TREIZE’S REVENGE I: PEACE AT LAST

 

                              By Arayelle Lynn.

 

Peace.

 

A word as beautiful as the breaking dawn, as innocent as the laughter of the newly born child. A word that gives hope to those who came

out of the war alive. A very powerful word that put even the strongly fighting soldier to rest.

 

Yeah, right.

 

It may put other soldiers to rest. It may give hope to those who survived. But it gave nothing but pain to him. The greatest pain that put his

soul to the state of chaos and loathing. He could never rest. Never.

 

Some people say that it is lucky for you to have came out of a war, alive. That you have the chance to rebuild and live your life to the fullest.

 

But to him being alive is nothing but a curse. He rather die than see them enjoying the peace that resulted from his death.

 

‘Mr. Treize,’ he thought, as the image of the handsome and distinguished man he knew and love for years played in his mind. He felt a single

tear rolled down. ‘I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to help.’

 

He looked back the mansion he came from. It had been easy for him to breach the security system. The guards have been complacent and

careless because of the so-called peace. They have never thought that someone would break in to assassinate their leader. It took him only a

few minutes to kill all the guards and oh, the guard dogs. The rest was easy. Enter the house, find the leader and shoot him in the head.

Good thing the newly deceased never had a wife or children. But he seriously doubted that even they could stop him from doing the things

he’s determined to do.

 

‘Curse you,’ he thought, angrily. ‘Curse you all for killing him.’

 

‘You thought that you’ve seen the most horrible things in the war. Well, you haven’t seen anything yet. I swear I would find the one who’s

responsible for Mr. Treize’s death even if I have to kill everyone in the Universe.’

 

Then, he walked away into the darkening night.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

‘Peace at last,’ Relena Darlian thought as she looked out the window of her limousine. The city of Sicily is as beautiful as ever, despite of the

permanent marks that indicates the previous war. Personally, Relena is glad that many countries were spared from the devastation of the

war. Her only wish is that her own kingdom, the Sanc Kingdom was spared from the war too. But now it lay in ruins, the last time she has

been there. And she has been too busy acting as the new Vice Foreign Minister for the newly formed Earth Sphere Unified Nation to start

rebuilding her homeland.

 

Relena sighed, wondering about the Gundam pilots. What are they doing right now? The moment the war ended, they have all disappeared.

Quatre, she knew, has returned to his father’s resource satellite and is resting from the deep wound from his encounter with Dorothy

Catalonia. He is also helping his sisters out with the family business. Trowa is still with the circus the last time she heard. He’s staying close

contact with Quatre like an older brother would with a little brother. And of course, staying very close with a certain Catherine Bloom.

 

Duo is somewhere in space, still guarding over the colonies from any group of soldiers that are still retaliating, dissatisfied over the outcome

of war. And she knew where Duo is, Hilde would be there. Those two have became quite inseparable ever since Hilde was nearly killed.

 

Wu Fei, she guessed, is in outer space too. Doing the same thing Duo is doing, except guarding the space colonies all alone. But Wu Fei is

capable of taking care of himself. He is the only Gundam pilot that never has any close relation with other people, including his fellow

comrades.

 

And Heero, well, he disappeared after destroying the falling block and when Heero disappeared, he stays disappeared. But Relena knew

he’s close by, watching out for her in the shadows. Truth is, having him close by is satisfying enough. She knew Heero and her could never

be together. The paths that were laid for them lead to two opposite sides. If they can’t be together, they could at least keep the thoughts of

one another in their hearts.

 

Thinking about Heero reminded her painfully of her brother, Milliardo. Although reports said that he’s dead, Relena felt that he’s alive

somehow. And she knew Miss Noin felt strongly about it too.

 

Relena is glad that Miss Noin decided to stay with her, acting as her bodyguard as well as her advisor. She has been very helpful, giving her

support and guidance on how to go about her new role as the Vice Foreign Minister. Relena knew without Miss Noin, she would’ve find it

hard to adjust to her new life, and having Noin near is just as having her brother near to her.

 

Now here she is, in Sicily, attending an invitation of a late New Year ball held to promote peace. The ball itself is two days away but Relena

arrived early to watch the people start rebuilding their beloved city. And of course, escape from the hustle and bustle of the politic officials

and the media. Relena felt that she needed a little peace and quiet.

