente of the Terrestrial forces. People who were advocating the Alliance own dismantlement and pushing for peaceful resolution between Earth Sphere and the Colonies."]

'But… Heero did not know… it wasn't his fault. They were tricked.'

She saw Heero inside the Wing Gundam cockpit shocked and very upset after his mistake. The enemy mobile suits still attacking him were only deterred by the intervention of the other two Gundam units, Deathscythe and Sandrock.

The screen blacked out after that.

The succeeding scene revealed Heero piloting Wing Gundam once again. He was laying waste to numerous enemy units and even shooting down transport carriers in the air. She was surprised a bit though at the arrival of a different mobile suit, which the EPYON System tagged as 'Tallgeese' before it started a duel with Heero.

The white behemoth was as fearsome as the Gundams, with its pilot equally skilled as well. The Wing Gundam and Tallgeese fought each other while the ongoing battle continued to rage with Gundam Heavyarms destroying the opposing mobile suits sent on their way. Though Haruka knew that it was only a recording of a past event, she still found it nerve wracking to see Heero fighting against a very formidable opponent. The raven haired young woman was notified by the EPYON System however, that this footage had available audio since it was captured inside the black box from Heero's Wing Gundam.

"Gundam Pilots! Surrender at once, I have the space fortress Barge ready to launch missiles at the Colonies upon failure to comply!" A chestnut brown haired woman with eye glasses announced over the screen.

Both the Tallgeese and Wing Gundam ceased their duel after hearing the stern woman's demands.

"Lady Une, this is not what Colonel Treize wants!" A man wearing a mask responded, his face appearing on the video display.

"I have the clearance to make it happen, Lt. Zechs Marquise! Space Fortress Barge, open fire at the Colonies!" The woman angrily replied before another face appeared on the screen.

"So, OZ would resort to this kind of tactics. The Colonies should not be involved in the matter as this is my personal battle against your organization. If that is the case, then I will surrender. But I refuse to hand over the Gundams!" An older man with grey hair and dark glasses defiantly answered.

Haruka was surprised as she saw Heero step out from the Wing Gundam holding something in his hand.

The raven haired beauty was all the more appalled upon witnessing what he did next.

The young boy… the young Heero on the display panel pressed a button from the gadget causing his mobile suit, Wing Gundam detonate in a large explosion.

She was wide-eyed with fright and disbelief as Heero was thrown down from his mobile suit, landing viciously on the cold hard ground with blood teeming out from him.

"Heero!" Haruka screamed in panic, unable to stop herself after recovering from the initial shock.

The young boy she loves so much looked lifeless as he was carried away by the Gundam Heavyarms.

Everything faded to black once again after that.

'He… he did survive that… he wouldn't be here if he did not, right?'

["That is correct. According to the compiled data it took Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy no less than 30 days to recuperate from the injuries he sustained after self-detonating the Wing Gundam."]

'He's… so reckless…'

["The Gundam Pilots are very determined individuals, user designate Haruka Morishima."]

The succeeding scene unveiled Heero being confronted by another young girl, probably at the same age as him. The girl had golden brown hair and a pair of pink hairclips fastened at each side of her head. They were in front of a tombstone with the young lady pointing a gun threateningly at Heero.

"I'm the one who killed your grandfather, Field Marshall Noventa." Heero spoke, his eyes beseeching the girl to shoot him.

"I'm offering you a chance to take my life. In exchange for the grave mistake I've committed."

"Shut up! You're nothing but a coward who only wants to take the easy way out! Killing you won't mean anything! It doesn't return my grandfather back to life!" She angrily answered to him.

"No, I won't taint the memory of my grandfather by going through the cycle of vengeance."

The girl lowered her hand holding the gun after having said that.

'Heero… you would even offer your life… as a way to atone for your mistake…' Haruka contemplated, her sky blue orbs stirring from the knowledge.

The pretty campus idol was then shifted into another scene.

She saw Heero within the cockpit of a different mobile suit, this time inside Gundam Heavyarms. He was in a vast field covered by snow with hills at the fringes. He was once again facing off against the white behemoth, Tallgeese in a one-on-one duel.

'Where were they at this time, Mr. Epyon?'

["OZ Base Antarctica, Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy is dueling for the second time OZ officer Lt. Zechs Marquise. Eventually he would become his peerless rival on the battlefield."]

The duel between the Gundam Heavyarms and Tallgeese lasted for more than 3hours according to the notes provided by the EPYON System. From the recording shown to her it was evident that the Tallgeese held a sizable advantage against the Heavyarms. However, the fight between Heero and Zechs proved to be a sight to behold as both combatants gave no quarter. Haruka still found it difficult to watch despite the known fact that it was only a replay of whatever happened in the past.

'Heero's early life… has been nothing but death, countless battles and destruction.'

The culmination of the duel almost resulted to a decisive victory for the Tallgeese before a private shuttle interceded by literally going in between the battling titans and stopping the fight. Once again, it was the beautiful blonde girl who stole the scene, cutting the fight at right moment.

Haruka was still in deep thoughts about the blonde girl's role in Heero's life during the war when she was shifted to the next scene. It exhibited him piloting a mobile suit similar to the ones he had destroyed on the earlier footages. The cobalt eyed boy was even leading a group of these mobile units which the EPYON System identified as 'Leo' against another cluster of the same units. He gave directions to his supposed subordinates to spring an ambush soon as the enemy reached their position.

"The battlefield… this is where I belong. This is where soldiers like me only find their existence." She heard Heero's thoughts as he shot down one Leo after another.

'No… this was the life he had envisioned for himself… before he met me…'

The brown haired boy fought courageously despite the odds against him. He was bravely and selflessly defending a town with civilians against an onslaught of OZ troops.

"The colonies have turned their backs against us. But that doesn't mean the war with OZ is finished. Only my death will stop me from seeing this war to its bitter end." Heero seemingly spoke to himself as he poured another volley of gunfire that destroyed a pair of tanks.

'Is this the burden you had to bear as a soldier? Is this the price you had to pay… losing your innocence due to the bloodshed caused by war?' The raven haired beauty mulled before seeing the scene shift into the horizon showing the arrival of fresh troops… reinforcements from the enemy.

"This is my way... my way of retaliating!" The brown haired boy defiantly snarled.

'You… you don't have to do this, Heero!' Haruka contemplated as she could only watch the episode with growing fear and frustration.

The battle continued its unforgiving wrath as more soldiers and units from Heero's side were killed and destroyed. She gasped in shock upon seeing he was the only one left in the battlefield as the enemy began to close in.

"My life… is nothing but meaningless. At least in death, I have served my purpose in this never-ending war."

'NO! You are important! You are so special! Maybe you are but one very talented soldier, but I see you as a person! The man I love and want to grow old with! You can't die!' Her thoughts screamed in panic.

As if someone heard her, a pair of mobile suits arrived, one held the gigantic buster rifle of Wing Gundam while the other flew overhead transformed into a jet-like craft. The two units destroyed the enemy suits attempting to surround Heero before everything faded into nothingness.

[Battle of Luxembourg]

The EPYON System displayed on the main screen before a new footage was shown to her.

'Luxembourg?'

["Headquarters of the Treize Faction, Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy's participation was noted as another example of him serving his only known purpose."]

'Purpose?'

["Acknowledge his existence as a soldier. A weapon, nothing but a tool in the battlefield."]

'He… he's looking for his death?' Haruka deduced in disbelief.

["Precisely."]

