Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Words ❯ The Proving Grounds ( Chapter 54 )

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

Mistaken Words

AN: SURPRISE! A regular update! Thank you all so much for your patience, and sticking with me through that long stretch of time! This is a part of the story I've been looking forward to for a long time now. I'll be introducing a character in the next chapter (there was reference to him in the chapter 61 preview) his name is Jay. He's based off my first karate instructor (smiles) some of what the character says are actual quote I got from Sensei (laughs) I'm not entirely sure how he feels about that. But I do know he was disappointed not to be an `Ultimate Evil Guy'

A huge thanks to morgansgirl

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam WIng

The Proving Grounds

Heero stood in the middle of the room his bare feet resting on the mats that made up the floor of Wufei's training room which they had a slight give to them as he moved about stretching his muscles. He felt a knot of nerves in the pit of his stomach as he worked his limbs carefully all the while feeling watchful eyes upon him. He had been training for weeks fighting against his impatience and frustration to make it to this point. He felt one hundred percent, as he continued to warm up it was early December and at last he felt ready to spar all out against Wufei.

It had taken longer than he had originally wanted to make it to this point, but he felt a sense of self satisfaction at having made it here. Heero's cobalt eyes flickered briefly over to the far wall near the door where Relena sat on a bench watching a sparkle in her eyes and a smile on her face. Along with her sat John and Sally, Une also had found the time to come along with the other pilots, only Quatre was missing from their ranks. He noted also Leon standing close to John, this had been the first time Heero had actually felt welcome to her presence. He wanted her to see what he was capable of.

He had sparred against Wufei before along with Duo and Trowa, but it had been lighter than it would be today. They had followed the standard rules back then, merely allowing Heero to brush up on his instincts and get his limbs to respond as he wanted them too. Today there was to be no holds barred, just the way Heero liked it. The mat was entirely clear except for himself and Wufei who stood across from him warming up in much the same way. Everything leading up to this moment suddenly felt entirely worth it to Heero. He was excited, an emotion he had not felt since the thrill of battle so long ago, he missed the kick of adrenaline.

Bouncing slightly on his toes feeling comfortable in his body at last Heero knew he still had weakness, his endurance needed work so he couldn't afford to let this drag for too long. And his ribs were tender still so he'd have to protect them from attack, in fights like these they were not accustom to making allowances for injuries. As it was said anything goes. Heero focused his attention on Wufei the Chinese man having finished his preparations and was now standing calmly across from him face expressionless, body at the ready.

Heero felt himself draw in a breath blocking out anything that wasn't important as his focus narrowed in on Wufei. He'd remain aware of his surroundings and the people in the room but so long as they didn't interfere the acknowledgment wouldn't go beyond cursory. Setting himself into a comfortable fighting stance he watched his opponent do the same, his onyx eyes devoid of anything he might have been thinking. No words passed between them but they both knew the fight was on. Slowly Heero began to circle to the left while Wufei matched him moving to the right. Their eyes searched for openings and a tension began to build between them as they anticipated who would make the first move.

A second later they both exploded into motion their attacks clashing off each other's blocks. Heero's eyes narrowed and he ducked beneath Wufei's next strike using his smaller stature to his advantage. Coming up behind Heero raised his knee for a solid blow but was deflected as Wufei spun to meet him a dangerous glint in those onyx eyes. The fight was close quarters and very fast, hardly a chance to think before the next attack was coming at you. Heero hardly noted the clash of their limbs as he blocked catching Wufei's arm, he didn't hold it for long knowing it could be more of a disadvantage but jumped back giving himself a little breathing room.

His heart pounded in his ears and his lungs took in steady breaths of air, he felt great as he brought his leg up to snap under Wufei's guard. The Chinese man caught Heero's leg in a firm hold and he was left with a split second to decide what he wanted to do. Dropping himself down Heero sprung on his hands and swung his right leg out to kick at Wufei's feet. He was released automatically as Wufei jumped away, no advantage gained only a little more knowledge about his own abilities right now.

