Where Are You Now?
By: Lady Sapphire
Disclaimers: Gundam Wing and its characters do not belong to me. They belong to Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, TV Asahi, and Bandai. I am merely writing this for the purpose of entertainment. The song "Where Are You Now" also does not belong to me. It is a song sung by Britney Spears, so please do not sue me.
Author's Note: Okay, here is my first songfic. It is not finished, but it's going to be kind of long. I guess I got a bit carried away. Anyway, enjoy the story and don't forget to e-mail me with comments, questions, or complaints when you're done reading!
"�." indicates speech
'�..' indicates thought
The year is After Colony 201, and the wars have been long diminished. Peace now reigned among Earth and the Colonies. The ideals of Relena Peacecraft are finally being practiced by nations and all is well.
The former Gundam pilots now lived at the Sanc Kingdom. Since they were no longer needed for war, they had no jobs, so all 5 of them decided to join the Preventers.
Duo Maxwell, former pilot of Deathscythe, and his wife, Hilde, had been married for a year now and were expecting. Trowa Barton, ex-pilot of Heavyarms, and his sister Catherine, started a sibling circus troupe. Quatre Raberba Winner, past pilot of Sandrock, also owned a business on the L4 colony. Chang Wufei, the previous pilot of the Shenlong Gundam, and Sally Po, well, let's say that he finally realized that she wasn't weak.
And as for Heero Yuy, the former pilot of the Wing Gundam, who was so well known for stopping Operation Meteor 7 years ago, and also for his cold personality and perfectness in his military skills, he joined the Preventers so that he could watch over Relena. It turns out that he had loved her for a long time now but was too afraid to say anything. Relena had been so surprised when Heero asked her to marry him about a month and a half ago. After all this time, she had thought that he did not care and she had given up all hope that he ever would. But all hope returned, and, of course, she accepted. They had been married for a month now.
*~*~*
One November evening, Duo called all five of them to a meeting. He told them to go quickly to the conference room and not tell anyone about it.
"Okay Duo, what is it? ", grumbled a very unhappy Wufei, "What is so important that couldn't wait until my martial arts class was over?"
"Yeah, Duo, I have violin concert at 7, so out with it," complained the blond Arabian.
"Duo, you better have a good reason for calling us here. I have a mission report to complete. Or else, I would have to kill you," warned the ever-so-serious Heero, giving him one of his "death glares".
"Cathy wants me back by 6:30. We have a shoe to put on. Make it quick, Duo, it's almost 6," commented silent Trowa in a calm voice.
"Okay, okay, alright, already! I get the message; you're all busy. Geez, you guys are impatient! I have a date with Hilde too, but this will only take a minute," Duo paused to see if everyone had calmed down yet. He proceeded, "As you may have heard, rumours that mobile suits and dolls are being transported to the L37 colony. I just got word that they might be starting a war."
"WHAT?! WHY?!", all four of them said at once.
"That's why I called you guys here. We don't know yet. Lady Une just contacted me a few minutes ago, she wants one of us to investigate this problem." Duo looked at each one of them, expectantly. "Any volunteers?"
Silence. No one wanted to go. The memories of war were just too painful.
Wufei was the first to speak up. "I wish I could go, but I have to teach martial arts. Sorry."
"I'm sorry too, Duo, but I have violin concerts every night, plus I give violin lessons during the day," spoke up Quatre, apologetically.
"Cathy would never let me go. She worries about me all the time. Besides, I can't leave the circus and let her run it all by herself," was all Trowa had to say about this assignment.
Come on, you guys, this for the good of the earth. Don't chicken out." Duo's whining was so incredibly annoying.
"Then why don't we just send a soldier for this mission?" asked Quatre.
"No, I already thought of that. Lady Une specifically said that only a former Gundam pilot could handle this task," replied Duo.
What about you, Maxwell? Why don't you go? You were the one who was contacted anyway," muttered Wufei, who was still pissed at being called a chicken.
"Umm�" Duo started, "wish I could, but with the baby coming and all, you know. I just can't leave Hilde when she needs me the most."
"You're right, Duo. You should stay with Hilde. I'll take this mission," spoke up Heero after all the argument.
Everybody froze and stared at Heero like he had gone nuts or something.
"You will?" asked a puzzled Duo.
"Uh huh. Contact Lady Une to confirm my mission and to find out the details."
"But, Heero, you can't. You've just been married for a month Relena would be so upset," warned Duo.