Heero was inside the Wing Gundam's cockpit, piloting the impressive mobile suit with expertise as he smashed through the combat zone. The battle was very fierce. It had been raging for sometime already inside the vast expanse covered by the base and its surrounding territory. Haruka could only watch in horror as the base defenders fell one after another. Heero fought fearlessly, facing off against a multitude of enemy mobile suits which the highly advanced operating system tagged as 'Virgo'.

Scores of Virgo suits fell down before Heero. The Prussian eyed boy pulverized his opponents with powerful shots from the buster rifle that swept everything across the battlefield. He utilized his machine cannons and Vulcan guns down to the last ammo before shifting to his beam saber and slicing the Virgo suits into oblivion.

Yet for every unit he destroyed, two seemed to take over its place.

The situation became even more desperate when the last of the base defenders had fallen and his buster rifle has expended its charge. She saw Heero look grimly at the approaching enemy squads.

"Death in the battlefield, the only place a Gundam Pilot is allowed to die."

Heero swung his beam saber ferociously, striking down Virgo suits in as many seconds. He boosted towards the next group of mobile suits and drove through their squad's formation. The brown haired boy hacked and slashed his opponents with brutal determination and deadly elegance. He had finished off another five units before seeing a force field barrier erected by a three-line deep phalanx of Virgo suits who were confidently marching towards his direction.

"Hnn…" The brown haired boy growled under his breath.

A salvo of golden beams was unleashed by the rows of the marching enemy mobile units. Heero could only place the huge crash shield in front of him to deter the torrent of energy beams directed at him. One of these struck the Wing Gundam at its limb disabling his suit. The white colossus fell on its back before Heero struggled to push both of his control throttles in an attempt to bring his mobile suit up on its feet.

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

Just then a transmission was sent to him originating from the Luxembourg mansion.

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

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

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

'Isn't he their enemy? Why did Heero fight for him in Luxembourg?' Haruka relayed through the neural network.

["During the Eve Wars, fighting battles are determined not by allegiances, but by beliefs."]

The succeeding scene showed Heero pointing his sidearm at a blonde haired man with a handsome and regal appearance. A small profile was provided by the EPYON System allowing Haruka to know the person's identity.

'So, he's Treize Khushrenada.'

["Subject Designate Treize Khushrenada is the brain behind this unit's creation."]

She then saw the man hand over a key card to Heero that opened an adjoining room to where they were talking. As Heero entered the room a fearsome beast was unveiled before him. It was the mobile suit she was within right now.

'So this is where you make your entrance Mr. Epyon.'

["Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy is my first and original pilot."]

'Treize Khushrenada gave you to Heero?'

["Affirmative."]

After the artificial intelligence replied, she was whisked to another scene, this one showing Heero piloting the Gundam Epyon. Haruka easily recognized that the events currently portrayed directly happened after the cobalt blue eyed boy's earlier meeting with Treize. The battlefield was still in Luxembourg, there were still pockets of resistance coming from the remaining troops allied with Treize, yet the conflict was now centered at the Gundam Pilot busily fighting his way out.

She was able to witness the transition from Heero's usual practical fighting style to something that was utterly vicious and very unforgiving. He mangled anything that got into his way. The mobile suit Epyon blazed through the combat zone with sheer ferocity as he sliced and diced Virgo suits like paper being shredded. The crimson behemoth's gargantuan beam sword swept neatly against four black Virgo units before Heero utilized its slithering heat rod in swift brutal strokes that effortlessly cut down another five enemy mobile suits.

He jetted the Epyon's boosters at the next platoon of Virgos while gliding and zigzagging across the ground to avoid beam cannon fire thrown at him. His speed and maneuvers were dizzying as he evaded nine Virgo units on the field. However, after he had made his dazzling pass, all nine Virgo suits exploded, one after another. Each had either been sliced by the beam sword or sheared by the heat rod. Haruka gazed at Heero and was stunned to see that his eyes had contorted to silvery irises due to the amount of data being delivered to him by the EPYON System.

She was even more flabbergasted after seeing him move towards some of the stray Leo suits fighting for Treize and killing them without any concord. Enemy and supposed allies were demolished. All that stood before him met a swift cruel end at the hands of the Epyon.

'What's… wrong with him? How… how could he just wantonly kill everyone? Even those that should be at the side he's fighting for?'

["Data feed overload from this operating system, EPYON."]

'You pushed him to do this!' Haruka angrily mulled at the Operating System.

["The EPYON System is designed to provide a multitude of options for the pilot to achieve certain victory. How the pilot handles the system is beyond the boundaries of this unit's logical directives."]

'Still… it was NOT him, consciously or deliberately!'

She was again whisked into another scene, to another battlefield. Haruka was able to see a beautiful countryside. A bustling city was located near a scenic coastline with mountain ridges overlooking a rich valley. Atop a mid-rise plateau stood a majestic palace that stretched the entirety of the surface's length.

However, as mentioned earlier, the picturesque landscape was tainted by the sound of war, the roar of bloodshed and the song of death. It was chaos everywhere. Plumes of smoke rose out from every corner of the city. Strewn heaps of alloys littered the ground, various structures were burning and fighting had spread out across all parts of the country.

[Newport City, Sanc Kingdom]

A massive force was laying siege to the nation's capital. The defenders were all hard pressed as the enemy was attacking from air, land and sea. From the footages shown to her, she was able to see that the Gundam Sandrock was even amongst the defenders fighting across the shoreline. The defenders accounted themselves really well despite the hopeless odds they were facing as the invaders paid dearly for every advance they made. Yet the attackers were simply too many.

The scene then shifted deep into the woods where a single mobile suit… the crimson painted behemoth Gundam Epyon was fighting by its lonesome against a whole host of Virgo mobile units. Inside the cockpit, she could only gaze at Heero worriedly as he lost control of the Epyon after driving him into a berserker fury due to the huge load of combat data forcefully fed into his mind.

Scores of Virgo troops succumbed to his brutal assault. The massive beam sword slashed relentlessly as it felled anything that came across his path. The fearsome Epyon swooped and drove all over the field with its pilot no different to a mad man. The savagery of his offensive was too much for the Virgo squads as explosions raged on every point an enemy target previously stood.

'He's… killing too many…'

["On this case, it is right to conclude that he is destroying too many machines. The Virgo unit is basically a mobile doll - unpiloted and remotely directed by centralized field controllers."]

'I… see.'

"Where… where is my enemy?!" Heero uttered between gritted teeth.

The part of the forest where he fought was currently ablaze due to the burning hulks of the Virgo suits he had obliterated. The Epyon stood at the center of it, holding the beam sword and heat rod at each side as the pilot within the mobile suit seethed in anger.

It was already deep in the evening, his call for chaos and destruction had been answered unwillingly by the OZ mobile doll battalion assigned to sweep off any remaining resistance.

The Gundam Epyon continued to lay waste all over the battlefield. The forest continued to burn, heaps of metal are scattered as Heero inexorably pursued and decimated whatever target provided to him by the highly dangerous operating system. A trio of Leo units was retreating away from the combat zone, Haruka could hear the panicked broadcast from their pilots before Heero ruthlessly cut down two of them.

"Get over here!" The brown haired boy agitatedly said as he used the heat rod to drag the remaining Leo unit towards him.

Soon as the mobile suit was within arm's length, Heero impaled it squarely in the cockpit with the Epyon's beam sword.

The Gundam Pilot then saw the mobile doll carrier craft increasing its altitude and distance away from him. He immediately pulled the Epyon's transformation lever and within moments he was already chasing down his prey in the mobile suit's twin-headed dragon mode.

"There shall be no escape." He coldly stated before reverting the Epyon back to its mobile suit configuration and eradicating the carrier in one swing from his beam sword.

