Lost Love, Lost Prince and Marriage?
Chapter 12
News to us All
By Güera
Sorry for the delay. But since it was a Christmas present or was supposed to be I'm giving this to y'alls on the day of the Three Kings since this is also the day of the late presents you don't get on Christmas. Hope you had a Great Christmas and a Happy New Year. New Year propositions: Get chapters ON TIME. Be nicer, happier. Not get mad at people so much. Be more althetic. And lastly get a boyfriend. ;) I'm not very good on punctuality if you haven't already noticed. :( But I am REALLY done with the next chapter which will be Duo and Hilde's wedding. I am done. I swear. And the end is near of this story, I think. But this is the next chapter. I think it sucks, really I do. But you tell me your opinion, mine is unimportant.
Thursday, August 14, AC 198
"Yesterday morning the representatives of Mars were found murdered at the embassy. Over twenty representatives were killed along with many employees of the embassy. The cause of their death seems to be from several beatings and severe bleeding and a serious of concussions. The Preventers refused to disclose any information on the suspect. We believe it to be the work of many, who wish to destroy peace." The reporter was handed a document by a man. She read it in surprise. "This just in. The Mars Prince Minister was found in the park dead just an hour ago. The body was believed to be buried in the park but police found dogs chewing on the rotting meat. His body was beyond identification but he did have his i.d. with him. The police found the body to be dead since two days ago. That is all. We are truly sorry for our loss and wish to take a moment to mourn their deaths." Both of the newscasters closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Their hands came together in prayer.
Thursday, August 14, AC 198
Afternoon
"Flight 192 on course for Earth now boarding." A voice on the intercom spoke. Relena sat on a chair next to her bodyguard, the ever sweet Quatre. They both stood as soon as they heard the announcement. She smiled, she was not happy but rather filled with faith that life will get better. She picked up her suitcase filled with clothes and began walking to the shuttle.
Once aboard the shuttle and comfortable sitting in her seat. She looked out the window at the beautiful Mars landscape.
"What are you thinking about?" Her bodyguard asked beside her.
"How my problems started here," She said, taking a breath, "and they seem to end here."
Somewhere in the Underworld
"You failed! How could you fail?! I gave you the perfect opportunity!" A voice yelled. It's owner was nowhere to be seen but the room reacted to her emotions. Fires sprouted from the sides of the young girl who stayed kneeled in the center. She saw the fires and felt their heat but she did not budge. The chamber glowed red with rage.
"I am sorry, Mistress. I've underestimated the security the princess has. I should have killed her bodyguard first." She said loudly.
"You still failed me. Did you kill the Dischang?"
"No, Mistress."
"Bring him here."
"Yes, Mistress." The young girl looked up for the first time. Her black hair and black eyes reflected the bright fires around her. She suddenly disappeared and came back instantly but she returned with a strange man. He had fire red hair, matching the room and mysterious green eyes and was extremely tall. A Dischang and he looked confused.
"Here he is, Mistress." She lowered her head again.
"Where am I?" He asked looking around.
"Dischang," A voice said.
"Who are you? Where are you?"
"Be quiet!" The voice said. "You are here because I am going to kill you."
"Kill me? Why?" He looked down at the young girl. "I help her. She said I could live."
"Your life is in my hands now, Dischang." The voice said. The chamber began to turn purple with green. "I decided that this is your final day." A bright light appeared in the air it went to the Dischang, he screamed in pain but soon was silenced for all that remained was a red glowing ball of power. "Darkat, I give this to you."
The young girl was hit by the glowing red ball. She had been given the Dischang's powers. The ability to change to any form at will.
"I thank you, Mistress." She said raising her head.
"For your failure I give you another thing. Torture in the dungeons!"
"But, Mistress."
"But nothing. You failed me and you must pay."
"When will I be set free?" She said seething through her teeth.
"Whenever I see fit." Darkat disappeared.
Winner Mansion
8:01 p.m.
"Teri, are you okay?" A voice asked me. I'm fine, I should tell him but the truth was how could I be? How can a person be estactially happy and completely depressed at the same exact moment? I didn't respond immediately and that clued him that I wasn't fine. "Wake up." He said. I didn't want to. I'd rather remain in my deep slumber than face the cruel world. He shook me. Gently at first but he continued to attempt to awake me. Finally I decided to surrender. Trowa wasn't likely to give up. So, why bother?
I opened my eyes to see not Trowa but my little brother. "Quatre?" I said groggy. I guess tired. "What are you doing here?" Actually, where was here?
"I happen to live here." He said curtly.
I was home. But, could I have been asleep that long? Trowa must have brought me back home. How sweet of him, of my fioncee. I'm still getting used to that word. Of course, I don't' have a ring but I don't need one.
"Do you want me to tell Relena you're sick?" He asked. Relena? What? Oh, wait. The meeting. For what? Umm... the Colony reconstruction. I think with my brain like this I don't think I should go.
"Please apologize to her for me. My mind is not up to it." I said.
"Do you need a doctor?" He said very concerned.
"No, just some rest." I said.
"Okay, call me if you need anything." He said leaving my room. I nodded. My brother left and I dropped onto my bed once again. I wanted to sleep. But sleep wouldn't come. Quatre had taken it away. I got out of bed and took a quick shower. I then searched in the kitchen for breakfast. After deciding on toast and orange juice I sat down in the living room. Soon after I fell asleep, again.
Conference Room
Earth's Sphere Building
Representatives of winner Corporation wish to rebuild Lunar Civilization
9:35 a.m.
"If at all possible I believe all reconstruction plans to-" A representative from the Winner Corporation began to say only to be interrupted by another.
"But you forget there was a mobile suit factory."
"Sir, you did not let me finish. If at all possible I believe all reconstruction plans with honorable intentions should be passed by the Earth's Sphere."
"He will rebuild a gundam factory. He is after all a gundam pilot."
"He was a gundam pilot and he fought for peace. Risking his life while you all hid. He also happens to be one of my closest friends and a member of the Preventer's organization. He would never do such a thing. He would never forsake the peace he has fought for." She took in a breath. "Now, please allow Mr. Winner to speak."
"As Ms. Dorlain pointed out we have no intention of rebuilding a mobile suit factory. In fact, that is the first thing we wish to destroy. We wish to bring life back to the moon. Where humans first created a colony before moving on to space. The moon is a beautiful place that would be perfect for a relaxing vacation. Thank you."
"All in favor of restoring the moon."
Several raised their hands.
"Very well, then. Thank you, Mr. Winner for coming. We wish you good luck on your project."
"Goodbye, Ms. Dorlain."
"Have a nice day, Quatre."
"You too, Relena."
Peacecraft Mansion
5:52 p.m.
"Relena, are you ever going to speak to your brother?" Lucrezia asked her. Relena sat in the dining room eating her lunch. A delicious soup made by their wonderful chef, and by her assistant Relena.
"I refuse to talk to someone who has such a great disregard for my feelings."
"He only wants to protect you."
"From what? From being loved and care for? From being happy?" Relena answered coldly. Lucrezia left the room to care for Milli who had a slight cold.
Relena stood from the table immediately after eating her soup. Lucrezia returned with Milli trying to get him to sleep.
As Lucrezia opened her mouth to argue once more Relena spoke. "We'll discuss this later. I have somewhere to be."
"Where? I thought you told me you had no more meetings today."