"What choice do I have? Look, someone's got to take the mission and if all of you are busy, then I guess I'll go. And, I'll explain everything to Relena." Heero sighed.
"You sure, Heero?" asked Quatre. Concern filled his blue eyes.
Heero nodded.
"Then it's settled. I'll go call Lady Une. This meeting is over," announced Duo and everybody left the room.
*~*~*
In Duo's office�
"Hello?"
"This is Duo. I'm calling to verify the mission."
"Who will be operating this mission, Mr. Maxwell?"
"Heero Yuy."
"Acknowledged."
*~*~*
Heero walked briskly into the room and situated himself in front of the computer. He turned it on and started typing up his latest mission report. His mind was so distracted and focused that he did not realize that his wife was in their room, going over her speeches, as usual.
When she saw him enter the room, she knew something was wrong. His prussian blue eyes were somewhat clouded in confusion. The expression on his usually emotionless face, hinted that he was keeping a secret that wanted to escspe. She slowly walked up to him and gently slipped her arms around his neck. She kissed him.
Heero was so startled, that he whipped out the gun that he still carried, out of old habits, and pointed it at Relena.
Relena, who had gotten used to Heero's ways of responding, was not surprised. However, she was a little apprehensive. 'Heero never takes out his gun anymore, unless he is seriously troubled,' she thought to herself.
"Relena!" exclaimed Heero, as he anxiously put the gun away, "I didn't know you were here! You shouldn't have snuck up on me like that."
Relena glanced at him, curiously. He'd never been this preoccupied before. He ordinarily would give her a warm greeting when he saw her. But tonight, it was different.
"What's wrong, Heero?" she ventured, "What's on your mind? You know you can tell me anything at all. I am your wife."
Heero looked deep into her beautiful aquamarine eyes. Their deep desire almost killed him. 'Why did I take this stupid mission? Why did I think I could leave her behind again? How am I going to tell her?' Questions overflowed his head.
"Relena�" he started, choosing his words carefully. He did not want to hurt her again. Not after all those times he had left without saying a word. He didn't want to repeat that mistake, and yet, here he was trying to tell her that he was supposed to leave for outer space next week. "I�I'm sorry, Relena," was all he could utter out. He couldn't even look into her eyes when he said this.
She cocked her head sideways and looked confused. "For what, Heero?" she asked.
He took a deep breath. "For having to leave you again," he barely whispered.
But she heard it. "What?! No, not again! Why, Heero? Please tell me why must you leave me?" Tears started falling from her eyes.
For the second time that night, Heero felt as if he could kill himself for his actions. He gently brushed away her tears and told her softly about the mission that he was assigned.
"But, we've only been married for a month. Can't someone else take it?" she pleaded.
"Everyone else is busy. I'm the only one available."
She cried even harder.
"Please, Relena, don't cry. I'll be gone for only a month," he told her, gently stroking her long light brown hair, "I'll tell you what. I promise you that I will return to you in time for Christmas, okay?"
She stopped crying and looked up into his Prussian blue eyes. They told her that he was going to keep this promise.
"When do you have to leave?"
He smiled, a rare sight, and replied, "Next week, November the 24th." And with that, he gave her a kiss that she would never forget.
*~*~*
"Goodbye, Heero. Please come back safely."
A week passed by quickly and today was the day that Heero was supposed to leave for outer space. Over the course of the week, he prepared for his journey, training for space and getting back in shape as the "Perfect Soldier". Several times, Relena had begged him to change his mind, but he was too obstinate to listen. He would soon learn of his mistake. Now, Relena was at the spaceport, bidding farewell to Heero.
"I will. Don't worry about me. Remember, I will come back. You have my word. See you in a month." He gave her a final kiss and boarded the spaceship.
"I'll miss you," whispered Relena, as she waved to the ship that was disappearing into space.
*~*~*
"Hilde! Duo! Finally, you two are back! I've been looking all over for you guys. Listen, I've got to ask you something. Meet me in the living room after you put away your purchases."
A week has gone by since Heero's departure. Relena had been searching for Hilde and Duo, who had just returned from the mall.
"Oh, Duo can put away the baby stuff without me, right Duo?" said Hilde, sweetly.
"Awww�. do I have to?" complained Duo.
"Yes," replied Hilde, through gritted teeth, as she punched him lightly.
"Ow! O.K.," he grumbled. The braided American grabbed all the bags and stomped upstairs to their room.
