A Parallel Universe

December 25, ac 196

..." Trinton - Trowa...sorry, get the freaking lock open or find out who's out there!"

" I'm trying already. Shut up. It's just Heero and Duo."

" Who and who?" I retorted, still playing with the entrance. I couldn't have been more surprised in my life. Two guys that Trowa obviously knew walked in, sat down at two of the control units, and started talking. At least one of them did. The other one, probably a loner, just typed, stared, typed, stared...But he was hot. Until I recognized him.

" Heero Yuy," I whispered.

'Duo' on the other hand, couldn't shut up.

" So, Quatre's meeting us there, isn't he," he was interrogating.

Quatre- I knew someone named Quatre once. That was a lifetime ago, though..." I thought.

Seeing as I was invisible, I took the opportunity to check in with UCP headquarters.

"Antagonu checking in. do you read me, Dorolan? Honeychild, pick up.

At this, all three turned around, staring, of course.

" Intercom," I replied to their unasked questions.

" Who the heck have you dragged in now, Trowa? I thought..." Duo started. I cut him off. Enter Misty. My entrance waited. Gasp...

"Misty Antagonu, first class Lieutenant Colonel, first division of Universal Control and Police. You have the right to remain- wait- went too far...."

Silence

"Misty. Misty, come in! I know you're there! It's Damion..."

"Hey, What's up? Uh-hum- okay. Gotta go. Bye..."

Silence

The tense was broken by a bang at the door.

"Open the door! Who's in there?"

"Off to the bunker, Hon," I told the silent one.

He knocked out the ever-chatting one and got to the floor. I motioned them to freeze and stay quiet. I needed to grab a uniform. I loaded my gun and silently slipped out.

"Evening gentlemen. Bye."

I silenced one guy with S-I-N-G, and shot the other in the arm. I stole a uniform and undid mine, slipping on the pants over my shorts and taking off my top. After cracking my knuckles, I opened the door while enforcement raced down the hall.

Of course, I was left in my bra, not being able to put the purloined shirt on outside. This left time for the two remaining pilots"(Duo was unconscious) jaws to hit the floor.

Idiots. At least they're not gay.

"Oops!" I beamed as I slipped it on.

On cue, the soldiers broke down the door. Trowa and I were in their uniforms, Heero on the floor, and Duo out like a light, so they believed the entire scheme.

"I got these two," Trowa hissed. He winked at me.

I caught it. I tensed, and Heero did too. We ran. He had an AK-47 and I a .35, so I wasn't scared or anything. I veered to the right.

"See you there," I yelled over my shoulder." From then on it was a blur, and all I could do was follow him, though he didn't seem to see me.

We were after the same person, but with very different plans. My mission was clear: to save the child and kill the Peacecraft girl. I hated assassination jobs, though I had never had one.

I wouldn't do it. I'd take her back to the base. Let them deal with her.

When I arrived to the scene, Heero had collapsed. Relena Peacecraft was in his arms.

"Miss, I have to ask you to stand aside. This guy's in my allegiance, and therefor under my protection," I told her. As I slapped cuffs on her, I gave Peacecraft the Miranda, with a gun pointed at her for my protection.

" You have the right to remain-bang!"

Trowa had me on my stomach, his arms around me. The gun fell from my grasp, going off when it hit the floor. Relena was dead. The bullet had gone through her throat. Gasp.

"Get off of me!" I roared at Trowa. He did. He stood there, transfixed.

I checked her pulse, and when I didn't get one I called for backup, I left. I didn't want stick around. Another woman had carried the Khushrenada child out. So I grabbed Heero and ran. My carrier was waiting. I followed Trowa; He had already loaded our suits, and I didn't want him to be alone.

December 27

"Misty!"

"What? What did I do? Oh- Trowa." I was in a small room, and the coffee mug on the table told me I was in an L2 colony base.

I looked up into his eyes, and he waved his hand over to a blonde guy. Then he spoke.

"Quatre, meet..."

"Oh my god! Quatre! Don't you recognize me?

"No- Should I? Sorry," the blonde chuckled.

With shaking hands, I undid the long, thin chain around my neck and dangled it before his eyes. His gaze moved down to the ring on it. He held it and looked like he was going to cry.

"Misty? Is it really you?" he managed, before he snapped. Tears fell as unchecked as mine. I threw my arms around him and hugged him for a long time, crying and laughing at the same time.

Until I met Heero's Death Glare. Only then did I realize all five pilots were there. "Wufei" was huddled in a corner, looking dead serious about God knows what. Duo was cracking up, and I could sense Trowa behind me. I pulled back a little. Quatre wouldn't let go. Until he started hiccoughing. I got out of his grasp and went over to the mirror to try to get rid of all the smeared mascara on my face. Duo was kindly pointing out the same mascara all over Quatre's cheek and white shirt. Trowa pulled me aside.

"Misty, we broke the news about Relena to Heero. What were you doing?"

"I as trying to arrest her! But you had to come and screw the whole thing!"

At that I walked away, towards Heero. He was sitting down in another corner of the room, stonefaced.

"Hey, soldier, you okay?" I asked, putting my hand on his, which was clenching the arm of his chair. He looked down at it, and then into my face. I smiled. His eyes shone with mixed emotion. I took my hand away, and he stood up in my face. His hand strayed towards his gun, but dropped into a fist. He turned away, and started babbling away.

Duo looked up from his conversation with Trowa and Quatre.

I sighed. " Probably about me," I thought

"Somebody shut him up!" Duo yelled.

So I did. I walked over to him, slammed him up against the wall (loudly- oops) hard, and kissed him-We weren't making out, but I held it for a few seconds. Then I went over to a chair and picked up my cell phone. I pretended to call someone and had a rather one-sided conversation with myself.

"Hey, that wasn't too bad! He needs some practice, though," I thought to myself.

I ended my "call" and looked up. Wufei hadn't seen it, but everybody else had. Heero had stationed himself in a chair, looking very pale, staring at the floor. Quatre was beaming. Duo was laughing really, really hard, and Trowa was biting his lip, looking around very nervously. I looked back at Heero, and saw glitter on his cheek, or was it a tear?

I took this scene as an excuse to change, as it was 6:00 in the morning, and left to do that. Instead of donning my uniform, I chose my rodeo top and some jeans. It was going to be sweltering, so I tied up my shirt. I finished by checking my navel ring (which had cracked).

I reentered the base and found the guys again. Wufei had fallen asleep, like Quatre, but everybody else was up. I left to find some food. Duo, Trowa, and Heero followed me. We settled for a little Coffee Shop across the street from the base. Of course I got talked into paying.

Duo started interrogating me.

"So how do you know Quatre?"

"We grew up together. I haven't seen him for eight years. We lost touch when they moved to Space."

"Where'd you go?"

"Well, you are not going to believe me, but I was adopted by Treize Khushrenada. He sent me to UCP and I've been there since. He just funded me there, though. I only met him a couple of times. I lived at his Estate for a year once- God, Duo!"

Everyone had just gotten sprayed with Duo's Caramel Machiotto.

"Sorry- you lived in Treize's house? How did you live like that? Sickening!" Duo interjected.

"Sorry to say, yes."

Trowa jumped in, "Don't tell Wufei that. He'd either murder you or kill himself."

My cell rang. I had a three- minute conversation before I could wrench Damion off the line.

"Who that?" Duo asked.

"Damion Dorolan. My partner and...never mind The body...never mind. Unless you need me further, I gotta go back to my dorm at UCP. We're having Drafting today, and I really have to know who my partner this year is...Trowa, can I have my badge back?"

He handed it over, embarrassed. The others stared at him

"Misty, how are you going to get back to UCP?" Heero asked. It was the first time he had spoken since I kissed him.

"My Gundam, of course! I'm not going to let my Christmas present from Zechs Marqees rot at the base over there!" I waved vaguely at the nearby base.

I ran back towards my Gundam thinking, "So I'm the next Gundam pilot. Whatever!"

Then, giggling, I headed back to Earth.

Part II

December 29

After two days had passed I called Duo.

"Yo, Duo? Where you at?"

"Who this? It's 4 AM in the morning here! Misty, is this you?" Duo said, grumbling.

I toppled off my bed at UCP, laughing so hard it hurt.

"Sorry. I'm in Atlanta. Guess, hon. Where's "here"? I need to run a systems check on all your Gundams,"

"Oh, sorry. Um... Heero, where are we? Oh- we're at Quatre's underground base.

You know where that- Misty?"

*Click*

I arrived at the base at 7 AM, giving them some time to sleep (Ha-Ha-Ha!). They were all fast asleep, so I took it upon myself to wake them up. My way of waking guys up is unique: I sit on the bed near their head, lean over their face, and prod their forehead. Very entertaining

I valued my life when doing this to Heero: I was rocking back and forth, and lost my balance, but managed to save myself before I touched him. This left me in a weird bent-knee push-up position, and when (or if?) he woke up, he'd be looking down my shirt.

To avoid this, I eased myself upright. My mistake: I laughed to myself, and I was only halfway up. Suddenly, Heero's hand shot up and grabbed my wrist. At this, I lost my balance and hit the floor. When I got back up, I waited for the hurricane. It came.

"What are you doing?" he hissed.

"Um...nothing...er...ask Duo! Quatre... save me, save me!" I screamed, fleeing the room.

I could hear four distinct voices laughing.

" He's gonna kill me! Save me! Save me! Save..." Thump.

I had just run into someone. I looked up into his face. It was-

"Oh- hi, Trowa." I blushed.

"Misty, Who are you running from?"

"Heero's gonna kill me!" And at that, I kept on running. I then realized I had passed Quatre's room. As I walked back, my eyes met Trowa's - again. I felt myself blush. Again.

I stuck my head into Quatre's room. Wufei, Duo and he were all in there.

