Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Words ❯ A Void That Can't be Filled ( Chapter 20 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Mistaken Words

Thanks to Pious Knight! Once again you are the King of Men!! Not that you ever lost that title I just felt I haven't been giving you the recognition that you deserve

Disclaimer: I own nothing…there was a time that I owned Ash and Dante…but then neekabe stole them….I sure hope she's feeding them….

A Void That Can't be Filled

Relena sat deep in the plush couch allowing every muscle to relax in its own time. It was so nice to finally have a day off, one that was for her and her alone, where she could sit down and do absolutely nothing all day.Stretching out her feet so they were resting on the polished coffee table before her, Relena sank even deeper into her chair. In the back of her mind she could not forget the dangers of having so much time to herself, so much time to let her mind just wander. But Relena tried not to dwell in the dark corners of her mind, not on a day that was so beautiful and so relaxing.

It was right near the end of April and spring was in full bloom outside the large bay windows. Almost four months had passed since Dante had announced Freedom's Point would separate itself from the ESUN. That time had not been easy, but Relena had to admit the people of both the colonies and earth had taken the surprising announcement rather well. Sure there had been bumps along the road, and more than one place had been thrown into a panic over the brief sight of a Gundam. Yet all of that had been easily taken care of, the people were always looking for reassurance, and they seemed to have come to trust Quatre, Zechs, and herself a little more that perhaps they should; it certainly made putting out the fires easier.

Dante had been keeping open lines of communications with the ESUN, wanting to appear open and honest to the rest of the world, so they would not begin to fret that he was planning a massive takeover. Relena wondered at how he could be so honest when he had done so much that would be looked down upon. He had kidnapped her! That should have been enough to condemn him on the spot, but like with so many other things Dante had been fully prepared for such accusations. He did not deny his actions, and had apologised in what sounded to be a heartfelt way, nevertheless he had quickly pointed out that if Une was to take actions against him she'd have to announce to the world why. No one liked the idea of admitting Relena had been taken, besides it put a far darker spin on the whole event, something they all wanted to avoid.

She had had a great deal of time to examine her emotions involving this whole event, and no matter how she thought and looked at it, she could not decide what to feel. Yes she felt as though she had been unforgivably violated but she just could not seem to make the anger stick. It shocked her, and she had spent long hours discussing it with both Trowa and Noin, and they both had endless list of reasons why she should be mad. Nevertheless she just couldn't be, instead all Relena could feel was a gaping void centred at the very core of her being. It had been slowly chipping away at her soul for three years, each day seemed to tear away another small piece, and there was nothing to halt this slow decay.

Shaking her head, Relena quickly stood and began to pace the room, not wanting her mind to dwell upon feelings she could do nothing about. But there seemed no escaping from them, no matter where she looked there was something however small and insignificant that reminded her of all that had been lost, stolen, and shattered in her life. It shocked Relena that she had not realised how much of him there still was in this room even three years later. Was it seeing him again after all that time that made her see him now? Relena shut her eyes trying to block out the memories she had at one time never wanted to forget, but even there they danced vividly around her, seeming to rejoice at her sudden weakness.

Biting back a sob Relena bolted from the room, making for the first exit she could get to, and slammed the door behind her. She leaned back against the door scrubbing at her eyes willing herself not to cry, she was beyond that now! There was nothing tears could do for her! They could not bring back the past! Drawing in a slow breath, Relena steadied herself and finally opened her eyes, looking out at the room she now stood within. Warm sunlight spilled in through crystal clear glass… bulletproof, but she preferred not to think about that. Blooming flowers and deep emerald plants sat about the cosy room adding a light and life of their own, to this tiny hideaway.

This was one of her favourite rooms to retreat to. She loved the flowers and the intoxicating perfume they scented the room with. Taking a moment to simply breathe it all in, Relena felt herself begin to relax, this room was never the same, it was always changing, as old bloomed into new. This was a safe room, despite the fact that he had once shared its seclusion with her. With a sigh, Relena pushed herself off the door and stepped deeper into the room. Almost like a moth to flame she found herself being drawn to the sun filled windows and the warmth that spilled over her.