Relena and Hilde entered the living room and took a seat on the silk-covered couches.
"Now, Relena, what did you want to see me about?" asked Hilde.
"Um� I was wondering if either you or Duo, have the number to the hotel that Heero is staying at," said Relena to her best friend.
"I don't have it. He never told me. Maybe Duo knows. I'll go get him," said Hilde, as she got up and went to the foot of the stairs.
"Duo, honey, can you come down for a minute?" called his wife.
"But, I'm still unpacking," came his whining reply.
"Just come down here! This is more important!" demanded Hilde.
"Coming, dear!" Duo called out as he scrambled to get down the stairs.
Relena came up to him. "Do you know the phone number of the hotel that Heero is staying at?" she asked, with hope-filled-eyes.
"Uhhh� no, I don't think he told me," replied Duo. His face frowned in thought.
All the hope that was in Relena's eyes disappeared.
"Why do you want to know anyway, Relena?" questioned a very worried Hilde, seeing the sudden change in her friend's expression.
"Well�it's just that�it's just that it has been a week since Heero left and he hasn't called or mailed a letter to me or anything to contact me. I'm beginning to get worried," said Relena, the concern built up in her eyes.
"Ojousan, don't worry. If I know Heero, and which I do, I'd say he's just fine. He's probably just busy. You know how seriously the guy takes his missions," said Duo, trying to comfort her.
"Or maybe there's something wrong with the phone company or the mail service or something," supplied Hilde, "So, don't worry and keep waiting."
"But still�" Relena started, but couldn't finish her sentence because Duo had interrupted her.
"Listen to me Relena, didn't Heero make you a promise to return safely?" asked Duo, impatiently.
Relena nodded.
"Well, there you go. We all know that Heero would never make a promise he couldn't keep," said Duo.
"You're right. I'll just have to keep waiting," said Relena glumly, but then she lightened up, "Now, who wants some dinner? I'm starving!"
"Me! Me! Me! I'm SO hungry," shouted Duo, jumping up and down, excitedly.
"Not so fast, Duo! Don't you have to finish unpacking first?" asked Hilde.
"Awww� but Hilde! I'll do it later. I'm starving right now," moaned Duo.
Hilde giggled at Duo's begging and pleading expression. "Do you really think I would let you miss dinner?" she asked.
"Yay! FOOD!" exclaimed Duo gleefully.
"Let's go!" said Relena, and the three of them marched into the dining room where the others were waiting at the table.
*~*~*
After dinner, the gang decided to gather around the living room to just relax, which of course was virtually impossible knowing the GW boys. Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei were arguing over which board game they should all play. The choices were narrowed down to either "Monopoly" or "Snakes and Ladders". "Snakes and Ladders" won by a unanimous vote. Hilde, Catherine, Dorothy, and Sally were watching the guys play and also arguing over who will win. Milliardo and Noin were watching the news. And Relena? She was doing a bit of both, watching the game and the news at the same time.
Just then, a special news bulletin appeared on the screen, "This just in, the collision between space shuttle 438 and shuttle 329 has just been confirmed."
'Shuttle 438�that's the shuttle Heero's on!' gasped Relena in horror, as she grabbed the remote to increase the volume.
"Two weeks ago, shuttle 438 took off and was headed for colony L37, while shuttle 329 was headed back to earth. For some odd reason, the two aircrafts collided and exploded. There were no survivors."
"NO!!!! THAT CAN'T BE!!!" screamed Relena. She burst into tears and ran up to her room. She quickly locked the door, and sat down on the floor, back facing the door, and sobbed. 'Why did this have to happen? Why to me? Heero, you promised me! You can't go back on your word! I won't let you!' she mentally promised herself.
The rest of the gang were at her door.
"Relena, Relena! Please open the door! You missed part of the news report! All the bodies of the pilots and the passengers have been found, all except Heero's. There could be a chance that he's still alive!" said Hilde with fake enthusiasm. Everyone tried to be excited about the news of Heero's possible survival, but in reality, they were all grim about the chance that he might be dead.
That got her attention. 'Heero? Still alive? Maybe, he has done some crazy things in the past,' she thought about the possibility. 'I should never have let him go on that mission!' She was depressed and angry at the same time, angry with Heero, but mostly angry with herself.
"Princess? I could go into space and look for Heero if you wanted me to. We could all go," Quatre said in a sweet voice. "Please stop crying and open the door."