"Yo, Cat, want to go down to the garage so I can run those system checks?"

"Huh? Oh...sure. Trowa's looking for you."

"We met up." My cheeks flared again. "Right. Well, Heero's after me, so I've got to run...I brought coffee! It's in Heero's room," I said. They perked up with this.

Down in the garage, I ran the checks on all the Gundams. Duo was really interested.

"So what's this for?"

From inside the Deathsythe I answered, "OZ has planted a virus in all of them, and it'll get rid of it. It's mainly for my own peace of mind, but it will show any problems that it has. And the list goes on."

Heero wouldn't let me in his, though.

"I just don't like people messing with it. Nothing personal," he mumbled inside the Wing Zero.

"Fine, have it your way..." I replied, grinning evilly.

Everyone turned their attention to my mobile suit.

"Yep, that's the Windspeed. A little bit of all the Gundams," I quickly interjected, to break the silence.

"What do you mean?" said a jumpy Duo.

"Well, as an example, I have the Wing Zero cockpit system, Heavyarms' Gattling gun, Deathsythe's handling, Epyon's and Tallgeese's controls, and Altron's cannons.

"The Zero system..." Heero said under his breath.

"Yes sir! Really pushes you to the limit. UCP helped design it- all fourth years have it on their finals," I told him.

"What about Sandrock?" asked Quatre.

"I don't know why, but it has none of Sandrock's characteristics. It's really strange...Hey, let's all get drunk tonight!" I added.

"I'll drink to that"

"Yeah!"

"When and where?"

"I challenge you and you and you to a bingeing contest!" I said, pointing to Trowa, Wufei and Heero.

"Fine" the all groaned in unison.

And so we all got drunk. After the four of us polished off two cases, we were all stoned, but Wufei was not doing well. And we had some fun. We hired a disc jockey, and charged it to UCP. I was grinding, Wufei was out cold, Trowa and Duo (the only sober two) were talking, and Heero was yelling on and on about some salesperson named Kathy. Quatre was nowhere to be seen. Someone found him down the road a quarter-hour later.

Duo was our designated driver. We headed to Quatre's base.

December 31

Quatre and I caught up, and when I left his room, it was 3 in the morning. I peeked in Trowa's room. He was fast asleep. So I ran back into Quatre's room, with a can of whipped cream, hair gel, and hair spray.

" Cat? You awake? Good. Let's get Trowa- good!"

Then I ran back to the safety of Cat's room and dove into the sheets. I failed to realize Quatre was already there.

"Hello" he said quietly.

"Wuz up?" I replied.

I was on my back, propped up by my elbows next to Cat.

He was sitting on top of the comforter, cross-legged. I dropped down and rolled over on my side. The bed was so warm and the air so cold! But I wasn't going to act like a "bad girl" or make Quatre move, so I tried to get up. But my legs were like lead.

"'Night," Cat said, trying to get rid of me.

"I ain't moving," I said.

"Fine," he replied drowsily. He climbed in with me. Then I was drifting off...

"Ouch! Too bright!" I thought. "Where am I?" I looked around me. It was 10:30. I had slept in- late! I rolled over, and saw Quatre.

"God, he's beautiful. My beautiful fallen angel..." I heard a blow dryer. I could use that! I followed the noise to my room, and my stuff was everywhere. And someone was in there - wearing Damion's bathrobe!

"Trowa? What are you doing in here?

"Er...Misty? Drying my hair...that was a joke. I'm drying- or rather fusing this filter. Is this yours?" he asked, pointing to the robe.

"No. Are my initials "D.C.D?"" I asked, poking the monogram on it, "It's Damion's."

"Those, too?" he asked, pointing to the tee and Jeans.

"Yeah. We were partners until yesterday. I always carried them for him.

Silence reigned.

"I'm going to make some coffee downstairs. 'Bye," I said to break the silence. Then I

left. Before I could walk out to my suit, Duo ran after me.

"Misty, Relena's funeral is day after tomorrow. We- us pilots- would really appreciate it if you came and showed your support," he told me.

"Sure thing," I said without emotion.

Part III

January 2

So, I kept my word and came to the huge public funeral for Relena Peacecraft. Actually, I ran in at the end of the service. The pastor was droning on and on, "And now, we commit this young woman to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." I was reminded of the cheer that all cheerleaders dread: Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, We hate to beat you, but we must...

"I now invite you to pay your last respects." I looked around, and saw many people that I knew. All five pilots, Zechs, L. Noin, Poe, and representatives from several oranizations were there. Then everyone left for the burial site of an empty coffin. As I turned to go, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. I instinctively reached back and turned on the spot.

"Zechs? What are you doing here?"

"I'll tell you if you stop trying to squeeze my hand off!"

"So sorry."

"You coming to the burial service? I'll give you a ride," he told me.

When we arrived, everyone was standing around a tent . Zechs had to leave me, and I set off to find Heero. He was standing apart from the crowd, leaning on a tree, with his back to me. I walked up to him and gently grasped his shoulder.

"Hey, Soldier. Are you okay?"

"What? What do you want?" He pushed away my hand.

"Heero, listen. I don't know what went on with you and her. I don't know what you two shared. All know is that you really loved her. But I will say this: I'm sorry. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Other than that, I don't know what to tell you." I said softly, "Now come on, it'll be better if we- you- go over there." I took his hand in mine and we walked slowly over to the crowd.

That was my first encounter with Heero's emotional side. It remained in my mind forever. It was very sweet.

Part IV

January 26

I didn't see the other pilots for another two weeks. And it was by accident. It was an early Wednesday morning, cold and foggy. Fresh snow covered the ground, a white blanket covering the sleeping earth. I really wanted to be with Damion, warm and cozy back at UCP barracks. But no, because I had to spy on a base.

The New Edwards base had been taken over by a small Marimaia faction. The former White Fang troops also had been using the base. My mission was to place cameras in strategic areas of the base. Then I would have some fun with pin-camera bombs.

One thing I didn't like about busting bases was that everyone was armed. Everyone. But I kept myself secure. As usual, I shoved two in my side holsters, along with one in my badge holster and chest strap. I took a chance by staying in my UCP uniform.

Then I had a blonde moment. I was setting up a camera in the barracks, and I thought I was alone. Then I felt the gun on my back and a hairy arm around my neck. It took me about thirty seconds to realize I was choking.

"Get off of me!" I managed to get out. I hit him in the face, but not before he shot me. The shrapnel burned the skin on my stomach. I screamed, but I started running. I pulled my hand away from the wound, and it was covered in blood. I pulled out my cell.

"Who do I call?" I thought. I highlighted Heero's number. I had meant Damion's.

"Oops..." I whispered to myself.

"Hello? Hello? How did you get this number? Who is this?"

"Heero, it's Misty...Help. I've been shot and..." I screamed in pain.

"Where are you? Misty? Misty?" He sounded hysterical

"New...Edwards. I'm at New Edwards...Heero, Please..."

"I'm there. Misty, hang on!"

*Click *

January 28

I awoke to see myself in a small trailer. My shirt was nowhere to be seen, and I had a very large bandage on my abdomen.

"Great! I'm stuck in some military hospital, and I am not going to be released with less than a slap on the wrist..."

I checked the door. It was locked, as were the windows. I was stuck. But being smart (blonde) and resourceful, I walked over to the fake gas fireplace and found a poker. Gripping it with both hands, I took a [kind of blind] shot at the window.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes yessss!" I said as I pushed myself out the tiny window. That is, until my hips got caught. So here I am, in my bra, halfway out of a trailer window.

"This is a bad thing..." I thought, "someone help, please!"

Then I saw my savior - Duo.

"Misty, what are you doing? Oh, nice rack!"

"Unlock the door, please? I can't breathe", I said in a hoarse whisper.

So I pushed myself back through the window, and he unlocked the door. Then I flipped back on the bed, grabbed the poker, and flicked it up to his throat.

"Is that why they call you Buffy?" He choked.

In another swift move, I flicked it down, grabbed it at the base, and threw it down through the floor.

"That answer your question?" I asked. "Where am I? Where's my shirt? Who do we know here? Are we going to die? Do we have any food here?"

You're in a colony circus. Your shirt is in the dryer, but it's really stained. This is Trowa's trailer. No. There's a fridge in the other room. Don't kill me, please!"

Then he proceeded to stare at the hole I had blown through the trailer. Meanwhile I looked around outside to try to find my gundam. It was tied to a flatbed in a parking lot near the trailer. I grabbed a sandwich from the fridge and ran across the lot. I cut it loose and jumped inside.

I was lucky. I found the small carry-on bag with a change of clothes. Throwing on a clean top, I checked all of my files and left. As I stepped out of the suit, something caught my hand. I was expecting a wire or something, but instead it was a gold pendant on a long chain.

"I've never seen this before," I thought. I opened the locket. Inside were a small key and a piece of very old paper. As I walked back to the trailer, I unfolded the paper and read the note.

"It's time for you to take responsibility again. There is another Elemental out there. I'm watching you, Miss. ­F. Alexander"

"No", I whispered. "Not again". I slipped the chain over my neck and walked into the trailer. Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, Col. Sally Poe, and a brunette I didn't recognize were, of course, staring at the floor again. Heero turned to me.

"Did you do that?" he asked.

"Um, yeah. Duo was there. But what's the big deal?" I replied.

They all turned around and stared at me. Wufei held up the poker.

"A woman, doing this? I'm actually impressed. But how?"

"Actually, it's pretty easy. Here, I'll show you."

A few people were moving a huge bulls-eye style target, and I told them to drop it and move aside. They did.

"Really simple. Hold it at the end here, draw it back, and make a very sharp hook and...Bulls-eye! Oops..."

The metal poker had gone straight through the target. I would have never expected it to do that, but I like surprises.