Relena rested her head against the glass for a moment before turning her back to it and looking over the room once more. Rich mahogany furniture littered the room situated here and there among the vibrant blooms, but she did not feel like seating herself among them. The room, though open and welcoming, felt stifling to her all of a sudden, and she knew she needed to get out. Reaching for the door handle, Relena slipped her small feet into the sandals that waited there and stepped outside so nothing stood between her and the golden sunlight.

It was a particularly warm day, as the birds sang majestically in the trees, creating a choir no human voice could match. Stepping out onto the green grass Relena turned her face up to the sun allowing it to bathe her pale features, and as it heated her with its natural warmth, the darkness that had threatened to shroud her seemed to fall away. She felt alone, yet not in desolate sense of the word, Relena felt as though she were safe, secure, hidden away from the people and places which caused her pain. She wanted the moment to last, to let the warm sunlight purge her soul of all the darkness she had carried there for so long.

A soft voice calling her from behind shattered the moment like a fine pane of glass, and Relena slowly opened her eyes and turned to see a small woman standing half out of the door. "I'm sorry to bother you miss," the girl continued once she realised she had Relena's attention; "But you have a guest."

Relena offered the young girl a smile and stepped back towards the house, already with an idea of who her guest was, "Please show him in." The maid gave a small curtsy then moved off deeper into the home, Relena wasn't all that fond of the formalities some felt the need to give her, but she had long ago stopped asking them to stop, as she had learned it did little to deter them. Walking into the almost glowing sunroom a smile already lighting her features, as she saw the man walk in. "I didn't think doctor's made house calls any more," she joked eyes sparkling as she crossed the room to hug Luc.

"I guess some of us just care more," he whispered looking down at her with intense eyes. They had been going out for some time now, their relationship only briefly broken when Luc had surprised her with a proposal. Relena still held feeling of fear at that memory, it had been so sudden, and she was not by any means ready for such a step. She had broken everything off right then and there, but with the help of Trowa, who had been with her through so many tough times she had decided to give Luc another chance. Relena truly did like spending time with him, he made her feel special, and clearly listened to what she had to say. She didn't think it was likely the relationship would ever become as serious as Luc so obviously hoped, but who knew? Anything was possible. Besides Trowa had put it best, when he told her she couldn't remain alone forever, if she did the void would only eat away at her faster.

"Relena?" Luc asked softly as he cupped her face with one hand drawing her out of her thoughts. She blinked looking up at him, "Are you alright?"

"Of course" she smiled, "I was just thinking, that's all." Together they settled themselves on one of the mahogany trimmed couches; Luc relaxing in the corner while Relena sat nearby facing him.

"This is an odd day for you to take off isn't it?" Luc began with a seemingly innocent comment.

Relena rolled her eyes skyward, though her lips did twitch slightly, "Stop worrying so much Luc, most of the ESUN is taking this same day off. It's not like we either need or want to be deliberating about matters every day," he always seemed to think of her as fine crystal, something that could shatter if not handled with the greatest care. It was a habit she was attempting to break him of, as it was incredibly frustrating to be looked upon as so fragile.

Luc let a smile touch his features as he reached out a hand to take her small one; she allowed their fingers to entwine and in her mind she envisioned the engagement ring encircling her finger. Is that something you really want? she asked herself, trying to imagine such a future. There had been a time when Relena had no doubts that she wanted such a future for herself, and there had been no doubts about who she wanted to share that time of her life with. Blinking back the sudden tears she could feel pricking at her eyes Relena tried desperately to stop that line of thought.

"What were you doing before I came here?" Luc's voice broke through her thoughts thankfully giving her something to take hold of, some thing to focus upon.

She smiled at him, an expressing she hoped did not look too sad. "You'll be pleased, I was relaxing," her eyes left his face to focus upon their hands, she did not think she'd be able to hold her expression for much longer.

The fingers of his free hand brushed against her cheek, "You're not happy," he stated simply, trying to draw her eyes back to his face.

"It's nothing really," Relena tried to brush it all aside.

"That's what you always say, and I know it's just not true."

Relena shook her head, "Please don't worry about it," she came suddenly to her feet tugging at his hand, "C'mon let's go outside, it's so nice out today."