Snapping back to his feet Heero remained crouched in a low guard observing his opponent feeling his lips creep up ever so slightly. Vaguely he caught the sounds of conversations taking place near the door, but he tuned them out not wanting to be distracted for a moment. Even that second was almost too much, Wufei charged at him, an intimidating show of force to a novice fighter but Heero was far from that. Catching himself up in Wufei's arms Heero took Wufei's momentum and fell back throwing Wufei over top of him as he did. Heero leapt to his feet a second later having not caught his friend by surprise, Wufei was nearly on top of him fist flying eyes locked on Heero's chest searching for signs of movement much as Heero's own were doing.

Heero blocked high slipping low intent on throwing Wufei again, but it left his side open for a strike if Wufei could move fast enough to deliver it. The former pilot kicked at the back of Heero's leg instead pulling free and leaving Heero's side untouched. Heero threw himself into a forward shoulder role coming up facing the direction he had come, his expression growing grim. Had Wufei purposefully missed that opening? Heero didn't want to consider the implications of that thought, and wasn't given time to as once more Wufei came at him relentlessly.

Blocking as quickly as he could Heero felt his breaths begin to shorten as his endurance slowly waned. He wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for much longer, but he wasn't ready to stop at the moment either; he wanted to go longer to discover if Wufei had purposefully missed. Heero came in a little more recklessly pushing himself drawing on the adrenaline that continued to fill his veins. He knew he was leaving himself open his sides specifically but his head also, to Wufei they'd be glaring, but he went for none of them. His friend blocked each strike dealing attempts of his own but not to any of the gaps leaving Heero an easy chance to defend.

Heero's anger erupted, he was being played! Wufei was going easy on him, he wasn't taking this seriously at all! Suddenly all the excitement he had felt at the beginning of the fight vanished and he was only left with boiling rage. Feeding upon that fire Heero charged in all the harder forcing Wufei back with the sudden strength of his attack. He pressed the Chinese man hard against the wall his right fist pulling back and without hesitation he released slugging Wufei across the jaw. It was the first solid blow to be landed and Heero noticed the entire room had gone silent.

Glaring daggers of hatred Heero pressed with all his strength against Wufei's chest crushing him to the wall his angered breaths coming in quick gasps. Without a word he turned away and stormed across the mat his head down unruly hair shielding his face from view. He heard the voices spring up, questions and praise alike, but he ignored them all forcing his way through. Heero grabbed his shoes quickly and tore the sweatshirt from off the bench that John had brought for him; without looking back he left the room behind.

Once in the hall Heero broke out into a run, knowing John and Relena at least would be fast on his heels. He didn't want to speak to any of them at the moment, was too pissed off, couldn't trust himself to not say something he wouldn't regret. He took a moment once inside the elevator, pressing the stop button so he could take a moment to think. Leaning back against the far wall Heero slammed both fists against the hard metal. What the hell had they been thinking! Had this been their plan all along! Just a show? An act?

Heero's fists tightened muscles clenching, there was no mistaking it as much as he didn't want to believe, they didn't trust him, they didn't believe he was actually back. When had they decided to put on this little charade? Had it just been Wufei's idea? Or had they all come up with this plan? Heero shook his head body trembling with his tightly held anger, it didn't matter, he had fought to get back on his feet, had thought he had proven himself. Only to see now that they were determined to coddle him.

He couldn't remain here, he had to prove to them once and for all that he wasn't helpless that he was still a Gundam pilot and deserved their respect. Not at all sure what he was going to do Heero selected a floor and got the elevator moving again, pulling the sweater over his head finding himself starting to feel cold now that he wasn't moving. He had just finished putting on his shoes when the doors opened and Heero strode off down the hall. He wonder where they would look first, how long it would take for them to realize he wasn't in the building any longer, would they even consider that as a possibility? And what would they do when they did realize? Heero didn't care, he was leaving.

WMWMWMW

Wufei massaged his jaw, still leaning against the wall Heero had pressed him to, he sighed, that hadn't gone the way he wanted it too at all. He was ashamed to admit even to himself the surprise he had felt at the sudden veracity Heero had thrown into the fight. Wufei had been fighting back as best he could and still he had been forced against the wall. What bothered him, is he hadn't been expecting it, he had doubted Heero was capable. There had been no turning his friend down, but none of them had been sure he was actually up to the challenge, it would appear they had made a terrible mistake.