"I'm not going to a meeting." She said exiting the room, leaving Lucrezia to comfort Milli. She climbed the stairs up to her room. Quickly, she changed into comfortable clothing. She sat on her bed with her coveted teddy bear. "Heero, I miss. And until you come back I will try to get stronger. that's what I plan to do. If-" She shook her head, correcting herself. "When you come back I won't be so weak anymore." She set down the bear and left her room. She flung a pack over her shoulder she had ready since the morning. And as she prepared for an adventure, an experience she rarely had the pleasure of having, she took in a deep long breath of air. She picked up keys hanging near the dining room. She was going to drive. All by herself. No chauffeur, no one to do it for her. She did have her license just not so much practice.
"Relena, where are you going?" Lucrezia said with a coughing Milli in her arms. He sneezed into her arm.
"Oh, poor Milli. I hope he gets better soon. I'll be back in a few hours."
"Are you taking the car?"
"Yes."
"But," She said hesitating then thinking it over she said. "Never mind. Go, have fun." Lucrezia turned her back to Relena facing now the dining room. Milli had started sneezing again.
Relena walked out of the front door and inhaled the fresh air, the free air. She slowly breathed out and prepared herself. She headed to the green car parked on the grounds.
"I hope I remember how to do this."
Many minutes Later
A loud scream came from the mouth of the young politician as she turned the steering wheel to swerve to the side of the road. She closed her eyes in an attempt of calmness. Opening once again her eyes she looked around her. The car had hit the sidewalk with the tires. "I made it." She said simply just glad to be alive. Staring at the building she so narrowly missed she got out her car. She had mostly successfully parallel parked her car or to the best of her ability. "Good enough." She said shutting the door of the supposedly parked vehicle. The sky had become cloudly, so desperately she ran inside for cover. As she entered the glass doors the red lettering on them made her stand still. She read them carefully.
Suni's Freestyle Karate
She hesitated a bit, leaving the door to close itself after she came in. Inside she found several people. Some with several colored gi's and some were just standing around apparently waiting and talking to others. Little children ran around wearing the same gi's as some of the adults. To her right there was a sort of windowsill and a computer monitor settled on it. It displayed several names. At the top it read Novice Karate Class. A book of cards in plastic covers lay in front of her. The cards had a name and a barcode, a scanner lay beside that.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" A lady behind the computer said. Relena looked at her. She had bright blonde hair, in loose curls down to her shoulders.
"Yes," She said taking her political voice, completely absent of nervousness and fear. "I would like to sign up for a class." She said easily.
The woman took out several papers and a pen. "Which class would you like to sign up for." She handed Relena a paper. It had several classes including Self-Defense, Karate, Weightlifting and Kickboxing. Next to each class there was the price of it. She let Relena read each selection before speaking again. "What will it be?"
"Self-Defense." Relena said now taking her own voice, which was calmer than before.
"Okay, good choice. But would you also like to take our Novice Karate Class? We have several beginners such as yourself and you'd learn much more, Miss Relena." Relena was taken back by the sound of her name when she had failed to mention it. The woman noticed Relena's discomfort and quickly explained herself. "Who wouldn't recognize the Vice Foreign Minister?" Relena smiled.
"Thank you for not announcing it." She whispered to her.
"No problem. The children here probably won't refrain from asking you about everything but they do that to every adult. Though with their short attention span they'll leave you alone in no time." Relena laughed for the first time that day. Her tense body relaxed with her laughter. "Very good. A smile. We usually don't get those until after the class." She handed Relena a form to fill out. "This is for you to fill out." She handed her another paper. "This needs to be signed, for insurance. We tend to get a few injured a month." She smiled. "But don't worry, it's mostly the crazy ones." Relena nodded and took the papers. She walked to an empty chair and began to fill them out. 'Name? Relena Dorlain. Age? 18. Date of birth? March 23, AC 180. Class taking? Please Circle. Okay. Self-Defense. And on advice. Karate. Signature. Relena Dorlain. That was easy. Let's hope I don't regret it afterwards.' She thought as she stood up.
After filling in all the necessary information she took the forms back to the nice lady.
"Here you are." Relena said handing her the papers back and the pen.
"Thank you, Miss Relena. That will be 85." Relena handed the woman the money. "Okay, thank you. Self Defense classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 to 9:30. Beginner Karate classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m."
"Thank you, very much. It's seven, isn't it? Do I go to the class now?" She asked, her nervousness returning to her.
"If you would like to, yes." She said shuffling a few papers. A short woman with red hair and black gi walked into the office of the woman. "Oh Suni, we have a new student. It's Miss Relena Peacecraft." She said nodded to Relena.
"Oh, really. Where is she?" Suni asked.
"Right here." The woman said indicating to the petrified figure of Relena.
"Hello," Was all she managed to say. She smiled nervously.
"Well, Miss Relena. I'm glad you've taken an interest to protect yourself. But I assure you, my class is not easy." Relena nodded. 'Whatever it takes to become stronger.' She thought. "It can be tough but we try to enjoy ourselves."
Next Day - Friday, August 15, AC 198
"Miss Dorlain, am I correct in saying that you are to be wed?" A gray haired man sitting in all too comfortable chair said to the young lady entering the conference room.
"My personal life is none of your concern." She said flatly before sitting down at the table with several other old men and a new person. It was a woman with very dark purple, almost black and same deep purple eyes. She had on a sky blue suit. Her hair was loose in curls reaching below her ears. She seemed sweet by her appearance and also very young.
"Good morning everyone." Relena said to all the gray haired politicians. "I see we have someone new with us." She looked at the woman. "May I ask what is your name?"
The woman stood up. "MY name is Sachiko Oshiro. I am 20 years old. I have many degrees involving politics and wish to follow in your footsteps, Miss Relena." She said sitting down once again.
"Well, thank you, Miss Sachiko. That is very flattering. I hope you find politics to your liking." Relena said only to Sachiko. Then addressing the entire table. "Shall we begin?"
"Well, first off. How was your trip to Mars?" A politician said to Relena, starting the meeting.
"Terrible." She said. "Can we talk about another subject?"
"We are scheduled to see the Moon on Sunday." A representative from Earth said.
"I'm sorry, I cannot attend."
"Why is that?" A representative from a Colony X-1 asked.
"I have a wedding to attend." She said. "I am not the bride." She added shortly after seeing a few faces react.
"So, we will reschedule?' A representative from X-3 said.
"No, I'm sure all of you can handle this without my help."
"The Earth wants to open a trading port between the Colonies, itself and Mars." A representative from X-5 said.
"How will this work?" The representative from Earth said.
"A shuttle for carrying purposes will leave from the Earth to the Colonies then Mars and return to Earth. The shuttle will have supplies from Mars and Earth to take to the Colonies, from there to pick up supplies and deliver to Mars and Earth. And so on in a continuing rotation."
"This will increase trade between the three and hopefully ease the tension between them also." A colony X-3 representative said.
"And also bring inport and export rates up so there will be more communication between the merchants." An Earth representative said.
"That seems like a great idea." Sachiko said speaking for the first time since the meeting began.
"But who will operate the shuttles?" Relena asked. 'This could make things worse.' She thought.
"Well, we think it should be Earth." The Earth representative said.
"Why should the Earth gain in all the profits!" An outraged colonist yelled.
"Well, the colony shouldn't have it either!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" Relena said loudly. All the politicians stopped arguing and talking to hear what she had to say. "We should try to settle this matter so that the Colonies, Earth and Mars gain equal profits."
"How do you propose we do that?"