"Mm-hmm!" I said, dusting off my hands and walking past them.

"What day is it?" I asked Heero.

"Umm...Friday," he replied.

"God! I've got practice in like two hours! Gotta go!" I started walking to my suit.

"Practice? What kind of practice?" he said, following me. I stopped and pulled up a corner of my jeans. My tattoo read "Born to Cheer", but he couldn't see it if he tried. Instead, he was staring at...my leg. Idiot. I kept walking, and broke into a run. I felt the necklace slide around my neck, hitting my chest every time I gained another yard.

The past was catching up with me. All I could think about was my secret. Could I trust them with the truth? No, they would brush me off as egotistical or even crazy. Everyone who knew about it was dead or wouldn't speak to me. I just had to forget about it.

Part V

January 29

"...And Misty, please remember to beat the crap out of those..." Wills told me, pointing to my drum set. I nodded in agreement. "Moving right along ­ Cue Mark...2...3... Drew... 2...Wills...2...3 ...Misty... and...now!

And so practice started. A few friends and I were working on the Regional Band, and now we were practicing our warm-up, "Kryptonite". Somehow I had gotten talked into playing drums. I got my way and picked up Drew's electric guitar.

"Ha, ha!" I said to Drew. "You get stuck with the crappy drums, and I get..." I stopped my sentence when Wills shot me a death glare. He loved electric guitars.

"Come on, Will-yum! Be happy! Think about bunnies and pu-ppies!" He really hated that. He showed it as he put down his bass and knocked me to the floor. Big mistake! I popped up and kicked him in the stomach. Then I ran like heck. Ran straight into - Damion.

"Hey...Misty, what are you doing? You want to go see a movie? What about Hearts on Ice? Somebody told me that was good," he told me.

Umm...sure! I replied in a fake peppy way. Always a cheerleader.

The movie was actually pretty good. It was about a guy who falls for a professional skater. But I was shaking the entire time, and it wasn't cold at all. All I could think about was the note and medallion. I threw up and had to go home halfway through it.

As I walked down the street to my dorm, a tall figure ran past me. He grazed me, and I dropped my bag. I never saw his face, but he stopped and helped me.

"Sorry, Miss. Here, let me help you with that," he grumbled with a heavy European accent.

That's okay, really. I've got it," I replied. I smiled, and he looked up, also grinning. And he smiled with...fangs. That cleared the grin off my face.

"A vampire?"

He roared and knocked me on my back. I kicked him off me and grabbed a wooden fence post.

"I hope all six seasons of Buffy pays off," I thought.

He bounced back with lightning speed. I put him back a couple of feet with a left hook, knocked him to the ground, closed my eyes, and plunged the stake into his heart. When I opened my eyes there was a fine dust of ash where the vampire had been.

Slowly, I walked into the UCP building. Several people greeted me, but I brushed them off. I climbed the stairs and walked into my dorm. I changed, washed my face, and went out into the hall to look for Damion.

When I saw that he wasn't coming, I got my key and headed for his room. As I got to the door, I paused and ran my fingers over the brass plaque on his door. It read, "DAMION DOROLAN, FOOTBALL, TRACK. 7TH YEAR". I read it silently and pushed the door open. Typical of Damion, leaving the door unlocked. It was a nice room, simple but well lived in. I sat on the bed and ran my fingers over that. I started to cry and tipped over onto the bed. It felt good just lying there, and I grabbed a fistful of the crushed velvet throw artfully tossed across it.

As I opened my eyes, I saw that Damion had forgotten his ring. It was a Celtic love knot that I had given him for earning MVP the year before. It was on his dresser, along with his self-defense and fighter jet manual. I reached out and twirled it between my thumb and index finger.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my back.

"Damion..." I started.

He eased down and embraced me. I flipped on my back and put my arm around him. I stopped crying.

"Baby, what is wrong? You've been upset all day! You know you can tell me...tell me anything. Please, I just want to help you," he said.

"I know. But you'd never understand...No one could. I really want to tell you-"

He stopped me mid-sentence by kissing me. As we made out, he flipped my top's straps off of my shoulders and slowly pulled it off my back. I pulled away.

"No. Not tonight, Damion. Sorry..."

"It's okay. Really, Baby. Buffy..."

I opened my eyes. He hadn't thought anything about it, but he was scaring me. I pulled away and ran down the hall.

"I was hallucinating. That was all a dream. Vampires do not exist. It had to be some psycho with those cheap plastic vampire fangs who thought he was Dracula. I have seen Buffy way too many times. I can just sleep it off," I thought.

My deep mind was interrupted by the intercom.

"Miss Antagonu, you have visitors. May I send them up?" the chirpy secretary babbled.

"Yes ma'am."

It turned out that the pilots had come to see me. I whipped my hair into a bun and unlocked my door. Then I hopped into a chair and grabbed a book. I made sure it was a good one and it was not upside-down. I heard a knock on my door and invited them in.

"Yo, Misty! What have you been doing? We came to check up on you- we thought you were still in the hospital..." Duo started chattering on. And on.

"Obviously," I told them. I saw Trowa hide roses behind his back.

"Oh, right...umm...Quatre, Sandrock is in the garage...Better let you get that! Follow me," I said over my shoulder as I led them to the Officer's garage.

"Well boys, there it is...I'll get it hitched up to a trailer. I..."

My conversation ended abruptly when, of all people, Wind showed up. He walked calmly over to me and asked me where his suit was.

"Zechs, what are you doing here? How did you get in? Unless you...What?" Heero interrupted me.

"Why won't you die - you bastard? You killed her, didn't you! You killed her! It was all staged. I don't know what is stopping me from killing you - right now!"

"Me." A feminine, slow voice spoke out. As she stepped out of the shadows cast by a

F-18, we all tensed.

"Dorothy Catilonia," Quatre said. I later learned that he had been seriously injured by her a year earlier. But I was already after her for embezzlement. So, I turned to the control deck for a Libra and grabbed a gun and handcuffs. I also pressed the silent alarm, calling an empty patrol car and signaling we had a fugitive on the loose.

"Dorothy Catilonia, you are under arrest for embezzlement, conspiracy to commit espionage, and conspiracy to commit fraud. You have the right to remain silent. Anything that you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, we will provide one...ouch!"

I returned her right hook with a high kick to the jaw. My fist had dug into her face, and I knocked her to the floor. Slapping the cuffs on her skinny little wrists, I pressed the gun to her back and led her to a free car.

"We've had a holding cell with your name written on it since last March, you know that? And you're going to be there a long time! Trace, take her away," I told the driver. Then I turned to Wind.

"And you- leave, now! Get your suit and leave!" then I turned to the pilots, "Sorry, guys, but I'm exhausted. If you need rooms tell the front desk number 2 and mention my name."

So, once again, I turned to go up the stairs to my room. I grabbed a blank report to file and looked over my shoulder. All five were kind of in shock. Here, seconds earlier, a female pilot had just arrested a false heiress to OZ, all in her p.j.s and fuzzy slippers. Kind of cute if you ask me.

Once in my dorm, I turned on some music (very loud), put a coat of gloss on my nails, fed my dog, and crawled into bed. I looked over to my shelf above my boom box, and the two dozen roses Trowa had brought were lying on it. The bouquet was beautifully arranged, with red, pink, orange, and yellow blossoms set in baby's breath. The whole thing was tied with chiffon ribbon.

"Really sweet guy, Trowa is. Quiet, but sweet all the same..." I thought, and the last thing I saw before I fell into a deep sleep was that bouquet.

Part VI

January 30

I awoke to the realization that I had overslept and still hadn't filled out the Catilonia report. So, in a flurry, I grabbed my books, slapped on some makeup, walked my dog, and filed my report with only minutes to spare.

"Well, Mr. Castlegate, I nabbed Dorothy Catilonia last night. I think I have the report right here," I said, trying to squeeze a little sucking- up into it. I grinned and took a seat in the back. It was usually Damion and my turf, because he usually scanned to the back of the room. But I was a star student, and he knew that I knew he had worked for OZ and I could get him arrested.

"Okay...announcements...UCP varsity football won by a landslide last Friday, 32 to 18!" Cheers followed from all the football players and cheerleaders. Damion tapped me on the shoulder and smiled.

"Captains rule..." he whispered. I giggled. We were both captains over our respective teams.

"More importantly...new students!"

Boos followed from everyone.

"Let me introduce Cory Maxwell, Alex Stevens, and Caleb Matthews. Gents, please take a seat in the back. Misty, Damion, If you could show them the ropes, that'd be great! Extra credit for the both of you..."

"Sure!" we both said as if we were actually excited. Then I turned to the new kids on the block.

"So, where did you transfer from-Cory...Duo? What are you doing here?" Duo, Quatre, and Heero were posing as students? I had seen it all now...

"Shut up...I don't want anybody knowing we're here. What kind of schedule do you have?"

"Oh...right. Umm...here it is. Damion has the same one," I whispered.

"Okay, here, third period, I've got Wilson here. What should I aim for? Misty, I really don't know what we're getting in to..." he trailed off as Mr. Castlegate waked toward us.

"Miss Antagonu, what would you say if I asked you the meaning of "Radix omnium malorum est cupiditas?"

"Umm...The love of money is the root of all evil, sir," I spat out.

"Good...What about Orator fit, poeta nascitur, Mr. Dorolan?"

"An orator is born; a poet is made," he said smoothly.

And so the day began. After the eventful first period Latin and Greek, I still had Gym, Marksmanship, and Martial Arts before my free period. I had seen Duo and Heero at Gym, but it was not until lunch that I saw the three of them, along with Trowa and Wufei. Heero and I were comparing schedules when Duo and Quatre walked in and joined us in the empty library.

