A Matter of Heart: Heirs to the Legacy 2 (The Second Set)
A Gundam Wing Fanfiction By: Andrea Readwolf
Email: andrea_readwolf @hotmail.com
Rating: YA/Mature
Families: First Generation
YMC Fam (Yuy-Maxwell-Chang Family: Trinity, Mara Jade,
and Dylan);
Winner Fam (Quatre + Trowa, Triton&Tristan, and little sis
Calista)
Peacecraft Family (Zechs Marquise/Milliard + Lucrezia/Noin
Peacecraft, Kit/Katarynna, Adrian, and Nicolette/Nicole)
Mazzolla Family (Mariemeia + Jake Mazzolla {OC}, Julian)
Catalonia-Dorian Family (Dorothy Catalonia + Relena Dorian,
Regina)
Une-Po Family (Lady Une + Sally Po, Marie Une*, Michael Braddocks,
Mark Braddocks, Matthew Braddocks)
Families: Second Generation
The Royal Peacecraft Family: King Adrian, Queen Trinity, twins Yuy (10-f)
and Maxwell (10-m)
The Winner Family (#1): Tristan + Mara Jade = Meiran (14-f), Dakota (12-f),
Jasmine (11-f), Galen (8-m), Bryce (5-m), Adrianna (4-f), Fletcher (2-m),
Hakeem (8 1/2 PN-m) *(a lot ^__^'')
The Winner Family (#2): Triton + Katarynna (Kit/Kat ^__^v) = Gabriel (6-m)
Pairings: Dylan Maxwell + Nicole Peacecraft (hoped for by Nikki); Julian
Mazzolla + Calista Winner (hoped for by Julian) [AN: has anyone else
noticed that really on Trinity and Adrian *wanted* each other from the
first? None of this 'hoped for' business...]
Archive: Yes-- www.gwaddiction.com
Warnings: The following story contains scenes that are humorous,
sappy,fluff, with rampant Incoherence, random PoV switching, and
Sexual innuendoes abound.
Original Characters are presented; all characters are IC according to
the author's interpretation of them. Mainly heterosexual
situations, with hints of YAOI and YURI (from the "older" crowd... and
*some* references to Dylan's past).
Spoilers: None to the original Gundam Wing Series at first; However, once
Julian has been commissioned by Calista for a special project, expect a lot
of rehashing of the series. It would be a plus to have read the previous
Matter of Heart Series Arc stories: "Dance of the Heart" Arc and "Oh Baby,
Baby" Arc. "Heirs to the Legacy" is built off of the stories forming
"Traditions".
Feedback: C&C is always welcomed and adored.
Acknowledgements: It's been three years... Three long bloody years. Hn.
And this damn story *still* isn't finished! Acknowledgements go out to all
the people who have helped me throughout this incredibly long Series--it
ain't over yet! Special Thanks go out to Zan, who must be my longest-kept
beta-reader to date! (And also a very good friend.... "How many more days
till A-kon?" "AW-what?" "What to you mean it's pronounced 'yeowie'? It's
spelt like 'ya-o-ee'." "Okay, now, seriously here; how squicked out do you
think people will be if I happen to mention the sexual relationship between
the twins? I mean, Triton and Tristan are very affectionate and all,
but...." ^___^)
Notes: This is the story of the children, the nine children of the 6
gundam pilots (Heero--Zechs) plus the grandchild of Treize
Khushrenada. This story will not focus primarily on the characters
from the series, but rather, the generation after them. This story is
not for all die-hard fans, but runs along the lines of a more
original piece.
Additional Note: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 often times refer to each other as
"husband" [and thus the grandchildren might at one point refer to all five
men (six in Zech's case) as "grandfather"]; please refer back to "Promise of
the Rings" Part 13 if this causes confusion.
Additional Note 2: The chibis often times refer to their parents'
friends and partners as "Uncle" or "Aunt"--in this case, the
term is used simply as one of respect since, with the exception
of Kit & Adrian's relation to Relena, all of Quatre's sisters, and
Trowa's Catherine, none of the parents really have siblings.