For a moment Luc allowed himself to be pulled in the direction of the door, though he didn't look entirely pleased. Stepping back out into the warm noonday sun Relena once more felt her spirits lift, as the weight of memories, and unattainable wishes lifted from her soul. Yet the peace was short lived, stepping away from Luc Relena closed her eyes and turned her face towards the sun, only to hear his words, and wish she hadn't.

"This is because of him isn't it?" Luc's words cut through the peaceful moment with a razor edge. For a moment Relena considered ignoring the comment in the hopes that Luc might actually let the matter drop for once, but that wasn't to be. She felt him take hold of her shoulders and turn her to face him. "Why can't you just forget him?!" there was a fire of frustration deep within his voice.

"Please Luc, just let it go," Relena sighed looking away from the man's intense eyes, this was not a discussion she wanted to go through again, not on such a beautiful day like today.

"How can I let it go Relena?" he asked her suddenly, "When I can see how much this is tormenting you." His tone had softened and his eyes looked truly concerned, but this was all something Relena did not want to deal with now, she pulled away from Luc walking deeper into her garden.

She knew that for some reason Luc felt threatened by any memory of Heero; why, she didn't know. It wasn't like the world knew there had been anything between them, and the never would know. Those memories were ones hidden away where only her dreams dared take her, and from them she always woke crying. Seeing him again after so much time had only made matters worse, and now to be away again…it seemed to have reopened old wounds, ones she thought could bleed no more.

Relena reached out a hand absently to brush at the pale bud on a rose bush; she felt more than saw Luc's presence as he trailed along behind her. Nothing had changed in her resolve to find Heero and bring him to the proper justice, the mystery behind his assassination attempt gnawed at her daily. Yet as she thought back on the time at the cottage—when he had appeared cloaked shadow, and lacking the soul she had years before tried to fan to life—she could not help but see a need in those steel hard eyes. It was something she had missed before, at the time dwelling on him had not seemed the most necessary thing to do.

However now, with all the time she had been given, once her memories of the event had actually returned, Relena could not seem to stop thinking about it. He had not been around her all that much then, as though he was going out of his way to avoid her. And yet he had been the one waiting for her in the tree, knowing instantly that she would be able to get away from Ash and make an escape. Relena could still feel a shiver run down her back, at the thought of Heero having been there during construction of the cottage, as that was the only possible way he could have known about it.

Shuddering slightly, Relena walked on eyes looking without really seeing the growing beauty around her. She thought she might have heard Luc call out to her but she just kept walking her mind still so deep in thought, and for once she wasn't throwing them back into the deep recesses of her mind. Despite her best efforts Relena could not seem to banish the sight of his cobalt eyes from her mind, at the time she had told herself she would shed no more tears over him, but the fire of that moment she just couldn't seem to grab hold of now. All she could see was the lost need in the very back of his eyes, a void much like the one she was suffering with, it was what had eaten his soul, and it was eagerly devouring the rest of him.

"Relena!" Luc's voice yanked her from her silent contemplations even as his hands took her shoulders halting her slow walk through the garden. She blinked several times looking up into his angry face, "You're letting this eat away at you!" Once again concern burned in the back of his eyes, "You can't let him win by dwelling on this."

Staring into his eyes it struck Relena then, why Luc hated so much to know she was thinking in any way about Heero. She had gone through so much to love Heero with all her heart, how then had it all gone wrong? Had he faked all that he felt during their time together? And what was that look in his eyes whenever he looked at her…what was that unknown need? None of this could be what it seemed, there had to be an explanation, and it was that that Relena was holding on for. She could not simply tell herself she didn't love him anymore, no matter how she had tried, in an effort to lessen the pain. Relena knew she'd always love Heero Yuy, despite past events and unanswered questions.

"He's a cold blooded killer!" Luc vented, "Hell he almost killed you! How can you even spare a moments thought for him?!"

Relena's face hardened at Luc's description of Heero, and she pulled away from him, "You wouldn't understand," she told him softly.

He shook his head in disbelief, "I understand what's in front of me, what I can see with my eyes, I understand the reality of this situation."

"But you don't understand the entire situation!" Relena threw back at him lengthening the distance between them.

Luc reached out to grab her hand, "Relena," his voice almost seemed to have a pleading note in it.

"We go through this every time!" she fumed yanking her hand away from him, "I don't want to talk about this!"

