Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ Messenger of Peace ( Chapter 4 )

IMPERIAL WAR FACTORY, VALHALLA , CALLISTO

"What was it called again?" Lezare asked Seratus.

"OMPC #54," Seratus said to Lezare and the other members of the High Command.

"And this is to counter Gundanium?"

"Yes, and it is completely superior to Gundanium in every way. It's stronger, but it is also more flexible and has other physical properties that would make the Gundam scientists' head spin. It can inhibit radar and even visible detection better than Gundanium. And, aside from its properties, there is one very significant factor that makes it better...due to our resources, it can be mass produced," she said with a smile, "Gundanium's greatest weakness."

"What of electrical conductivity?" Hiliada asked.

"Right. Although, Gundanium is doped with some nonmetals to inhibit, that as well as a complex grain structure to inhibit flow of electrons, 1 OMPC-54 does a better job. But while we are on the subject, that may be beneficial on the outer covering. On the other hand, there are internal components, including joints, the thrusters, and the weapons, that use superconductors, particularly #46. These increase performance, particularly with the weapons. The superconductors are used produce powerful electric fields that can accelerate not only elementary particles, but also macroscopic projectiles at such speeds that would cause sufficient damage to even Gundanium. "

"So, bottom line," Lezare demanded, "What will my forces be using?"

"Fine. I'll give you the rundown. First of all there is the Scorpio. It's fairly slow and bulky, but it has a gigantic armament, so much that it requires others beside the pilot to operate them. I will admit that it is the least advanced of the units. It's only an MA armored with OMPC-51. It also has only a level 3 NeCSIS." 2

"But that still exceeds the Zero System," Hiliada said.

"Yes, it does, but we couldn't have made the great strides we did if we didn't dissect that now inferior system. By the way, Mincho, remind me to thank Cxetiri in person; we couldn't have done it without her. But, I digress.

"Scorpio, as an MA, is an exception to the units. It is not made to counter any of the MS's. Due to its low maneuverability, its main role is not 'hand-to-hand' combat nor to dogfight. Just mainly take out ground forces. The MF's on the other hand have been made to counter MS's, although I suppose Scorpio could still do a number on a MS.

"The MF Aquarius is to counter is to counter the aquatic Cancer and Pieces. The twin MF Gemini is to counter Taurus and Tragos. Capricorn is counter the land based MS. And then, for the air, there is Sagittarius, which has more maneuverability, agility, and speed than anything man has ever made. I dare say that they alone could wipe out anything the Earth Sphere's MS's, but we do need to not specialize. After all, that is why the Alliance, OZ, and White Fang all failed."

"Well put," Grozny said.

"So, I don't have to worry about any resistance?" Lezare asked.

"None at all," Seratus answered, "especially if the reports are true and the Earth Sphere is destroying all of the Mobile Suits."

"Yes," Hiliada responded, "Shtatë confirmed that they are being destroyed, and it's not just some sort of cover up for the media. Cxetiri has actually participated in the destruction of some herself."

"Yes," Seratus smiled, "and even if they did have Mobile Suits, including Gundams, left to throw at us. To do so would be a worthless gesture." 3

July 7, A.C. 197

STRASBOURG 4

Relena sighed as she was driven to the conference center through torrential rain. Today the Earth Sphere Unified Nation was going to vote on whether or not to continue the Mars terraforming project, which was now horrendously over budget. This was the main reason popularity for the project was at an all time low. There were even a few protest demonstrations. It was being seen as a large boondoggle. Murphy's Law was really having a ball with it. Every time they tried to send an expedition out, something would go wrong to the point that the expedition would have to turn around or even rescued. At least no had gotten killed yet.

This made her smile a little. Her brother and Noin had just returned from another failed expedition a couple of weeks ago. She did love her brother and was generally happy to see him and Noin, but their presence often reminded her of the failure of her project. Also, seeing them together sometimes reminded her of Heero. In the months in which she knew him, the seemed to grow closer, but never connect. Heero always seemed to keep some distance. It oddly reminded Relena of a logarithmic or inverse curve, infinitesimally getting closer to zero, but never reaching it.

She let out another sigh and looked out the window at the wind and rain. The miserable weather wasn't helping her mood. She worried if this example of weather would affect anyone's vote. The rough weather even made the Rheine choppy. She wondered if it was a mistake to still hold the meeting today. Aside from the vote on the Martian project, the Jeffersonians were going to make a presentation to the leaders of the ESUN. The Jeffersonians were willing to wait until the weather got better, but the ESUN insisted they go ahead with this prescheduled day.

The Jeffersonians were an organization opting to restructure the ESUN. The already had quite a bit of support around the world and lots of support in the Colonies. She had not yet heard from them personally, but she did hear rumors that they were another radical group. She was not yet ready to believe rumors; she was not sure what to make of them, so she was willing to here what they had to say.

The motorcade escorted her limo as it pulled up to the conference center and under the breezeway. She let in a deep breath as it came to a stop and the aide opened the door for her.