'H-Heero…' Haruka muttered in disbelief, upon seeing the heartless action of the young man she had solely loved.

He was still somewhat relishing his latest kill when onboard sensors notified him the arrival of a new target. The visual feed showed a mobile suit almost similar to Heero's Wing Gundam. It was heading straight towards him at high speed in its jet-like design.

The newly arrived Gundam transformed to its mobile suit setup and immediately crossed swords with Heero the moment they were up close and in melee range.

Blinding sparks of energy were dispersed as their weapons clashed with each other. Harlequin green light splashed around them in torrential force.

"Zechs!" Heero growled with fury.

"Heero Yuy!" The speaker answered in the same agitated manner.

The confrontation between the two titans was devastating. The Epyon repeatedly hammered its opponent with a series of powerful blows. Yet Heero's enemy was remarkably skilled as well, since it parried every strike sent to him by the Gundam Pilot. The pilot of the newly arrived suit pummeled back dauntlessly after gaining an opportunity. But the brown haired boy deflected each swing of his foe's beam saber. The two war machines traded blows at one another with each strike getting more vicious after the next. The dark evening skies seemed to be a canvas for an impending thunderstorm as the ongoing clash between Heero and his opponent ignited the hemisphere similar to flashes of lightning.

No one was giving quarter.

Despite Heero's apparent advantage on close quarters combat due to the large beam sword and slithering heat whip employed by the Epyon, his adversary never wavered in striking back at him. The moments passed by with both combatants giving it their all but no one ever held a commanding advantage against each other. Haruka was all the more astonished when the two mobile suits suddenly froze in mid-flight as they attempted to escalate the matters between them to one final exchange.

'What happened?'

["Data overload on Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy and his opponent, Zechs Marquise. Too much combat information and tactical options had been fed inside their minds resulting to a temporary loss of consciousness."]

'He fought another scary duel with his rival.' Haruka pondered after hearing and recognizing the name of his foe from the EPYON system.

The scene faded into black as the dueling mobile suits limply collapsed on the ground with a crashing noise.

["The incident would be the last time Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy took the helm as my pilot. He and Zechs Marquise traded suits which would be permanent till the end of the Eve Wars."]

'So he eventually piloted the other scary suit. No offense, Mr. Epyon, but the other guy looked more heroic than you are.'

["None taken, user Haruka Morishima. Aesthetics are never considered to be detrimental with this unit's operational capabilities."]

'Why did he exchange you Mr. Epyon? Because you drove him to the limits each time you rode together?'

["Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy was unable to comprehend the primary logic behind my programming."]

'Well… who did you like better, Heero or this Zechs?'

["I am unable to respond to the inquiry as it involves human preference which this unit is incapable of understanding."]

The next scene revealed to Haruka was of a great battle being fought in the vastness of outer space. There were thousands of suits and space ships at both sides. The fighting was very intense. Explosions lit up the darkness of space. At the midst of it all, she was able to see the five Gundam units shown to her at the beginning of the presentation fighting with everything they have. Numerous golden beams showered the entire span of the battlefield, destroying anything and killing all life on their path.

[Final Battle of the Eve Wars, 24th December A.C. 195]

'So… this is the last battle of Heero's war.' Haruka thought as she watched with increased attention.

The scene panned towards the mobile suit Heero fought earlier in which he was now currently piloting. The EPYON System tagged the formidable war machine as 'Wing Gundam Zero'. It held a pair of buster rifles at each hand, similar to the one wielded by Heero's original unit. The brown haired boy fought gallantly with great determination and exceeding grace. The young man who has captured her heart cut loose with the large beam rifles obliterating no less than two dozen mobile suits caught on its path. He then transferred his aim and again annihilated another ten units using quick bursts of fire from the pair of guns his mobile suit held. She then saw him combine the buster rifles at the Wing Gundam's left hand before pulling out its harlequin green beam saber. Heero streaked across the combat zone and struck down squad after squad of mobile Virgo units sent his way.

'He truly is… one scary soldier in the battlefield.'

The episode shifted to another duel between Wing Gundam Zero versus Epyon. Haruka saw that this contest between the rivals was more devastating than the previous she had witnessed. At the background, a huge space fortress named 'Battleship Libra' and a gigantic space craft called 'Peacemillion' crashed with each other. The collision between the two enormous space ships had been tremendous, but the massive Peacemillion was able to push back the Libra after a set of explosions occurred inside the battle ship's four engine rooms.

Meanwhile, the dueling Epyon and Wing Zero were already aboard one of Libra's blocs. The pair had been going all out against each other for almost half an hour already with no one letting up at the sheer ferocity and devastation caused by their assault. Detonations from volatile elements inside the now burning battle station rage all around them as the Epyon and Wing Gundam Zero halted their hostilities while facing each other for one final attack.

Haruka was stunned however at the sudden flash of memory shown from Heero's psyche.

He was inside the Wing Gundam Zero's cockpit making adjustments to his mobile while another person in a spacesuit hovered in front of his unit's core. The raven haired beauty was a bit taken back when she recognized that it was none other the beautiful blonde girl who was talking to him.

"Wait, Heero!" The cerulean eyed young woman said to the Gundam Pilot.

Seeing that she had caught his attention the girl resumed, "Why is it necessary for you to go? Libra is already going down! There is no more reason for you to keep fighting!"

"My brother… Milliardo Peacecraft and the White Fang are already defeated!"

'Her brother… is the one Heero was fighting?' Haruka pondered while watching and listening on the conversation.

"Zechs, doesn't think he already lost." Heero nonchalantly answered before continuing with the adjustments he was making.

"I've got to go and fight." He simply added.

"You think that if you go, this war will end?"

Haruka was wide-eyed when Heero pulled the girl closer to him, their headgears only separating the small space between them.

"I'll defeat Zechs… and Treize. Only then will the war end. If you survive, there will be peace. This is the only thing I can do for you." The cobalt blue eyed boy said, while softly gazing at the young woman.

"Heero…"

"I promised, I'd protect you." Heero said sincerely to the cerulean eyed girl, his eyes stirring as he stared deeply into hers.

'Heero…' Haruka trailed, feeling her heart being gently spliced upon hearing him mention those words to the girl in front of him. The pretty campus idol heard those words too… Heero said them to her that same night at the conclusion of the back alley brawl.

"But to protect you and the Earth Sphere, I have no choice but to fight."

"No…" The girl with lovely golden tresses disagreed.

"Let me fight." The Prussian eyed pilot told the young woman in front of him before gently pushing her away from the mobile suit's cockpit.

"I won't! No!" The golden blonde haired girl refused before adding, "Heero, you're planning on dying aren't you?!"

"Trust me." Heero uttered as the Gundam's cockpit closed.

"Heero! I do trust you!"

'I… said those words to you too. This person also cares about you.' Haruka easily understood, feeling something lodge itself inside her throat.

The Wing Gundam Zero slowly marched towards the exit as the cerulean eyed girl moved towards the railings.

"Good bye, Relena." The brown haired boy softly spoke through the intercom.

"Heero!" She cried out to him, teardrops pouring out from her crystalline cerulean irises.

'Relena… so, that's her name. She was very important to you. You met her before me. She knows you a lot more, better than me.' Haruka forlornly contemplated, never noticing that a tear had streaked down across her cheek.

The scene quickly reverted back to the duel - with Wing Gundam Zero and Gundam Epyon swiftly crossing each other's side while performing one devastating final attack.

It was over in a flash.

Both mobile suits were kneeled down on one limb after passing each other.

A metallic clank echoed throughout the hall.