"You seem eager enough to talk about it with Trowa," Luc shot back, sounding bitter.

"Does it bother you that much that I want other men in my life besides just you?" Relena all but shouted, with anger boiling she turned her back to Luc and walked back the way she came only to be confronted by Wufei. He had been waiting down the path a short way, and she flushed at the thought that he had been able to hear their argument. Not that there had been anything embarrassing said, only that he might have been witness to the relationship finally dissolving. In all honesty she wasn't sure why the thought of it bothered her, it just did. "Did you hear…?" she asked softly aware that Luc was coming up from behind perhaps hoping to continue the argument.

Wufei didn't need to respond with words to answer her question, his features were a dark mask, as he looked back over her shoulder to where Luc was following behind. "Your reservations for lunch are for one o'clock, will there be one or two?" Wufei informed her voice calm, though she could see in his onyx eyes he felt anything but.

"One," Relena replied one hand rubbing at her eyes, frustrated that tears felt the need to come when she was angry. Without looking back she stepped closer to Wufei accepting the arm he offered and together they made their way back to the house. "But you'll always be welcomed to join me," she whispered softly, and she felt him squeeze her hand in return.

::::::::::::

Heero's eyes glanced away from the screen that he had been staring at for several hours straight as he worked on the formatting for Zero's internal systems. He resisted the urge to look over his shoulder, searching for the eyes that he knew were watching. He never felt alone these days, and he knew exactly why. They could no longer hide the truth from him, to convince him that everything was normal, he knew exactly where he was, and it was not in a forest somewhere deep within Asia. The Inner Circle had tried numerous times to set him off balance by changing his surroundings, dipping into a different memory in the hopes he'd forget where he was. And for a time it had worked, yet no matter where they moved him Heero had always found something that reminded him. At first it had been sheer luck, and after a while he had started leaving himself little messages…something that would appear no matter where they put him next, so he'd always know.

After a while even that became unnecessary, there was nothing they could do that could confuse him now. He knew they rode within his head watching and recording everything he created, and every program he made. Heero was not sure if they were aware that he knew where he was, they didn't seem to be, and he wanted to keep it that way. As things stood right now Heero had no idea how much information he had already given to them, for all he knew they already had a fully operational Zero. Silently he prayed that wasn't the case, and even if they did, that they wouldn't be able to decipher his controls for the Gundam. As he had with the one Dante had forced him to build Heero messed with the controls again, already knowing that they wouldn't be able to pick up on the subtle switches.

His greatest fear though, was that the Zero System was operational in the Gundam. As it turned out Dante had not had demonic plans for the Gundam, and had—as he said he would—destroyed it. However Heero doubted the same could be said for the Inner Circle, at the very least he knew the controls for the Gundam would slow them down, but if they were to figure them out the Zero System would be the most dangerous weapon. With memories entirely too fogged to remember much of what happened the 'day' before Heero couldn't be sure he had been able to avoid the systems creation. It was an effort just to maintain the knowledge that he was in a virtual world and not the real one, and all things considered he felt that was the most important thing to keep hold of right now.

Heero blinked out of his thoughts and looked back to the screen before him illuminating the cockpit of Zero even as the sun was setting in a brilliant display of reds and gold. For a moment he stared without comprehending at the mass of coding his fingers had been typing even as his mind was drifting. They had nothing to do with the program he was working on, in fact they were directly linked to the Zero Systems program. Worried now, Heero carefully looked them over, his mind translating the seeming gibberish into understandable information. Slowly a small smile spread across his lips, as he realised what this code would do to the system. It would enhance its functions, cause the systems control on a persons mind to be increased by near a factor of ten. No normal person could be able to contend with this onslaught, quite probably they would slip into a coma if they didn't outright die.

Sighing in relief Heero deleted the unnecessary coding, for the time feeling secure that he had taken care of the problem of the System. He couldn't afford to waste any more time now; he needed to keep his mind focused on his new mission, so they wouldn't suspect anything. They didn't even realise that in making the world utterly real they had set him up with a means of escape. Heero had not realised it right away but with his mind hooked up to all sorts of computers in the real world he was in fact connected to the real world even where he sat now. There wasn't much he could do to free himself from the restraints but that wasn't to say he couldn't send a message to someone to get him out.

