25-Aug-2000
Warning: This 'chapter' is more serious than the first 3.
*Disclaimer*-I don't own Gundam Wing or its characters, I just play
with them once in a while.
Archiving-I keep forgetting this part but I would feel honored if you
think my fics are worthy to archive, just let me know.
Oh yeah, and please excuse any spelling errors.
Note: This fic is one in a series of stories with the same continuing characters, The Belle of the Ball Arc, or BotB Arc for short.
It had been a tumultuous 3 months since Relena had "exacted" her revenge upon the boys. Too bad she never knew that Heero had been unaware of it until about 2 weeks after the fact. His sudden withdrawal from the school had already been planned, he had been moving on to the next mission and per his 'modus operandi' had transferred to a school close to where the next mission would be. He would have never known about it except Dr. J usually made sure a "clean up" was done after Heero left a school, couldn't have anyone figure out there was a connection between the recent 'terrorist' activity in the area and Heero. Dr. J had e-mailed the newspaper 'article' to Heero and Heero had actually been amused by the whole thing (sudden flash of Duo in pink entered his mind). Heero didn't dislike Relena, it's just that the girl was too nosy and too obscessed where he was concerned. But a lot of water had passed under the bridge since then.
Soon after, Relena had witnessed the death of her 'father', had found out her true identity, discovered a brother she never new she had and had gained and lost a kingdom. She had swallowed a few bitter pills since that last dance (thoughts of Duo once again flashed in his brain) and had grown up some, in the process.
The time he and Quatre had spent in the Sanc Kingdom had allowed Heero to get to know her a little better and they had formed an uneasy truce. Uneasey because she still acted obscessed and was always wanting to 'borrow' some of Heero's strength. But he could not allow her to do that, he needed it all for himself, it got him through his missions and had so far kept him alive (thoughts of Duo always there to back him up suddenly appeared).
Heero's laptop 'beeped', rousing him out of his reverie. It was an urgent message. "Turn on the TV-Now," it read.
Heero turned on the TV "....ruzenada resigned as head of the Oz Organization today, effective immediately. The Oz Organization is a division of the Romefeller Foundation. Foundation spokesmen had no statement at this time and Lord Kruzenada could not be reached for comment. More on this story as detail develop."
"In a related story, The Romefeller Foundations Head Counsel-Pro Tem, Duke Durmeil, announced today that Relena Peacecraft, former Queen of the now defunct Sanc Kingdom, has been appointed as Head Counsel and lead spokesperson for the Foundation and will retain her title of Queen. Duke Durmeil was quoted that he was looking forward to the addition to the Foundation saying Queen Relena's youthful exuberance and fresh ideas would lead the Foundation into a new era, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, as we approach a new century. A 'coronation' is planned to celebrate her appointment, it has been scheduled for 3 weeks from today. In other news..." Heero turned off the TV.
He mulled over what he had just heard. Treize's resignation meant an internal battle for power had been waging for quite some time and Treize had lost. Heero had a sinking feeling that without Treize to lead Oz, things were going to get much worse. At least Treize had a sense of honor that most men in power sadly laced. He worried how this was going to affect the colonies' bid for independence and unity, how this was going to affect him and the other pilots (quick image of Duo in Deathscythe appeared), but most of all, he felt an anger against Relena building inside him, for 'selling out'.
The laptop 'beeped' again. This new message was an encoded mission, which Heero quickly decoded. He read: 'New mission - assassinate with extreme prejudice - Relena Peacecraft. Her death will send a message to those who cooperate with the enemy and betray the true path to peace.' Although Heero did not agree with this mission, his training (conditioning) would not allow him to refuse a mission. 'Mission accepted', he typed in reply.
Relena was scheduled to give her acceptance speech that evening before the leaders of the Foundation. Heero steeled himself to send that 'powerful message' to the world.
Sneaking into the auditorium was easy. Bypassing the guards was even easier and stealing a uniform off an unsuspecting, and now unconscious Oz soldier had been easiest of all.
No one questioned him as he made his way to the balcony. There he could get an unobstructed view and a clear target.
Relena was standing at the podium (flashback to that last dance) giving her speach about seeking true peace and undying hope for a new world. (Your words are wasted, Relena, on these jaded old men, all they care about is obtaining power and holding on to it, Heero thought). Heero raised his gun and took aim for her heart. Her death would be painless and instantaneous (he at least owed her that). Heero too, was prepared to die that night (new images of Duo flashed, Duo arguing with him, Duo laughing, Duo always watching his back, Duo doing anything-including sacrificing his own dignity for the sake of a mission, just because Heero asked him to, Duo always being there for him - just where are these thoughts coming from anyway, and why?).
Relena had finished her speech and suddenly had the urge to look up at the balcony, is was if she could sense Heero's presence. She saw the gun and in that split second knew what Heero was there for and also in that split second, she prepared herself for death (I hate myself for what Heero thinks of me now, but I did it as it's the only way I could make these people see the true path for peace, I'm sorry Heero).
Heero took aim and prepared to squeeze the trigger (I'm sorry things have turned out this way, Relena) and just as he was about to fire, the room broke out in loud, spontaneous applause. (They BELIEVE in what she said!). Heero relaxed his grip on the gun, turned and for once in his life, the perfect soldier refused to complete his mission. Relena took a couple of steps in his direction, almost in shock over how close she had just been to death if not for a simple twist of fate. The Foundation wanted peace, too.
Heero made his way out of the building just as easily as he had made his way in. Going down the back alleys, he stripped himself of the uniform, down to his usual tank top and shorts and made his way back to his room (an image of Duo smiling at him filled his mind) (Why DO I keep thinking about him?).
Dr. J was going to be royally pissed. This was the first mission Heero had ever failed to complete.
Let me know what you think.
KwyckSylver
Please send comments to: kwycksylver@yahoo.com