 

Then, something caught her eye. Plastered on the walls and advertisement boards are posters of a famous band called The United. The band

was formed in the midst of the war and when the war was over, they rose from the unknown with songs that promote peace.

 

Truthfully, Relena applauded what they’re attempting. Their songs gave people hope and good feelings toward the peace that she herself is

promoting. And the fact that the band members are from both Earth and outer space made people see how unity is the only way for total

peace.

 

"Relena?" a voice said, making her jumped. Relena turned to her companion. "What is it, Miss Noin?" she asked.

 

Lucrezia Noin looked her over. "You’ve been quiet. Maybe you should rest as soon as we arrived at the hotel."

 

Relena smiled and tucked a loose strand of hair to the back of her ear. "I guess I am a little tired from the journey," she said, wearily. "Have

you receive any news from Sally on the retaliating soldiers in the Asian region?"

 

"No, but don’t worry. Nothing’s going to ruin the peace that we’re about to have."

 

Relena smiled at the prospect. But deep in her heart, she felt something bad is going to happen. Something that would change her views on

war itself. And that thought itself sent shivers down her spine.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

Amy Pierson stretched out her tired arms as she and her band made their way backstage. The crowds are still screaming for more but Amy

personally think that she would dropped then and there if their manager tried to persuade them to return to the stage.

 

"I’m beat," she said, slumped on the sofa in their dressing room. "What about you guys?"

 

Jack Fields, the heartthrob of the band, wiped out the sweat on his forehead. He’s all smiles. "I’m still able," he said and looked at the other

three male members of the band. "Did you guys check out the chicks in the front stage?"

 

"Yeah," said Harry Chung. He winked, mischievously. "I like the one in red."

 

"What about the one in green?" Paolo Bendetti contributed. "She’s hot."

 

Amy giggled as the three continued to argue which is the hotter-looking fan. For the first time since the war started, and ended, Amy felt

very happy. She has lost her family during the war and thought that she would never be happy. Then, she is in the band and the war ended.

Although she is the only girl in the band, Amy felt as if she has found a new family. And in her new family, she found that she loved all of

them like her own brother, regardless the different backgrounds and attitudes.

 

Jack is the lead guitarist of the band. He’s from southern California. Like Amy, Jack too has lost his family in the war. But that never

stopped him from achieving his dream to form a band. He’s practically the first member of the band. Aside from his good looks, Amy found

Jack’s natural leadership ability and cheerful manner quite charming. And she knew Jack love the attentions he got from his girl fans.

 

Harry is Chinese but was raised in England, which explained his cute accent. He’s the keyboard player and pretty good at it. At first, Harry

struck Amy as being shy and quiet. But after they get to know each other, she thought that he’s the funniest guy in the whole world.

 

Paolo, meanwhile, is the drummer. He’s actually Jack’s friend from childhood before he moved back to Italy. Paolo has a muscular body

that sometimes made girls faint. He sometimes could look so tough and intimidating that they don’t need a bodyguard. But underneath the

tough act, Paolo has a tender heart of a newborn puppy. Paolo has a rather large family and all of them, surprisingly enough, were spared

from the devastation of war.

 

And then there’s the fifth member of the band, Kyle Rayden. He’s the bass player. Aside Jack, Kyle is the reason why girls screamed and

fainted whenever they saw him. He has this half-Asian boyish looks on his face that even the mothers sighed every time they saw him on TV.

And Amy simply love the way he made his hair, which is shoulder-length and often fell onto his face. If only he had not been so shy and

serious. Amy knew Kyle even longer than she knew the others. She and Kyle were both from the colonies and she knew the reason why

Kyle is so serious and quiet is because he too lost his family. And that saddened Amy because she really care about him.

 

As the three argued on, Amy turned to Kyle. He is holding a card, reading it. A bouquet of flowers is in his other hand. "Who’s it from?"

asked Amy. Kyle looked at her. "A fan," he simply said and handed her the bouquet. Amy took it and smell the roses. "Take it," he said.

"Roses look better on a girl."

 

Amy shook her head as she put the flowers in a vase. One day, just one day, she would really love to see him give any interest on girls.