“Well that could have gone better…” Duo breathed as he crossed the floor lavender eyes looking back towards the door which had remained open when John and Relena left.

“What now?” Trowa asked, hands in his pockets with whatever he was thinking carefully buried.

“I don't know,” he continued to massage his jaw, “Wait for him to cool off I guess…”

“What happened?” Sally's voice spoke up, she sounded confused and irritated, “I'm missing something here.”

“We made a mistake,” Wufei answered vaguely, his onyx eyes leaving Sally's questioning face as he pushed himself off the wall. “It's been so long he wanted to go all out but I wasn't sure he'd actually be up to it…”

Sally walked along side him, “When was this all arranged?”

“He first wanted to fight a week back,” Trowa informed walking on Wufei's opposite side, “But I persuaded him to wait a little longer.”

“We decided I'd go all out but avoid striking at his weaknesses,” the former pilot bent to pick up a towel resting on the bench and swiped the sweat from his face.

“You honestly thought he wouldn't notice something like that?” Une asked then taking a step closer expression very similar to Sally's.

“I didn't expect him to start leaving himself open,” he shook his head feeling a little irritated himself, “Would you have wanted me punching him in the ribs?” he demanded of Sally.

She shook her head, “No, but then I didn't think this was a good idea from the moment I walked in here.”

“When would it have been?” it was Duo who spoke up then, “When would we have thought he'd be ready for this? It had to happen sometime.”

Wufei sighed, “Just wish it had gone a little better…”

WMWMWMW

Heero pushed open the heavy metal door and stepped out into the chilly underground parking lot. He had hardly been thinking while he moved through the agency all he knew was he needed to be away from here. He wasn't going to simply go back to his room and brood, he was going to prove to them that he wasn't helpless. It hadn't been too difficult for him to slip through the halls unnoticed. It was after all a Sunday which meant there wasn't as many agents within the building. Heero hoped it also meant he'd have an easier time getting outside.

He walked among the cars careful not to look suspicious, as he slowly made his way towards the entrance gate. Heero's eyes focused in on the security post, this was the last obstacle standing in his way of the outside world, and then what? He hadn't really considered it yet, was still too pissed off, but Heero knew he was leaving the agency behind completely unprepared, with nothing more than the cloths on his back. But that didn't necessarily leave him at a complete disadvantage, he knew of something that—if still where he left it—would be of great service.

His breaths misted in the air before him and his body shivered for what he had on wasn't warm enough, but it would do he could ignore the cold well enough, and he would put some distance between himself and the other pilots. Shifting closer to the far wall Heero took note of the surveillance cameras positioning knowing where its blind spot was. He was hyper aware of his surroundings not wanting to be caught off guard, or caught at all for that matter, his attention focused in on the single guard seated in the booth. The man looked relaxed with his eyes focused on a book, understandable especially on a day such as this it was quiet, no one expected anything.

Pausing for a moment to make sure he'd be able to slip by without being noticed Heero moved forward still holding close to the wall and slipped out into the sunlight. He took a couple of seconds to re-familiarize himself with the surrounding area around the agency. He needed to remember where the package had been left, it was his best chance to make it on his own right now.

WMWMWMW

John sighed in worry and frustration, it had been several hours now, and still they had not been able to find Heero. He had known immediately something had gone terribly wrong when he saw Heero storm across the mat after punching Wufei. But by the time he and Relena had rushed into the hall to follow him the doors to the elevator had already closed. John stepped into Heero's room his brown eyes scanning over the empty bed, he sighed again. They had searched everywhere immediately after but had found no signs of Heero, he hadn't even come back to his room. None of them had wanted to consider the possibility that he might had actually left the agency, but seeing how they couldn't find him that was looking disturbingly more probable.

He tried to reassure himself, Heero wasn't a child; much as John might still think of him as such, Heero was an adult whom had lived through many dangerous experiences. None of it helped however, as John laughed at himself softly, he really did worry about Heero like he would any of his children. And just like with his children John felt anger at having to worry about him. It was one thing for him to worry, but John thought it was entirely unfair to Relena, who was deeply concerned about where Heero had gone off too. It had taken a great deal to convince her there was nothing they could do but wait for Heero to contact them, and even longer for Trowa to get her to agree to go home.