The former pilot's fingers picked up speed again, as he continued the coding for one of the lesser internal systems. Spaced out within the computer language was a message encrypted so not just anyone would be able to understand what he was sending. This message was being sent to the one person Heero was positive would be able to end this, who would have the means and abilities to get into the colony find where he was being held, and kill him. It was the only answer to this whole mess, already Heero had betrayed his cause by giving Dante Zero, it didn't matter that the Gundam had been destroyed, he had given it. And now he was in the hands of the very people he had been attempting to take down, the organisation that he had sacrificed his former life to be a part of. Not that it mattered anymore…it wasn't like he had anything to return to now.

:::::::::::::::::::::

Dante stood in the small shuttle port, pale eyes gazing up at the private shuttle that waited before him. It had been a busy four months for him, as he established proper connections with the other colonies and the earth. While at the same time trying to reassure the citizens of both that he was not planning any hostilities against them. Over all he felt that everything had gone rather well for all sides involved, he was positive not everyone felt that way. But then again, their positions in this whole matter were not quite as good as his, not that he chose to flaunt his advantage, it was only there as a reassurance for himself and Ash.

Thought of the other man caused Dante to sigh, both out of worry and sadness. His friend had not been himself since the day Heero had gone missing; he had spent the vast majority of his time searching for the former Gundam pilot, but as yet had been met with no luck. Dante was not all that surprised by Heero's lack of appearance, he was a former pilot after all, and it was commonly known how well these young men could evade those who pursued them. However, that didn't stop Ash from continuing his search, convinced Heero had been taken against his will. It had become an obsession for him, and all Dante could do was pray Heero made an appearance. Though the more time that passed the less likely that seemed to be a possibility.

Dante banished such dark thoughts from his mind letting a welcoming smile grace his features as the person he was awaiting stepped out from the shuttle. Une's features were schooled into a cool mask, it was a political mask meant for the cameras that began flashing the minute she appeared, but Dante could see the spark in her beautiful eyes. It was that spark, that fire that had allowed her to attain her position, that had caused Treize to take notice of her so many years back, and it was that spark that he found captivating.

The near silence that had shrouded the spaceport had shattered with the first camera flash, as desperate reporters shouted their questions, hoping for an answer. Neither Dante nor Une paid them any real mind, there would be a full news conference later in her visit, at which time they would be given a chance to ask the questions they just couldn't seem to contain now. This was of course a historic event, as Freedom's Point and the earth signed their first trade agreement. Stepping forward, Dante left his aids behind and met Une just as she stepped off the last step, and he took both her hands in his as they turned together to great one another in a way all the pictures could capture.

"So have you been adequately blinded yet?" Dante asked softly as they continued to smile for all the cameras, with their hands held in a welcoming greeting. Though it felt to be a little more to Dante, Une's hands were so soft, yet at the same time strong, she was a warrior first and foremost even if she had placed the gun aside in favour of a diplomat's pen.

"Yes I think I'll have spots before my eyes for most of the evening," she replied just as quietly, her voice holding an almost laughing quality to it.

Nodding mutely Dante offered Une his arm as a true gentlemen would and led her to his private limousine, which would take them back to his home where they would have a private dinner. The camera's continued to flash even after they had both entered the car, and it began to pull away. Dante seriously doubted any of those pictures would actually end up in any of the newspapers, yet still they were always taken. Silence ruled over the car for several minutes as they slowly made their way through the busy streets of the colony.

"I don't believe I saw Ash with you…" Une commented softly eyes watching the changing scenery.

"No," Dante replied eyes watching her for a moment before returning to the spot of air he had been studying before, "He's been rather busy with another project."

"I see…"

Dante was not all that happy with the awkward conversation, but knew for now there was nothing to do but go with it. "How was Relena when you left?" he inquired rather boldly.

The spark had grown brighter as Une turned to regard him; "She was fine, doing quite well actually." Her features seemed to take on an incredulous smile, "She seems to have forgiven you faster than anyone else."

"I'm glad to hear that, and what about you Commander?"

She studied him for a moment, "What choice have I been given but to forgive you…"

"That somewhat harsh my Lady," Dante watched her through the corner of one eye.