The gavel came down loudly. Relena let out a deep sigh of resignation. Ironic how a gavel is like a hammer since as it hit the table she heard the last nail in the coffin of her project go in. It was over. The dream of making another world for people to live was gone. After that issue was over, the floor was given to the Jeffersonians and their spokesperson, Matthew Harrison.

She looked out the large window at the storm with rain beating on the glass. The room was on the second floor of the center, which was right along side the Rhine, separated by a narrow park on the bank. This made the window, of which was the entire height of the four building, gave a great view of the river, which was now a raging torrent.

She then looked around the conference room, seeing all the representatives, including Dorothy for Romafeller, and the Preventers standing guard, including Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, her brother, Noin, Une, Sally, and of course Heero. She took a long look at him for a couple of minutes before she realized her mind was wondering and snapped her attention back to the matter at hand.

"What we are asking for there to be more local control," Harrison continued well into the debate.

"Local control for who," asked representative Eddings.

"For everybody. That is every local government. You see what we a proposing is something similar to a Jeffersonian form of government, our namesake obviously. This was envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, in which the basic unit of government is a family. One hundred families compose what he referred to as a ward. They had their own law enforcement and other services. Well, any matter that they couldn't handle would go up to the next level, such as a precinct or district. If there were a matter they couldn't handle, it would go onto such as, if I may use an American terminology, counties. Cities would also be some the chain. From there matters would go on to, say, states or provinces, then nations, then probably some regional government. Finally at the top would be the world government. Which means that a matter or incident would have to be very extreme to involve the actual UESN, which I suppose would include the Preventers."

"What about the Colonies?" said McCreary, a Colonial rep.

"I'm sure it could work with them too," Harrison replied.

"I know it will," said Khashan, another Colonial rep, "I've studied your organization's proposal before and figured out the Colonies could easily be districted; they very much already are. Individual Colonies could be segmented, the whole colonies right up the Lagrange points."

"But doesn't this system emphasize borders, which instigated wars?" said Massay, an elderly male Earth rep.

Another Jeffersonian stood up an said, "If you don't mind, sir, that is sixty tons of bulls***. You obviously have never heard of a the term 'civil war," a battle within borders."

"How dare you speak to me that way!" Massay shot back.

"Please, gentleman," Relena cut in, "This is not the time to be acting like a bunch of adolescents."

"Look who's talking," Massay said under his breath, not loud enough for the Vice Foreign Minister to hear, but enough to get glares from his neighboring colleges.

One of the reporters in the room trotted out of the room, and headed for the rest room, casually checking his watch in the hallway. In the restroom, he was joined by one of the ushers.

"It's just about time," the reporter said while washing his hands and not turning around.

"I don't see what they hope to accomplish. Still, I feel like doing something."

"Our orders are to observe. Of course, as fellow citizens, we should help with any wounded."

"What if someone gets killed?" Huit asked, "Particularly Darlian."

"So when did you become so concerned about her life?"

"It just might complicate things, that's all."

"Personally, I don't see much of a difference if she lives or dies," Shtatë looked again at his watch, "But we will see what we can do in just a few more minutes."

"The highest position in government I seek to obtain is Congress, well maybe governor," Harrison defended, "but that's my point. I am a county commissioner, and my county and many other local governments are worried that people near the top here are going tell them how they could do things. No offense, Miss Darlian, but I'm not sure you or most of these people here can fully understand the needs of small town America or many other communities. No one's are the same. So it would be best that local matters are handled by local leaders."

"I recall you mentioned the Preventers but name," Relena mentioned, "Do you have a problem with them?"

"Well, reluctantly, I would say to a degree yes. Again, mainly many in local law enforcement are worried that the Preventers may supersede their authority. Many are afraid the Preventers may corrupt into an oppressive central police force."

"Oppressive?!" interjected Une.

"'Power corrupts', Lady Une, 'and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' You all know that saying. Besides, it would just make more sense to have people who know the land and the locals to handle incidents. Your input and assistance would be welcomed, but please don't cross any lines."

"So this would require local groups to have weapons," said Relena.

"Yes, it would," Harrison responded.

"But wouldn't that..."

Relena was cut off by Heero yelling, "Get down!" In the corner of his eye, Heero saw a flash from the other side of the river. A small rocket was fired from the other side of the river. Half a second later, the room was shaken by an explosion from the lower level. Two more rockets were fired and hit the building. The large window shattered, letting in the rain and wind. Panic overtook most of the people, but quickly the Preventers recovered and acted, also, soon Jeffersonians and others recovered and helped a few people get to cover. Heero ran to cover Relena, and Quatre ran to Dorothy.

Outside, four more rockets hit the area around the building, destroying a few security vehicles and killing personnel in the process. A couple of light military vehicles quickly drove up. Men piled out and opened fire as they made their way inside. Guards quickly responded as their comrades were cut down.