"We shall have, shifts. In which the shuttle shall leave from Earth to the Colonies. There the one driving shall drop off some cargo, and maybe have a sort of log, to record the shipments. Then the shuttle shall leave the Colonies and go to Mars and the driver does the same. Then the shuttle leaves Mars to Earth and so on." She said. "Is that acceptable for all of you?" The representatives nodded in agreement. "Very well, then."
8:35 p.m.
Suni's Freestyle Karate
Self Defense Class
Relena stood in a large room in a brand new black gi, several people were around her. Mostly women. The room had white walls with a high ceiling. Several punching bags and closed windows all around them adding to the already heated room. The back was a huge mirror and there was door that lead to the weight room. The floor was soft, since covering it were puzzle shaped padding. In blue and black, the black divided the blue into six different rings. Suni forbid anyone from bring in their shoes, because they damage the floor. So everyone stood barefoot, even the instructors.
"Today, we are going to learn the Lapel Grabs. Does anyone know what that is?" Suni, a red haired short woman asked her class. A black haired woman in the back raised her hand. "Yes, ma'am."
"The Lapel grabs are when someone tries to grab you, ma'am." She said easily.
"Thank you, ma'am. That is correct. How will you defend yourself?" Suni walked around the room. "When someone unexpectedly grabs you?" She said grabbing the nearest person's gi, which happened to be Relena. Although Relena appeared to be taller, she was frozen with the teacher's sudden menacing actions. She stayed stiff, not knowing what to do. Suni loosened up a bit. "This is a perfect example of what not to do when you're attacked. If you stay still and don't try to defend yourself, you leave yourself vulnerable and give the opportunity for them to do what they want." Suni said to the whole class. To Relena she said. "Thank you, ma'am for being my dummy." Relena nodded. What could she say? No problem I enjoy being made a fool of? "First off is the Lapel Grab #1." She said moving the center of the class. "Any volunteers to help me demonstrate?" She asked. A middle ages woman with short brown hair stepped foward, she seemed confident. 'She's probably been here a while.' Relena thought as she saw Suni and the woman. "Thank you, Carrie." Suni said bowing to her. "Now, an attacker will do many things but if they grab your shirt with one hand," She indicated to Carrie to do so to her, " we'll teach you how to defend yourselves." Carrie now had a firm grip on Suni's gi. "First grab where their fist is holding the cloth with your right hand and twist," She twisted Carrie's hand, "using your left hand, push on their elbow to straighten it and push until they go to the floor." Carrie was now on the floor. "Like so." Suni said and released her grip on Carrie. "Everyone grab a partner and practice. We'll be watching."
Relena stood around, not sure what to do. She said pair up but with who? She was new. A woman also stood by herself, she was near Relena wearing a purple gi. A black belt came up to her and told Relena for them to be partners. Relena turned around to find a person she did not expect. Sachiko Oshiro. Her purple curls matched her clothing. Relena stood shocked, forgetting what she was doing. But she soon regained her speech.
"Good afternoon, Miss Oshiro." Relena said as best she could.
"Miss Relena, what a surprise. I had no idea you took an interest in self defense." She said happily.
"Appearances can be deceiving." Relena said. 'Especially in her case.' She thought. In a whisper she said. "What are we doing?"
"I believe she called it Lapel Grab #1." Sachiko said and grabbed hold of the front of Relena's gi. "This is how they grab and you need to grab my fist," She said indicating with her free arm. Relena raised her arm questionably. "And grab my fist." Relena grabbed it with her right hand. "That's right." Then she lifted Relena's left arm. "Using your left arm to push my elbow. While twisting with the right." Relena did so and brought Sachiko to her knees.
"Very good." Suni said behind her.
Peacecraft Mansion
Midnight
**Dream Sequence**
I opened my eyes. Heero was no longer in a hospital bed but in a rather strange room. I was still in the strange transparent form. I looked at him, I was glad to see him again. It's been so long since my last dream about him. I noticed his gaze was not on me but on someone else. Not that he could see me if he looked but I still wondered. I looked to see who it was. It was a man. A man with black hair like Midnight and eyes as equally dark. His eyes shone with a coldness and darkness of a cold sea night. I stared intently into his eyes but then looked away. Those eyes caused a chill to run down my spine. If I described him I would only use one word: Evil. His dark features made him seem somewhat attractive but his eyes, full of deceit and hatred. Pure evil. But as he was oblivious to my existence I really didn't care about him being in the room. Only Heero mattered to me. Although unable to hear, see or touch him I simply enjoyed gazing at him. His gaze moved from the strange man to me. Was he looking at me or through me? He spoke.
"Sister, who is this man?" He said to me. Sister? I am not his sister. But the thing that intrigued me was his voice. How he spoke. His voice was no longer cold and unfeeling. It had affection, kindness and a gentleness. He's changed. I looked deep into his eyes. They had emotions, a kindness that never existed before. They also looked confused, well so was I. Someone behind me spoke.
"He is the advisor of our kingdom, Odin." The person behind me said to Heero. But surely they did not call him Odin? I turned around, my back to Heero. A woman with loose brown hair stared through me. It was that woman. The one who was at the hospital. She no longer seemed sad. But now that I can see her clearly I recognize her. It was Odelia Lowe. Is that who Heero called sister? But if he did, then that means he is the Lost Prince. But can he? Could he? He can't be. I don't think Heero's name was even on the never ending list of potential princes. If he was why didn't they test him first? But as I looked back and forth between them I saw several similarities. Their eyes, their hair, I don't know how I couldn't see it before. But then if Heero is the Lost Prince, then I get to marry him. Heero is going to be my husband! I felt ecstatically happy and tried to hug Heero, momentarily forgetting my transparency problem and gently fell through Heero. I then realized I had to figure out where I was. I looked around the room. It was bare except for two chairs and the three people in it. There was a door to the right. I poked my head through it only to see dark hallways, left and right. Back inside the room I heard a gun shot. Who fired that? Yet another gunshot. What is going on? Retrieving my head back into the room I looked for the source of the two gunshots. Odelia was kneeling on the floor with her arm holding a gun but also bleeding. I frantically searched for Heero, he was lying on the floor. He seemed to be unconscious. How? I wasn't sure. The other strange man also lay on the floor. Blood gurgled from an open wound in his chest. Most likely his heart. I turned to Odelia, she had stood up and had Heero flung over her shoulder. It was amazing how she could support his weight. He looked peaceful just sleeping. Odelia began to run, she ran through me and to the door. I heard her leave the room still in a run. I ran right after them, jumping easily passing through the door. I looked to the hallways but they were long gone. I still heard distant footsteps to my right. I followed them. The hallway darkened but I heard the footsteps and still continued. Pitch black covered the hallway then reemerge in sunlight. The exit was near, I felt it. The sunlight was in fact no sunlight at all but fake light. I was on a colony. Odelia was lost to me but then I spotted her heading for a jeep. She threw Heero in the back. Don't hurt him! Then put the jeep in gear to peel out. She headed straight for a fence, not to a door but instead she rammed into it with the jeep. I ran after them. I knew I could never catch up to them though it wouldn't do me any good. They wouldn't see me. I got to the fence which had a new hold cut into it. The jeep was long gone. The dust trail it left fading slowly. I turned back to the strange building hoping I'd recognize it. But it suddenly exploded. The force threw me to the ground.
**End Dream Sequence**
Relena woke up. She was covered in sweat despite the cool night. Her hands searched for the coveted teddy bear which had fallen off in the middle of the night. She reached for it and tightly grasped it. Now it was secure in her hands so she calmed. The bear brought so much sought comfort.