Gundam Epyon's right arm had been sheared completely off.

Wing Gundam Zero slowly stood, its back still facing the defeated opponent.

"Why didn't you kill me?" Zechs bitterly inquired.

"Relena… will be sad." Heero only replied before leaving the area.

Haruka was still reeling from the discovery of Heero's relationship with the golden blonde haired young woman when the EPYON System transitioned her to the next scene.

'What's… he… doing?' Haruka wondered, pulled out from her train of thoughts.

The Wing Gundam Zero was streaking hot towards Earth's mesosphere despite the mobile suit's Gundanium frame it was visibly showing signs of heat and weathering due to atmospheric entry.

["Gundam Pilot designate Heero Yuy is on course trajectory to intercept the falling Battleship Libra block toward Earth's atmosphere. He is preventing a cataclysmic weather change."]

'Cataclysmic weather change?'

["Should the Libra block fell on Earth, it would cause a drastic shift in weather. A fall on the ocean floor would result to a powerful tidal wave enough to submerge coastal territories. While hitting the Earth's surface will produce a blotting of the entire atmospheric layer – in return creating a blockage that would prevent the Sun's rays from penetrating."]

'In short… another Ice Age.' Haruka concluded as she continued watching the scene with keen interest.

Indeed, the falling Libra block was also hot in pursuit.

Wing Gundam Zero reverted to its mobile suit configuration as it faced the monolithic part heading towards it. She saw Heero combine the pair of buster rifles and took aim at the colossal crashing part. The Gundam's cockpit was shaking while the brown haired boy strained himself as he steadied his grip on the throttle.

Beads of sweat poured down from his temple while concentrating on the targeting systems.

The mobile suit and the Libra block continued its descent on Earth's atmosphere.

'Of course… he'll succeed… not because of the here and now… but because I do believe he can.' Haruka surmised while the event unfolded in front of her eyes.

"I WILL… I WILL SURVIVE!"

Soon as he said that, the crosshairs of the targeting console went red, Heero pressed the trigger.

A huge pillar of destruction razed out from the combined buster rifles.

It struck the falling Libra block with deadly precision and unparalleled power.

She was blinded upon impact.

The radiance dispersed by the collision of the huge chunk of metallic alloys versus the torrent of golden yellow beam was too dazzling.

Everything turned to white.

After a few moments… she was able to see a burst of azure flame zip through the space previously occupied by the now destroyed Libra fragment.

He succeeded.

"He was… a hero." Haruka softly uttered.

["An unsung and nameless hero, similar to the four other Gundam Pilots."]

The screen faded to black, before getting replaced by a window showing the detailed archive to another historical event.

[Mariemaia Incursion, A.C. 196]

'This occurred the succeeding year after the Eve War right?'

["You are correct. It transpired exactly a year after the conclusion of the Eve Wars. Do you wish to proceed?"]

Haruka sighed deeply as she struggled on balancing the scales between logic and emotions. She wanted to know more about Heero, she was sure of it. She was helplessly in love with him and this was her chance to learn everything about him.

"I… I wish to continue, Mr. Epyon."

The Mariemaia Rebellion was explained to her in detail through text and voice over narration. She was able to learn that remnants of the rebel faction in the Colonies led by Dekim Barton had seized L3 X-18999. They had planned to use the whole Colony as a precursor in attaining the true objectives of Operation Meteor. The Colony later on was even utilized as leverage against the only opposition presented by the Preventers – an organization created to maintain peace between Earth Sphere and the Colonies. Only the timely intervention of the Gundam Pilots thwarted Dekim Barton's plan on dropping the space colony to Earth or blowing up the massive installation with its citizens after everything else failed. However, similar to the original concept of Operation Meteor, after dropping a space colony on Earth, the remaining opposition will be swept aside using a mobile suit force. Previously – the five Gundams but instead, Mariemaia's invasion force consisted of a huge number of mobile suits. Ironically though, the force included one of the Gundam units, namely, the upgraded unit 05 – Gundam Altron. Earth Sphere and the Preventers only had two mobile suits in its disposal, a white Taurus piloted by Lucrezia Noin and the Tallgeese III being maneuvered by none other than Milliardo Peacecraft. With the Gundam Pilots intervention the badly outnumbered duo was reinforced by units 02, 03 and 04.

Haruka was then presented footage from the Mariemaia Incursion Archives, she was in disbelief after reading the record's title.

[Wing Gundam Zero vs. Gundam Altron]

'Heero… fought against a fellow Gundam pilot?'

["Group Designate Gundam Pilots fought for their beliefs. Their principles supersede standard military procedures and allegiances."]

"I can not allow you to reach Earth!" A boy with oriental features boldly stated over the display screen as the Gundam Altron swung its beam glaive at Wing Gundam Zero.

"Is this what you call justice?" Heero questioned after crossing swords with his beam saber.

"I need to know myself whether or not peace at the expense of lives can really be defined as peace!" Wufei answered before swinging its pole arm once again in a sweeping fashion.

Heero did not reply but instead met the attack with a parry from the harlequin green beam blade.

"I will become evil itself to find out! Humanity didn't change! All enemies were defeated, but Earth did not change one bit!"

The brown haired boy only groaned as he continued deflecting his fellow Gundam pilot's relentless assault.

'That… should be… Chang Wufei… the pilot of unit 05.' Haruka correctly guessed while the fight between the two pilots intensified.

The dueling warriors fought each other with a completely different outlook. Wufei and the Altron had been going all out against Heero and the Wing Gundam Zero. The cobalt blue eyed boy meanwhile was suppressing his capabilities in an effort to bring his opponent back to his senses. Yet the boy from L5 Colony Cluster could not be deterred, his attacks were filled with wrath and the viciousness of his offensive knows no boundaries.

"The more you fight, the more sacrifice for peace becomes a waste. You must have realized that. The war we fought is over!" Heero declared over the intercom.

"So you are saying that soldiers who know nothing but how to fight must be discarded?" Wufei hissed as he poured one attack after another with the Altron against the Wing Gundam Zero.

"Soldiers fought to attain a sense of peace! Believe in the world we live in!" Heero replied while using the machine cannons to push back the Altron.

"My actions speak for the people who were used as weapons! I'm fighting on behalf of all soldiers, including you!" The fiery pilot of Gundam unit 05 seethed after evading Heero's barrage before crossing swords with him once again.

"Wufei…" Heero trailed as both mobile suits began to plunge deep into the Earth's atmosphere.

"Right now… you and I are fighting like this! Isn't it true that you are fulfilled as I do, when you're fighting?!" Wufei fumed at him resuming the melee between them.

'No! Heero is not like that!' Haruka protested within her thoughts.

"Remember, Wufei, Treize is dead! You have already defeated him!"

"You're wrong! I still continue to fight him! Even now!" Wufei shot back after deflecting a series of slashes from Wing Gundam Zero.

The dueling suits were only forced to break hostilities soon as they penetrated the atmosphere. The new Wing Gundam Zero variant displayed its angel-like wings to slow down its descent. While the Altron discharges a parachute to halt its own fall before quickly resuming its fight with the other mobile suit.

"I do not accept Relena Peacecraft's ways! Her belief that peace is achieved by throwing away weapons and confining soldiers is wrong!"

'Relena… Relena Peacecraft… the beautiful girl with blonde hair and cerulean eyes…' Haruka mused as she watched the duel with increasing attention.

"So that's why you're supporting Mariemaia's autocracy?!"

"That's where the souls of those who fight gather!" Wufei angrily answered as the Altron landed a square hit on the green sphere found at the center of Wing Gundam Zero's chest.