True, he has many girl fans but whenever he was surrounded by his fans, he’s often polite and courteous. And he kept his distance. "Kyle,

someday, you will have to learn to accept your fans’ gifts," she remarked.

 

Kyle gave her a forced smile. "Maybe. I just hate to see my room fill with flowers. It’ll feel like a funeral house." Amy chuckled at that.

Yeah, she now remembered that Kyle hated flowers especially red roses. Maybe they reminded him of his dead family.

 

Then Morris, their manager, stormed into the room. "Great show, guys. We have fans still screaming for more."

 

Paolo groaned. "Don’t tell us we have to go back there, Morris. We’re all really tired and Amy is about to fall down her feet." Morris shook

his head, dismissing the thought. "No, I bring good news. We’re invited to attend a ball held by the Duchess Noventa."

 

"We are?" asked Amy, excitedly. She knew Relena Darlian is going to be there and she longed to meet the incredible young woman. Jack

and Paolo high-five as Harry thrust his fist to the sky. "Cool."

 

"We should celebrate," Jack suggested. "I mean, a sold out concert and an invitation to the much talked-about ball. What more could we

ask for?"

 

"What about a new wardrobe? It is a formal function after all." When Amy beamed at the suggestion, Morris winked. "You guys be ready.

I’m going to let the guards outside know that we’re leaving."

 

Kyle sighed and slumped on the sofa, massaging his temple. "You guys go. I’ll catch a taxi back to the hotel." Concerned, Amy sat beside

him. "Still have that headache?" When Kyle didn’t answer, she looked at Morris and Jack. "Maybe we should postpone the celebration."

 

"Yeah, maybe we shouldn’t have made you stand under that spotlight, man," said Jack, ever-concern about those in his band. "Let’s go

back to the hotel together," he suggested.

 

"No, you guys go," Kyle said, firmly. Seeing the worry in Amy’s eyes, his eyes softened. "I will go back to the hotel, take some aspirins and

sleep. I’ll be fine in time for the ball."

 

Paolo put his hand on Amy’s shoulder. "Let’s go, Amy. I’m sure Kyle don’t want us to fuss over him." He then added. "Besides, when the

fans saw us leaving, they would certainly cleared out the backdoor. Then, Kyle could easily leave without having to endure the mob."

 

Reluctantly, Amy left with Paolo, Harry and Morris. Jack stood there for a few more second, looking at the younger boy. Kyle met his gaze.

"Rest," Jack said, firmly as Kyle nodded. When he was satisfied, Jack left.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

"What!"

 

The assassination of Duke Bordeaux came like a slap to Relena. Sure, the late duke was a member of the Romefeller Foundation, one of

those who was responsible for the collapse of the Sanc Kingdom but to be assassinated…

 

"What happened?" she asked, quietly.

 

Noin looked at the reports. "It seemed like someone broke into his residence and kill him and his guards. A maid came to work in the

morning saw a guard’s body and quickly informed the authorities."

 

"You said someone. That means it wasn’t the work of the guerillas."

 

"No, it wasn’t," said Noin. "Though there wasn’t a witness, from the investigation conducted, there’s an indication that there’s only one

person involved."

 

Relena frowned. "But why kill Duke Bordeaux? He had no significant power now."

 

Noin’s eyes lit up as she read on. "Here’s a perfectly good reason," she said. "It seemed the assassin left a card at the scene of the crime. It

says, Treize’s Revenge."

 

"What?" Relena grabbed the reports from Noin and read them herself. When she was finished, her face is grim. "Looks like someone out

there is avenging Treize’s death. That means, he or she would not stop until all of those who is responsible is dead."

 

Noin looked at Relena, carefully. "Are you worried about the ball tonight?"

 

"Yes," said Relena. "The guests are from all sides, the Romefeller, the former Alliance, OZ officers all those who somehow connected to

Treize’s demise. Mrs. Noventa thought that it’ll be a perfect time for us to be in one room and let bygones be bygones. But it also a perfect

place for the assassin to strike next."

 

"And we have to try and find the whereabouts of Lady Une," she added. Noin was surprised to hear that. "Why? Do you suspect she’s

behind this?"