At the table where breakfast was being eaten, no one spoke. The usual conversation that filled in this time no longer existed. The silence was disturbing to the child, who expected to be happily giggling. Instead he sadly sat silent. The breakfast dragged along slowly until one finish and left the table. This person was Relena. She had on loose pants along with a loose t-shirt. For the first time in a long time she had tied her hair in a high ponytail. Making her seem like a completely different person. So much so that Hilde barely recognized her when she went to pick Relena up. They had to go to make the final preparations for the wedding the next day. Duo had tried to join them but Hilde wouldn't allow him to go. They had to go to the caterer, dressmaker, the chapel and finally the reception. Relena also had to make an appearance at the Preventer's Building.
The Caterer
A beautiful white frosted cake, three layers and a beautiful bride and groom dolls sat on top of the table. The cake had blue lace around the three layer's edges and carefully made lilac flowers on the lace.
"It's gorgeous." Relena said gazing at it. She couldn't taking her eyes off it.
"Isn't it." Hilde said handing the caterer the instructions to when and where to take the cake. "Duo picked it out himself."
The Dress Maker
"Where is my dress?" Hilde kindly asked the cashier.
The cashier was nervous and didn't respond immediately. She seemed to be new because she searched the store for help. She took a breath. She got brave. "Hold on." She said breathlessly to Hilde and went to the back. For several minutes no one came out. Then another woman, much older and calmer, came up to them. In her arms she held a plastic covered dress. Apparently Hilde's wedding dress.
"We're sorry for the delay. Deliah is new." She said putting the dress on the counter carefully.
"May I take it now?" Hilde asked.
"Yes, you may." The woman said. "And may I say it's a beautiful dress for a lovely bride."
"Thank you." Hilde said nervously taking the dress.
The Chapel
"What color would you like the flowers to be?" A planner said who laughed unnecessarily at certain times. Relena and Hilde both found this very annoying.
"Lilac and light blue." Hilde said clearly. The planner scribbled that down on her clipboard and let out her annoying giggle yet again.
"Right." Relena said anxious to get away from the woman. "Is that all?"
"Oh, no." She said and babbled some nonsense about the color of the color of the flowers. They both remained there for another hour, restraining themselves from strangling the last breath from the planner every time she giggled without need.
The Reception
"The reception starts at.." A manager asked Hilde.
"Seven p.m." Hilde answered curtly.
"How many?"
"About 50."
"Decorations provided?"
"No."
"Thank you."
"That was certainly quick." Relena said as they left.
Preventers Building
"We would like to speak to Miss Dorlain, alone. Please." A Preventer told Hilde who refuse to listen.
"And I am her bodyguard. Also higher in command." Hilde said dangerously to him.
"You may go in." He said to both of them. He didn't want to argue with a Preventer who may certainly well disband him.
Relena, followed by Hilde, entered a room with several chairs. Relena sat down on one and Hilde next to her. The Preventer in the room looked carefully at Hilde then proceeded to ask Relena questions.
"What happened on the morning of Wednesday, August 13, AC 198?"
"I walked into the Mars embassy and everyone was dead." Relena said looking to the floor.
"Were there any survivors?"
"None I saw."
"Did you see the attackers?"
"No."
"Who was with you?"
"Trowa, my bodyguard and there were Quatre and Teri Winner who had come before us."
"Who are they?"
"Preventer Desert and Preventer Thorn. President and Vice President of the Winner Corporation." Hilde said quickly defending them. The Preventer took her outburst as an insult to his intelligence.
"We did not mean to insult them." Another Preventer close-by said.
"I think that is all Miss Dorlain has to say." Hilde said getting up. Relena also stood up.
"What does Miss Dorlain think?"
"I've said my part. Thank you and goodbye." Relena said heading for the door. Before the Preventers could protest. "I am leaving now."
Hilde walked out the door followed by Relena. They walked out of the building together.
"Hey, mind if I drive?" Relena asked. Hilde was taken back by the question.
"Umm, sure." She said giving Relena the keys to her car. Relena took them happily and got in the car. Hilde followed suit. As they sat in silence she asked. "Why, the sudden interest in driving?"
Relena started the car and said. "We're going for Teri, then Catherine and lastly Lucrezia."
"Why?" Hilde said. She was confused.
"Because the guys took Duo out."
"So?"
"We're having a Girls Night Out!"
Some Night Club
Teri POV
"What are you staring at?" Catherine said to me. I side glanced at her.
"Those two," I said pointing to a guy and a girl at a table away locked in a kiss, "have not stopped for 23 minutes."
"Interesting." She said. "See the ring on their fingers?" She pointed to the rings on their tangled hands. "Their married. They can kiss as much as they want." Yeah, they can kiss and touch each other. They're husband and wife. But I can't do that with Trowa or anyone for that matter. I can never. But he doesn't care about that. Even though he knows my condition he still loves me all the same. I will be able to kiss him occasionally but I can never bear him children. Not any children. But I should be happy, shouldn't I? I finally found the person who wants to be with me.
"Isn't it wonderful." Relena said sighing. She had seen the couple too. She seems happier than ever before.
"To be with the one person you truly love and give them happiness." Lucrezia said. Did they know?
"Or give them children." Hilde said. "That's what every man wants. To have a miniature version of themselves running around."
"Yeah, and Hilde's just going to do that. Aren't you?" Lucrezia said.
"You bet." She answered laughing. "I'm sure even the coldest man wants children. I can just imagine a mini Duo running around causing havoc everywhere." They all laughed except me. Is that true? All men want children? Even Trowa? But I can't give him children. I can't. I can barely touch him on occasion. But if we're together that's all that matters. We'll be happy if we're together.
"You know, now that we're on the subject of men. I think Trowa has a girlfriend." Catherine said. I looked up. No one was supposed to know.
"Really? Who?" Hilde said. She seemed intrigued by the subject.
"I'm not sure. He won't tell me. But I know she's special to have caught my brother's attention."
"Is he going to marry her?"
"I hope so. I don't want him to be alone. I want him to have a family. With many children, so they can make him happy."
"Children?" I said. I didn't mean to say it aloud but Catherine heard me.
"Yes. I once heard Trowa say he wanted children. Although he said it was to continue fighting for peace. I know he just wants them to be happy. It's human nature." He does want children. He does. But I can never. I can't. This is terrible. Trowa wants children, he does want them. I can't. I want him to be happy no matter what. He wants children. That will make him happy.
"If his children are as quiet as he is I'm sure that'll make him even happier."
"Yeah, a little Trowa would be so cute."
The girls were still talking but I didn't want to listen. Not anymore. But we could adopt. One of the children from the colonies. He was having fun with them. But he wants them to be like him. He wants his own children. I left the table. I didn't want them to see me cry. I love Trowa, more than anything. I want him to be happy. Even though it won't be with me. He will be happy without me. He'll be happy with someone who can give him children. I have to call off the engagement. Even though I was happy. I'd rather he be happy than me. He has already given me the best thing I could ever have. Love. True love. I had to tell him. I called his trailer. Another person answered I told them I needed to talk to Trowa. He said hello.
"This is Teri. The engagement is off." I said quietly before he could say why I hung up. Tears ran down my cheeks. But he'll be happier without me.
Next chapter is the Bride Marries the Fool. About Hilde and Duo's wedding and a favorite character of mine comes back. Guess who? From chapter one.