Sally's reaction to this event rather surprised John, the more time that passed without word or sign of Heero, the more pissed off she became. In a very bazaar way John wondered if this act might mend things between them fully, if Sally could become so angry at the boy that no amount of guilt would stop her. He hoped at least something good could come from his reckless decision, as it was John definitely wanted to give him a piece of his mind.

WMWMWMW

Heero made his way slowly through the snow as it varied in depth among the trees. He certainly wasn't dressed for any of it. His toes were numb but he pressed on, his destination wasn't that much further and determination drove him on. During the war he had not been sure who to trust. Dr J had trained him to be self reliant, and to help in that he had had secured packages placed in key areas in case Heero needed money or supplies. He had made use of some of them over the years but this one had remained untouched, when he had been in Sank during the war everything had been provided for him by Relena and Noin, there hadn't been any need to waste it. His memories were a little vague as to its location therefore he had taken the opportunity to make sure the package had been where J said it would be but had left it alone.

Reaching an old gnarled tree Heero drew in a breath and dropped down digging away at the frozen snow with soon frozen fingers; he blocked it all out only thinking about the goal. He wasn't sure how long he worked at it before he finally found what he had been searching for, numb fingers closed over a frozen handle and Heero pulled himself back to his feet along with the metal case, it felt like lead to his arm but he hauled it up and turned back the way he had come. About half way back to the road Heero forced his tired body to move faster, really pushing himself trying to keep warm. He wasn't far from the city and a warm room, but his mind was feeling fogged and his body sleepy, a bad sign.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached the city, his eyes already searching out a hotel where he could stay. Cars drove past him on the streets but the walkways were near empty much to Heero's relief he could only imagine how he might stand out dressed as he was. It didn't take long to find a suitably small establishment, but before he walked in Heero ducked down a deserted ally and placed the case before him. It was locked but the combination was really no challenge to remember they had all been the rough longitude and latitude of the location where the case had been hidden. His fingers, still numb didn't want to respond but after a few attempts Heero got the case to open and pulled out a handful of credits, enough to cover the room.

The warmth of the hotel surrounded him the second he walked through the door, but he didn't take the time to savor it, he was too tired to linger. He wanted to get his room as quickly as possible. Heero Yuy was dead had been for several months, but that didn't mean Heero felt comfortable around them, they wouldn't be looking for him but why risk it? Walking up to the front desk, he paid for a room and received his key, he had paid in advance for two nights not knowing how long he wanted to remain here. If the pilots did try searching for him this establishment might be one of the first places they'd look. That thought infuriated him, they had no right to come searching for him.

He walked to his room in a haze, opening the door Heero placed the case on the small bed and opened it again reaching in to remove the clothes that it held. It wasn't much but at least they were dry, Heero had never cared about his height but this was the first time he was actually grateful that he hadn't grown since the war. Shrugging into a sweatshirt Heero pulled on a dry pair of jeans and huddled on his bed waiting for his limbs to fully warm. His eyes fell closed for several minutes as he just gave himself a moment to rest, he had been running full tilt for far longer than he had in months. Adrenalin had driven him but it was gone now leaving him completely drained.

Surrounded by the silence of his room, and no longer having a goal fixed in his mind Heero's thoughts returned to the fight, in his mind he could see it exactly as it had happened. He had been waiting for this day for far too long, had been fighting every day to return to the man he had been, and now to have had this happen. To discover his friends didn't trust his recovery, it was a slap to the face he had not been able to prepare himself for. His fists clenched gripping the bed that he lay on as the anger returned, a fire igniting within him though he felt no warmth from it. He continued to lay there for several minutes waiting to see if the rage might pass, but he already knew it was a futile effort.

Sitting up suddenly and taking hold of the phone Heero dialed Wufei's cell, not positive about what he was going to say, but he felt in that moment that he had to do something to relieve a little of the rage that was coursing through him. Besides if they weren't already positive that he had left this would confirm it.

“Wufei here,” the Chinese man answered unsuspecting.