Back inside, things got worse as opposing forces made their way into the conference room with machine gun fire, wounding several people. Suddenly, the floor listed as support from the lower levels gave way. People were thrown off balance. Relena slipped and slid down on the now slippery, wet carpet and fell out the now broken window. Heero dove out after her. He jumped down beside her as she winced from a sore rump and foot. Fortunately, the fall wasn't far, so she wasn't seriously injured. He helped her up as the attackers outside noticed them. An attacker was about to fire, but Heero shot him with his pistol first. Heero started to run off with Relena as the fallen attackers comrades fired upon them. They ran along bank of the river as bullets flew around them, but Relena's sore leg as well as the wet environment hampered their progress. Suddenly, she slipped on the wet ground and started to fall. Heero dove for her, but he also slipped, and as he caught her, his momentum carried them into the river. The swift current separated them. "Heeeer....." she started to call out before was pulled under.

Duo saw them fall out the window and worked his way, with his rifle, to the open window careful not to slip himself. From his position he was able to knock off a couple of attackers before he saw his friends fall in river. He turned around called out to Trowa, who was closest to him, "Heero and Relena fell into the Rhine, and I'm going after them." He dropped down outside without another word. Dodging and returning occasional fire he made his way to the parking lot where the he got on the motorcycle he used in the motorcade. He started it up and drove off, quickly wishing he had a helmet, or at least goggles to keep the rain out his eyes.

The firefight back at the center was quieting down. The tide was turned with a little help from Harrison and his associates who picked up weapons from fallen Preventers and returned fire at the attackers. Finally, most of the attackers were dead, a few had surrendered, and the rest had retreated. Now it was time to tend to the wounded and evaluate the solution.

Une woke up to Harrison. "Thanks for your help, there. You seem to fire pretty well."

"You're welcome," he said, "and thank you. I do get a bit of practice...uh, that is target practice for defense, of course."

"Of course," she smiled back and walked off to the other Preventers. "OK, what happened?"

"Someone fired rockets from the other side of the Rhine and hit the supports for the second floor," Wufei started, "they then knocked out some of our defenses before sending in troops."

"They must have a launcher on the other side," Une concluded, "Winner, Maxwell, the two of you go to the other side of the river and look for who ever...wait a minute? Where is Maxwell? Or for that matter Rel..."

"D**n," Trowa said, "Duo said that Heero and Relena fell in the river and he was going after them."

"Why didn't you say this before?" Milliardo said infuriated.

"I could barely make out what he said, so it didn't really come clear until now."

"D**N!" Milliardo exclaimed, "O.K. Noin you go with Winner to find the launcher, Barton, you interrogate some of the prisoners. Chang, you work with Une to track those that retreated." He turned around to leave. "I'm going after Yuy."

As Milliardo ran out of the building, Shtatë and Huit came into the room. "What the hell happened?" Shtatë exclaimed. "Duck out for a leak and all Hell breaks loose."

"Where have you people been?" Une asked.

"Cowering in the bathroom."

"Well, just help with the wounded. We'll fill you in later."

Shtatë and Huit complied.

Heero swam after Relena. She bobbed back up to the surface, but was clearly at the mercy of the river. The rainy weather over much of central Europe had melted much of the snow the Alps, causing the rivers to rise with freezing water, even though it was July. The rough cold water was sapping much of Heero's strength. If I'm having this much trouble, Relena has to be worse. He finally reached her. She was cold and unmoving. He held on to her, and then looked around to find accessible shore. It was then he realized, that he paid so much attention on her, that he did not realize they were several kilometers down stream, well in to the country. Since it was closer now, he made their way to the east bank, which was heavily wooded. 5 He brought her up on to shore and carried her in to the woods to get more cover from the rain. She was like a wet rag doll. He laid her down after he found what seemed a good spot. He then realized she was not breathing; she just lay there still. He felt his shivering and a lump grow in his throat. He checked her carotid, nothing, no pulse. He opened her soaked jacket and blouse and put his ear to her chest, silence. He sat up and looked at her still body. No, God please no, this can't be! God please don't take her away from me. God please help me! He started performing CPR.

Duo revved up his bike to make up lost time. He soon was able to see Heero with Relena on the other side of the river. He clicked on his bike's radio. "This is Duo here. I've found Heero and Relena. They are about seven kilometers down stream on the east bank. I'm going meet up with them." He turned off the radio before waiting for a response. He sped up to get to the next bridge.

Quatre and Noin were flying in a helicopter that was stationed outside and fortunately not destroyed in the attack. They flew across the Rhine in the rain, which had been dying down. Using an infrared camera, they quickly located the source of the rockets; this was fairly easy to the high heat signature from the launching of the rockets.

"There they are," Quatre said looking down while Noin piloted, "Looks like a light armored assault truck. Take us in closer so we can get them to surrender." He then took control of the copter's heavy machine gun.

The truck them turned on to the road heading north and soon started firing at the copter with it's own heavy machine gun. Quatre returned fire and was able to make several hits including one that took out a tire, but not before the copter also got hit in also in a vital area.

"Arrgh!" exclaimed Noin, "Were losing hydraulic pressure. We had better turn back while we still can. Better call for back up."

"Right. Besides, I just saw the truck go off the road and overturn. With them now on foot, they can't get far."

Three men climbed out of the overturned truck. The driver and the gunner got killed in the crash.