Chapter 12
News to us All
By Güera
Sorry for the delay. But since it was a Christmas present or was supposed to be I'm giving this to y'alls on the day of the Three Kings since this is also the day of the late presents you don't get on Christmas. Hope you had a Great Christmas and a Happy New Year. New Year propositions: Get chapters ON TIME. Be nicer, happier. Not get mad at people so much. Be more althetic. And lastly get a boyfriend. ;) I'm not very good on punctuality if you haven't already noticed. :( But I am REALLY done with the next chapter which will be Duo and Hilde's wedding. I am done. I swear. And the end is near of this story, I think. But this is the next chapter. I think it sucks, really I do. But you tell me your opinion, mine is unimportant.
Thursday, August 14, AC 198
"Yesterday morning the representatives of Mars were found murdered at the embassy. Over twenty representatives were killed along with many employees of the embassy. The cause of their death seems to be from several beatings and severe bleeding and a serious of concussions. The Preventers refused to disclose any information on the suspect. We believe it to be the work of many, who wish to destroy peace." The reporter was handed a document by a man. She read it in surprise. "This just in. The Mars Prince Minister was found in the park dead just an hour ago. The body was believed to be buried in the park but police found dogs chewing on the rotting meat. His body was beyond identification but he did have his i.d. with him. The police found the body to be dead since two days ago. That is all. We are truly sorry for our loss and wish to take a moment to mourn their deaths." Both of the newscasters closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Their hands came together in prayer.
Thursday, August 14, AC 198
Afternoon
"Flight 192 on course for Earth now boarding." A voice on the intercom spoke. Relena sat on a chair next to her bodyguard, the ever sweet Quatre. They both stood as soon as they heard the announcement. She smiled, she was not happy but rather filled with faith that life will get better. She picked up her suitcase filled with clothes and began walking to the shuttle.
Once aboard the shuttle and comfortable sitting in her seat. She looked out the window at the beautiful Mars landscape.
"What are you thinking about?" Her bodyguard asked beside her.
"How my problems started here," She said, taking a breath, "and they seem to end here."
Somewhere in the Underworld
"You failed! How could you fail?! I gave you the perfect opportunity!" A voice yelled. It's owner was nowhere to be seen but the room reacted to her emotions. Fires sprouted from the sides of the young girl who stayed kneeled in the center. She saw the fires and felt their heat but she did not budge. The chamber glowed red with rage.
"I am sorry, Mistress. I've underestimated the security the princess has. I should have killed her bodyguard first." She said loudly.
"You still failed me. Did you kill the Dischang?"
"No, Mistress."
"Bring him here."
"Yes, Mistress." The young girl looked up for the first time. Her black hair and black eyes reflected the bright fires around her. She suddenly disappeared and came back instantly but she returned with a strange man. He had fire red hair, matching the room and mysterious green eyes and was extremely tall. A Dischang and he looked confused.
"Here he is, Mistress." She lowered her head again.
"Where am I?" He asked looking around.
"Dischang," A voice said.
"Who are you? Where are you?"
"Be quiet!" The voice said. "You are here because I am going to kill you."
"Kill me? Why?" He looked down at the young girl. "I help her. She said I could live."
"Your life is in my hands now, Dischang." The voice said. The chamber began to turn purple with green. "I decided that this is your final day." A bright light appeared in the air it went to the Dischang, he screamed in pain but soon was silenced for all that remained was a red glowing ball of power. "Darkat, I give this to you."
The young girl was hit by the glowing red ball. She had been given the Dischang's powers. The ability to change to any form at will.
"I thank you, Mistress." She said raising her head.
"For your failure I give you another thing. Torture in the dungeons!"
"But, Mistress."
"But nothing. You failed me and you must pay."
"When will I be set free?" She said seething through her teeth.
"Whenever I see fit." Darkat disappeared.
Winner Mansion
8:01 p.m.
"Teri, are you okay?" A voice asked me. I'm fine, I should tell him but the truth was how could I be? How can a person be estactially happy and completely depressed at the same exact moment? I didn't respond immediately and that clued him that I wasn't fine. "Wake up." He said. I didn't want to. I'd rather remain in my deep slumber than face the cruel world. He shook me. Gently at first but he continued to attempt to awake me. Finally I decided to surrender. Trowa wasn't likely to give up. So, why bother?
I opened my eyes to see not Trowa but my little brother. "Quatre?" I said groggy. I guess tired. "What are you doing here?" Actually, where was here?
"I happen to live here." He said curtly.
I was home. But, could I have been asleep that long? Trowa must have brought me back home. How sweet of him, of my fioncee. I'm still getting used to that word. Of course, I don't' have a ring but I don't need one.
"Do you want me to tell Relena you're sick?" He asked. Relena? What? Oh, wait. The meeting. For what? Umm... the Colony reconstruction. I think with my brain like this I don't think I should go.
"Please apologize to her for me. My mind is not up to it." I said.
"Do you need a doctor?" He said very concerned.
"No, just some rest." I said.
"Okay, call me if you need anything." He said leaving my room. I nodded. My brother left and I dropped onto my bed once again. I wanted to sleep. But sleep wouldn't come. Quatre had taken it away. I got out of bed and took a quick shower. I then searched in the kitchen for breakfast. After deciding on toast and orange juice I sat down in the living room. Soon after I fell asleep, again.
Conference Room
Earth's Sphere Building
Representatives of winner Corporation wish to rebuild Lunar Civilization
9:35 a.m.
"If at all possible I believe all reconstruction plans to-" A representative from the Winner Corporation began to say only to be interrupted by another.
"But you forget there was a mobile suit factory."
"Sir, you did not let me finish. If at all possible I believe all reconstruction plans with honorable intentions should be passed by the Earth's Sphere."
"He will rebuild a gundam factory. He is after all a gundam pilot."
"He was a gundam pilot and he fought for peace. Risking his life while you all hid. He also happens to be one of my closest friends and a member of the Preventer's organization. He would never do such a thing. He would never forsake the peace he has fought for." She took in a breath. "Now, please allow Mr. Winner to speak."
"As Ms. Dorlain pointed out we have no intention of rebuilding a mobile suit factory. In fact, that is the first thing we wish to destroy. We wish to bring life back to the moon. Where humans first created a colony before moving on to space. The moon is a beautiful place that would be perfect for a relaxing vacation. Thank you."
"All in favor of restoring the moon."
Several raised their hands.
"Very well, then. Thank you, Mr. Winner for coming. We wish you good luck on your project."
"Goodbye, Ms. Dorlain."
"Have a nice day, Quatre."
"You too, Relena."
Peacecraft Mansion
5:52 p.m.
"Relena, are you ever going to speak to your brother?" Lucrezia asked her. Relena sat in the dining room eating her lunch. A delicious soup made by their wonderful chef, and by her assistant Relena.
"I refuse to talk to someone who has such a great disregard for my feelings."
"He only wants to protect you."
"From what? From being loved and care for? From being happy?" Relena answered coldly. Lucrezia left the room to care for Milli who had a slight cold.
Relena stood from the table immediately after eating her soup. Lucrezia returned with Milli trying to get him to sleep.
As Lucrezia opened her mouth to argue once more Relena spoke. "We'll discuss this later. I have somewhere to be."
"Where? I thought you told me you had no more meetings today."