"That may be ok for now… but Mariemaia will only end up repeating history! A history full of miserable battles. Unless we stop this cycle now, more soldiers like ourselves will become necessary. If that happens a history full of tragedy will keep repeating itself." Heero reasoned while deflecting and parrying the Altron's latest attack pattern.

"Tell me, Wufei. How many more people must we kill?" The brown haired boy bitterly asked as blinding sparks of energy splashed all around them.

"Heero…. Your life… had been too difficult." Haruka whispered before a series of images briefly flashed through her senses.

A girl and her puppy. Heero talking to the little girl. A flower handed to him by the girl. Heero pressing something with his hand. A series of loud explosions. Facilities inside a military base detonated. A mobile suit exploded. An apartment complex destroyed… a torn piece of white cloth… and the puppy from earlier now dead.

'What…' Haruka wondered as the images stormed her senses.

"Huh?" The warrior of justice could only utter after hearing Heero.

"Zero won't tell me anything. You… tell me, Wufei." The cobalt eyed boy concluded before suddenly dropping his mobile suit into the ocean floor.

'He's… tired and broken from all the senseless fighting. It is evident from his manner of approach. He wanted to reason out with Wufei. His reaction to the duel only shows how much he had changed since the war began. He's a person who has emotions… he can get hurt…he has experienced pain… he gives value to life now… unlike the early part of the conflict.' Haruka contemplated as the footage ended.

The next scene displayed Wing Gundam Zero high above the skies. Sparks flew out from the surface of its damaged parts while energy is slowly building at tip of its twin buster rifle.

[Brussels, Belgium – Presidential Bunker]

"Locked onto the target." The stoic Gundam Pilot calmly stated, with his cobalt blue orbs completely focused at the mobile suit's targeting system.

He then flicked an overhead switch to broadcast his image at the control room of the Presidential Bunker. The brown haired boy was able to see the occupants inside the command center through his display before addressing them.

"Let me confirm. Your shelter shields are activated?"

"What are you…?" An elderly man wearing a pink military uniform tentatively trailed.

"Your shelter is secured, is it?" The Prussian blue eyed pilot repeated with the seriousness of his voice revealing the high level of threat in every word he had spoken.

"Of course it is! See for yourself just how powerless you are!" A young little girl wearing a cape above a military uniform furiously replied.

"Roger." Heero shortly responded before cutting transmission.

A huge column of golden death surged from the barrels of the twin buster rifle. All enemy mobile suits around the perimeter were pulverized after getting struck by the torrent of pure energy Heero fired at the bunker's shielding. The underground facility trembled from the sheer force brought upon by Wing Gundam Zero's twin buster rifle.

Heero squeezes the trigger once again. Another torrent of destructive energy was discharged from the mouth of the highly daunting weapon. The might of the horrendous bolt was able to pierce through the fourth and fifth protective layers of the bunker's shielding. However, the damages sustained by Wing Gundam Zero from its earlier duel against the Gundam Altron caused the angel-like mobile suit to break apart from the severe strain dispersed by its massive weapon. Parts of its Gundanium plating from the torso fall off while plumes of smoke rush out from its Vernier engines. The left arm is torn off as sparks of electrical energy streak out all around the cockpit.

"Heero!" Haruka cried out, unable to stop herself after witnessing the mobile suit's deteriorating state.

"The shield has lost more than half of its strength! Wing Zero's aim is accurate to one hundredth of a unit! The shelter is unable to sustain another hit at the same place!" One of the console operators announced.

"Stop it! Don't you realize Relena Peacecraft is in here!" The older man from earlier irritatingly said at the brown haired boy.

"Hnn." Heero grunted as his cobalt blue irises narrowed upon being notified that the twin buster rifle was once again primed.

He makes a slight adjustment to his aim while enemy mobile suits relentlessly fire at him from below.

And once again… his psyche is revealed to Haruka. A little girl and her small dog. A flower. One sunny and bright day. A military base in flames. A burning mobile suit collapsing at a building complex.

The glint on his Prussian blue orbs stirred slightly as Wing Gundam Zero unleashed its final shot.

A golden ray with a wide radius burst forth from the combined pair of buster rifles. It struck the final barrier protecting the Presidential Bunker. The power was more than sufficient to penetrate through its defenses as the remaining mobile suits in the area were obliterated.

Yet it also proved too much for whatever remains of the Wing Gundam Zero to handle. The fearsome mobile suit is ruptured as its limbs, the twin buster rifle and remaining arm explode. Smoke began to rush out from the torso as Heero is pushed off his seat despite his safety belt.

"No! Heero!" Haruka screamed with fear seeing her beloved getting thrown off from his console.

["Do not fret. The result is already established. Designate Gundam Pilot Heero Yuy's safety and wellbeing is evident as could be seen this very moment."]

'I still… could not help but react… I am not used to seeing these sorts of things happening.'

["Affirmative."]

The next scene shown to Haruka was inside the Presidential Bunker, the little girl wearing a cape earlier was clutching a gunshot wound with Relena and a chestnut brown haired woman comforting her.

"I'll relieve you of your pain." Heero suddenly and coldly said as he slowly stepped towards them.

'No… Heero won't kill that girl… even if she led a rebellion…'

Haruka's cornflower blue eyes widened with shock as the young man she had come to cherish nonchalantly pointed his sidearm at the badly wounded little girl.

"H-Heero…" Relena softly uttered.

"Thank you…" The little girl replied before smiling and closing her eyes.

The Gundam Pilot pulls the trigger but nothing came out. Only the sound from the soft click of the hammer of his sidearm.

"I have killed Mariemaia. I will never kill anyone ever again." Heero uttered pausing slightly, "I don't have to anymore."

"Heero!" Relena called out to him, rushing to meet the brown haired boy as he slowly collapsed forward.

The beautiful young woman grabs him by the waist before they slowly fell towards the ground together. Gently, she placed his head at the crook above her shoulder.

"Oh… Heero." Relena softly said as she smoothly stroked his hair.

"Finally… it's over."

Heero simply grunted as he slowly closed his eyes.

Haruka could only watch as she witnessed the tender moment between the two.

Relena… stroking his hair fondly… soothing him… before everything faded to black.

'These are his… precious memories… from the time prior to him coming to meet me.'

"… Everything we had was a first for me." Heero's words echoed through her mind.

She knows.

She remembers.

But still… she can't help but wonder.

'Mr. Epyon… were Heero and Relena lovers before we met?'

["I am unable to respond. My system parameters are not calibrated to determine human relationships."]

'Of course…' Haruka mused yet she could not stop herself from being unsure upon seeing first hand the circumstances surrounding the young man she deeply loves and the girl with cerulean blue eyes.

She was startled from her contemplations as the EPYON System displayed the following words on the main screen.

[Restricted Archives – Heero Yuy. Security Level – High.]

["Do you still wish to proceed?"]

For reasons she was unable to comprehend… Haruka once again just felt her heartbeat drumming wildly deep inside her chest.

What are the secrets that lie behind the next archive?

Could she handle it?

Was she… strong enough to face them?

Her intuition… was ringing alarm bells loudly within her mind.

That… indecipherable hunch… a nervous feeling… the something she could not place a name on.

It was staring at her right now.

To know the entirety of Heero Yuy, the lone person, the only man she has ever allowed access to her heart.

Mustering all her courage, fueled by her feelings for him… she will continue.

She loves him.

'Please do, Mr. Epyon.'