Additional Note 3: As hinted at in Heirs to the Legacy #1, Zechs and Noin
have separated. Zechs has somehow been coerced into living with our boys at
Emerald Gardens (we've had the 5-somes; anyone up to a 6-some?)
Translation Note: Tousan/Otousan, father, represents Heero. Chichi is often
times used for Wufei. Daddy, Duo.
***These stories and the ideas contained within are copyright of the author. No reprinting or posting without permission of said author. ***
~Illinois, USA July 30, AC 242 ~
Finally, the cameras paid off.
Dylan was watching Nikki sleep, marveling and puzzling over his emotions for the blonde woman and what he would do when it came time to leave her and go his separate way, whether he even wanted to leave her, when his com went off.
"Maxwell here, go."
"We got something," Obana's voice sounded tense. "Sardonyx is checking it out."
Dylan was already reaching for his jeans as he replied, "On my way."
He should have been relieved--they finally had the person--but all Dylan could think of was how Nikki would feel when she found out who had been trying to kill her.
Sardonyx and Onyx already had the person cuffed and spilling out a confession when he arrived at the surveillance room. He watched with sad eyes as Maggie Hearting, the maternal woman who had mothered Nicole since she had started in the business, was forcibly hoisted up to her feet.
"You have no rights," Onyx said coldly. "You gave up your rights when you threatened the lives of a Preventers and his family. Do you understand, Ms. Hearting?"
"That murderer has no business being a Preventers Agent!" the Island woman sobbed.
"You are charged with constructing an illegal device, twice--"
"And doing a shoddy job of it, too," Sardonyx added sounding offended.
"As well as endangerment of the peace," Onyx continued as if either woman hadn't interrupted her. "If you should choose to plead not guilty to any of these charges, you're stupid, 'cause we have your confession on tape. Now, Dylan," and here the raven-haired woman spoke directly to the camera as if she knew he was there. "Be a dear and call the local office."
Then, the two Preventers Agents escorted/carried/dragged Maggie Hearting out of the room.
Nikki was safe.
She didn't need him to protect her anymore.
Dylan picked up the phone.
Everyone was in a buzz by the time Dylan returned to the theater later that morning with Nikki for a sound check. Sound checks never lasted very long unless there was actually something wrong with the equipment--and Terrence Flint took extra effort to make sure everything was perfect for his star.
Nikki, of course, noticed, but because Dylan had been too much of a coward to tell her last night of the happenings during the midnight hours, she remained in the dark. Truth be told, Dylan secretly hoped Nikki wouldn't find out that her would-be killer/stalker had been caught--and not just because she would be hurt when she discovered who it was, but because he would have no more reasons to stay with her. He could make up some excuses, sure, but he would know they were excuses. So, if it could last just a little bit longer... if he could avoid Nikki finding out for just a bit more...
"Everyone's so excited today!" Nicole Craft chirped, practically skipping up onto the stage.
But one of the tekkies intercepted the young singer before Nicole could touch her microphone.
"You must be so relieved, Nicole! We're all so happy for you!" The woman squeezed her and kissed her cheek, and then she gave another quick squeeze before darting back into the wing.
Nicole handled it rather well.
"Dylan, what the hell is going on?"
Hilde set the platter of toast down in front of the new mother while setting a second platter in front of the boys. "Eat up," she ordered Mara Jade who looked rather grey around the gills.
"Yes, ma'am," replied Duo, who snatched a piece of toast off Mara Jade's 'plate'.
Meanwhile, the customary guilt-fest was taking place at the other end of the table.
"I can't believe you didn't tell us about that room," Triton Winner accused as he stabbed a slice of cantaloupe.
"I can't believe we didn't find it," Tristan Winner complained, spearing three slices of French toast.
"It's not like it's a common room," their father replied calmly, sipping his tea delicately. "Besides, it's not like we intentionally hid the door."
"No," Tristan grumped. "Just made it impossible to open without your hand print."
Trowa snatched a slice of French toast off of Tristan's plate. "Really, it's not a room for children."
"Please!" Quatre cried, annoyed. "I've had that lock on there since before Trinity was born."
"Yeah," Duo piped up from the other end of the table. "'Cause another little girl snooped her way in there."