"So, Misty- oh sorry, Buffy, where's Boyfriend dearest? Angel..." Duo taunted.

"Shut up, Duo. And I don't know where Damion is. He went out for his free period. But he should be back by now...he's late. Why do you want to know anyway?" I asked and flipped off his baseball cap.

"Just wondering. By the way, whose dog is that up in your dorm?"

"You went in my dorm room? Oh- that's my dog. Do you think he's cute?"

"No! He bit me. And no, I didn't go in your freaking room. Your door was open and he ran out. I got him back in and shut the door. So there..."

"Thanks. Well, I am going to have to leave you now," I told them as I pulled out a fencing sword and called my partner over the intercom. Within two minutes, he was there.

"Guys, this is Kevin Harris, my partner. Kevin, are there any free rooms? We can use these," I said, holding up my flimsy little lance.

"No, I was actually just down there, and all the 4th years are down there. We can use this one, though. I checked with the librarian, and she said it was okay if we were quiet enough to not cause any panic. Pads or not?"

Omitting the padding, we put a tip on the sabers and got started. Kevin was five years older than I was, but I had been at UCP four years longer than he had. And frankly, I was a lot better than he was at fencing. I proved it by running my mouth the entire time. When I had the tip of my blade at his throat, we switched to quarterstaffs. I had him down on his back in ten seconds easy. When the bell for fifth period rang, I remembered Damion and got really worried.

Even so, I went off to my regular classes, but during my last class, a paramedic ran into the room. His face was white and he told me there was an emergency. As I walked down the hall with him, he told me what had happened.

"Your fiancé was in an automobile accident. He has major injuries. I'm supposed to take you to the scene..."

"Fiancé? You have to mean Damion, Damion Dorolan. But we're not engaged...let me drive," I replied.

After telling me the site, I started going a mere 80-mph, but I had to speed up a couple miles. He was right. It was a bad wreck, a three-car pile-up. I was relieved to see Damion's car was the last in the line-up, but when I saw him in the ambulance, I panicked. I ran over to him.

"Misty? Misty is that you? I...I...I" Gasp. As he convulsed, I could tell he was in true pain. I knelt down and clasped his hand between mine. I pitched to one side as the paramedic goosed the pedal, all the while sirens blazing.

In the hospital, I waited in the lobby for about thirty minutes, and I saw friends and family file in. I dreaded his family. They were very hostile to me for no apparent reason, and, though students sympathized with me, they chose seats across the room. I pulled my Stetson further down over my face. The doctor came out, requesting only immediate family. I went. Everybody thought we were engaged, and I had a ring that could pass for proof. His father stopped me.

"Are you deaf, bitch? He said family only. Stand back," he spat at me.

"Stuff it, old man. We're engaged. So there-you want to see the ring?"

I completely enjoyed the shock on all their faces. They stood there while I walked into his room. I was expecting tons of blood and tubes stuck through him, but it wasn't all too bad. I read the exam clipboard, and I picked up a punctured lung, internal bleeding, broken ankle and wrist, along with unrecognizable medical terms.

"How bad is it?" he whispered.

"Damion, you're awake...how are you?" I choked on my tears.

Better, now that you're here. Is my family in the waiting room? I know that they hate you - I don't know why..."

"Probably just jealous that I see you more than they do-but they don't appreciate you enough - your father is going on and on about how your career is going to end now," I told him.

"You know, Misty...they've got enough drugs in me to get everybody on our floor high..." he chuckled and slumped over. He scared me, but I knew he was okay.

Then he passed out. He started convulsing. After that they made me leave, and he didn't come to. After an hour passed, I went back in. I pulled up a chair and took his hand.

"Babe, can you hear me? I don't know if you can. The doctor says if you wake up right now, you'll be fine. Damion, you have to wake up! I can't live without you! Who am I going to share music with when we go to Athens? Who is going to drive me to Cheer Competition in May? Damion, I love you ­ so much. I know you know that, but I need to hear you say it. I've never loved anyone like I love you. I need you. It's happening again. I killed a vampire last night. And that freaky guy that showed up in 5th year sent me a note. I'm so scared, and you're the only one who knows. I feel like Buffy. I don't know what to do..." I trailed off as I started to cry.

"God! I promised myself I wouldn't cry...Damion!" I stopped when I heard the flat, unbroken whine of the heartbeat monitor. I screamed for a doctor and ran. I saw Brad, Kevin, and Wills, in his trademark trenchcoat.

"Wills, he's dead! He's dead! He was in a wreck and he...he..." I screamed and ran into his arms. Except it wasn't him. It was-

"Heero...oh my God, he's dead! He..." I backed off for a moment, but he pulled me back.

"I'm so sorry Misty," he whispered. I broke his grasp and walked over to my old chair in the waiting room. Most of the people there had heard. I hugged my knees to my chest and tried hard to keep my eyes dry. But the tears fell unchecked. I looked up to the glass-encased television and saw that some smart person had turned off the Disney Channel and flipped to MTV. It was playing Celine Dion's I Remember LA.

...There were moments in that lifetime that my heart still recollects,

There were minutes, there were hours, there were days,

In that lifetime I still love you that same way,

When I remember LA...

I had grown up to these songs through all of the politicians. And all of the parties. And all of the conferences. Until I entered UCP, I hadn't understood that I was a puppet for Treize's campaign, and I really hadn't cared. But that was only until his death. In the last year I had gone though files, made calls, and fully uncovered all of his lies, scams, cheats, and publicity stunts.

The doctors came out. I knew what was coming, but it was like everyone was in slow motion. The sweep of the doctor's lab coat as he came towards me was liquid motion. He stooped down in front of me as the others acted similarly to Damion's parents.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry. We did all we could, but we could not revive your fiancé. We lost him," he said coolly, like it was all practiced. I got up, flexed my fist, and walked over to Kevin.

"Kevin, will you give me a ride home, please?" I choked.

As we walked down the hall Wufei walked past. He sighed.

"Women are emotional" he growled.

"And men are sexist," I screamed. He backed off. I sped down the hall, and Duo popped out of a corner. He was grinning, and he obviously knew nothing.

"What's wrong? Is Buffy a bit moody?" he said cheerfully

I smashed his face in.

February 2

I didn't come out of my room for a week. I stopped eating again. I had been struggling with anorexia since I was thirteen, but I thought I was over it. I was wrong. I even missed Damion's funeral.

Finally, Kevin got me to my senses. He led me to a shower and blasted me with cold water. After that I got a little better. I ate a sandwich and studied for a couple of hours. I didn't even realize Friday was my birthday. I was going to bed when I heard a knock on my door.

"It's Quatre. Can I come in?" he yelled from outside my door.

"Sure, come on in," I said, turning down my stereo.

Quatre came in wearing one of those stupid paper party hats and holding a plate with a cupcake on it. He was singing "Happy Birthday". He sat down on the foot of my bed. The dim light contrasted the sparkler candle. But it was shadowed Quatre's 100-watt smile. It was so sweet, but I was cracking up.

"Quatre, thank you so much! You are the only person who remembered..."

"Make a wish" he said.

But all my wishes would be wasted. All I wanted was Damion. What we had shared was stronger than any emotion or relationship. We were young and stupid, but we were truly in love. People called us Buffy and Angel because of our views on life. He was a bit reclusive but strong, I was highly trained in weapons and blonde. And I loved him more than life itself.

"I wish that I would have some sort of future with these guys," I thought. Then I delicately blew out the candle. Quatre started clapping. I took a bite of the cupcake and slapped a dollop of icing on his nose.

"Is it good? The icing is," he said, trying to lick the frosting off his nose. The madness halted for a moment when my Doberman Pincer jumped up on the bed and pushed Quatre onto his back.

"Duke, stop it! Stop it, boy," I yelled. He turned and curled upon my pillow. "Bad dog! I said as I slapped Duke's back playfully.

"Oh, forgot...Your present," he said, waving a box in my face. I took it and pulled the bow off. Inside was a DVD. He pulled out his laptop. I popped it in. I recognized Quatre and me, along with both of our fathers. I had never seen any film of my dad, and it was bittersweet. I started crying. There I was, six years old, running through the sprinkler with a seven-year old Cat. His mother and father sat in lawn chairs, and my dad watched from a porch.

February 5

It took me a while to get over Damion, but I have been known to handle loss. I rummaged through his dorm room and found a box of stuff. I went back to classes, and had more drive for marksmanship and martial arts. That's what brought me to Heero again. He joined up with me in the police force and we were unofficial partners. We did a drug bust one night, and the buddies of the dealers followed us. It was a typical street fight, and things got a little ugly. No one was seriously injured, but Heero got slapped across the ribs with an iron fencepost. I took him back to my dorm to fix him up. When we got to the hall, I turned to him.

"Your shirt- off," I told him, tugging at his leather jacket and T-shirt. I turned to grab a first-aid kit. He turned his back to me, and that was when I saw his tattoo. It spanned across his back, a caged heart surrounded by wings of fire. But after closing his injuries (Which took several minutes because of the multiple wounds), the dorms' halls were locked. And his room was two floors down.

" Okay...you take the bed," I told him.

" No...it's your room and my fault for getting hurt in the first place," he grumbled. I was happy to see a smile playing on his face instead of his infamous Death Glare.

"Sit down," I told him, pushing him onto my bed by his shoulders. I took a change of clothes down the hall. After changing in the rest room, I checked the halls and went back to my room. It was four-thirty in the morning, and I was so tired. So I turned out my lights and climbed into bed. I didn't realize at all Heero was there. I just fell asleep.

February 6

The next morning we both had a little surprise. My alarm clock went off at 8:30, and I woke up before him. Not by more than ten seconds. I was on my back and he was facing away from me. He flipped onto his back and sat up, breathing hard.

"Morning, Heero. How did you sleep? Oh- actually pretty sound," I said.