 

Relena looked at the reports again. "Not likely. It seems like the assassin is somehow closely related to Treize. Lady Une might have an idea

who it is and maybe she can help us find the assassin before he or she hurt innocent people."

 

"Hm… I see the rationale in it," said Noin. "Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. You better prepared for the ball." With that, Noin left the room

and took out her cell phone. She dialed the number she knew by heart.

 

When the person at the end answered the call, she said. "You’ve read the news? Good. Listen, Relena thought that the ball tonight might be

the next target. What? You reached the same conclusion too?" She was quiet for a moment. "What are you planning to do then?"

 

"Well, whatever you do, please be careful." Then the line went dead.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

The ball was in full swing when Relena arrived. She was displeased at the number of guards that were stationed around the mansion but

knew that it is necessary to protect the delegates from the assassin as well as from the guerillas. Relena is very disappointed by the action

taken by some of Treize’s soldiers. Treize ended the war by sacrificing himself, to tell them that the war must end with his death. But nearly

half of Treize’s soldiers weren’t satisfied by the outcome of the war and formed their own army to fight for Treize’s ideals.

 

‘Why can’t they let Treize die in peace?’ she thought. ‘What do they hope to accomplish?’

 

And Treize’s soldiers were not the only people that reacted badly towards the peace she’s initiating, some of the White Fang soldiers also

refused to surrender their weapons and reigned in outer space as renegade soldiers. But Relena trust that the Gundam pilots would be able

to keep the colonies from harm.

 

‘If only Milliardo were here. He could make his own men surrender.’

 

"Relena," a voice said softly, startling her. Relena looked up to see Mrs. Noventa, smiling down on her. "It’s really good to see you again,"

she said.

 

"Mrs. Noventa, it’s been a long time."

 

Mrs. Noventa smiled. "Come, enjoy the ball. I’ll be right back to you as soon as I could find my granddaughter. She has been wanting to

meet you."

 

"It’ll be an honor to finally meet your granddaughter, Mrs. Noventa."

 

Then, Relena wandered around the ballroom, smiling when some of the people she knew saw her and make small talks whenever the guests

came to her. She danced with some of the delegates, knowing that many eyes were on her. All wondered how a girl so young could be

responsible for the peace they’re having right now.

 

When she finally broke herself away from a group of politician, Relena made her way towards the refreshment table. There, she met

someone her own age, watching the guests as if asking why is she there at all. When Relena was near enough to see her face, she thought the

girl looked familiar.

 

"Hi, there," she said. The girl jumped a little before composing herself. "I’m Relena."

 

The beautiful girl took her outstretched hand. "I know who you are, Miss Relena. You’re my hero," she said, nervously. "My name’s Amy.

Amy Pierson."

 

Relena recognized the name immediately. "I know you, too. You belonged to a band, The United." She smiled. "I’m a fan. I really love your

songs especially Voice of Peace."

 

"Really?" said Amy, beamed. "Kyle wrote it." She looked around. "I wonder where he is."

 

"Maybe he’s here, somewhere," said Relena, craning her neck to look out for him too. They then surrender the search for Kyle and began to

chat. Relena found herself enjoying Amy’s company. Since they’re the same age, they could talk about many interesting subjects and Relena

didn’t have to watch what she said every time. It was as if Amy is a close friend she never had.

 

Then, a guy with a long red hair approached them, carrying a glass of punch in either hands. When Amy saw him, she quickly waved him

over. "Kyle! I want you to meet someone."

 

As he walked over to them, Relena couldn’t help but notice how good-looking he was. Kyle reached them and handed Amy one of the

punch and gave the other to Relena. "You look like you could use one of these," he said, his voice sounded young.

 

"Kyle, this is Relena Darlian," said Amy.

 

Kyle nodded and shook her hand. "I knew who you are. No one could excite Amy more than the Princess Relena herself," he said, politely.

 

"Please, call me Relena," she said. "I’m only a princess in my own country." Kyle nodded at that, acknowledging his mistake while Relena

was struck at how the seriousness flashed in his eyes. There’s only one person she knew that has that same serious and lone look and that is

Heero Yuy. And the way he talk, the way he move resembled Heero’s in many ways. For what seemed like the tenth times, Relena wished

Heero was there with her.