"Yes, well, Marie always was an inquisitive child," Wufei replied, sectioning off some easy over fried eggs and crisp bacon for himself. "Besides, it comforted her to be in there sometimes."
"It wasn't a good idea for a child her age to be exposed to so much war," Trowa added sadly.
Heero frowned, sneaking a piece of Quatre's Danish for himself. "It's not like it was our fault," he replied. "I think we helped her."
"My mother knew you were gundam pilots?"
The easy bantering of conversation died in a tense silence as those turned around, looked back at the newcomer. It was Wufei who spoke.
"Yes," he cleared his throat. "She knew who we were before we ever met her."
"Have you finished reading through all the files?" Quatre asked casually.
Julian looked disorientated. He blinked, as if to mentally remind himself that there were people here and he was expected to respond. Staring around the table at the faces he saw there, he realized they were all familiar faces, all adult faces, except for the tiny infant sleeping in a carrier next to Mara Jade. Vaguely, he wondered where all the children were, but then he reminded himself of why he'd come here.
"No," Julian replied, eyeing the food on the table, suddenly realizing he was hungry. He pulled up a chair and began to select some hot food. It had been days since he'd had any warm food--usually because he never noticed there was food waiting for him until it was ice cold.
He selected a healthy helping of eggs, sausage, and French toast, drowning the lot in syrup. "There are some files in the back labeled "The M Incident" that are locked."
Looks shot around the table, followed by more looks. Only Julian was oblivious.
"I was wondering why there are locked files in an already locked room."
"They contain vital information to the cause, process, and end of the Second Eve War," Heero replied crisply.
Julian looked up at him puzzlingly. "So they're locked in a locked room?"
"There's that..." Wufei hedged.
"Okay, so open 'em up," Julian shrugged and crammed another piece of sausage into his mouth.
"I can't," Quatre replied, looking around at the others. "At least, not alone."
"They're palm print protected by several other people, as well as ourselves," Trowa supplied.
Julian looked incredulous.
"Quatre Rababra Winner!" a woman's voice shouted from the front of the house. "I'm going to skin your daughter alive!"
Storming into the breakfast room was none other than Marie K. Une Mazzolla, Julian's mother.
"Well, that solves that problem," Duo quipped, shoving a fat, juicy red strawberry into his mouth.
"Good morning, Marie," Quatre cajoled. "I didn't know you were planning a trip to Earth."
"I wasn't," the silver-strawberry blonde woman breathed. "At least, not until I received a phone call from one Miss Winner informing me of what she has done to my son!"
"Now, really, Marie," Wufei tried. "Isn't that a bit harsh?"
"That depends on how much damage has been done," she retorted.
"'Damage'?" Duo wrinkled his nose. "Now really, Marie, you're over-reacting. After all, *we* agreed to rehashing all our gory skeletons. Maybe it's time you air yours, too."
Now, with the exception of the five other men who knew what Duo was referring to, wild glances and questioning stares flew around the table.
Marie turned white. "N-no," she whispered. "You... you actually agreed?" Her eyes flew from one man to another.
"It's not so terrible," Wufei soothed. "It's actually refreshing to know that your story will be told and that hopefully, hopefully someone will learn from it."
Trowa stirred. "In any case, we need your approval to open the last files," he informed her. "Julian has read everything up until then."
"No." Marie shook her head. "No. I absolutely forbid it."
There was a chatter of dishes as Hilde dropped her fork and knife. "You're being stupid," the gray haired woman said simply.
Marie's back froze. "Excuse me?"
"What the heck are you so afraid of?" the older woman demanded, angrily throwing her napkin to the table and pushing herself up out of her seat. "They've shared their lives with your son, trusting him to tell their story properly. Even your Mums have come and talked with him. And now you're refusing to share *your* story, which just happens to be an important element to the Gundams' story, just because what? You're afraid your son won't love you anymore if he knew?"
Of course this upped the younger adults' interests ten fold--especially Julian's.
Marie, however, was shaking with her fury. "I have spent a very great amount of time trying to bury those years from my memory," she growled. "And now you're suggesting I 'rehash' all the gory details of how I was used and--"
"You were *used*," Hilde interrupted. "You were a child and really didn't know better! Get over it!"