She still wouldn't open the door. Maybe all this is just a nightmare and if she kept the door closed, the horrible news wouldn't come in and would just go away like it never happened.
"Let me try," said Millardo, "Relena! Open the door this instant! I am your brother and what I say, goes. Listen to me. Heero is DEAD!!! Get over him!" he shouted.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!" she covered her ears and began sobbing all over again. "STOP IT! GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Relena screamed in pain.
"MILLIARDO!!!" everyone shouted and death glared him, including the silent Trowa.
"What?"
"How could you be so cruel and inhuman at a time like this? And to your own sister too!" scolded Noin.
"And how do you know that Heero's dead? For all we know, he might be still alive," pointed out Duo.
"Now apologize to Miss Relena, Mr. Milliardo," ordered Dorothy.
"Do I have to? She started it. I don't see why I have to apologize for her childish behaviour."
"YES! APOLOGIZE!" they all commanded in unison.
"Oh, all right," he grumbled, "Relena, I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. I'm sure Heero's still alive. I'll tell you what, to make it up to you, I'll personally organize and lead a search party for him. Is that alright with you?" Milliardo stood, waiting for an answer.
Relena thought this through. She knew that Heero was alive somewhere, but where? He just has to be alive, he just had to be! The perfect way to find him would be a search party. But, she couldn't. She didn't want to lose any more friends.
She was just about to disapprove of the idea, when Quatre spoke out, "If your worried for our sake, don't. Heero is our friend too, and friends should always be there for each other. We would gladly go off to space for Heero, right guys?" he looked at the three other pilots.
"Right," the three of them said and nodded in agreement.
Relena opened the door a crack and took a tiny step outside. "Would you? Could you find him?" she asked hopefully.
"I shall try," answered Milliardo.
All was silent for a minute or two at the Peacecraft mansion, all except for the tick-tocking of the old grandfather clock that stood in the hallway. Everyone waited for her response.
Finally, Relena breathed out a sigh and said in an almost whisper, "Thank you."
*~*~*
"I don't know why I volunteered for this job. I don't even /like/ Heero Yuy," muttered a grumpy Milliardo.
"You don't have a choice, not after you said those cruel things about Heero. I can't believe you can be so heartless, Milliardo," said Noin, coldly.
'I am right. She is acting childish," he insisted.
Noin sighed and shook her head. "Oh Milliardo, you are just so dense sometimes. You just don't understand love, do you?"
He gave her a puzzled look.
"Love is a powerful force. It can inflict all sorts of emotions, happiness, anguish, anger, etc. Relena isn't some child who is playing some sort of game, she loves Heero and his absence causes her sorrow," explained Noin, "So if you were lost in space somewhere, I would in an instant come and search for you because I love you. I'm sure Relena would do the same for Heero, but she doesn't have the experience of piloting mobile suits, and that's why you have to go in her place. As a loving brother and a friend, you must.
Milliardo's face glowed with endearment, as Noin realized what she had just said and blushed.
"I love you too," whispered Milliardo, and he held her in his warm embrace.
*~*~*
Guys, I want you to stay here instead of going into outer space," declared Milliardo the next day at the spaceport.
"No, we're coming with you. Heero and Relena are our friends too. We want to help," said Quatre.
"I'm no weakling. I'm coming too," said Wufei.
"Besides, it's our fault. If one of us had gone on this mission instead of Heero, this wouldn't have happened," commented Duo, grimly.
Trowa said nothing, but just nodded in agreement with the others.
"Then, the same thing would have happened with your girls. It's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault. It was just an accident. I bet no one predicted something like this would happen," explained Milliardo, "you four have to stay here because I want you guys to look after Relena for me. With the news of Heero, there's no telling in what she might do," Milliardo said nervously.
"You're right. If I know Ojousan, she would follow Heero anywhere, even to death," said Duo thoughtfully.
Quatre thought about it for a second, then he relied, "Okay, I'll stay and make sure nothing happens to Relena.
"Me too," said the other three young men.
"Thank you. Wish me luck!" said Milliardo, as he boarded the spaceship along with about a hundred other members of their search party. Most of these men were former soldiers from the war so they have had experience in space.
"Good luck! You'll need it�"
*~*~*
To be continued���
Hey-lo! Today I only wrote a teensy bit of this fic because I didn't really have time, since I was working on my other story. Please, people I need feedback!!! Tell me what you think!!! Oh well, it is dinnertime for me. C U LATER!!!
~*~
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