 

"Hey Kyle, what do you have there?" Relena turned to see three more familiar guys approaching. And they all are wearing a teasing look.

 

Amy frowned at their misconception. "Guys, meet Relena Darlian, Vice Foreign Minister," she announced. The three quickly wiped the

teasing smile off their faces. "And that’s Jack, Harry and Paolo."

 

"Please to meet you all," said Relena, politely. She was a little flattered by their attention. Jack took her outstretched hand and kissed it like

the charming gentleman he is. "And it’s a pleasure to have finally met you, Miss Relena. You’re the heroine of our time."

 

Relena shook her head. "I’m not really the hero. The soldiers who fought for peace are."

 

"Nevertheless, it was you who really worked hard for the peace we’re having."

 

"Excuse me, can I have a word?" said a new voice. They all turned to see a woman standing there, behind her stood a man with a video

camera. "I’m a reporter covering this event. Can I have an interview with you, Miss Relena and The United?"

 

"Sure," said both parties. Kyle hesitated for a moment until Amy took his arm and said, "Come on, Kyle. It won’t do us any harm," she said,

knowing that Kyle was never comfortable with cameras. He looked at her for a moment and nodded. "Whatever you want, Amy."

 

"Thank you," said the woman and signaled her cameraman to start taping. "Here with me is the new band The United, famous for their songs

such as Voice of Peace and Wind in the Darkness." She turned to Jack, who’s the unofficial speaker of the group. "So, tell us, Jack. How

did your band was formed?"

 

"Well, at first it was only me and Paolo. Then we met Harry and so we thought we should be a trio. Then, the war intensified and we had to

wait until things cool down. When the war’s over, we got to work. That’s when we met Amy and Kyle, who are trying to make a name for

themselves. When Morris, our manager heard about them, he thought that why not have a group comprised of two parties, Earth and the

outer space. It would help with the peace effort and so, here we are." He glanced at Relena and winked.

 

The reporter nodded, pleased with the answer. She turned to Kyle. "Kyle, we understand that you wrote most of the songs for your band.

And they’re beautiful and very deep. How did you wrote such beautiful songs? What is your inspiration?"

 

Kyle shrugged. "I just write them," he answered, shortly. Amy squeezed his arm, encouraging him to go on. "The words and notes came

from my mind. I just write them down whenever they came. I guess, war can be very inspiring to songwriters like me." Relena was startled

to hear the hint of pain in his voice.

 

The reporter then turned to Amy. "Rumor has it that you and Kyle are involved, is that true?" For a moment, there was silence as Kyle and

Amy looked at each other. Then Amy and the other members of the band laughed. Even Kyle smiled genuinely.

 

"Sorry," Amy gasped as the reporter exchanged uncertain glance with her cameraman. "No, we’re not in love or anything. Kyle’s fans would

kill me if we were." She paused. "Kyle is like my own brother. We went through a lot when we lost our parents in a colony attack."

 

The reporter smiled. "One last question. We heard that Sicily is the last concert in your tour, where are you heading to next?"

 

"We don’t really know," Jack answered. "But our manager did mention that we might be going to outer space next month." The reporter

nodded. "Thank you for your time," she said. "And with us is the Vice Foreign Minister Relena Darlian, the sovereign leader of the former

World Nation." She then turned to Relena. But before she could ask her a question, there was an explosion and the sky started to fall on

them.

 

Relena felt someone pushed her to the floor and shielded her. For a moment, her ears rang from the explosion. Then, she heard shouts and

the sound of a battle. Then, the pressure on her was lifted and she saw Kyle struggled to his feet and Amy, lying next to her. It was then

Relena realized that he had pushed both her and Amy on the floor and shielded them from the debris with his body.

 

He looked up through the hole in the ceiling and saw mobile suits flying across the dark sky. His fists clenched. "Kyle?" Amy called out, her

voice shaken. Kyle looked at her. "Stay down," he said, firmly. "I’ll go and see what is happening." He then ran towards the exit.

 

"Kyle!" Amy cried out. Then, in the midst of dusts and debris, Relena heard someone called her name. From the darkness, Relena saw

Noin. "Miss Noin!" she called, raised to her feet. She helped Amy up, noticing that the other members of the band were spared too. Harry

looked fine but shaken while Paolo has a cut above his head. Jack meanwhile, is favoring his right arm. "Jack, are you alright?" asked Amy.