"So was kidnapping Relena, knowing full well we wouldn't announce it to the world, thus allowing you to get away with it." Despite Une's words there was no heat within them, this was a matter long since left behind them, though it seemed to come up each time they met.

"I'd say despite my methods, which yes I do regret resorting too, it all worked out," Dante countered quickly.

"I wouldn't have believed a man or your intelligence would believe the ends justify the means," Une smiled back feeling she had won this verbal battle.

"Ah touché," he conceded with a smile of his own.

Their conversation came to an end just as the limousine pulled up at Dante's house, and he quickly climbed from the car, moving to Une's side to help her out before the chauffeur could even think to offer such service. Une seemed to appreciate the gesture as she accepted his hand standing to her full height, which was nearly a foot shorter that him. Together they made their way to his front door showered in the brilliant flashes of numerous cameras. Dante felt the need to breathe a sigh of relief once the where within his home the door closed securely behind them.

"They don't usually pay me all that much attention," Dante explained, with how small the colony was he had always been easily accessible to the people. This allowed him to avoid the usual fanfare other politician had to deal with, however it also made him rather uncomfortable with the attention when he did have to deal with it. Though that was something he'd never let them see, he was after all a leader of the people.

"Why Dante, are you uncomfortable in front of the camera?" Une asked with a chuckle.

He offered her his most charming smile, "Of course not, what would ever give you that idea?"

She just looked at him, one hand on her hip, but let the matter drop as he motioned for them to both move deeper into the house. "I've arranged for your aids to be residing within easy walking distance of the Colonial Hall, which is also right near downtown. As important as this meeting is, I don't believe it needs to be twenty-four hour business," Dante lead the way into a comfortably furnished living room where they both took seats even as a young man came in bearing a tray with two fine cups of steaming tea.

"I'm sure my aids will thank you for that," Une took a sip of her offered tea, and Dante watched with interest to catch her reaction.

Taking a slow sip of his own, to help hide his smile, Dante spoke without really looking at the lovely woman sitting beside him. "I hope you find the tea acceptable," there was no doubt in his mind that she would.

"It's perfect," she breathed taking yet another sip, allowing the flavour to play over her tongue before she actually swallowed it. "It's just the way I like it," mentally Dante was patting himself on the back as he settled back on the plush couch, placing his own tea on a small side table.

"I was hoping you wouldn't mind accepting the hospitalities of my home during your stay," Dante smoothly changed the subject, already knowing Une was not ready to step away from tea that she held in her hand. Looking into her eyes he could tell she was searching her memories for something particular, so he waited to see what it was, hoping it was the opening he had been waiting for.

Une turned to face him fully soft brown eyes, taking him in sharply, "I never told you I like a little lemon in my tea."

"I've watched you make it before," Dante explained with a hint of a smile on his lips pleased this was going as he had hoped. "I wanted you to feel at home during your stay."

The tea was lowered on its platter to her lap as her head briefly dropped, "This is just the sort of thing his Excellence would take note of," she almost whispered, "There's so much about you that reminds me of him." Une continued looking up at him, that spark in her eyes still burning brightly, though he could see there was a sadness there also.

Dante's eyes dropped at that admission, "I'm sorry," he apologised it was never his intention to try and replace Treize in Une's life. Only his silent wish to try and build this world together with her.

"No it's alright," she said resolutely drawing a calming breath, and offering him a more cheerful expression. "His Excellence gave his life for the cause he believed in, and I've come to accept and respect that choice."

The silence that followed was not long lived; Dante did not want the mood between them to sour, so he changed the subject. "How do matters stand on earth?" it was not a question directed at the economic stability of the planet nor the present state of the peace.

"Zechs has grudgingly come to accept the fact that what's done is done," Une told him once more bring the tea to her lips. "I had to bring to light his actions during the war, and the fact that the people welcomed him back. His actions were public knowledge, whereas the world has no idea what's actually been happening over the last few months. Put into that light he really had no choice but to let the matter drop."

"I'm glad to hear it," smooth grounds were always needed when negotiating, or simply speaking with another party.

"There is however one matter that's still causing friction, with everyone involved."