"Did I- Did we- are you..."

"No, no, and maybe," I said. He looked at me. I was wearing a tube top, but he was thinking something else. I sat up, dropping the sheets. I could feel his relief. After throwing on some running pants over my practice shorts, we left to meet with a briefing. The rebellious group of refugees, rogues, and soldiers that made up the New White Fang were after a large Marimaia faction. Our job was to plan and carry out the mission.

After placing suits around the Marimaia Estate, we sent in spies. Heero and I were two of them. I found my dress from an old cheerleading banquet. Heero and two other soldiers were my "bodyguards". I told the people in front I had an appointment with Marimaia. It was actually true; I needed to talk to her.

"I need you to stay here. I need answers that only she could give me," I told them.

I opened the door to her room. She was standing at the window. I closed the door slowly behind me.

"Marimaia..." I said.

"You'd do best to address me as Miss Marimaia or Colonel Marimaia," she said, turning smartly on her heel. I looked up and she gasped audibly.

"Cut the crap, little sister. However, you can call me Lieutenant Antagonu," I whispered.

"Misty? How did you get in here? How did you..."

"I live here, remember? This is my home. Or- it was until Father died. Oh well...I have new friends, Marimaia," I replied.

"So, your boyfriend is that gundam pilot, huh?" She pointed across the room. I turned and saw Heero.

"I told you to wait outside," I hissed. Instead of leaving, he walked to my side and put his arm around me. It took me a while to figure out what he was doing.

"Oh- yes, and I am one too. Marimaia, may I speak to you- alone," I asked her, pushing Heero's arm away. I followed her to another room.

I spent a good hour with Marimaia, just talking about Treize and life after him. I told her not to depend on Dekim Barton. When I left I gave her my numbers. I understood she was my enemy, but she was the only real family I had left. And she was a puppet used by Barton. So I had to deal. So what?

"Sorry for leaving you in the dust back there," I told Heero over the intercom.

"You did what you had to do back there. Don't ever be ashamed of that," he said darkly. Suddenly my intercom crackled and I heard Duo's voice.

"Heero, Misty! We need you and your backup here now! We have a major problem here! Misty, I'm sending you the coordinates right now. Over and out," he said.

"You heard him, now let's move!" I yelled.

When we got to the rest of the pilots, they were very right. We had a crisis on our hands. In the foothills former Republic of China, the former OZ was attacking the civilians of Hong Kong. So we had to push the troops back and evacuate the cities. Evacuating with half of our reinforcements and "sweeping" the troops with the other half was pretty intense. But we killed off some of them with no casualties and basically won the scrimmage.

I went back to UCP, and Trowa apparently followed me. I will admit I got a few weird looks running around in a long formal dress and tennis shoes, but I got to my room before anyone could say anything. I got into a tank and some practice shorts, put on some headphones, and started tackling some homework. After a couple hours of that, I ran down to the gym. While I was on the Stairmaster, I saw Trowa. He was obviously looking for me. He walked away and motioned for me to follow him. We ended up on the roof of the barracks. I sat on the edge with my legs dangling in the cool afternoon air. Trowa stood behind me.

"I knew we could talk up here. I go here all the time," I told him. Trowa stooped down.

"Misty...I need to talk to you. I haven't had the chance to," he said.

"You have my full attention. I'm free all day."

"Umm...first of all, I know I wasn't really there for you when Damion...But I'm very sorry. I know that you and him..."

"Yeah. It's okay. There's no need to reminisce on the past. I'm over it. I just have to..." I stopped and couldn't talk anymore.

"Trowa, thank you for the roses," I said, smiling.

Silence.

The pregnant pause ended when my cell started ringing. I picked it up and saw Duo's number.

"Antagonu. Hello?"

"Misty, is Trowa with you?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Ladies, we're going to Greece! Get down to common 4. We'll meet you there in a half-hour. Get packing, Misty. Got to go," he said.

We split up for our rooms. After packing everything but the kitchen sink I headed for the common room. Everybody else was there. I sat down at a table between Wufei and Hilde, Duo's girlfriend. She passed me a brochure. Printed across the top was "GREECE: THE ULTIMATE VACATION". Duo was obviously planning our little vaca.

"Okay, here's the idea. We are all "on a pleasure trip". We're really spying on a secret ops base. So here's the plan: we split up in couples, different hotels, different airlines, but all have a central meeting place. Your tickets and hotel crap are in the pamphlets. We leave Monday.

"Okay, after obvious couples, where do we go?" I asked. Hilde, Catherine, Lucretzia Noin, and Sally Poe all needed rooms.

"Right. Misty, your date is Heero. Trowa, you're with Catherine. Quatre, Noin is sharing your room. Yeah, we made sure there's two beds or adjoining rooms or something like that. Any other questions?"

Heero popped in, "Yeah, how long are we there?"

"A minimum of ten days," Duo answered with an evil grin. I could tell he was hooking us up.

Part VII

February 9

The plane ride was pretty uneventful. Wufei and Sally were on our flight, and Heero went off to talk to them. I slept through half of the flight, until Heero woke me up so he could get back to his seat. He was immune to jet lag, but even back at the hotel room I had to have his help walking. I had fun with the vibrating bed while Heero went to swim laps. I fell asleep around 10:30, but someone pulled the duvet over me. Someone.

On Tuesday, we spied the base. My job was to show off in front of a prominent official. Then I would seduce him, giving the rest of the guys' free time to get through clearance. To do this, I followed the troops, laid them low, and spared the leader. Then I took him...shopping! I got a good three hours out of him. Then he figured it out and I was forced to knock him senseless in an alley.

I then went to the beach. I wasn't planning on swimming, so I wore a short, white dress. I escaped the crowd (yes, there is a crowd at the beach in February) and I went to a secluded bay a few miles from Volos. There was a balcony built over a jetty, and I put my stuff there. I sat down on the cool marble, pulling my knees to my chest. I closed my eyes, listening to the soft waves, gulls, and to myself breathing. It was all so beautiful, and I started shaking.

"Misty?" Trowa walked up behind me.

"Trowa- you found me. Now what- do- you- want?" I said, chuckling. 'Now, come on, let's enjoy the beach!" I took his hand and ran into the surf. I felt the warm, salty water run over my ankles. Then a big wave came in and I lost my balance. I was soaked. Trowa didn't even pitch forward. I swam out farther.

"You have to catch me," I yelled to him. Once I saw him coming, I ducked under. I heard him yell for me. Then I had the idea. I shot out of the water and kissed him. He caught on. My knees found their way up to him. I was really making out with him when I heard a catcall.

"Ooh...the scandal of the century! Trowa and Misty...the couple of AC 197! Well, well, well..." I heard Duo's voice. I hopped down off of Trowa, ran up to shore, and started drying off. My dress, now clinging to my skin, was almost transparent. I couldn't hide anything from them, so I wrapped myself in a towel. Duo, now vanquished, left.

"You need a ride?" Trowa asked.

"No. I think I'm going to air dry and then head back to the room. Thanks anyway," I answered. I watched him disappear into the horizon. I laid back and watched the sun set.

I went back to the hotel around six, but my watch wasn't synchronized. So I walked in about a half-hour late. Duo, Heero, Quatre, Wufei, Noin, Sally, and Hilde were already there. Duo was talking, Wufei was fooling with a laptop, and everybody else was floating between the two.

"...And I caught them making out! They were in the water, and I don't know what they would have done if I hadn't caught them..."

"Nothing, Duo..." I said, hitting over the head with a pizza box. "...Since when did you eat pizza? And since when did I give you permission to eat it all? You have to ask the princess Misty before doing anything like that," I said. "Now what did I miss? And we're missing some people here. We need a full house...."

"We got the ops. Did you get the officer?" Heero asked.

"Yeah, and I squeezed in some shopping. He was hitting on me, so I had to- put him out. He's probably come to by now. So, what do we have so far?"

"We? Us, you mean. You can't risk it. They've already seen you. So you don't need to know," he said. I walked over to the small bag that I had brought with me. I pulled out spray-in hair dye, violet contacts, and a curling iron. I threw them onto the table, making everyone lean back.

"Correction, he saw me with these. I'll straighten my hair tonight and no one will be the wiser. More info, please," I said.

"They call themselves the Rangers. They're highly trained soldiers posing as school administrators. They're brainwashing the students. We need to go in and pose as students, find out how they work, and beat them," Heero said. I heard the darkness in his voice and saw it in his eyes.

"Okay...basic terrorists. Question here; what kind of numbers are we talking about?" Noin asked.

"Small, maybe a hundred or possibly two," Duo said. We were all in deep thought, and I was about to call enforcement when Trowa and Catherine walked in with bags of groceries, tourist guides, and other junk that we really needed. I got up and started putting up the groceries. Since our room was the central operations, I put half of the food in our kitchen, and then marked the hotel's name on the other bags and had someone take them up to the front desk.

I looked over at Trowa. He looked up, but averted his gaze. I could tell that he was in fear of rejection- but of what? Almost all of the other pilots had girlfriends- most of them soldiers themselves. But maybe this crossed boundaries for him. Or maybe I was just overrating things. We had kissed... which wasn't very sentimental, especially now....

February 10

The next morning we decided to take action. Hilde, Duo, and Heero posed as students. The rest of us surrounded the facility. I called in troops from the Japanese and French UCP bases. They were the smallest of the seven UCP bases, but we would need them if Duo's math was accurate. I had a feeling it wouldn't. The Japanese forces issued AK-47s. Me, being stubborn, was armed with a shoulder, hip, and leg holsters.