 

Jack smiled, suppressing the pain. "I think it’s a little broken. Nothing to worry."

 

By then Noin has joined them. "It’s the guerillas. They’re attacking the mansion."

 

"What? I thought the war’s over," said Paolo, really angry because his friend is hurt. Harry helped the reporter up as her cameraman keep

on taping.

 

Amy frowned. "To the guerillas, the war never end," she said, binding Jack’s broken arm. It would take time for him to be able to play the

guitar again. Relena looked at Noin. "What about the guests? And Mrs. Noventa?"

 

"There are a few casualties but most guests are being evacuated as we speak. The mansion has a tunnel which will brings us safely out into

the woods behind the mansion. We must go now before another stray missile destroy the rest of the mansion," said Noin. Relena nodded

and helped Amy with Jack.

 

"Wait," said Amy. "What about Kyle? He went out to see what is taking place."

 

Noin frowned. "Great. It’s a madhouse out there. He could get himself killed." Relena looked at Noin. "Evacuate the rest of them. I’ll go and

find him."

 

"No need!" a voice said. They turned to see Kyle running towards them. "Come on, we must leave this place. The battle seemed to be

heading this way," he said. Noin nodded in acknowledgement and turned to the others. "Come on. The tunnel is this way."

 

They then began to run. Relena noticed that the ballroom is empty besides them. They continued to run down the stairs into the wine cellar

when suddenly the ground shook and more debris fell. Relena shielded her head as the air cleared from the dusts. She looked up and to her

horror, she, Amy and Kyle were cut off from the others. The ceiling had fallen down, cutting them off to the exit.

 

"Relena!" Miss Noin shouted, her voice sounded muffled. They heard a sound of crashing rocks as those from the other side tried to dug

through the debris.

 

"Miss Noin, go!" Relena shouted back. "We’ll find another exit." She turned to look at Amy and Kyle. Amy is crying, fearfully while Kyle is

looking at the hole in the ceiling angrily. He then looked at Relena. "There’s no other way except through the battle. They’ve completely

surrounded this place," he said.

 

Relena nodded, acknowledging the situation they’re in. If they stay, they’ll certainly die by the falling debris and stray missiles. And if they go

out into the battlefield…

 

"We have no choice," she said. "We must go through the battle."

 

Kyle nodded, agreeing with her suggestion. "Take care of her," he said, handing Amy to her. "I’ll go up and see which direction the battle is

less serious." He ran up as Relena and Amy climbed the stairs. Relena began to wonder if this is the end for her.

 

Then, they met Kyle halfway up. To her surprise, Relena saw him holding a weapon. "I found a safe opening for us," he said. Then he

noticed Relena is staring at the rifle in his hand. "There was an enemy soldier making his way down. I confiscated his weapon and thought

it’d be better if we go out there with something to protect us," he said. Reluctantly, Relena accepted his rationale as they went up the stairs.

 

When they reached the exit, Relena realized that the situation is serious. The guerillas’ black mobile suits are defeating the guarding mobile

suits. Relena shook her head in dismay, thinking when will the fighting stop. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at

Kyle.

 

"The woods is over there. I’ll distract the enemy while you and Amy run to the woods. I’ll meet you girls there," he said, and began to step

into the line of fire. Amy quickly reached for his arm.

 

"Kyle, please return to me alive," she said, fear for his life. Kyle nodded. "Don’t worry about me," he said. Then, he stepped out and began

to fire. "Now!"

 

Relena and Amy ran out, dodging from the bullets and taking covers behind the fallen mobile suits and turned-over trucks. Kyle was as good

to his words. Every time an enemy soldier took a fire at them, he would quickly fire at him, covering their escape. It took Relena and Amy a

short time before they finally entered the woods, well hidden from the enemy. They continued to run to safety where the others are

assembling.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

He stood there, looking over the battle. A missile landed a few meters away, nearly sweeping him off his feet. But still, he stood on his

ground, displeased at what is taking place. He had planned his next assassination carefully but then the guerillas has to show up and made

the matter worse and messing up his plan. He hate making a mess. He liked his assassination all nice and tidy. And no witness. This is just

too much. There’s too many audience and too many people involved.