Une didn't need to say what that matter was for Dante to already immediately know what she was speaking of. "I hadn't expected them to resign themselves to my decision there," Dante sighed leaning back in his chair.

"I still believe we have a right to question him, he must account for his actions. If nothing else consider Relena, doesn't she had a right to know the reasons behind his actions?" Une was perched upon the edge of her seat; beautiful eyes alight with tightly held emotions.

"My answer from before still stands," Dante told her coming to his feet, "And even if I had changed my mind to help you, I no longer know where Yuy is."

"What?"

Dante looked back over his shoulder, considering what he had said already. Considering how many years Heero had been with them and Une had never been able to find him, he couldn't see the harm in just telling her what little he knew. Perhaps it would help ease the last remaining tensions that stood between him and the earth. "About four months ago, he went missing," it was that simple really, Ash believed he had been taken, and considering his bank account hadn't been touched in all this time, Dante found himself beginning to believe his friend's take on the situation.

"I see…" Une's eyes watched the slowly swirling tea in her cup, but Dante knew her mind was working hard, searching for new avenues that might have been opened by that admission. He hoped there were none that he hadn't seen.

"Is it true what I hear?" once again changing the subject Dante seated himself once more draining his own glass. "That Relena is still seeing that doctor?"

"Who, Luc?" Une questioned back sounding a little distracted, "No I don't believe so."

"Pity," it was the response Dante felt sure was required though he felt anything but. Knowing how Heero really felt, he could not help but find himself hoping things would turn out for him in the end though he couldn't see how that was possible now.

"It sounds to me as though you don't really mean that," Une comment placing her tea off to one side while turning to face him more fully.

"I guess I don't," Dante didn't mind admitting, "I didn't like the impressions the pictures of them together gave. It almost felt like he was searching out every opportunity to flaunt his relationship."

"Yes it does appear that way doesn't it, well some good did come out of this. Relena finally appears ready to move on with her life." Her eyes almost appeared mischievous as she studied his face head tilted slightly to one side. "I seriously doubt that something we'd have to worry about with you, the spot light grab that is," she clarified at the end.

Dante found himself chuckling at that, "Don't you think me a little old for her?" he knew very well that wasn't what Une was referring too. "Besides don't you think it's enough for now that she's forgiven me?"

Une's laughter was music to Dante's ears, there was such a relaxed and free sound to it, this was a side of herself she did not let many see. "Yes perhaps that's enough for now," she offered him a genuine smile, "We could always tackle the rest at a later date."

"To be truly honest I hope to be spoken for at this later date," Dante put in his voice slightly suggestive as he watched her for any reaction. He felt as though they had been dancing around something more than friends for some time, and he was fairly sure the attraction that he was feeling was not one sided. He wanted very much to know where they stood, and this private moment seemed to perfect time.

"Am I to take it you have your eyes on another?" she asked back playing truly innocent, though there was a note deep in her voice that gave Dante hope.

He leaned towards her slowly closing the distance, while watching for any sign that this was not something she wanted from him, "Call it a delicate conquest."

"I thought you were a man of peace," she breathed, the scent of her tea brushing across his face.

"Not all conquest requires guns and mobile suits," he gave her a smile before his lips actually dropped down onto her own slightly parted in anticipation. The kiss was dedicate and sweet as both took the moment to truly feel the other close to them, in the end it was Une who drew away first.

"Dante," she whispered his name, eyes no longer meeting his, "This could be seen as a conflict of interest," by the tone in her voice Dante felt sure this was something she also truly wanted.

He brought a hand up to gently cup her cheek, "Why not a cementing of relations?" he asked just as softly as he leaned in to kiss her again.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Zechs leaned back in his leather chair; it had been designed to give the utmost comfort to any who had to sit for any length of time. However, Zechs found that the longer he remained sitting the more he needed to stand, not necessarily to stretch out cramping muscles, but to be on the move, to physically be doing something besides reading and signing papers. There were days when he truly regretted accepting the position of King, and it was on these days that remaining in this chair became a true challenge. Noin helped him a great deal through all these turbulent times, being as always a stabilising force for him. But she was not present in the room at the moment, and Zechs found himself standing and moving away from the work that had been laid out before him.