Wufei was complaining about the humidity when Hilde signaled us. We moved in slowly. Trowa found a side entrance, hidden behind a sheet of ivy. He, Sally, Wufei, and Noin went in. Quatre was trying to load his gun and I was changing my ring, complicated by being caught in my shirt. Opening a pocket of my shoulder holster, I slipped it in. I could feel Quatre's gaze beating down on me. For the first time, I wondered what he thought of me. The silence was uncomfortable.

We were interrupted by the sound of rapid gunfire. As I ran down the hall, Heero came out of a corner. He almost shot me. I kept running and he followed.

"Where is everybody?" I asked.

"Hilde and Duo went ahead. Misty, Trowa got hit. Just so you would know. But don't worry, he's a real fighter."

"Yeah, I know", I said breathlessly. We hit the danger zone. Gunfire was exchanged, but we weren't hit. Duo ran over to us, and Hilde spun out of a corner.

"Misty, get out of here!" Duo yelled. Without asking or thinking, I ran out. A few soldiers saw me. I decided to try to get out. A jeep was leaving, so I grabbed the back bar. I brought my knees over the pole, aiming for a tree branch. I had taken gymnastics to sharpen my skills, and I was hoping to be able to use that talent. Instead, I lost my grip and dropped...and then I ran.

I was still being chased, so I went into an empty warehouse. I got up to the top level, and was looking for any sign of them when the floor broke, about two feet in front of me. I could hear soldiers filing in. I saw the rail. This was it. I gripped the rail, hoping I wouldn't stick to it. I brought my knees, up, slid down to my hips, slowly "walked" down to the abyss. Then I yelled.

"Yo, ugly!" I yelled at one of the soldiers. I went up, turned, and knocked him to the floor. I took a risky move grabbing a gun. I shot inches above a Ranger, and they ran. I waited for a few minutes and grabbed an empty truck.

"Come on ya'll! I've got a truck!" Everybody ran out.

"Hold on to something," I told them, goosing the pedal. But someone was missing. Trowa was missing.

"Where's Trowa?" I asked Sally, who was in the front with me. She said coolly,

"He told us to go ahead. Why?"

Silence. I heard her sigh.

Part VIII

I was in the room around four-thirty, watching a weird soap opera on the hotel's really bad reception. Of course, it was in Greek. Heero walked in, and he was soaking.

"Looks like rain," I said, giggling.

"Looks like Greek," he replied, wearing a Death Glare.

"I never thought first-period Greek and Latin would pay off. Have you seen Trowa?"

"Whatever. And no, I haven't seen him. Call Catherine, she'd probably know," he said darkly.

"Okay, well you'll be alone tonight, I am going to party!" It's a known fact that I am horrible at lying.

"Catherine," I said softly, knocking on the door to her hotel room. Trowa's, across the hall, was empty.

"Coming," she said bouncily. She opened the door slowly, then smiled.

"Have you seen Trowa?"

"No, he called around two and said he was with you- oh, no! Have you seen him at all?"

"Yes, around the time you got that call. There are rumors that he was shot. But I think I know where he is,"

I took a bus from Ioannina to Volos. I wanted to scream, cry, to do something. Instead, I walked onto the beach, feeling the cold rain beat down on me, contrasting the warm ocean washing over my feet.

"Trowa, where are you? Please, I don't need this right now!" I started to cry. There was a complete silence, except the ocean, rain, and my sobs.

"I know," I heard a voice directly behind me.

"Trowa!" I ran into his arms. But then I pulled back.

"Why did you do that? How stupid can you be? We were so scared- we didn't know what happened to you..." I started pummeling his chest. He grabbed my wrists, and I pulled back but fell.

"Misty, stop! Okay, I know I scared you today, but it's over. I'm sorry...I tried to find you. I...I love you, Misty," He relaxed his grip on my arms, ad I slid them over his shoulders. He ran his fingers through my wet hair.

"Now, come on, I'll take you home. You'll get sick..." he whispered. Placing a hand on my back, he slowly pulled me up and walked me to his motorcycle. We sped down the street, my hair flying behind me.

Outside of the terraced hotel, I started talking with him. We slowly made our way around the building. We started kissing. I put my hand up against his chest, and felt something through his soaking shirt.

"Trowa, what is that?" He pulled out a cross hanging off a chain. I recognized it, and changed the subject smoothly.

"Why do you wear a cross, Trowa?" I said, fingering the small silver cross.

"A friend gave it to me, and told me to wear it until we met again..."

"Midii Une, she called herself, right. She wiped out the mercenaries,"

"How did you..." I silenced him with a finger on his lips.

"My name before I was adopted was Alenkla Midii Antagonu-Wiess. To protect myself, I gave myself the name Midii Une and made up the story about my family. I had forgotten about it before today...and keep the cross. I'll call you," I said, running off to my room.

I ran into the room, closed the door, and slid down to the floor. Opening my eyes, I realized I wasn't alone. Heero stood about five feet away from me, looking at me with a puzzled expression. He opened and closed his mouth like he wanted to say something but couldn't. Finally he spoke.

"Do you know what time it is?"

Silence

'It's three-thirty in the morning, Misty? Where did you go?"

Silence.

"I'm going to bed. Anything major going on tomorrow?" I asked.

"You mean today. And no."

February 11

Our little tiff continued the next morning. I got out a bowl for cereal, he took it. I went to the cabinet for cereal; he poured all the milk. And so it continued.

"I'm going to hurt you unless you stop- now!" I hissed.

"Roar..."

Since we had nothing really important to do, I got online and was checking my e- mail. Zechs and Noin had sent me all of the wedding pictures- about a hundred. I was on the twenty-sixth when I received a mysterious message.

"Miss Khushrenada: Please report to the Estate or call us at 5-237-556-9953. Urgency."

I called into the Estate and spoke with a representative of Treize. After learning the news, I sat on the bed with my back facing the door. Heero walked in and gasped.

"Relena?" I had straightened my hair. Of course; he was crazy about her.

"Try Misty," I said softly, craning my neck to look at his face. It was white.

"Heero, Treize is...back."

Part IX

February 12

We all left the next day. Wufei and Sally went home to cope. Duo and Hilde went back to Space to make repairs on their suits. Trowa went back to UCP with me, along with Heero and Quatre (obviously). The flight home was silent. I just wanted to go back. I wanted Damion. I wanted my real father. Now my entire world was screwed up.

The date that I was supposed to meet Treize came. I was sent a politician's outfit. My ride came, and I waited in the lobby. Heero and I started talking, and he revealed his feelings about what I was doing.

"I don't know, Misty. I mean, you barely know him...how can we trust him? If you knew what he did..."

"Heero, cut the crap! I know what he did. Listen, I know what I'm doing tonight. Really. Besides, Trowa's going with me. I'll be okay," I told him softly. Silence reigned. Then my lift arrived.

"Hello, little girl...let's go," he said. Dorothy Catilonia's cousin was twice as bad as her, always hitting on me. I turned to find Trowa, and he reached for me.

"Get off of me you bastard!" I roared, flipping him over my head. I grabbed Trowa's arm and stormed off to the car. We left without Catilonia.

As the car pulled up into the enormous drive of the Khushrenada Estate, someone handed me a box and a rose with a note tied to it. I told the car to take Trowa up to the door and I would meet them inside.

I started up the drive and tore the top of the box off. Inside was a cocktail dress, and it was my size. I threw it down. The note scared me.

"Dearest Misty,

I am so ecstatic that we can be together as a family. I hope you will speak not only as my daughter tonight, but as an OZ official. I will talk to you later. I love you, Daddy"

That was it. He had some nerve. Sure, he had funded me, but he was eight years older than me! The nineteen-year-old that he had been had taken advantage of me. I had been his cute little puppet for almost seven years. But when I reached the door, I composed myself and started planning what I would say.

I arrived behind the huge stage to meet several OZ and Romifelier officers. Among them were Wind, Noin, Catilonia, and Romifelier himself. I took Wind aside.

"Wind, congrats on the wedding! Have a happy married life...but can I get a ride from you? I'm jumping off stage after I finish speaking, and I need to get out of here."

"Sure. Here you go," he said as he threw me his keys to his Mercedes-Benz. I took out my cell and made two calls.

I was the last to speak, next to Wind. I made a visual map of the building. The adrenaline was pumping as I walked slowly in front of the audience. But before I got past the first curtain, a man jumped out in front of me.

I tensed and waited. The fangs came. I turned and ran. I ran into the ballroom, and up to the fireplace. I grabbed a sharp stick and dealt a blow to his stomach. Grabbing the stake Buffy-style, I ran past him and ducked out of the way of his high kick. I swung my leg out, bringing him to his knees, kicked him in the chest, and threw the stake blindly. I hit him in the heart.

Brushing dust off myself, I grabbed the papers I left on the floor of the stage. I walked out a second time. I took a deep breath, adjusted the mike, scanned the audience for Trowa and Treize, and started speaking.

"Hello. My name is Misty Antagonu. For those of you that do not know me, I am Treize's adopted daughter. My history is fuzzy and complicated, but it is crystal clear to me now.

My father, a close friend of Master Winner, died and I also came to Treize in the winter of After Colony 189. He sent me to an exclusive military academy, and I was filmed in this school for six years, under an alias I won't reveal for it. Then two years ago, Treize disappeared and his affair with Leah Barton surfaced. And with Treize, I also disappeared.

But, today, in the glorious New Year of 197, I am going to set things right. Tonight, as a legal adult and Lieutenant of Universal Control and Police, I destroy all documents of my relation to Treize Khushrenada," I said, holding up my adoption papers. Holding them out, I tore them in half.

"Goodbye, all," I said. As I turned to the stairs, I saw guards locking the enormous French Doors. I was being caged in.