"Well, Colonel Wass," said one as he pushed himself out a window, "this is all going well."

"Stop your griping, Panucci," said Wass, "We still shook them up."

"But they retaliated very well, sending back the peons who didn't get killed. And it seems that we've missed most of our primary targets."

"Not necessarily; Darlian should not be far from here." Wass was referring to Duo's radio report, which they overheard. "If we head out now, we should be able to catch up to them."

"Why bother with her?" Panucci sneered as he got some gear out of the truck that was on its side.

"Because I said so. If you don't want to go you could sit and wait for the Preventers, but then I would have to kill you. Nothing personal. I just can't risk you telling them anything."

" It's not like nobody hasn't been captured already," he grumbled as he put his gear. "Sigh. Fine, let's go."

"Good. Well, cover more ground if we split up; plus it would make finding all of us harder. Panucci, you take the left. Havas, you go on the right. Let's go."

They headed north through the woods.

Heero sat in dead silence staring off into space oblivious to world. He didn't even seem to respond when Duo came out behind the trees.

"Here you guys are. Thank goodness I found you. Are you...guys...all..righ..." Duo's voice trailed off as he realized how still and peaceful Relena was with her eyes closed. He also noticed how in his own right, how still, but eerie and ominous Heero was with his cold eyes open. "Oh, my g...Heero is she..?"

"Yes," Heero said in his trademark monotone, "She's dead."

Duo's heart sank. Relena dead? It can't be. "Are you sure? Maybe we can still save her!"

"I already checked vital signs and perform CPR. She's gone, Duo."

Duo looked a Heero, who was as usual showing no emotion, but although he didn't show it, he knew that Heero needed company. So just sat down by his friend in silence.

It was a good fifteen minutes later when Havas slowly came up upon them. He stopped about seventy-five meters away from them. He took out his binocular to get a good look at them. Hmm, there is Maxwell and Yuy and that seems to be Darlian lying there. Better make sure no one else is around. He searched the area first with his binoculars, then his infrared scope. He noticed something unusual as he panned his scope. Then he realized that Duo and Heero were giving off heat signatures, but Relena wasn't. He smiled. Well, it seems we got a primary target after all. He turned around to get Wass and Panucci.

Duo and Heero had been sitting in silence for about twenty minutes. Duo had tried to revive Relena, Heero made no attempt to stop him, but to no avail. The rain had settled down to a moderate drizzle. Duo stood up when he heard someone approach. Milliardo came into view. Heero continued to stare out into space.

"At last I found you. Why didn't any of you call?" Milliardo demanded.

Duo suddenly realized that he forgot to call in when he came upon Heero and Relena. I must have been too preoccupied with grief. His hands searched himself, until he realized, "I forgot my portable radio."

"Never mind that. How is she?"

Duo didn't say anything.

"I said, 'How is she?'!"

Duo swallowed before his cracking voice started, "We're sorry. There was nothing we could do."

Milliardo's eyes went wide. He turned to Heero and pulled out his side arm. "Get away from my sister, Yuy!" he snarled.

Heero complied with out a word and sat right down again in silence.

With his pistol on Heero, Milliardo checked his sister's carotid. His face quickly dropped and returned to rage. "Damn you, Heero! You killed her! You killed her! You'll pay for that!" He released the safety.

Duo quickly came forward. "Milliardo, don't! Heero did what he could. This won't solve any thing."

"Dammit, Duo, she's dead because of him."

"Because of those terrorists, and he tried to save her."

"He failed. Let me finish this."

"I can't let you."

"No," Heero said. The first word he said for nearly half an hour. "No, Duo, stand aside. He's right. I was responsible for the death of the Vice Foreign Minister. I was responsible for the death of his sister. I was responsible for the death...for the death...." His voice started to quiver. "For the death of the girl I loved." Reality hit him like a semi, the reality that he did love her and that she was now gone. It was too much for the perfect soldier to handle He started crying.

Duo and Milliardo just stood there shocked at Heero's sudden outpour of emotion. Heero continue while crying, "I loved your sister, Zechs, I really did, but I always tried to suppress it because I felt it got in the way of my duties, my missions. But I guess, she helped me, gave me desire to live." He was silent for a while, returning to his monotone. "Well, go ahead, Zechs, kill me."

"What!" Milliardo and Duo in unison.

"She's dead. I have no desire to live. Kill me."

Milliardo leveled his firearm, but he couldn't pull the trigger. He couldn't understand it. He was ready to shoot Heero just a few seconds, but he couldn't now. Why? Perhaps he felt pity for the young man. He lowered his weapon. "I can't do it."

"What?"

"I just can't kill you, Heero." He clicked back on the safety and, with a feeling of helplessness, cast his gun aside.

Heero turned to Duo. "How about you, Duo?"

"Me?" Duo said.

"You were always considered to be my best friend. Will you be my kaishaku?" He handed Duo a pistol. "Will you be my second? It seems appropriate with a name like yours."

"You want to perform seppuku?" Duo stood silent for a while. "Sorry, Heero, I don't think I can."