The next scene revealed to Haruka showed Heero leaping past a metal fence before doing a somersault and landing safely on his back at the well-trimmed grass underneath the shade of a tree. The weather was really nice, it was warm and sunny. He was… laughing wholeheartedly before someone blotted his peripheral unintentionally covering the sun's rays touching his cheeks. Upon opening his eyes he saw a little girl along with her small dog. They conversed for a while but as the little girl turned to leave she left him a small flower. Haruka was able to see the bewildered look on Heero's face soon as the girl ran away to play with her dog.

The vista transitioned to nighttime, Heero held a small rectangular device almost the same size as that of a pen box. He tightly gripped the apparatus in front of him before pressing the jutted out section found at the tip. Within seconds, a series of loud explosions rocked the area surrounding him. Using explosives he had successfully detonated the whole military base in front of him. Various facilities were burned to the ground, vehicles and mobile suits became scrap metal while supply depots and ammo dumps continued to billow clouds of black smoke amidst the evening sky. The Gundam Pilot had a satisfied smirk hanging at the edge of his lips when he saw a Leo mobile suit crashing backwards caused by the shockwave of secondary explosions. His eyes widened in alarm as the burning metal behemoth unintentionally collapsed over a civilian apartment complex some distance near the base.

His cobalt blue irises stirred with disbelief and sorrow as he helplessly watched the scene.

The explosion was deafening.

Everything… was gone in the blink of an eye.

Everyone was dead.

Heero clenched the flower in his shaking hand while staring in shock at the aftermath of the operation.

Slowly the scenery shifted from evening to daylight, the brown haired boy could be seen walking aimlessly through the rubble and twisted steel from the remains of the buildings. Haruka thought snow was falling all around him before realizing that it was actually ash from the ruins of the destroyed structures. She felt her jaw drop involuntarily after her gaze settled at the sight of something that has no doubt upset Heero as well.

In stunned recognition she was able to remember.

There was a charred teddy bear… and beside it was the cadaver of the little girl's puppy.

Haruka covered her mouth to suppress the gasp that wanted to escape out of her air passage.

But she could not stop the tears that streaked down her eyes.

She saw him pick up the little dog's body and cradle it to his chest… all the while holding the small flower the young girl from earlier had given him.

His actions caused a lot of grief and suffering.

He was not only a soldier who killed other soldiers during the war.

Even accidental… his hands were tainted by the blood of civilians.

He carried within his conscience the guilt caused by the deaths of a lot of innocents.

Those were the crosses he had to bear.

She now possesses the truth behind his initial determination not to fall in love with her.

'Heero…' She whispered in her thoughts as the succeeding scene was unraveled in front of her.

The elderly man shown earlier during the Mariemaia rebellion could be seen discussing a serious matter with another man who was wearing goggles and had long graying hair. They were inside a control room while looking at the one-way panel mirror overlooking the adjoining room in front of them.

"That's ludicrous! You're suggesting to use the Gundam as a tool for massacre?!" The older man with long gray hair argued at the other elderly gentleman.

"This is war! It's no big deal sacrificing the general public! Got it? Now… retrain him at once! The humane feeling of kindness is unnecessary for our weapon!" The elderly gentleman angrily disputed.

"Heero is not a weapon!" Haruka shouted from the depths of her mind.

"You're right there. But do you really believe Heero Yuy would be pleased if we buried his humanity?" The man wearing goggles interjected before the other man pointed a gun towards his forehead.

"Dr. J – if you are hesitating then I shall personally lead the commencement of Operation Meteor!" The older gentleman irately answered as he pressed a large red circular button on the control panel.

The occupant of the next room was revealed to them and… for Haruka to see.

A young boy was strapped securely on a cross-shaped dais with both of his arms extended at each side. His mouth was gagged by a leather band while both of his eyes were forcefully held open by metallic servo devices.

The mesh of brown hair… the cobalt blue irises… the face of a child… robbed of its innocence.

No doubt… it was Heero.

Soon after an array of display screens in front of him went online.

Flashes of various images where shown to him.

Civilians being killed.

Innocents being butchered.

Children dying.

Blood from the guiltless… spilled without any hesitation.

Holocaust…. Genocide… Death.

Heero tried to struggle… he fruitlessly tried to break free from the strapping.

He was unable to close his eyes from the myriad of images forcefully fed into his psyche.

Murder… Butcher… Destroy… Kill!

He wanted to scream, he wanted to shout and he wanted to cry.

But his mouth was strapped and gagged, while his eyes were forced open by the small metallic servo arms.

"NO! HEERO! NO! LET HIM GO! PLEASE!" Haruka screamed in panic, unable to contain the emotions brought upon by the mental and psychological training Heero was obligated to undertake.

"YOU MONSTERS! LET HIM GO! DON'T TURN HIM INTO ONE OF YOU!"

A shot suddenly rang across the room, she saw the man wearing goggles clutching what remains of his bloodied left hand.

"I'll train him, Dekim… but not in this manner! Not in such a way!" Dr. Jay Null defiantly stated despite his serious injury.

"If it were not for your importance… I would have finished you already, Doctor J." The older man with cropped grey hair coldly replied before leaving the room.

The streaming feeds may have been stopped, but the damage had been done.

His innocence was shattered.

His soul was tortured.

His mind was almost… corrupted.

Only his kind heart… was able to survive the torment.

Haruka wept and sobbed as she could do nothing for him.

She could only bear witness and watch.

But now, the raven haired beauty understands.

The truth behind the secrets of the Perfect Soldier.

The question is… how does she respond?

It was raining.

The dark grey angry skies were nothing but a picture of turmoil and conflict. The occasional streak of lightning lanced across the atmosphere, flawlessly serving as the backdrop from the echoing roar of thunder. Desolation was prevalent from the scenery as black smoke trailed upwards the heavens. Charred metal husks and lifeless hulks from obliterated mobile suits lay scattered across the scorched earth.

Haruka walked carefully while scanning her surroundings with caution.

Despite the difficulty presented by the battle-strewn terrain, she was still able to reach the center of the field where a mountain made of scrap metal and corpses from numerous mobile suits stood towering above the charred ground.

Atop the heap was a familiar mobile suit painted dark crimson red. Its emerald green eyes were still smoldering with fury as it kneeled defiantly over the battlefield. A lone boy could be seen seated on the area between its head piece and shoulder blade. The juvenile wore black spandex shorts and a green tank top. One of his knees was pressed closed to him while the other was stretched freely. His elbow could be seen resting on top of his folded knee.

'That… must be…' Haruka inferred after recognizing the person.

"Heero!" She called out to him.

He did not respond to her.

Undeterred, she hailed him repeatedly.

The young boy eventually seemed to have heard her and jumped off the Gundam Epyon before climbing down the mountain of demolished mobile suits.

The moment he landed the brown haired boy immediately pointed his hand gun at her.

"Who are you?" He coldly inquired, sidearm aimed directly at her head.

Haruka fearfully stepped back as her cornflower blue eyes gazed worriedly into his.

She held her breath in shock as instead of the ever piercing Prussian blue irises only pitch black orbs stared back at her.

"It's… me… Haruka!" The lovely young woman tentatively answered.

"I don't know you." Heero callously replied.

"Don't you… don't you recognize me? It's me, Haruka." She told him pleadingly before attempting to take one step forward.

Soon as she did a shot rang and pierced the darkened ground a few steps ahead of her.

"Don't move. One more step and I won't hesitate to plant a bullet between your eyes." The Gundam Pilot pitilessly announced glaring at her with his frightening eyes.

'He doesn't know me… because… he… has yet to meet me. He's only fifteen.' The sky blue eyed young lady surmised as she took another glance at him.