I ran backstage, jumped onto a hanging light, and flipped over to a balcony. Running down this, I aimed for a bay window. I remembered that there was a storage closet near this window. So, once again, I flipped onto a spotlight. The ceiling was unfinished in one long strip about six feet from me. In a leap of faith, I vaulted off the large light and grabbed a steel frame. Walking these, I got to the closet. I quickly grabbed some rope, turned and found three guards coming towards me. I knocked them into each other and ran, back to the stage, and got back to the balcony.

I tied the rope around my waist and around the steel frame of the balcony. I looked down into the shocked crowd. I signaled Trowa and shot three bullets into the stage. This was the code to get out.

Then I walked back to the end of the narrow structure. Guards saw me; I stopped, took a breath, and ran down the carpet and through the window.

After the snap of the rope hit me, I flipped backwards and held onto a window to a small office and braced myself. I then pulled the rope from the window above me. I broke the window I was standing in front of with my gun. Tying the rope to a desk, I once again went out the window. When I ran out of rope, I was dangling ten feet in the air.

" Too easy," I whispered to myself. In training, I had jumped off four-story buildings with nothing but a hookshot. I swung out four feet or so, pushed off the building with my feet, and flipped off of the rope. Looking around the parking lot, I spotted Zechs's trusty red Benz.

Starting the engine, I raced out of the back lot and looked for Trowa. I was getting a little worried when he broke through a second-floor window. He threw himself into the car, wiping blood away from his lip.

" Hold on," I told him. He laughed, and I put my hand behind his head and goosed the pedal. After his head crashed into my hand, I took it away, and silence reigned. I knew I had to tell him- everything.

" Trowa..." I said.

" Yeah?"

" I have to tell you something...it's important. I have a little secret, and you are the only person alive that will know..."

Back at UCP, I parked the car. Zechs knew to pick it up. But I was more worried about Trowa. He hadn't said anything since we had left the Estate.

" So, Damion is the only one who knew. And that's why he always called you Buffy," he said quietly.

" Actually, he stopped that. But there was another guy before him, one of my best friends. He was killed in a- a vampire bust. Also this guy who first told me about them. He says that there's a person out there- an elemental. They have specific powers over an element- like fire or water. And he says I have to find it. It's really hard to explain...I mean, Damion thought I was a vampire slayer. He became a Buffy fanatic!"

" And you're not a vampire slayer?"

" No! Nothing like it- I don't go around looking for demonic beings...I have only killed about two dozen. I want to be a pilot again. Not like we can fight, but I don't want people to think of me as a vampire hunter. As soon as I find this thing I am never paying any attention to this Alexander dude." I leaned back into the seat and closed my eyes.

"There's Heero," Trowa said, sounding totally disinterested. I rolled down my window and waved. He didn't return the greeting. He then stepped out of the shadows, flanked by half a dozen thugs. He was obviously being held back. He leaned forward slightly, and high-kicked both of the guys in the face. They both transformed. I grabbed stakes and gave one to Trowa. He froze. I stepped out of the car and started playing with the sharpened posts I had 'borrowed' from a Greek fence.

"Do ya'll prefer imported or domestic?" I asked. The two that had Heero went back into the shadows, and I saw headlights. Two of the others moved forward and attacked me. I took a blow to the jaw and saw the remaining three take Trowa. He killed one, but he got hit in the back of the head, and was knocked out instantly.

"Yo! I want Trowa back!" I yelled, staking the big one. One ran, and the other kicked my knees. I grabbed his jacket, tearing it at the shoulder, and I pulled it off. He took off. So I was left holding a dead guy's cheap jacket. I pulled out a piece of paper. It was written in French.

"We are running out of time. Meet us in the Dungeons of the Cavalier Du Monte. Bring the two that we found in Greece with the One by the 10th of this month... Kill her."

I knew what I had to do. It was my job, and my boyfriend was with those creeps. All I needed was a plane- and some serious artillery. And I knew where to find it.

February 13

" So, Heero and Trowa are with the vampires, and you're the Slayer. Now I've seen everything," Duo said, coming back from the kitchen with a Coke for me.

" Cut the Slayer crap. I need some firearms. Umm...okay, I need a flame-thrower, preferably big; a couple of swords, little and big; and do you have any pointy sticks?" I asked, smiling. He grimaced.

" Okay, fine. Follow me, and don't say a word," he grumbled. I followed him out to a shed behind his apartment. He looked both ways, and slowly opened a lock on the door. I followed him.

Inside the tiny structure, he pulled up a wooden panel. Inside the hidden wall, I saw a full collection of swords and daggers. I saw pocketknives with one-inch blades up to swords with lead hilts two feet long. I took out two daggers with thirteen-inch blades, half a dozen throwing knives, two standard swords, and a single two-and-a-half foot long sword. As I reached for the scabbard, I heard him talking.

"My pride and joy...take care of her," he said. He couldn't stop talking after that. I pulled out a folding knife holder and rolled out the canvas on the floor. I started adding the shorter blades to my own collection. He turned to the opposite wall and opened the panel. He pulled out cans of fuel for the flame-thrower.

" Before I give this to you, you have to tell me why you need it," he told me, chuckling. I pulled out a cigarette lighter, stake, and held up one of his knives.

" There are three ways to kill a vampire. You can stake them, cut off their heads, or..." I pushed the button on the lighter, sparking the flame.

"...Incinerate them! My favorite method," I said bouncily. Without any other questions, he gave me a dozen cans of fuel and the machine itself.

"If you need anything else, you know where I am," he said. I put my holder back in my bag and turned to the door.

Part X

February 15

In France, I found the Du Monte castle easily. I reached the gates at midday, and had to break in. It was closed to the public. I took a map and stuck it in my backpack. I then went into the courtyard. I emptied the bag on the grass. Inside were my canvas knife holder, cans of lighter fluid, crosses, holy water, two dozen stakes, lighters, tape for my wrists, and numerous fighting 'accessories'. I slipped stakes in all my pockets and in the sleeves of my trenchcoat; holy water and crosses went into my trenchcoat pockets. I kept the flame-thrower in my bag, along with a crossbow in my hands.

Through a third floor boarded-up window I heard chanting. I quietly pulled a sword out of its scabbard that rested on my back. Then I silently cut open the window. I ran for the stairs. As I reached the dungeon, I listened more carefully. In a row across the stone room were several vampires, and at the end were Heero and Trowa. The vamp in the middle of the row stood and spoke.

"Now, in the highest order of the Vampire, we gather to witness the rise of Glory!" One of the vamps rose, and I tensed. I had seen him before- but where?

"...And now, Glory, to break the One, we present these two to you- the lover and the loyal! But wait- he is the...you!" he slammed Heero up against the wall. A vampire walked up to Trowa, pushed him to his feet, and "Glory" went slowly towards him.

I had to act now. I grabbed a vampire next to me, knocked him out, stole his robe, and took his place. I then staked him. I ran closer to Glory, and as he reached for Trowa's neck, I staked him. I heard growls, gasps, and "No!"s.

"Silly girl, you cannot kill us all! You will die slowly!" the speaker yelled, laughing. I got rid of the robe, loaded the flame-thrower, and pointed it at the people behind me.

"Maybe not- but I am not limited to stakes!" I said calmly. "Trowa, Heero, run!" I then pressed the button on the flame-thrower. In less than ten seconds, I had half of them gone. I reloaded it and doused the walls with lighter fluid. I took down one wall of vamps and ran, seeing the flames spread all over the room. Outside, I saw the two pilots.

When I reached the back courtyards, I heard sirens. Heero told me they had a taxi waiting for us.

" Well, I feel sorry for Du Monte!" I said inside the cab. Heero was less enthusiastic.

" How did you find us?"

" I just kind of found you. Were they saying anything about an Elemental?" I asked him.

" Yeah, Trowa wasn't there, but they were talking about how it had to be a vampire, that it has power over air, and that it has to be close to the One," he said, looking puzzled.

" That helps," Trowa said, leaning back into his seat. "At least we aren't completely clueless."

" Ditto. All we know, other than that, is that it will leave behind something that will link it to the element," I said, sighing. After a few seconds, we all had the same thought.

" We need to go back!" We turned the cab around, and when we reached the wreckage the fire trucks had already left.

We went in the same way we had left. The dungeon was in danger of collapsing, so we knew we had to work fast. We dug through the ashes, looking for anything. A medallion, a stone, it could take any shape. But as the roof shrugged, we had nothing to show.

We left empty-handed. I had found some charred books written in some old European language. Trowa had pocketed two medallions, identical to the one I had found on that first vampire. Heero had been completely fruitless. It was almost sunset.

"Where do we go from here?" I asked the two. We had no plans to go back to the states, so they went to get plane tickets. Heero said he would meet me later. I left my bag with them and set off to check the streets. The streets of Leon were as crowded as Buffalo, and hence very hard to pinpoint certain people.

I took it slowly, walking down the cobblestone street. The streets were winding, and they brought me to a long alleyway. It just didn't feel right. I drew my sword, slowly backed into the wall, and waited. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I'm overreacting here. I just don't need to worry about this...it is not my place to," I thought, sinking down to my knees. I leaned back, playing with the sword blade. It was a nice width, not too broad, not to thin.

"Double-edged..." I whispered to myself. I pulled my hand into the sleeve of my coat and rubbed at a smudge on the blade. Duo would like it clean. I ran my fingers across the hard metal surface. I held it up, looking at my reflection. Striking the tip into the ground, I pulled myself up and started walking away. After reaching the place where Heero told me to meet him, I put away my sword. I doubted I'd need it.

"Over here!" Heero hissed. I followed him to a nearby pub. We took a corner seat and ordered coffee.

"So, did you and Trowa get tickets?" I asked him.

"Trowa went alone. I patrolled," he said, leaning back.

"With me?"

"No."

"Okay- what were you looking for?"

"Nothing in particular. So what do you want with the Elemental thing?" he asked.