"I'm not going to a meeting." She said exiting the room, leaving Lucrezia to comfort Milli. She climbed the stairs up to her room. Quickly, she changed into comfortable clothing. She sat on her bed with her coveted teddy bear. "Heero, I miss. And until you come back I will try to get stronger. that's what I plan to do. If-" She shook her head, correcting herself. "When you come back I won't be so weak anymore." She set down the bear and left her room. She flung a pack over her shoulder she had ready since the morning. And as she prepared for an adventure, an experience she rarely had the pleasure of having, she took in a deep long breath of air. She picked up keys hanging near the dining room. She was going to drive. All by herself. No chauffeur, no one to do it for her. She did have her license just not so much practice.
"Relena, where are you going?" Lucrezia said with a coughing Milli in her arms. He sneezed into her arm.
"Oh, poor Milli. I hope he gets better soon. I'll be back in a few hours."
"Are you taking the car?"
"Yes."
"But," She said hesitating then thinking it over she said. "Never mind. Go, have fun." Lucrezia turned her back to Relena facing now the dining room. Milli had started sneezing again.
Relena walked out of the front door and inhaled the fresh air, the free air. She slowly breathed out and prepared herself. She headed to the green car parked on the grounds.
"I hope I remember how to do this."
Many minutes Later
A loud scream came from the mouth of the young politician as she turned the steering wheel to swerve to the side of the road. She closed her eyes in an attempt of calmness. Opening once again her eyes she looked around her. The car had hit the sidewalk with the tires. "I made it." She said simply just glad to be alive. Staring at the building she so narrowly missed she got out her car. She had mostly successfully parallel parked her car or to the best of her ability. "Good enough." She said shutting the door of the supposedly parked vehicle. The sky had become cloudly, so desperately she ran inside for cover. As she entered the glass doors the red lettering on them made her stand still. She read them carefully.
Suni's Freestyle Karate
She hesitated a bit, leaving the door to close itself after she came in. Inside she found several people. Some with several colored gi's and some were just standing around apparently waiting and talking to others. Little children ran around wearing the same gi's as some of the adults. To her right there was a sort of windowsill and a computer monitor settled on it. It displayed several names. At the top it read Novice Karate Class. A book of cards in plastic covers lay in front of her. The cards had a name and a barcode, a scanner lay beside that.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" A lady behind the computer said. Relena looked at her. She had bright blonde hair, in loose curls down to her shoulders.
"Yes," She said taking her political voice, completely absent of nervousness and fear. "I would like to sign up for a class." She said easily.
The woman took out several papers and a pen. "Which class would you like to sign up for." She handed Relena a paper. It had several classes including Self-Defense, Karate, Weightlifting and Kickboxing. Next to each class there was the price of it. She let Relena read each selection before speaking again. "What will it be?"
"Self-Defense." Relena said now taking her own voice, which was calmer than before.
"Okay, good choice. But would you also like to take our Novice Karate Class? We have several beginners such as yourself and you'd learn much more, Miss Relena." Relena was taken back by the sound of her name when she had failed to mention it. The woman noticed Relena's discomfort and quickly explained herself. "Who wouldn't recognize the Vice Foreign Minister?" Relena smiled.
"Thank you for not announcing it." She whispered to her.
"No problem. The children here probably won't refrain from asking you about everything but they do that to every adult. Though with their short attention span they'll leave you alone in no time." Relena laughed for the first time that day. Her tense body relaxed with her laughter. "Very good. A smile. We usually don't get those until after the class." She handed Relena a form to fill out. "This is for you to fill out." She handed her another paper. "This needs to be signed, for insurance. We tend to get a few injured a month." She smiled. "But don't worry, it's mostly the crazy ones." Relena nodded and took the papers. She walked to an empty chair and began to fill them out. 'Name? Relena Dorlain. Age? 18. Date of birth? March 23, AC 180. Class taking? Please Circle. Okay. Self-Defense. And on advice. Karate. Signature. Relena Dorlain. That was easy. Let's hope I don't regret it afterwards.' She thought as she stood up.
After filling in all the necessary information she took the forms back to the nice lady.
"Here you are." Relena said handing her the papers back and the pen.
"Thank you, Miss Relena. That will be 85." Relena handed the woman the money. "Okay, thank you. Self Defense classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 to 9:30. Beginner Karate classes are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m."
"Thank you, very much. It's seven, isn't it? Do I go to the class now?" She asked, her nervousness returning to her.
"If you would like to, yes." She said shuffling a few papers. A short woman with red hair and black gi walked into the office of the woman. "Oh Suni, we have a new student. It's Miss Relena Peacecraft." She said nodded to Relena.
"Oh, really. Where is she?" Suni asked.
"Right here." The woman said indicating to the petrified figure of Relena.
"Hello," Was all she managed to say. She smiled nervously.
"Well, Miss Relena. I'm glad you've taken an interest to protect yourself. But I assure you, my class is not easy." Relena nodded. 'Whatever it takes to become stronger.' She thought. "It can be tough but we try to enjoy ourselves."
Next Day - Friday, August 15, AC 198
"Miss Dorlain, am I correct in saying that you are to be wed?" A gray haired man sitting in all too comfortable chair said to the young lady entering the conference room.
"My personal life is none of your concern." She said flatly before sitting down at the table with several other old men and a new person. It was a woman with very dark purple, almost black and same deep purple eyes. She had on a sky blue suit. Her hair was loose in curls reaching below her ears. She seemed sweet by her appearance and also very young.
"Good morning everyone." Relena said to all the gray haired politicians. "I see we have someone new with us." She looked at the woman. "May I ask what is your name?"
The woman stood up. "MY name is Sachiko Oshiro. I am 20 years old. I have many degrees involving politics and wish to follow in your footsteps, Miss Relena." She said sitting down once again.
"Well, thank you, Miss Sachiko. That is very flattering. I hope you find politics to your liking." Relena said only to Sachiko. Then addressing the entire table. "Shall we begin?"
"Well, first off. How was your trip to Mars?" A politician said to Relena, starting the meeting.
"Terrible." She said. "Can we talk about another subject?"
"We are scheduled to see the Moon on Sunday." A representative from Earth said.
"I'm sorry, I cannot attend."
"Why is that?" A representative from a Colony X-1 asked.
"I have a wedding to attend." She said. "I am not the bride." She added shortly after seeing a few faces react.
"So, we will reschedule?' A representative from X-3 said.
"No, I'm sure all of you can handle this without my help."
"The Earth wants to open a trading port between the Colonies, itself and Mars." A representative from X-5 said.
"How will this work?" The representative from Earth said.
"A shuttle for carrying purposes will leave from the Earth to the Colonies then Mars and return to Earth. The shuttle will have supplies from Mars and Earth to take to the Colonies, from there to pick up supplies and deliver to Mars and Earth. And so on in a continuing rotation."
"This will increase trade between the three and hopefully ease the tension between them also." A colony X-3 representative said.
"And also bring inport and export rates up so there will be more communication between the merchants." An Earth representative said.
"That seems like a great idea." Sachiko said speaking for the first time since the meeting began.
"But who will operate the shuttles?" Relena asked. 'This could make things worse.' She thought.
"Well, we think it should be Earth." The Earth representative said.
"Why should the Earth gain in all the profits!" An outraged colonist yelled.
"Well, the colony shouldn't have it either!"
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" Relena said loudly. All the politicians stopped arguing and talking to hear what she had to say. "We should try to settle this matter so that the Colonies, Earth and Mars gain equal profits."
"How do you propose we do that?"