"How... How dare you!" Marie cried, tears watering her eyes.
With deep composure, Hilde crossed around the table until she was standing in front of the other woman. With little warning, a loud, stinging smack sounded throughout the Breakfast Room, causing all within to wince.
"This is the first time in my life when I've actually been disappointed in you, Mariemeia Kushrenada."
And then Hilde walked out, leaving a stunned silence and quietly crying woman behind her.
Calista Winner sat alone in her big, empty office doing absolutely nothing as she stared out the window, her mind lost in thoughts of the past, present, and future.
Julian had been at Emerald Gardens for four weeks now.
For four weeks she'd heard nothing from anyone at Emerald Gardens.
Not that she was worried or anything, but... even her brothers were closed off to her. It was as if they weren't speaking with her anymore.
Without preamble, Calista decided to take another vacation, calling up her secretary within the second her mind was settled.
"Reschedule my appointments for the next two weeks, no make it at least three," she said nonchalantly, "And call up my personal jet to be fueled and ready for me in an hour."
"Right away, ma'am," the young man replied. "And who would you like to pilot for you?"
"I'll fly myself."
Her secretary looked surprised, but he quickly recovered enough to snap out another, "Yes, ma'am."
Calista returned her attention to the cityscape outside her window.
A sense of ease and acceptance settled over her.
Yes, a trip to the Sands was definitely in order.
Dylan lay in bed, pondering over the events of the last few weeks.
Nicole had been devastated by the news of her lead support vocalist's plots to hurt her and her father, as was expected.
But as soon as her fit had eased, Dylan had broached the subject of his leaving---that had been a serious mistake. Nicole had thrown a bigger fit than before, stirring herself into such a frenzy that she collapsed with exhaustion shortly after wringing from Dylan his promise not to leave until at least her tour was over.
That was fine with Dylan, except.... the tour was now over.
There was a decision to be made, and Dylan wasn't all that sure he knew the right choice.
He wished Nicole was here so they could talk about this, but she was downstairs in the dance room, forcing herself through a grinding dance routine. They had been here at one of the Peacecraft Summer Homes for four days now. Every morning, before Nikki woke up, Dylan would go outside and practice some of his forms, and then, by the time he was finished and went inside, she would already be in the dance room, practicing. He would take a shower and then go down to make some lunch. In that time, Nicole would go up and take her shower before joining him for a light lunch. Then she would stretch for another thirty minutes before practicing again.
Dylan wished she would stop avoiding him so thoroughly.
But, he was also grateful. If she continued to avoid him, they wouldn't have to talk about his leaving again, would they? But he couldn't stay, could he? Then again, he was tired of traveling. He was ready to stay in one place for longer than a month. True, he didn't want to stay in this particular house, but he didn't mind the present company.
Nikki was a world-class popular icon, though. She had no desire to stay in one place, did she? No, she liked going on tour and performing for the millions. She thrived in that atmosphere. It was where she belonged. And Dylan didn't.
It was really preposterous to even consider continuing their relationship, really.
It was absurd to even consider it. What was he thinking? They'd had some fun, but now it was time to move on, right?
He went downstairs, intending to confront Nicole and get it over it. Instead he got caught up in watching her push her body through various steps and contortions. When she finally stopped, he was still lost in the wonder of her, but he forced himself to say it.
"Nikki, we need to talk."
She knew he wanted to leave, and maybe it was selfish of her, but she didn't want him to leave her, ever. He probably knew she had been purposely avoiding him the last couple of days just so they wouldn't have to have this talk, but there was no avoiding it now, was there?
Stars, but she didn't want him to leave her again. Didn't he realize that? Didn't he realize how much she loved him? She was even willing to follow him all over the planets and colonies! All he had to do was say they could stay together! She would even follow him into the sun then. But Dylan wanted to leave her. He obviously didn't feel the same way about her as she felt for him. Even with the last days of her tour she hadn't been able to convince him to stay.
She snatched up a towel and buried her face against it, taking long deep breathes. Then she looked up at him.
"Okay," she answered.