Heero placed the muzzle of the gun under his jaw, but he couldn't squeeze the trigger either. "Will somebody please help me die?!"

"No, don't" came a voice from behind. They turned to see a middle-aged looking man. He had Semitic features with a short full beard. He wore a tan tunic with a cream colored robe. He carried a simple wooden staff. He looked like he came right out of days of antiquity. "There is no need for your death."

"Why not!" Heero demanded.

"Because life is precious, including yours." 6

"What about her life?"

"She was not supposed to die yet."

"Not suppose to die yet?" Milliardo almost mocked.

"Yes, she left too soon, but before we take care of that, why should she brought back into your lives?"

"Why?!" said Heero while standing up and dropping his weapon. "So the world can have peace."

"Do you really mean that? Is that the only reason? And I was referring to your life." Heero remained silent. The robed man continued, "I know you have feelings for her, you all do. Please share them."

The three pilots looked at the man, as they felt the rain, which by now was a drizzle. They never saw him before in their lives, yet, they sensed something about him. Something that told them they could trust him with their deepest feelings. Duo also sensed something strangely familiar about him, although, again he never met him before. There was just a familiar feeling about his presence.

He turned to Heero, "You first. You said that she gave you a desire to live. Is there more to it than that?" Heero remained silent. The man continued, "You asked for help. That's what I'm here for, and this will help you."

Heero let out a breath before starting, "She always had a way of seeing me more than just a heartless killer, even when I threatened to kill her. She cared for me, even when I felt I didn't deserve it. Eventually, she made me care a little for myself and for her a lot. She was...is the most important thing in the world to me."

"Well said," He moved on to Miliardo, "And, what of you, Peacecraft?"

"Ever since I was separated from my sister," Miliardo said with a calm voice, " I saw her as the heir of our family's ideals, the ideals that I denied myself to carry on as I went to carry out my vengeance. She always has been an example of what I often felt I could not be."

"And, you?" he said to Duo who was surprised that he was also asked.

"Well, uh, I guess I've always been impressed how determined she has been following Heero, but other than her work for peace, I'm not sure she has been much more than a platonic friend."

"Yes, but you always took gladness in seeing a relationship develop between the two of them, especially when they weren't aware of it yourself. Your gladness increased when you experienced love yourself. Incidentally, my Master is well pleased with your decision regarding her; it will lead to a greater happiness together.

"Now, before I tend to her, I must ask all of you: do you believe I can bring her back?"

They were surprised at this question and were not sure how to respond, but something told them that... "Yes, I believe you can," Duo said first, "I don't know how to explain it, but I know you can."

Milliardo nodded, and Heero said in a soft voice, "Yes, please do it."

While Duo stood reverently with his head bowed, the man knelt down on the ground behind Relena's head, set down his staff, and gestured for Heero and Milliardo to kneel down or either side of her. They complied, Heero taking her cold hand in his. The man then, laid his hand on her head and said, "Relena Darlian Peacecraft, by authority and power invested in me, command you to live and arise, in the name of the Anointed One, Amen."

Relena opened her eyes. Heero felt warmth return to her hand, along with a pulse. Each of them was ecstatic with joy. She saw Milliardo first with tears in his eyes and sat up and hugged him. "Oh, Milliardo it was beautiful. I saw our mother and father; they told me how much they loved us. I even saw my stepfather, but they all to me to go back. They said it was my time yet. I had to go back to..." She trailed off and turned to see Heero, also with tearful eyes and a smile. "Heero." She cried, hugging him.

Duo stood looking on also with tears of joy, while the man picked up his staff and stood up. Suddenly, out of the growth came Wass and his subordinates with their guns ready and level. Wass wanted to see the look on their faces before he killed them even though it would have been easier to take them out from a distance, but some thing didn't seem right. "I thought you told me she was dead," he said to Havas. Oh well, shouldn't matter in a moment anyway. Look at that, they are just standing there. This will be easier than...wait, who is he.

Although the pilots could have easily have over come their attackers, the man put his hand out, gesturing them to hold back. He walked forward to the attackers. "Gentleman, there has been enough bloodshed today. Please, depart right now and go in peace."

Wass rolled his eyes. "Great! Another pacifistic nut!" 7 He fired at the man, but everyone heard the bullet go harmlessly through the trees to the side. He fired again with the same result. The man just stood there, but none of the shots hit any body. His comrades just stood there dumbfounded. He grabbed Havas's rifle and activated its laser scope forming glowing dot formed on the man's chest. Havas fired full-auto, but nobody was hit. Havas eyes went wide. He dropped the weapon before turning tail and running. His shacked comrades followed suit.

After they left, they man turned around to the others and sighed. The others had a somewhat bewildered look on their faces. "How did...." Heero started to say before he lost the power to speak.

"At the end of my Master's mortal ministry, he promised me that I would never taste death until he returned. My I add, when he does return, worldwide peace will be fully established."

"When will that be?" asked Relena as Heero lifted her up.

"I honestly don't know. Not even the angels of heaven know. In fact, when I was mortal many were expecting Him to return right away, and that was over two millennia ago. But I do know not until all men purge themselves of all desire to do iniquity, there will be war, whether, it be murder, stealing, covetness, or even sexual immorality."