 

‘Damn you all for getting in my way,’ he thought, angrily. ‘Well, at least I managed to kill one person who’s responsible for his death. And

his wife would soon discover that he’s not with the others at the safe spot.’ With that, he disappeared into the night.

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

Relena continued running until she realized that Amy is falling behind. She stopped and turned to her new friend who is panting heavily. "I’m

sorry. I’m not that good at running," she apologized. Relena shook her head. "No, it’s okay. I need to stop too." She looked back at the

way they came from, wondering how the battle is going. She hoped that this would be the last but somehow knew it would be a wishful

thinking.

 

Suddenly, they were surrounded by three guerillas, each aiming their weapons at them. "Well, well, well, what we have here? The Vice

Foreign Minister herself," one of the man said. "This would be a big break for us. We could demand anything in exchange for her."

 

Then, there was a series of shooting as Relena pushed Amy down to the ground. The three guerillas exchanged fires with the unseen enemy

but were all shot down. Relena looked up and saw a figure approaching them from the darkness. For a moment, Relena felt her hopes up.

"Heero?" she called out.

 

"Are you girls alright?" the figure said. Relena realized in disappointment that it was Kyle.

 

"Kyle!" Amy ran to him. Relena realized then that although Kyle looked younger than Amy, he’s certainly the one who provide the strength

for both of them. Kyle turned to Relena. "The battle is almost over. The guerillas are retreating. We might as well join the others before any

stray guerillas find us."

 

"You’re bleeding!" Amy gasped, holding his arm. Kyle looked at it, as if noticing it for the first time. "It’s nothing a few stitches couldn’t fix,"

he said. "Now, come on."

 

They made their way through the woods and finally saw the others. When Noin saw them, she quickly ran towards Relena, obviously glad to

see them alive. "Thank god."

 

"What about the guests?" asked Relena, noticing a few ambulance are present.

 

Noin looked at the ambulances. "They’re being taken care off." She noticed Kyle’s injury. "Maybe you should go and see a paramedic."

 

Kyle glanced at it. "Later. What about Jack and Paolo?"

 

"They’ve been taken to the hospital," said Noin. "Maybe you’d like to join them now."

 

Kyle was about to decline when Amy pleaded, "Please, Kyle. Listen to what she said." He then frowned and nodded. The pair left as Noin

turned to Relena.

 

"That’s one strange boy. He reminded me so much of Heero," Noin commented. Relena smiled. "You think?"

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

Noin watched Relena’s face after she heard about the new development. Then, there was a knock at the door. Noin opened the door to see

 Amy Pierson standing in the hallway. "Hi," she said, timidly. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked, noticing the serious looks on Noin

                               and Relena’s faces.

 

"Amy," said Relena, smiling. "No, you weren’t interrupting anything. Come on in."

 

Noin looked at the two girls. "I’ll take my leave now. I’m sure you have many things to talk about." Then she closed the door, leaving

Relena alone with Amy.

 

"Here, have a seat," Relena offered. "So, how are you and your band members doing?"

 

Amy sighed. "Well, Jack’s broken arm is in a cast, Paolo has a huge turban on his head and Harry is complaining how his ears could not

stop ringing. Overall, we’re quite a pitiful bunch especially when the news reached the fans. Our rooms looked like a funeral house." Relena

chuckled at that.

 

"What about Kyle?" asked Relena, remembering her savior.

 

Amy lowered her voice. "He’s resting right now," she said. "When he decided not to stay at the hospital for observation, the doctor made

him promise to have a lot of rest. But knowing Kyle, he would’ve jumped back into his feet as soon as he escape the hospital so Morris

kinda drugged his drinks."

 

"And you?"

 

"Still shaken, but fine," Amy answered. "Since we’re not able to play a single instrument, Morris decided to postpone the space tour. We

are all going to take a little vacation and we’re leaving tonight."

 

Relena leaned forward. "Where are you planning to go?"

 

"Well, Paolo managed to convince most of us to spend the vacation with his family. So, I guess that’s where we’re heading."

 

"Most of you?" Relena prompted. "Who’s not going?"