"We shall have, shifts. In which the shuttle shall leave from Earth to the Colonies. There the one driving shall drop off some cargo, and maybe have a sort of log, to record the shipments. Then the shuttle shall leave the Colonies and go to Mars and the driver does the same. Then the shuttle leaves Mars to Earth and so on." She said. "Is that acceptable for all of you?" The representatives nodded in agreement. "Very well, then."
8:35 p.m.
Suni's Freestyle Karate
Self Defense Class
Relena stood in a large room in a brand new black gi, several people were around her. Mostly women. The room had white walls with a high ceiling. Several punching bags and closed windows all around them adding to the already heated room. The back was a huge mirror and there was door that lead to the weight room. The floor was soft, since covering it were puzzle shaped padding. In blue and black, the black divided the blue into six different rings. Suni forbid anyone from bring in their shoes, because they damage the floor. So everyone stood barefoot, even the instructors.
"Today, we are going to learn the Lapel Grabs. Does anyone know what that is?" Suni, a red haired short woman asked her class. A black haired woman in the back raised her hand. "Yes, ma'am."
"The Lapel grabs are when someone tries to grab you, ma'am." She said easily.
"Thank you, ma'am. That is correct. How will you defend yourself?" Suni walked around the room. "When someone unexpectedly grabs you?" She said grabbing the nearest person's gi, which happened to be Relena. Although Relena appeared to be taller, she was frozen with the teacher's sudden menacing actions. She stayed stiff, not knowing what to do. Suni loosened up a bit. "This is a perfect example of what not to do when you're attacked. If you stay still and don't try to defend yourself, you leave yourself vulnerable and give the opportunity for them to do what they want." Suni said to the whole class. To Relena she said. "Thank you, ma'am for being my dummy." Relena nodded. What could she say? No problem I enjoy being made a fool of? "First off is the Lapel Grab #1." She said moving the center of the class. "Any volunteers to help me demonstrate?" She asked. A middle ages woman with short brown hair stepped foward, she seemed confident. 'She's probably been here a while.' Relena thought as she saw Suni and the woman. "Thank you, Carrie." Suni said bowing to her. "Now, an attacker will do many things but if they grab your shirt with one hand," She indicated to Carrie to do so to her, " we'll teach you how to defend yourselves." Carrie now had a firm grip on Suni's gi. "First grab where their fist is holding the cloth with your right hand and twist," She twisted Carrie's hand, "using your left hand, push on their elbow to straighten it and push until they go to the floor." Carrie was now on the floor. "Like so." Suni said and released her grip on Carrie. "Everyone grab a partner and practice. We'll be watching."
Relena stood around, not sure what to do. She said pair up but with who? She was new. A woman also stood by herself, she was near Relena wearing a purple gi. A black belt came up to her and told Relena for them to be partners. Relena turned around to find a person she did not expect. Sachiko Oshiro. Her purple curls matched her clothing. Relena stood shocked, forgetting what she was doing. But she soon regained her speech.
"Good afternoon, Miss Oshiro." Relena said as best she could.
"Miss Relena, what a surprise. I had no idea you took an interest in self defense." She said happily.
"Appearances can be deceiving." Relena said. 'Especially in her case.' She thought. In a whisper she said. "What are we doing?"
"I believe she called it Lapel Grab #1." Sachiko said and grabbed hold of the front of Relena's gi. "This is how they grab and you need to grab my fist," She said indicating with her free arm. Relena raised her arm questionably. "And grab my fist." Relena grabbed it with her right hand. "That's right." Then she lifted Relena's left arm. "Using your left arm to push my elbow. While twisting with the right." Relena did so and brought Sachiko to her knees.
"Very good." Suni said behind her.
Peacecraft Mansion
Midnight
**Dream Sequence**
I opened my eyes. Heero was no longer in a hospital bed but in a rather strange room. I was still in the strange transparent form. I looked at him, I was glad to see him again. It's been so long since my last dream about him. I noticed his gaze was not on me but on someone else. Not that he could see me if he looked but I still wondered. I looked to see who it was. It was a man. A man with black hair like Midnight and eyes as equally dark. His eyes shone with a coldness and darkness of a cold sea night. I stared intently into his eyes but then looked away. Those eyes caused a chill to run down my spine. If I described him I would only use one word: Evil. His dark features made him seem somewhat attractive but his eyes, full of deceit and hatred. Pure evil. But as he was oblivious to my existence I really didn't care about him being in the room. Only Heero mattered to me. Although unable to hear, see or touch him I simply enjoyed gazing at him. His gaze moved from the strange man to me. Was he looking at me or through me? He spoke.
"Sister, who is this man?" He said to me. Sister? I am not his sister. But the thing that intrigued me was his voice. How he spoke. His voice was no longer cold and unfeeling. It had affection, kindness and a gentleness. He's changed. I looked deep into his eyes. They had emotions, a kindness that never existed before. They also looked confused, well so was I. Someone behind me spoke.
"He is the advisor of our kingdom, Odin." The person behind me said to Heero. But surely they did not call him Odin? I turned around, my back to Heero. A woman with loose brown hair stared through me. It was that woman. The one who was at the hospital. She no longer seemed sad. But now that I can see her clearly I recognize her. It was Odelia Lowe. Is that who Heero called sister? But if he did, then that means he is the Lost Prince. But can he? Could he? He can't be. I don't think Heero's name was even on the never ending list of potential princes. If he was why didn't they test him first? But as I looked back and forth between them I saw several similarities. Their eyes, their hair, I don't know how I couldn't see it before. But then if Heero is the Lost Prince, then I get to marry him. Heero is going to be my husband! I felt ecstatically happy and tried to hug Heero, momentarily forgetting my transparency problem and gently fell through Heero. I then realized I had to figure out where I was. I looked around the room. It was bare except for two chairs and the three people in it. There was a door to the right. I poked my head through it only to see dark hallways, left and right. Back inside the room I heard a gun shot. Who fired that? Yet another gunshot. What is going on? Retrieving my head back into the room I looked for the source of the two gunshots. Odelia was kneeling on the floor with her arm holding a gun but also bleeding. I frantically searched for Heero, he was lying on the floor. He seemed to be unconscious. How? I wasn't sure. The other strange man also lay on the floor. Blood gurgled from an open wound in his chest. Most likely his heart. I turned to Odelia, she had stood up and had Heero flung over her shoulder. It was amazing how she could support his weight. He looked peaceful just sleeping. Odelia began to run, she ran through me and to the door. I heard her leave the room still in a run. I ran right after them, jumping easily passing through the door. I looked to the hallways but they were long gone. I still heard distant footsteps to my right. I followed them. The hallway darkened but I heard the footsteps and still continued. Pitch black covered the hallway then reemerge in sunlight. The exit was near, I felt it. The sunlight was in fact no sunlight at all but fake light. I was on a colony. Odelia was lost to me but then I spotted her heading for a jeep. She threw Heero in the back. Don't hurt him! Then put the jeep in gear to peel out. She headed straight for a fence, not to a door but instead she rammed into it with the jeep. I ran after them. I knew I could never catch up to them though it wouldn't do me any good. They wouldn't see me. I got to the fence which had a new hold cut into it. The jeep was long gone. The dust trail it left fading slowly. I turned back to the strange building hoping I'd recognize it. But it suddenly exploded. The force threw me to the ground.
**End Dream Sequence**
Relena woke up. She was covered in sweat despite the cool night. Her hands searched for the coveted teddy bear which had fallen off in the middle of the night. She reached for it and tightly grasped it. Now it was secure in her hands so she calmed. The bear brought so much sought comfort.