“You honestly didn't think I'd notice?” he demanded venom dripping from his voice.

Silence was his answer for several seconds, just as Heero had expected he didn't actually think Wufei would have an excuse. And he wasn't about to wait for Wufei to come up with one, he seriously doubted it but he wasn't about to risk them tracing this call. Slamming the phone down he took in several calming breaths before turning his attention back to the case he had brought in with him. He wanted to search through it to see what was actually of use to him, but he really felt too tired to bother. Pulling back the blankets from the bed Heero slipped his thin body beneath them and settled in his eyes falling closed once more.

WMWMWMW

Wufei stared silently at his cell phone still held in his hand, he knew he was being watched but didn't much want to speak with any of them. “Fuck…” he exhaled finally slamming his head back against the wall he was leaning against.

“Heero?” John asked.

“Yeah,” Wufei shook his head finally putting the cell away, “He's pissed, can't say I blame him either…”

“Do we have any idea where he is?” it was Sally who asked her eyes intent, her stance firm. Wufei had noticed a drastic change in her over these few hours that Heero had been missing, he wouldn't say she was exactly as he remembered her, but it was a step closer.

“I have no idea, and I'm not about to go searching for him,” he responded firmly that would be the worst mistake they could make right now.

“That'd only piss him off more,” Duo commented.

“So you're just going to leave him?” she sounded incredulous, “He's supposed to be dead! There's no way he should be just wandering around out there.”

“You want to be the one to bring him in?” they had all gathered together after bringing Relena home for the night, and up till now Trowa hadn't spoken.

Sally hesitated at that, but didn't look the least bit pleased with how they had chosen to deal with this, “So what do we do now?”

“We wait until he's ready to come back in, he's just making a point,” a point we should have realised before this Wufei thought. But couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if he had fought without considering Heero's injuries? Would Heero have been grateful to find himself gasping for breath on the floor? Somehow Wufei doubted it, he had been caught between a rock and a hard place.

WMWMWMW

Heero woke groggily the next morning, his body and mind both not wanting to wake just yet, he took a moment to savor the warmth before forcing himself up. His muscles were stiff and sore protesting everything he tried to do, despite what happened yesterday the feeling was welcomed, and Heero moved each muscle carefully before he got to his feet. Walking into his small bathroom Heero quickly showered, the water feeling like ice against his skin before he returned to his room and dressed. He then set to work taking measure of his meager supplies. The case contained about a weeks worth of military rations, two hand guns and several spare clips along with the clothes he now wore there was a large amount of credits. It was enough to supply him with whatever else he'd need.

Pulling on his still damp shoes Heero made for the door with a pocket full of credits, he needed to get some warmer cloths if he didn't want to have to return to the agency. He knew he would return, but only after he felt he had made his point, that he did not need or want to be coddled by any of them. He was a former pilot, he could take care of himself. Walking past the front desk Heero didn't look at the old man seated behind it as he had been the evening before, though he could feel the man's eyes on him as he walked from the hotel.

The day was over cast much to Heero's relief as the ache behind his right eye was a little more prominent today than it had been the day before. He walked down the sidewalk head down face shadowed by his unruly hair, he moved among the people easily enough choosing to take the less traveled side streets wherever possible. He didn't have a specific destination in mind, as much as he was looking for a store where he could purchase a winter coat he was also just simply exploring the city as he had not had an occasion to do before now. As Heero made his way into the business district of Sank, his head came up glancing at the signs he passed until he found his desired store.

Walking inside Heero took little time selecting a warm coat, the only issue he had was finding one that would fit him. In the end he had to settle on something that was a little big, but it would keep him warm, Heero also sought out some sweaters and a few t-shirts to wear underneath. He finished off with three pares of jeans, paying for his items without a word to the clerk, who looked to be in his late thirties, Heero walked from the store now wearing his winter coat. It made a world of difference as he continued on his way not really searching for anything in specific just taking his time to search through this huge city.