"Why would all those lead to war?" Heero asked.

"Because that's how the Adversary works. He uses however he can to lead the sons of man away. He leads first with a fine thread, and works up to heavy chains. Until man shrugs off his influence, there will be war. Remember, it was he who in the beginning plotted with Cain to kill his brother and he has be the author of murder ever since." He turned Milliardo. "By the way, although I may have written that the Adversary and his followers were cast down to earth, the Earth is not the source of all war or any other evil for that matter." He turned to all of them. "Wherever, man shall go, so shall be the Adversary's influence.

"On the other hand, don't feel if you have to fight or even to take life, that you are totally in the Adversary's power. True, the love of violence and the wrong intentions can be in his power, but there have been many noble leaders who fought for truly righteous causes. In fact, millennia ago, there was a great military man, and he led his warriors to fight in defense of their religion, their freedom, their families, and their peace. He did not delight in the shedding of blood, and he often used strategy to avoid the lost of life. However, sometimes, he had little choice, but to take like, and yet, it if all men were like unto him, the very powers of Hell would be shaken."

"You say that as if we may have to," Duo said. "Will we?"

"Yes, you may have to. If any case, you should prepare yourselves so that you can resist the powers of the Adversary when the need to fight does come. Remember, almost all of you, including your friends, came dangerously close to completely in the Adversary's power. You must make sure you do not fall into his traps and do your best to make sure your friends do not either.

He then turned again to Milliardo, "But now, maybe you should report in."

"Huh? Oh, right." Milliardo clicked on the radio, "Wind here. Relena has been found...alive and well." He then looked at the man who nodded back. "But, better have some medical help ready to check her over just in case."

Une's voice came over radio, "Thank, God." They all looked over to the man who just smiled.

"Also, we had a run-in with some of the terrorists," Milliardo added, "They retreated to the south from our point."

"Great, Sally will be waiting at the hospital. Une, out."

Milliardo turned towards the man. "No offense. I know you have healed her, it's just that they would be expecting so check her over."

"That is all right, I understand."

"Well," Milliardo looked at Relena, Duo, and Heero, "I suppose we should get back now."

"Right," Heero said, "Anything you wanted to tell us?"

The man smiled, "Just a couple. First of all, bridle your passions, all of you, especially as you are now discovering deep feelings for the ones you are attracted to. That goes for you two" - he said to Heero and Relena- "you and the one you just spoke to" - to Milliardo - "and you are already on the right track"- to Duo.

He walked away for a few steps before turning to face them. "The last warning I would give is to beware of secret combinations. They are the Adversary's brain child, and they are the greatest threat to freedom and peace."

"Like OZ and White Fang," Duo said.

"Yes, but also combinations even darker and more insidious. Groups that swear blasphemous binding oaths over thing they have now power over and dabble in even deeper realms. But as for now: May go bless you and peace be unto you." He bowed slightly and started to walk away with his staff.

"Wait," Duo called, "What is your name?"

The man stopped, looked back, and said, "It's John. My name is John." He looked forward and headed back into the woods. The four people left behind could hear the sound of his footsteps and staff get softer, until they seem to stop suddenly all together.

Duo and Milliardo led Heero carrying Relena through the trees back to the road. They hurried a little bit since the rain had started to pick up and had returned to a full downpour by the time they got back to Duo's motorcycle and Milliardo's SUV. As Milliardo followed Duo in the rain, he looked back at Relena and Heero in the back seat and smiled. They had both fallen asleep but were holding hands.

The drive back to the hospital was uneventful. They pulled up to the emergency room entrance, greeted by Sally and the orderlies with a gurney "You guys all right?" she said.

"Doing great," Duo said, "Relena should be okay, just a bit cold with a few scratches, but go ahead and check her out."

"Right," Sally said as she helped Relena onto the gurney.

"Where's Noin?" asked Milliardo.

"She should be waiting for you inside," said Sally, "She was helping bring in the other wounded."

"Great," he said as he, Duo, and Heero followed her and the orderlies carry Relena inside.

Noin was right there in the emergency room lobby. "Zechs, where were you?" she asked with concern in her voice, "I've been worried si-" She was cut off as Milliardo gave her a deep kiss. After their lips parted, she blushed and asked, "So, how is Relena?"

"She's fine," he said looking at Heero walking beside Relena being wheeled, "In fact, she's probably never been better."

After being checked up, Relena was put into a room in a bed to rest up. Heero was stayed with her the whole time. Now they were alone. Heero say on a chair beside Relena's bed. "Relena," he said. "I want to apologize."

"What for, Heero?" Relena asked.

"For taking so long to be open for my feelings for you. Of course, it took forever for me to realize myself. I think I may have been attracted to you from the beginning, but this was superseded by devotion to my missions. I'm afraid I may have actually killed you that first time if Duo wasn't there. But after you met Doctor J and told me that you were on my side, I think something inside me told me that I could trust you. And after the attack, that something helped me save you and prevented me from killing you. I couldn't understand what made me do. I was so frustrated because I didn't know what was happening to me, but now I know. I was falling in love with you.