'I won't back down… I seriously love him!'

She took another step forward and as soon as she did a bullet narrowly went past her side.

'Be brave, Haruka! You can do this!'

She held her breath and steeled the growing fear inside her chest as she made another step towards him.

BANG!

A gun shot landed on the blackened soil barely a foot from her right.

Her heartbeats were pummeling through her rib cage.

BANG!

Another bullet penetrated the ashen earth near her left.

'I… I can do this… for you. Because, I love you!' Haruka determinedly thought as she made another step forward.

BANG!

The bullet scattered the dust in front of her.

"That is as far as you go, stranger. One more step, and I seriously… will kill you!" Heero threatened raising his sidearm once again and pointing it directly at her.

"You won't shoot me. Because you will fall in love with me when you grow up." She kindly told the Gundam Pilot, before smiling gently at him despite the growing fear inside her.

"I don't know what the hell you are talking about! Stand still, don't you dare try anything!" He hissed under his breath.

Yet Haruka bravely took another step forward.

BANG!

Something hot lacerated the flesh of her right shoulder.

Haruka instinctively clutched the wound as blood flowed out copiously.

'It hurts… but you didn't kill me, Heero. I could feel… I am somewhere there… inside your kind and gentle heart.'

"I told you, I will shoot you. You are testing the limits of my patience."

"I don't care if you shoot me once again. Besides you can't kill me, because we were meant to be with each other!" She boldly stated, locking her cornflower blue orbs with his.

"Stop spouting nonsense. I don't know you. I am a soldier, nothing but a weapon. The battlefield is where I could only realize my existence."

"NO! You may be a soldier! But you are not a weapon! You are still a person! A human who has feelings… who is capable of handling emotions… who has the capacity to love!" Haruka answered in frustration as tears began to fall abundantly past her cheeks.

"C-capacity… to… love?" Heero softly wondered before lowering his handgun.

She unsteadily took another step towards him.

"Yes. Because in the future… I will fall in love with you! And right now I already am!" Haruka said with conviction as she lowered her head in sorrow while tears made their way past her sky blue eyes.

She was all the more surprised as a hand gently cupped her chin and tilted it upward.

In place of the boy… she was now face to face with a young man.

The face she knows all to well.

The one she will always cherish.

Her beloved, Heero Yuy.

"It is you… Haruka." He contently said to her.

"Heero…" She could only utter as the raven haired beauty wrapped her arms around him.

"I won't give up on you, I promise." Haruka whispered while feeling herself being enclosed in a warm embrace by his strong lean arms.

The pale moonlight served as a silent witness to the ongoing carnage.

'What…?' Haruka wondered as she opened her eyes.

She was no longer in the arms of the young man who owns her heart.

Instead she was held by a firm grip from a thug with its arm encircled around her neck.

Within a darkened back alley, the death throes of grown men could be heard as a furious berserker mercilessly handed their executions. Heero twisted the head of a gang member, in the process severing the connection between the skull and spinal column. He proceeded to brutally mangle a spike haired blond thug before violently breaking its jaw through the ledge of the pavement. Next, he faced a giant of a man who successfully traded a few blows with him but soon, was overwhelmed by the Perfect Soldier's relentless tenacity. The huge man's skull was bashed repeatedly on a firewall from one of the buildings in the deserted alley before a broken pipe was lodged into his cranium.

"Don't kill them, Heero! Please!" Haruka pleaded as she eventually recognized the scene.

"Shut up woman! That guy is a crazy maniac! He's killed all of my buddies!" The gangster said to her before getting thrown back from the impact of Heero's fist smashing through his face.

"Heero! No! Don't!" Haruka cried out, she had landed on her side after the Gundam Pilot's sudden assault on the man who previously held her hostage.

The brown haired boy only ignored her.

He pummeled his opponent inexorably with both of his fists. The gangster was further punished as his left kneecap was shattered along with a few ribs from vicious kick while his shoulder was already dislocated. Haruka held her breath in dread upon noticing a sliver of moonlight reflected from the blade of the gruesome knife now in Heero's grip.

Her knees were buckling with fear, but still she mustered enough strength to stand up and rush desperately towards him.

"Stop it, Heero! Don't kill him!"

The Perfect Soldier easily knocked her away the moment Haruka tried to embrace him from behind.

She was thrown backwards from the brown haired boy's substantial strength and could only watch helplessly as he drove the dagger through the gangster's solar plexus.

"Heero!" Haruka yelled in defeat before covering her mouth with both hands as the Gundam Pilot stabbed the hapless thug repeatedly.

"Why are you doing this… this isn't you?!" She hollered in grief amidst the sobs that broke out from her chest.

"If I tell you, I am always like this, wouldn't you accept me?" Heero monotonously inquired, his pitch black orbs staring deeply into her eyes.

"I… I…"

"You told me, you love me… if that's true… will you be able to recognize this part of me? The one that recognizes my existence in the battlefield?" The brown haired boy dangerously challenged at her.

"You're already past that! Y-you… have… moved on… which is why you went against Mariemaia!"

"Wufei was right that day. Because… deep inside, no matter how much I want to ignore it… there's this piece of me that yearns for death and destruction." Heero coldly stated before smirking evilly at her.

"It's…"

"You must've made a mistake in understanding me, Morishima Haruka." The Perfect Soldier indifferently said as he turned his back and began walking away.

Haruka was left all alone, splayed on her knees, her face buried on both palms in anguish.

The ballroom was grand.

The music drifted pleasantly in its majestic hallway.

The band played in perfect harmony and unrivaled proficiency that could only be possible from years of performing with each other.

The tune was immediately recognizable for it was smooth, progressive and utterly mesmerizing.

Haruka turned her head around in awe, her sky blue eyes taking in the surroundings. She was undoubtedly surprised especially upon seeing herself clothed in a maroon evening gown. There were a good number of people wearing the same attire. The men either wore a black tuxedo or a regular black suit while the women were dressed in elegant evening long gowns in various colors.

She was still marveling at the scenery when her eyes were drawn to a pair dancing at the center of the ballroom where a large crowd had gathered around them. Curiosity getting the better of her, she stood up from the empty table where she was currently situated and moved towards their direction.

A very handsome young man dressed in matching black suit and pants and a highly attractive young woman wearing cerulean blue evening gown were dancing gracefully to the delight of the spectators. The young man had chocolate brown hair and a pair of striking cobalt blue eyes while the young lady had golden blond hair with equally stunning cerulean blue irises.

"H-Heero… and… Relena Peacecraft…" Haruka whispered as something akin to a stake seemed to have been driven dead center into her heart.

The Perfect Soldier's eyes looked strangely at peace as he danced elegantly with the beautiful blonde girl who was gazing back at him with nothing but adoration. They perfectly swayed and moved with each other to the waltz melody being played by the band.

She… wanted to cut in…. and claim him as hers.

But she was nailed on the spot as her cornflower blue orbs could only look back at the dancing pair with sadness.

"My, oh my… those two look perfect for each other." An elderly woman gushed to the man beside her.

"Indeed, my dear. They make for an ideal couple." The gentleman answered smiling back at her.

Haruka overheard their comments and as she shifted her gaze back at Heero their eyes unexpectedly caught each other.

She felt her breath getting caught inside her throat as her heart thumped in apparent shock.

Heero continued to return her gaze while she could not peel her eyes away from his.

The lovely blonde lady seemed to have noticed this and turned to check who her partner was looking at.

It was at that moment when the waltz ended.

The pair was accorded a large round of applause by the huge crowd encircling them.

Haruka held her breath as Heero gently let go of Relena before moving to her direction.