At the table where breakfast was being eaten, no one spoke. The usual conversation that filled in this time no longer existed. The silence was disturbing to the child, who expected to be happily giggling. Instead he sadly sat silent. The breakfast dragged along slowly until one finish and left the table. This person was Relena. She had on loose pants along with a loose t-shirt. For the first time in a long time she had tied her hair in a high ponytail. Making her seem like a completely different person. So much so that Hilde barely recognized her when she went to pick Relena up. They had to go to make the final preparations for the wedding the next day. Duo had tried to join them but Hilde wouldn't allow him to go. They had to go to the caterer, dressmaker, the chapel and finally the reception. Relena also had to make an appearance at the Preventer's Building.
The Caterer
A beautiful white frosted cake, three layers and a beautiful bride and groom dolls sat on top of the table. The cake had blue lace around the three layer's edges and carefully made lilac flowers on the lace.
"It's gorgeous." Relena said gazing at it. She couldn't taking her eyes off it.
"Isn't it." Hilde said handing the caterer the instructions to when and where to take the cake. "Duo picked it out himself."
The Dress Maker
"Where is my dress?" Hilde kindly asked the cashier.
The cashier was nervous and didn't respond immediately. She seemed to be new because she searched the store for help. She took a breath. She got brave. "Hold on." She said breathlessly to Hilde and went to the back. For several minutes no one came out. Then another woman, much older and calmer, came up to them. In her arms she held a plastic covered dress. Apparently Hilde's wedding dress.
"We're sorry for the delay. Deliah is new." She said putting the dress on the counter carefully.
"May I take it now?" Hilde asked.
"Yes, you may." The woman said. "And may I say it's a beautiful dress for a lovely bride."
"Thank you." Hilde said nervously taking the dress.
The Chapel
"What color would you like the flowers to be?" A planner said who laughed unnecessarily at certain times. Relena and Hilde both found this very annoying.
"Lilac and light blue." Hilde said clearly. The planner scribbled that down on her clipboard and let out her annoying giggle yet again.
"Right." Relena said anxious to get away from the woman. "Is that all?"
"Oh, no." She said and babbled some nonsense about the color of the color of the flowers. They both remained there for another hour, restraining themselves from strangling the last breath from the planner every time she giggled without need.
The Reception
"The reception starts at.." A manager asked Hilde.
"Seven p.m." Hilde answered curtly.
"How many?"
"About 50."
"Decorations provided?"
"No."
"Thank you."
"That was certainly quick." Relena said as they left.
Preventers Building
"We would like to speak to Miss Dorlain, alone. Please." A Preventer told Hilde who refuse to listen.
"And I am her bodyguard. Also higher in command." Hilde said dangerously to him.
"You may go in." He said to both of them. He didn't want to argue with a Preventer who may certainly well disband him.
Relena, followed by Hilde, entered a room with several chairs. Relena sat down on one and Hilde next to her. The Preventer in the room looked carefully at Hilde then proceeded to ask Relena questions.
"What happened on the morning of Wednesday, August 13, AC 198?"
"I walked into the Mars embassy and everyone was dead." Relena said looking to the floor.
"Were there any survivors?"
"None I saw."
"Did you see the attackers?"
"No."
"Who was with you?"
"Trowa, my bodyguard and there were Quatre and Teri Winner who had come before us."
"Who are they?"
"Preventer Desert and Preventer Thorn. President and Vice President of the Winner Corporation." Hilde said quickly defending them. The Preventer took her outburst as an insult to his intelligence.
"We did not mean to insult them." Another Preventer close-by said.
"I think that is all Miss Dorlain has to say." Hilde said getting up. Relena also stood up.
"What does Miss Dorlain think?"
"I've said my part. Thank you and goodbye." Relena said heading for the door. Before the Preventers could protest. "I am leaving now."
Hilde walked out the door followed by Relena. They walked out of the building together.
"Hey, mind if I drive?" Relena asked. Hilde was taken back by the question.
"Umm, sure." She said giving Relena the keys to her car. Relena took them happily and got in the car. Hilde followed suit. As they sat in silence she asked. "Why, the sudden interest in driving?"
Relena started the car and said. "We're going for Teri, then Catherine and lastly Lucrezia."
"Why?" Hilde said. She was confused.
"Because the guys took Duo out."
"So?"
"We're having a Girls Night Out!"
Some Night Club
Teri POV
"What are you staring at?" Catherine said to me. I side glanced at her.
"Those two," I said pointing to a guy and a girl at a table away locked in a kiss, "have not stopped for 23 minutes."
"Interesting." She said. "See the ring on their fingers?" She pointed to the rings on their tangled hands. "Their married. They can kiss as much as they want." Yeah, they can kiss and touch each other. They're husband and wife. But I can't do that with Trowa or anyone for that matter. I can never. But he doesn't care about that. Even though he knows my condition he still loves me all the same. I will be able to kiss him occasionally but I can never bear him children. Not any children. But I should be happy, shouldn't I? I finally found the person who wants to be with me.
"Isn't it wonderful." Relena said sighing. She had seen the couple too. She seems happier than ever before.
"To be with the one person you truly love and give them happiness." Lucrezia said. Did they know?
"Or give them children." Hilde said. "That's what every man wants. To have a miniature version of themselves running around."
"Yeah, and Hilde's just going to do that. Aren't you?" Lucrezia said.
"You bet." She answered laughing. "I'm sure even the coldest man wants children. I can just imagine a mini Duo running around causing havoc everywhere." They all laughed except me. Is that true? All men want children? Even Trowa? But I can't give him children. I can't. I can barely touch him on occasion. But if we're together that's all that matters. We'll be happy if we're together.
"You know, now that we're on the subject of men. I think Trowa has a girlfriend." Catherine said. I looked up. No one was supposed to know.
"Really? Who?" Hilde said. She seemed intrigued by the subject.
"I'm not sure. He won't tell me. But I know she's special to have caught my brother's attention."
"Is he going to marry her?"
"I hope so. I don't want him to be alone. I want him to have a family. With many children, so they can make him happy."
"Children?" I said. I didn't mean to say it aloud but Catherine heard me.
"Yes. I once heard Trowa say he wanted children. Although he said it was to continue fighting for peace. I know he just wants them to be happy. It's human nature." He does want children. He does. But I can never. I can't. This is terrible. Trowa wants children, he does want them. I can't. I want him to be happy no matter what. He wants children. That will make him happy.
"If his children are as quiet as he is I'm sure that'll make him even happier."
"Yeah, a little Trowa would be so cute."
The girls were still talking but I didn't want to listen. Not anymore. But we could adopt. One of the children from the colonies. He was having fun with them. But he wants them to be like him. He wants his own children. I left the table. I didn't want them to see me cry. I love Trowa, more than anything. I want him to be happy. Even though it won't be with me. He will be happy without me. He'll be happy with someone who can give him children. I have to call off the engagement. Even though I was happy. I'd rather he be happy than me. He has already given me the best thing I could ever have. Love. True love. I had to tell him. I called his trailer. Another person answered I told them I needed to talk to Trowa. He said hello.
"This is Teri. The engagement is off." I said quietly before he could say why I hung up. Tears ran down my cheeks. But he'll be happier without me.
Next chapter is the Bride Marries the Fool. About Hilde and Duo's wedding and a favorite character of mine comes back. Guess who? From chapter one.