"But because I could not handle those feelings, I acted like a coward and ran away. Again after Quatre brought me to the Sankt kingdom, I ran off; it may have just been convenient that Luxembourg was being attacked, since you may have been the main reason I left. Even after, I ran to you on Libra, I eventually ran away at the moment I felt us getting close after we got back on Peacemillion. I continued to run to you but always leaving before I got too close. But this pattern will now end," he squeezed her hand, "I'm not running away any more.

"I've had many hints that I have deep feelings for you. Often when I was very close to death you were on my mind, but it was not until you died that I realized that I love you." Her saw tears in her eyes. "Speaking of that last moment on Peacemillion, I felt so close to you, that I almost kissed you. True, we did have suits with helmets on, but I know we could have if we tried, but I closed your faceplate and, again, I ran away." He moved close to her, cupping her cheek in his hand. "But not this time." He kissed her, softly, but fully. He held her after their lips parted.

She sighed and looked in to his eyes. "You promise to always be close to me? Not hiding, but always so I can see you."

"I will never run away."

"Good, because," she choked on tears before controlling herself, "When I was on the other side, I also met a Japanese couple. A man with dark moss green hair"-- she ran her fingers through his hair -- "and the woman had the most beautiful Prussian blue eyes. They told me take good care of their son."

His eyes widened before he smiled and gave her a hug. "I'll help you carry out their wishes." He let out a light chuckle.

"What is it?"

"I just realized I might have actually been partly responsible for your death."

"Don't think that, Heero."

"No, I would rather do so, that way I can say that I did kill you. So I don't have to worry about it again." She laughed, and they kissed again. He got up. "I'll be right back."

In another part of the hospital, Harrison was "welcomed" by a horde of reporters in the hallway as he was released by the hospital. "Mister Harrison," started Bob Crystal of the Washington Post, "Did your militia organization have anything to do with the attack on Ms. Darlian this afternoon?"

"No," Harrison said with a shaky worried tone in his voice. "In fact, my prayers are for her full recovery."

"And, he is quite sincere in the response, too," said Une joining them hallway.

"Then who was it?" asked William Browning of the London Times.

"After interrogating captured terrorists, we have identified the group as a White Fang break off group called Night Fang led by Briant Wass, a self-proclaimed colonel. Actually, Mister Harrison, you were part of their targets?"

"Me?" Harrison asked.

"Yes, although Darlian was their primary target, they don't care much of your group's views. So, they decided to take advantage of as many targets as possible."

"How is Vice Foreign Minister Darlian?" asked Shtatë.

"She is fine, no more questions right now, please. An official press conference will be held later. Harrison, come with me."

Duo sat quietly in the hospital chapel. He finally remembered where he felt that feeling her had around "John" before. He felt it at Maxwell Church as well as other churches, but not as strong as around "John." He sighed with a bit of shame remembering back to his days at Maxwell church.

"Duo," Sister Helen said, "You don't believe in God, but you believe in Shinigami?"

"Yeah!" Duo responded, "Because I've never seen a miracle, but I've seen lots and lots of dead people!" 8

Well, Duo, today you just someone raised from the dead. That's more powerful than a "god of Death." Was that good enough of a miracle for you? Do you believe in God now? A God of life? A God of Love? Duo sighed. He and Hilde had gone to several churches including, Catholic, Baptist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, although Hilde often did seem most comfortable going to Lutheran services due to her upbringing She seemed enjoy going to church and to believe in God. He enjoyed going as well, but it may have been just for her company. Off and on, he had been somewhat interested on God, but not as much as he was now. He had a sudden interest in reading the information about the University of Heidelberg.

Heero stood on a porch around the hospital for some fresh air. He looked up at sky. It was still cloudy but occasionally he could see the stars. He let out a sigh as he contemplated the events that had transpired during the day. It was great realizing he loved Relena. Realizing, of course, she loved him. As a dear friend, Duo loved him. He even learned of dead parents who loved him. But there also seemed to be a greater power or being that loved him in a way he could hardly imagined, somewhat like love from a father but greater. He wiped a way a tear, when he realized all the time these people loved him while he hated himself. He smiled; it was also great realizing he was beginning to love himself as well.

He went back to Relena's room to discover Quatre, Dorothy, Une, and Harrington seated around her having a discussion.

"Oh, hi" Harrington said, "I was just leaving." He got up and smiled as Heero walked over to Relena. "You know you two do make a nice couple. Reminds me of when my wife and I were young. Speaking of which, I better call her so she knows I'm all right. Bye."

Duo was just coming while Harrington was leaving. "What's up?" Duo asked.

"Oh," Relena started, "We were just having a little discussion about politics and matters." She paused. "And I guess although I have learned quite a bit from experience, there is still a lot I have to learn. I am thinking a few years off and gaining more education about the politics about different people."

"Really?" Duo said with his trademark cheerfulness, "May I make a suggestion?"

Everyone leaned in closer to listen.