He was so cute--she bet he didn't even know it--when he looked hesitant like he did now, standing in the doorway.
"Let's go sit in the kitchen," he suggested.
She wanted to say 'no'--whatever he had to say to her he could say it in here, where she felt at least somewhat secure--but she just nodded and walked out into the kitchen. There was a pitcher of water and two glasses set out on the table. She went to go and pour them both a glass, but he was at the pitcher first. There was no squabbling between them.
She wondered if he even realized how wonderful he was. Nicole doubted it.
She sat down; he set one glass in front of her, and then he sat down across from her. Across from her, not even beside her. No one said anything.
"Nikki, I think it's time I leave now."
The blonde woman closed her eyes and tilted her chin down to her chest. "Do you love me at all, Dylan?"
"You know I do."
"But not enough to stay with me."
He didn't reply, so she just sighed and looked up at him with large hurt-filled blue eyes.
"We want different things, Nikki," he started to say.
"Don't presume to know what I want," she snapped.
He hesitated, mouth open as if to say more, but he quickly closed it and nodded. "Fair enough. What do you want?"
There was no hesitation in her answer. "To be with you."
He almost laughed, but knew better than that. "And if I say all I want is to go home and live out a normal quiet little life? Get a job and settle down?"
She stared at him, surprised, and she knew he knew he'd surprised her. "Really?" she asked, though. "You really want to go home? No more running around the system?"
He nodded.
She smiled.
"Well, I don't know..." she teased, but she saw right away that he thought she was serious. "What type of job were you considering getting?"
He frowned. "I don't know. I thought maybe I could open up a dojo or something like that. I know plenty of martial arts styles, and if I wanted I could get credit for them."
"An entrepreneur?" she replied, surprised but impressed. "I suppose that would be a nice career choice for you, Maxwell Sensei." Nicole smiled and relaxed against her chair. "I always thought about opening a dance school."
"But you have a nice long career to live out first," he reminded her.
Nicole just shrugged. "I'm ready for a career change."
It was her turn to shock him, she could tell, and she smiled for it.
<<Never knew, I could feel like this// like I'd never seen the sky before. >>
He stared at her, and she could see the doubt there written so clearly on his face. It hurt her to see it there, and so she stood and crossed the table until she stood next to him, and then Nicole reached down and tugged him up to his feet before she leaned forward and kissed him.
<<Want to vanish inside your kiss// Everyday I love you more and more>>
"I love you so much," she whispered, her voice hoarse and heavy with the weight of her emotions. "I think I would die if you left me again."
"I... I think I love you, too," he answered, breathless.
She brushed her lips over his again and again. "Don't think," she told him, "Know."
<<Listen to my heart can you hear it sing telling me to give you everything >>
"I love you." He kissed her. "I love you."
"Stay with me," Nicole asked.
"I will, zutto."
"Be with me."
"Aishetru. Wo ai ne. J'adore toi. I will say it in a million different languages."
"Don't tell; Show me."
<<Seasons may change; winter to spring, but I love you, until the end of time >>
"Marry me," she proposed.
Dylan smiled against her soft skin. "That's supposed to be my line."
"You were taking too long," she moaned, tilting her head back so he could feast easily at her throat.
He laughed. "Do I get to keep my last name if I marry you?"
<<Come what may, come what may>>
She cupped his face and looked intently into his dark blue flashing eyes. "You do if I get to keep yours."
"Agreed then, Mrs. Maxwell."
"Mine." She kissed him. "Always."
"Hai."
<< I will love you until my dying day. >>
"Let's get married tonight."
Dylan blinked. "Tonight?"
Nicole nodded, linking her wrists behind his neck. "I don't want you changing your mind."
"You think me so fickle minded?" he laughed, raining tiny kisses on her.
"Then tomorrow," she tried to compromise. "I want us to be together as soon as possible. I don't want to wait anymore."
"Selfish, selfish, aren't we?" he teased.
"When it comes to you? Yes, very. Not even the rest of our lives will be enough time for you and me."
"How about until the end of time itself? Will that be enough for us?"
"It's a start."
<<Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place, suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace>>
They drove the five hours into Sank's capital and then right up to the palace gates, where the guards stopped them.