Heero stopped for lunch at a small café on the corner of a quiet road, he had hardly eaten the day before and was now truly feeling hungry. So it was not an effort for him to sit down and order something in the quickly filling little restaurant. The hum and buzz of conversations surrounded him where he sat in a booth near the back of the store and his eyes swept over every person who entered or left, it was a habit he had never been able to break. As he settled in to begin his meal Heero found his eyes seeking out the large screen TVs suspended from the ceiling about the restaurant displaying a twenty-four hour news channel. An image of Relena caught and held his attention like an iron vice, she was speaking before a crowd of people, though he could not hear her voice he couldn't take his eyes off her.

He had felt nothing but his rage as he stormed from the agency leaving behind the friends that wouldn't trust in his abilities, but he had also left her behind. He had been shielding himself from thinking about that up until now. Heero knew if he thought about her too much, he'd begin to feel the void in his life that she left behind whenever she wasn't around him. He couldn't remember ever feeling like he needed her as much as he had these last few months. It was a hard realization to come to, and an even harder feeling to accept. He didn't like the thought that he was dependant on anyone, least of all when he couldn't explain to himself why he thought he needed her. Somehow her smile just calmed him, a tension released from his shoulders and he felt as though he could breathe a little easier, it was baffling to him.

A slight frown touched briefly upon Relena's face as she walked from the spotlight to continue her day. Despite his best efforts to remain distant, he didn't want to leave her worrying about him. It wasn't fair to her, she hadn't been a part of what happened, at least not that he knew of. He wanted to relieve her mind a little if that was possible, calling her was out of the question, he wouldn't be able to get directly through to her. And trying to get through via one of the pilots was also not an option, he wasn't about to contact any of them until he was ready to return. That left him with emailing her, an option that wasn't really easy but was not impossible. Finishing his meal Heero left some money on the table and walked from the café beginning his search for a computer.

Thanks for Reading!

Falling Back on Something Familiar:

Heero wandered the streets and alleys of Sank with no direction in mind. He had only been gone for one full day and already he was bored. He wasn't accustom to not having something he needed to do, even the days he had been forced to take off during his physical therapy hadn't prepared him for dealing with this. He watched the people walking around him many hurrying for what reasons Heero couldn't begin to imagine, they didn't seem to notice him in the least as he ghosted through them.

He sighed tiredly, sleep hadn't come to him easily last night he wasn't sure why but the nightmares had been far more persistent. It seemed every time he shut his eyes he was bombarded by images and screams that shocked him awake only a half hour later. Finally he had just given up altogether and had left the hotel room at first light. Heero half felt the need to keep a watch over his shoulder expecting to see a Gundam pilot tailing him, he fought against the urge pushing his fist deeply into his coat pockets and pressed on.

Coming to a stop at a busy intersection Heero paused considering where he wanted to go next. He ducked back into the shadows adjusting the sunglasses he had bought earlier in the day when the sun had broken through the clouds, and just studied his surroundings. People walked with packages in hand all appearing lost in their own little worlds as they hurried this way and that, Heero couldn't imagine living a life like that. His hidden cobalt eyes raised from the throng of people to a large billboard plastered on the side of a brick building and a hint of a smirk touched his face. The image displayed a rather good portrayal of Zero, which didn't really surprise Heero, his gundam had had more than enough recorded time in the news for proper models to be made. What did surprise Heero was the man standing in what he supposed would be a dashing pose holding a helmet beneath his arm.

Is that their idea of a Gundam pilot? he wondered silently almost feeling like laughing at the sight. It was hard to tell from the image as it had been taken, but the man appeared to be tall broad shouldered and far older than any of the Gundam pilots had ever been, or were now for that matter. Shaking his head Heero pulled his eyes from the billboard, pleased at least that it appeared that they wouldn't be portrayed as the enemies. It was in the direction of that billboard that Heero finally decided to head in that road looking a little less crowded than the rest of the city had been so far.

His eyes scanned the buildings he passed noting residences and shops sitting side by side some set back with small yards others opening out directly to the side walk. It was early afternoon and Heero was glad that he was walking with the sun mostly to his back, his eyes having been light sensitive since the early morning. A simply lighted sign caught Heero's attention then, he had only glanced briefly towards it before he found himself walking across the street like a moth drawn to flame. He wondered if this might be the answer to his boredom, he certainly hoped so.

Morganeth Taren'drel