 

Amy sighed. "Kyle. Said he’s going to a friend’s instead. I had hope we could spend some time together but he’s pretty made up his mind

about it."

 

"I see." Then, they continued to talk about other things before Amy finally excused herself to start packing. Then, Relena was left all alone to

ponder through the new development as well as her new friends.

 

Meanwhile, outside Relena’s room, Noin again took out her cell phone and dialed. She waited patiently as the person on the other end

picked it up. "Confirm, it was the Treize guerillas’ attack last night," she reported.

 

"So, the assassin didn’t show up at all," the other said.

 

"You didn’t let me finish," said Noin. "The assassin was there alright. An ex-Alliance leader was found dead in the scene. His throat was slit

and I don’t think that was cause by an explosion or a gun. And we also found the identification card which confirmed our suspicion"

 

"How’s Relena taking the news?"

 

Noin glanced at the door before her. She could vaguely heard Relena and Amy talking. "She’s a little shaken but otherwise alright."

 

"Did she knew I’m back in town?"

 

"Not yet but it won’t be long." Noin paused. "Have you found our missing link yet?"

 

"No, I’m still looking out." The person hesitated. "Take care of her, Noin. She’s going to be in a lot of danger soon. What happen last night

was too close. We were lucky to have that kid protecting the princess."

 

"You be careful yourself, Sally. If anything happen to you, I’ll not only have to face Relena but I sure hate to answer to Wu Fei."

 

Sally laughed. "Don’t worry about Wu Fei. As far as he is concern, the two of us are only comrades at war. And now it’s over."

 

Noin heard the doorknob rattled. "Got to go. I’ll talk to you soon," she said quickly and hung up just in time Relena opened the door to let

Amy out. The singer looked at Noin and extended her hand.

 

"I hope we’re able to see each other again, Miss Noin," she said. Noin took her hand. "I just hope when we do, it’ll be in a more

appropriate circumstances."

 

Amy glanced at Relena. "See you someday, Relena."

 

"Bye, Amy."

 

                                >>>@@<<<

 

"Have you heard?" said Duo as soon as Quatre and Trowa’s faces appeared on the vidlink. Both were grim. "Yeah, we kinda learned about

it a few days ago," said Quatre. "And nice to see you again too, Duo."

 

Duo dismissed the last remark. "And no one bother to inform me?" he said in dismay. Quatre would have laughed at the statement on his

face if the situation hadn’t been grave. Or if laughing wouldn’t hurt his healing side so bad. "You should learn to watch the news quite often,

Duo. Maybe the war’s over but you have to keep yourself well-informed," Quatre advised.

 

"Yeah, yeah," Duo said, then he looked around him cautiously. "Actually, the one who always watch the news isn’t talking to me right now.

She said I’ve been spending a lot of time with Deathscythe than with her. Can’t you believe it?" Then his face was serious. "So, what do you

guys propose we should do?"

 

Trowa leaned forward. "Nothing, at the moment," he said. "We’re still needed in outer space. The number of guerillas gathering here is rising

every minute."

 

"Besides," Quatre added. "Miss Noin and Sally are on Earth with Relena. I’m sure they will call us when the situation becomes drastic." He

looked at Duo, knowingly. "And you know as well as we do that he is there on Earth."

 

Duo scratched his head. "Yeah, well, what do we do in the meantime?"

 

"We wait," Quatre answered. "I have the feeling that things will get hot in outer space in near future."

 

"Who do you think this assassin is?" Duo wondered.

 

Quatre shrugged. "No idea, actually. Could be anyone we know or anyone we don’t. Right now, the authorities are still working on to find

out who the assassin is. All we could do here now is just wait and keep our eyes and ears open. It’s his move now."

 

"Right," Duo agreed. Before he signed off, he gave Quatre and Trowa a wink, "Oh, nice to see you two again."

 

Quatre smiled but when Duo’s image disappeared, his face was grim. He has been wondering why the assassin wants to kill the delegates so

much. And what is he trying to prove? As if sensing his thoughts, Trowa put a hand on his shoulder. "Like you told Duo, Quatre, it’s his

move now. We won’t find out about anything until he himself reveal it to us."

 

                           TO BE CONTINUED…