Pulling a hand down his face, Zechs turned his ice blue eyes over to the window, watching the rain that came pouring down, yet another spring shower, bathing the world with new life. It had been raining off and on most of the day, keeping most people inside. But that wasn't a problem for Zechs as there was much he could do indoors that would alleviate this need he felt. He rubbed his hands together as his sight flickered over to the two fencing foils he had adorning one wall of his private office, and he walked over to them. Reaching up Zechs withdrew one blade and held it in an expert hand studying the finely carved cross guard, before tossed it to the other hand allowing it to cut the air around him sharply.

A sudden computerised beeping broke through Zechs' thoughts and he looked up, without thought swiftly placing the foil back in its holdings. With curiosity building within him, Zechs walked back over to his desk, and dropped back into his previously vacated chair and struck a key causing the screen to brighten. With little effort Zechs made his way to the new email he had just received, for several moments Zechs found himself just blinking at the screen in disbelief. The email he found was encrypted, and from a source he didn't recognise, and yet it had made it to him, and the encryption was one he seemed to know.

During the war he had used a similar code when sending private messages to Treize, it was one that was difficult to decipher, and very easy to misinterpret it. But it was nothing Zechs couldn't work out with a little time. Suddenly his chair didn't seem quite so uncomfortable as he set to work cracking the code. He was no longer aware as to how much time had passed during his labours, his mind was entirely focused upon the complex encryption, so he would not lose his way. Finally after a few failed attempts Zechs found himself reading over the message, and finding himself unable to believe what he was seeing.

Rage rose up from the pit of his being, a feeling he had become more than familiar with throughout the course of his rather young life, but one that over the last three years had played a rather permanent roll in his day to day life. Long held memories flashed before his eyes increasing the fire of his anger as it raced through him. He seethed with hatred as he came to his feet eyes of ice never leaving the computer screen. Zechs had never been the type of older brother who would deny his younger sister the right of choosing who she wanted to be with, he had not been around her enough to have that right. But that did not mean he would let those who hurt her leave without some form of repercussion.

Yet she had not just been caused pain with this one, she had nearly been killed. There was no retribution more fitting than an equal fate, though Zechs had no intentions of missing. Finally he'd be able to end the three long years of tightly held anger, there would finally be a conclusion to this betrayal. This moment was only slightly destroyed by the request in the email, yet wanting to die or not Zechs was going to end this now. He just needed to find a way to get away from the people around him, long enough to finish this mission.

Moving back to the window Zechs' mind began to race as he formed a plan one that would allow him to leave the next day. It would be tricky, and he was taking a great deal of risk, but he felt fairly secure that he'd be able to make this work. Behind him the email remained upon the computer screen, short and too the point.

Zechs

I'm being used. They're going to get Zero. It won't be destroyed this time.

The attachment has the schematics you'll need.

End this now.

Thanks for Reading!

The Return…

Keeping his back pressed firmly to the wall Zechs slipped from the palace unnoticed. He couldn't begin to imagine the uproar—subdued as it would have to be—once they realised he was gone. It had become abundantly clear to him over the years that his security service truly believed he needed them to keep himself alive. And it was for just such an occasion as this that he had allowed them to live with this preconceived notion. Their defences of him left much to be desired, perhaps a regular assassin wouldn't be able to make it through, but at the same time they had no hope in hell of keeping him in.

A devilish smile crossed his lips as he climbed into a nondescript car, quickly pulled the previously lifted keys from his pocket, and was quickly driving away. Noin was the only one who knew he had left, despite his need for secrecy Zechs simply could leave without letting her know at least something. He hadn't been all that clear on where it was that he had need to be, but then she had not pressed, she trusted his judgement. If this was important enough for him to be going himself than she could easily respect that. She more than anyone knew what he was capable of.

The city about him still slept soundly as the morning sun slowly rose to bath the world, the air was cool but he could feel that it would not be long now before the warmth of spring held a steadfast grip. He had never really been one to care overly much about the weather or season; there was always something more important to be considering, and this morning was no different for him. His emotions were incredibly mixed, anger, rage, and a strange form of anticipation washed over him in waves, and with them memories that only strengthened the first two emotions. This was a moment he could hardly believe was finally upon him, so long had he waited to bring justice to this traitor.

Morganeth Taren'drel