"No visitors allowed, I'm sorry."
Nikki was giggling as she leaned over Dylan's lap to look up at the young man. "Excuse me? I'm sorry, could you call up Adrian and let him know his sister's at the gate?"
"'Adrian', ma'am?"
"Yes, you know, your king. Adrian Peacecraft? Let him know it's Nicolette Peacecraft."
The Peacecraft name certainly made people jump in the Sank Kingdom.
Dylan and Nikki both giggled this time as the guard, having gotten off the phone, quickly ushered them through the opening gates.
<<Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste, it all revolves around you>>
"Nikki! They said it was you and I almost didn't believe them!" Adrian Peacecraft greeted warmly, arms open wide for his baby sister. "And, bloody hell! Dylan Maxwell! I never thought I'd see you in my home again!"
"Adrian," Dylan greeted, grinning as he shook the older man's hand.
"We want you to marry us," Nicole bubbled with excitement.
"Excuse me?"
"We want you to marry us," Dylan repeated. "No priest would do it on such short notice, and we were in Sank, and as the king of the country you *do* have the authority to perform marriages, and so we want you to marry us."
Adrian stared at his old time friend and baby sister and heartfully wished his wife was here instead of at Emerald Gardens.
"Please, 'Drian, please do this for us?"
"It would mean a lot if the King of Sank married us," Dylan added.
Adrian shook his head with amazement. "You're both mad, you know that, right?"
The pair grinned back at him.
"Your fathers are going to kill you," he continued, staring directly at Dylan. "Not to mention what *my* father might do to you."
"He won't do anything if my fathers are there," Dylan laughed. "Or have you forgotten they're all sleeping together?"
"What??"
Adrian flushed at the reminder, but that was nothing compared to the shock on Nicole's face.
"Since when? Why the hell didn't someone tell *me*?" she demanded.
"Nikki, sweet, we can talk about our fathers later, or did you want to postpone our wedding?"
"Marry us, now," the blonde young woman said to the dark-haired monarch.
<<And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide// sing out this song and I'll be by your side. >>
"I love you, now and always."
"I love you, until the end of time."
"With the power invested in me by, well, me, I now pronounce you man and wife."
<<Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love (I love you) until the end of time. >>
On the fourth floor of the Sank Castle, in a room that was hastily refreshened, two lovers lay happily entangled.
<<Come what may. Come what may. I will love you, until the end of time Oh, come what may, come what may, I will love you (I will love), suddenly the world seems such a perfect place, come what may. >>
"I love you," he whispered against her face as he made love to her body and soul.
"Always," she breathed, holding him close.
<<Come what may, I will love you, until my dying day. >>
"Let's stay here for a couple of days."
"We'll have to tell our fathers sooner or later."
"True, but let's tell them later," Dylan grinned, kissing his wife again and again.
"You ever get the feeling something big just happened and it's something you should know about, but don't?"
The gathering looked over towards Duo, who sat frowning.
"What are you talking about?" Heero frowned.
But Duo just continued frowning and shook his head. "I'm sure it was nothing. I just got a feeling..."
"I'm sure everyone is all right, but I can go and check," Wufei offered, worried as well about his long-haired husband.
Quatre reached over and touched Duo's shoulder. "I didn't feel anything, if that makes you feel any better."
"Mm," was all the braided man replied with.
End Part 11
1. "Come What May" performed by Nicole Kidman and Ewan
McGregor from _Mouline Rouge_ soundtrack.
Tee hee hee! Honestly! How many of you really believed Dylan would be
allowed to leave? This isn't the end of the story, though, for some of
you, it might feel like it. There should be at least 3 if not 4 or more
parts on the horizon. Hope you enjoy!
2. Once upone a time, I remember reading a fic about Duo who was a pop
star and his manager was pulling all these 'stalker' stunts to increase
Duo's popularity. Which the second story of Heirs to the Legacy is
completely different, I did use what little I could remember of that
particular story to help me try and decide who Nikki's stalker would be.
did anyone guess right?
Andrea Readwolf
Please send comments to: andrea_readwolf@hotmail.com