July 9, A.C. 197

Duo waited for an answer on the vid-phone until Janna's face appeared on the screen.

"Gutentag, Schbeiker's. Oh, Herr Maxwell. How are you? "

"Great, Mrs. Schbeiker. Is Hilde available?"

"No, she is at class." She noticed the caller ID. "Oh, you are calling from Strasbourg. Would you like to come over for dinner? It would only be an hour's drive."

"You bet! I actually had things to do in Heidelberg anyway."

"Great. Come by around five. Oh, and I won't tell Hilde. Have it be a surprise.

ZIEGELHAUSEN

Hilde sat on the couch watching the Relena's press conference on TV.

"Miss Darlian," asked Browning, "Why are you quitting being Vice Foreign Minister."

"Because I feel it would be best to further my education in other political matters so I can do my job better. That's why I am quitting the Vice Foreign Ministry and going to pursue my law degree."

"But what about world peace?" asked Crystal.

"It shouldn't affect. I may stick close to handle serious matters, but people should not be dependent on me for peace. I am not the Messiah. I could die by accident, but why should that affect there being peace or not."

The doorbell rang. "<de< Hilde, would you get that please?>de>" Janna, called from the kitchen. "<de< It should be our dinner guest.>de>"

Hilde got up. I wonder who it is? Probably one of Dad's professor friends. She opened the door to a delightful surprise. "Duo! What are you doing here?"

"I was in the area, and your mother invited me for dinner. I'm here to see you, too, of course." He gave her a quick kiss.

"Well, come on in, dinner will be ready in a moment."

"Thanks." As he entered, he noticed on an end table a picture of a five-year-old-Hilde. Wow, and I thought she was cute now. She was really adorable when she was little. After looking at a few more family photos, his attention drew to the press conference on the TV.

"Miss Darlian," asked Martha Cummings of CNN, "Which college will you be going to."

"I'm sorry," Relena replied, "That is not to be publicly announced."

Duo smiled.

"Want some more cabbage soup, Duo?" asked Janna.

"Yes, please." Duo responded.

As Duo was served, Karl asked, "So, Duo, what brings you here, besides my daughter?"

"Well, actually, have enrolled at the University of Heidelberg?" Duo said while shoveling spaetzle into his mouth, but trying not to stuff his face too much (he had to make a good impression after all).

All of the Schbeikers' eyes widened. "Really? So what brings you to Heidelberg besides my daughter?" Karl repeated with the same tone.

Duo chuckled, "I'm actually going for a theology major. I understand that Heidelberg is a great school for that. Also, my best friend and his girlfriend are enrolling, too."

"Relena Darlian is going to Heidelberg?" asked Janna.

This time Duo's eyes widened, "Uh, yeah, how do you know?"

"Well," Hilde said a little embarrassed, "I told them about your best friend, Heero, and his off and on relationship with Relena. I even told them about the time I first met her on Libra and how the both of us discovered we were each attracted to a Gundam pilot." They all remained silent for while, while Duo blushed. Hilde resumed, "But wait, they are actually an item now?"

"Heero finally confessed his love for her," Duo said with a smile, "Well, as long as you know, and I suppose you can be trusted, Heero is majoring in Mathematics, Relena, along with Dorothy, is majoring in Law."

"That other girl on Libra, Catalonia, with the waist-long blonde hair."

Duo nodded, "That's her. Plus, Quatre is majoring in Economics."

"Hmm," Karl said, "and they are all going here to Heidelberg?"

Duo nodded while taking a bite and swallowed, "Une has already talked it over with the university president. They are going to have us take entrance exams, but we should be able to pass."

"You better," Hilde mockingly scolded, "after how much I kicked your butt in gear to do some studying back on L2." They all laughed. "I'm sure you will all do fine. And thanks for trusting us enough to tell us."

"Well, actually Hilde, have you made very many friends here yet?"

"Quite a lot, actually. Why?"

"Well, I'm also here to make sure much of the student body gives Relena support. Although, she has not released where she is enrolling to the media, she doesn't want to use an alias at the school, but she does want to be treated just like any other girl."

Hilde smiled. "So you want me to be her friend."

"At least."

"You got it! Relena and I have already been communicating with each other. It will be great to take her with the rest of the gals." Her face suddenly went to concern. "But, are you sure she'll be alright? I mean what about security to protect her?"

Duo smiled and put a finger to his lips. "That I can't tell you, but I can tell you that her and your other fellow students will be fine."

ISI HQ, TROS , GANYMEDE

Hiliada continued talking to the vid-com, recording his message for Shtatë, "Despite the fortunate loss of Eddings, Robson, and a few others, these break off groups are becoming a dangerous nuisance. Furthermore, I agree with you that their attacks can prove to develop sympathy 9 for organizations that disagree with centralization and other visions of ours. It is now time for us to proceed to the next step. We have already infiltrated the splinter groups, now it is time for them to join us. Subtly invite them to join a higher cause. Those that accept, transportation will be arranged to bring them here for more training. As for those who refuse, take them out."

He then hit "STOP" followed by "SEND."