"Haruka."

"Heero… l-let's get out of here. C-come on…" The raven haired beauty beckoned as she quickly grasped his hand to lead him away from the ballroom.

"Hold it right there, Haruka Morishima." An elegant voice clearly said.

The sky blue eyed young woman turned to face the speaker… she was no longer surprised after confirming it none other than Relena Peacecraft.

"What do you want?" Haruka boldly inquired looking straight into Relena's cerulean irises.

"Well… I think I should be the one asking that, since you're the one suddenly taking him away from me." The girl with golden locks calmly responded.

"I… I-I'm taking Heero with me! H-he b-belongs to me!" She supplied, failing miserably to mask the mixed emotions raging inside her heart from the tone of her voice.

"Bold words, Haruka. Can you justify your claim?" Relena coolly inquired.

"I accept Heero for what he was. I can take care of him and heal him from his past." Haruka defiantly answered.

"How can you say that… when you don't understand what it means?" The cerulean eyed lady gently asked her.

"I…"

"You weren't there when Heero along with four other young men were fighting the entire might of the Earth Sphere. You weren't there when he was at the frontlines and carrying the will of the rebel citizens of the Colonies on his shoulders. You weren't there when he had to shed his innocence and lose his soul from the taint of blood spilled from countless civilians." Relena gravely explained to her.

Haruka was unable to reply, it was true… she wasn't there.

"How could you understand, Haruka? The psychological trauma Heero had to deal with as he cut down his opponents in the battlefield to bring peace here in the future? You don't even have a hint of how much pain and misery he kept to himself all this time. He has a lot of crosses to bear. He has a lot of skeletons inside his closet. Tell me… Haruka, how can you accept something you don't understand?" The beautiful blonde lady challengingly questioned at her.

She was caught tongue-tied. She had no response for Relena.

The cerulean eyed beauty was right about her.

"Don't you think… it would only cause more misunderstandings between you and Heero whenever the matter of his past is placed on the table?"

"I… I love him, Relena Peacecraft! To love is to accept… to understand!"

"Love will fly out of the window when you see how truly big the gap separating the two of you. Let him go, Haruka. He has someone that can fully understand him back to where he truly belongs."

"I suppose you're referring to yourself, Relena."

"Of course… who else can better understand and take care of him, other than someone who has also faced the same perils and experiences."

She had nothing to say for that.

"Come Heero… let her be." Relena softly spoke, ushering Heero.

The cobalt eyed young man slightly nodded before moving next to Relena.

"Heero…" Haruka desperately uttered, her sky blue orbs pleading frantically at the brown haired boy.

"She's… right. My place… is here… with her. Goodbye, Haruka." The Gundam Pilot decided as he started walking away with Relena.

"Farewell, Haruka and… know your place." The golden haired young lady closed before leaving the scene.

Haruka limply fell on her knees as tears rained down from her sky blue eyes.

She could only watch powerlessly as Heero and Relena left her without any remorse.

Author's Notes:

After more than two years, we're now finally at the end game. To all the long time reviewers, readers and supporters of the story – thank you so much. I truly appreciate your audience and feedback. It really drove me to pour out everything I planned for Haruka's Wings without any hesitation. To the new readers, you are very fortunate, not having been subjected to the cliffhangers that drove those before you into unquenchable bouts of anxiety as each chapter ended either with a lot of questions or full of suspense. Still, welcome and glad to have you on board!

The Revelation - A lot of the readers had been waiting for this way back HW11 – Love (most notably, operation meteor). Admittedly, I had a lot of difficulty in grinding and eventually fleshing out the EPYON System flashback scenes before I got the results I wanted. Hope everyone liked it.

Haruka/Flashback POV – As mentioned in the story, I wanted to give Haruka and the reader a front row seat and over-the-shoulder view of the Eve Wars, Mariemaia Incursion and the Perfect Soldier's past as seen from Heero's perspective. I sought to give Haruka (an ordinary present-day girl) a serious understanding and exposure to Heero's experiences that molded him to become the person he had become.

Memory File 33 – I've planned this for a long time. Consider it the continuation and my version on Heero's back story (origins) in Endless Waltz. It also somehow gives my personal rendition on why Doctor J lost his left arm.

Once again, thanks a lot for the continued patronage!

We're now down the line for Haruka's Wings.

Please don't forget to review, everyone!

Six hours. No less than six hours had already passed and Haruka was still inside the Gundam Epyon's cockpit. Heero had dutifully and determinedly stood guard in front of the closed hatch as he waited patiently for Haruka to come out. True he had set the safety parameters for the highly advanced operating system to the maximum, yet he still could not help but worry on the possible effects it might cause on the lovely young woman's psyche.

'I'm… not the kind of person really good with words. I'm sorry Haruka, this was the only way I could think of for you to know everything… all that is about me.' Heero contemplated as he seriously eyed the seemingly dormant war machine.

Despite his calm countenance on the surface, he was utterly nervous at Haruka's reaction and subsequent decision upon knowing the whole truth about him.

Could she truly accept him?

In spite of all the mistakes and sins he had committed?

Accidentally?

Deliberately?

His hands were tainted with the blood of many… including innocent civilians.

There was no way around that fact.

It was a given on any matter concerning Heero Yuy.

A killer.

A murderer.

A slayer.

He was purged from his thoughts upon noticing the sudden radiance being emitted from inside the Epyon's cockpit. The luminescence was blinding, causing Heero to shield his eyes with the back of his palm.

Wasting no time he immediately inputted the clearance code to open the cockpit hatch.

"Epyon close everything! User Hotel Yankee Zero Wan, clearance Omega Niner - initiate shutdown procedures!" Heero stressfully commanded to which the operating system instantly responded.

A low hiss was heard followed by the release of pressurized air.

His eyes widened after seeing Haruka sprawled unconscious from the pilot seat.

"What the hell did you do to her, Epyon?! Shutdown everything!" Heero agitatedly inquired as he quickly began removing the headgear and safety belt from Haruka.

["User Designate Haruka Morishima finished browsing all files under archive Hotel Yankee Zero Wan since 16:30:23."]

The mobile suit's reply shown on the main screen was enough to cause him even more concern for Haruka's current state.

'But that's… already more than an hour ago.' The Perfect Soldier ascertained after checking his wristwatch and noted it was already 5:36pm.

"Haruka?!" He worriedly called out at the raven haired beauty, nudging her sufficiently to wake up.

The pretty campus idol did not respond.

"Damn you, Epyon!" Heero stated between gritted teeth as he lifted Haruka out of the mobile suit.

["User Designate Haruka Morishima suffered extreme neural stress after reading the contents of file no. XXXIII under level Omega Niner clearance."]

'No…not that… file…' His thoughts trailed while remembering the time he was strapped on the observation room before being subjected to a rigorous training regimen he'd rather forget.

Soon as he got Haruka out of the Gundam Epyon, Heero carefully laid her at the small bed they used the night before.

"It was… too much for you, Haruka." The cobalt blue eyed pilot softly said as he gently caressed the lovely young woman's curly tipped raven hair.

Now that the whole truth behind the young man she loves has been revealed, how does Haruka respond?

Will she be able to truly accept Heero for everything that he was, currently is and will always be?

For a love as impossible as theirs, what would Haruka believe in?

What would she stand for?

Will she fold and give up on him?

Or will she remain defiant and fight for him?

The true depth and meaning of her love for the Perfect Soldier will be tested way past its limits on the conclusion of Haruka's Wings.

See you on HW19!

Thanks much for the support!

Again, don't forget to review, everyone! - EZ23