"I need to find it, secure it, and kill it- before the vampires can get to it. Umm...there's your coffee. Mine's the espresso..." I lowered my voice as the waiter handed out the drinks. There was an awkward silence.

"Cricket...Cricket...Cricket" I said to break the quiet. Heero took a while to 'get it'.

"So why do you need to kill it? Is it evil?"

"The Elemental is a simple spirit. It holds power over a certain element, in this case wind or air. It has no form, except the small object it leaves behind. Therefore it grabs a body; a vampire after it's been bitten. It's not the host that I'm worried about, but the people that would use the element. The host can't use its power. Someone else has to harness it," I said, fading once again. A rush of cold air chilled my bare arms as the door swung open.

A tall figure walked in, and Heero reached for his gun. I pushed it away. The man wore a black Stetson hiding his face, white shirt and mud-splattered black floor-length trenchcoat, and dirty black pants. But what made me recognize him was his cross. The iron figure was hung on a golden chain, set with a blood-red ruby surrounded by dark amber gems. I stood.

"Hello, Mr. Alexander," I said smoothly. He lifted his hat and slowly made his way toward me. I pushed Heero down into the chair.

"It's been a while hasn't it, Miss?" he asked me, lowering himself into a chair opposite me. Heero sat back up.

"Is he gone?" Alexander pulled a knife and put it to Heero's throat.

"Miss...is this a spy?'

"Cool it. He's with me," I said. He flicked away the knife, nicking Heero's skin. "Heero, meet Frank Alexander. Mr. Alexander: Heero Yuy.

"Hmm...boyfriend? You know you're not supposed to get attached," he told me. We both denied it. He leaned forward on his elbows and lowered his voice.

"I wanted to congratulate you for your work this morning. Did you find it?"

"No. We went through the ashes, but it wasn't in there. Sorry," I said softly.

"Well, people like me thank you for scaring them off today. Did you save the tape? Good girl...Keep working. I swear that you will never hear from me again after this thing is over. Hope you fare well, Master Yuy. Be good, Miss," and with that, he walked off.

"He is...dark. So are you sure you have to kill this Elemental thing?"

"Yes...But why do you care? I'm talking to the perfect soldier here! You're suicidal and cynical...or do you soften up...No way. You are the...Oh my God!" I pulled out a stake and led him outside. In the street, I dropped the sharp piece of wood and drew my sword.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I screamed.

"Because I couldn't"

"Who sired you?"

"Do what?"

"Who bit you?"

"Glory. Don't kill me...I'm trying to protect you!"

"From whom? I really should kill you now...but I'm not. Let's just get out of the country and figure out everything later," I said, putting away the sword. We walked silently down to the airport, three blocks away. We passed Trowa and had to turn back.

We took separate flights home. I wrote Alexander a three-page letter with a shaking hand. I knew that he expected me to kill Heero, but he was one of the guys! I really liked him- and he had been through a lot. There had to be a loophole. My father was a lawyer, and he taught me that there was always an exception. I swore to protect him.

Part XI

My troubles were more than missed homework, vampires, and officer's duties. Treize was declaring silent war on me. He was using my age to get custody. My birthday was January 30, but he was claiming that it was instead October 22. So I was not a legal adult.

February 17

I was forced to move to the Estate. I decided to go along with his little plan. The compound was being remodeled from Marimaia's plans to accommodate both Treize and myself. I had my own apartment on the top floor, like I had requested. The move from UCP was rather smooth; I lost some of my classes but didn't downsize on my training. I wouldn't have it any other way. The football season was over, and I had lost my fun. I went to bed unhappy. I felt too pampered sleeping in silk sheets.

The next day I decided to investigate Treize's personal files. I tiptoed down five flights of stairs to his huge office. It was one of the only rooms that had been undisturbed during the renovation. Two of the walls were completely covered by OZ and Romifelier plaques. I immediately went to the large file cabinet beside his old oak desk.

I remembered the summer I had spent here. I had sat in the big chair behind the desk and pretended to puff on the cigars he kept in the left-side drawer. But I wasn't on pleasure business today. I sat down and began to pick the lock on the metal cabinet. When I found myself unsuccessful, I got up and went to the hutch in one corner.

On the way I tripped over the hem of my pants and fell. I found the key to the files. But when I looked ahead of me, I found two shoes. Two shoes with a body as a bonus. The office's owner had discovered me.

"Good morning, Misty," he said cheerfully. I got up.

"Morning, Mr. Khushrenada," I returned. He walked to his desk and sat down, his hands folded.

" 'Father' is sufficient," he remarked.

"My father died when I was eight years old. You know it, and I want to go home," I replied. I wasn't getting anywhere. He leaned forward.

"Misty, Misty, Misty...you are home! We want you here," he said.

"No, I belong at UCP. I'm not a little girl anymore...I can go out after hours, start smoking, get a credit card- You can't control my actions anymore. My father wanted me to go into law, and I'm not too old to do that. You screwed up my world. I was happy with my life...I was a pilot, an officer, had great friends and the greatest guy until you came here- and that is the truth. Good day," I said to him and left.

I went back to my room just in time to hear my cell ring. I hummed along to the ring until I found it. I clicked it on to hear Zechs's voice.

"Misty?"

"Hey! I haven't heard from you in a while! What's up?"

"Well, I kind of missed your birthday during the marriage rush, but I remembered your present. Look outside," he told me. I pulled aside the curtains, revealing a brand-new black truck. I gasped into the phone.

"Zechs, thank you so much! I really didn't expect anything like this! Now I can finally get away from Treize! Thank you so much," I said, jumping up and down.

"Don't thank me, thank Lu. She picked it out,"

"Lu?"

"Noin- or rather Marquees now," he said. There was a knock at the door.

"Listen...I really have to get going now, but I'll call you. Bye," I said, ending the call. I went to the door, opened it, saw Treize, and closed and locked it. Then I started to pack. I would leave at nightfall.

I waited until eleven to move out. I locked the door and windows to my room. I took only the essentials: a suitcase of clothes, my laptop, cell phone, officer's kit, and a duffel bag of miscellaneous junk. I dropped the soft stuff and used my hookshot. This wasn't simple; I had to pull the cord out and wrap it around the balcony rail, hug my laptop to my chest, and slowly lower myself down. It took me several minutes to reach the ground.

My truck was a good one. It was a three-fifty horsepower diesel model, so I took a chance by turning it on and revving the engine. Sure enough, as soon as it started making noise lights came on. I put it in reverse and went backwards at 65 mph. I pulled out in time to see Treize run out after me.

I knew I had to hide from the law until my 'legal' birthday. I couldn't go back to UCP; it would be a dead giveaway. I could steal Heero's thunder and use an assumed name, but I would have to change my appearance because I would be all over the news. Or- I could turn...to the circus.

Part XII

February 19

I showed up at a performance at an L2 colony. After it was said and done I spoke with Trowa and 'the Ringleader'. I told them I could do anything (which was a lie). Soon I had a routine lined up, right after Trowa's. It was basically a cheerleading routine that was cranked up a few notches. But the costume was an entirely different issue. I argued for fifteen minutes until I had a big-league pro-cheerleader thing.

We were showing at a dormant Marimaia base, so Trowa and I had intercoms. After Trowa walked backstage nursing a cut on his arm with Catherine Bloom apologizing nonstop, I put on my wristguards, chalked my palms, and waited to be announced. My stomach twisted when I heard the booming voice on the speaker system. I stood behind the sheer curtain and took it all in: the huge crowd, the stage, the rings, and the uneven bars being rolled in. I could see myself in the mirrored wall; my costume was glittering in the dim light.

"...And introducing our newest act: Alenkla Weisz!" I heard cheers from backstage. I ran out past the bars, put my arms in a high V and bowed. The music started, and I began. My mind was racing as I performed my first few stunts.

"1- 2- down- over. Up- 3- 4- 5- down- forward..." I thought, my heart pounding. Trowa's joined my silent voice.

"That's it, 1 2 3 down, 4 5 6 over..." The music started to get faster, and I ran to the bars. That was where I got really nervous. I was supposed to go over the high one twice, flip over to the low, and rocket off that into a triple float. But I went over the first an extra rotation. Not that the audience would know that I had messed up, but the staff knew what I was supposed to do. But all was not lost; I ended in a triple back tuck. I knelt and slowly raised my arm to a liberty...and the music stopped. I slowly made my way backstage to meet the grins of all but one, the boss.

"What were you thinking, changing the routine? You have some nerve, Miss Weisz. I have to go now...but..."

"But what, Mr. Boss? They are still cheering, and I am off the stage. I'll bet you two hundred dollars ticket sales skyrocket tomorrow night. You have a job to attend to," I told him smartly. He stormed off, and I sat down with Trowa on an empty crate.

"You were awesome tonight. I guess I'm not the star anymore," he said gloomily.

"Well, I didn't get any scars. You have a little souvenir to show. But that was really hard, and I saw people looking for me, from the faction. Good thing I dyed my hair..."

"I like you as a blonde more. And it looks better curled. I saw a few suits out there myself. Don't get scared yet. This is the last act, so we can go back to the trailers. Yours is probably warmer though, mine has a hole blown through it," he grumbled.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that...my fault entirely. Oh, look, it's over. We better head out there now," I told him, jumping down and running to join the members out on the floor. He introduced us all again and invited everyone to come the next day. After the curtain had drawn for the last time I went out to my trailer. I turned on my stereo and got into bed. I was safe from Treize and with Trowa. It was a win/win situation for me. But my struggle was only beginning...

Part XIII

February 20

I went back to UCP to get my suit and clear out my dorm. The night before I had found the white dress from Greece, so I wore it, regardless of the cold weather. I ran into guards from the Estate and it was a close shave. I packed up Damion's things that I had taken, and all of my clothes. Kevin had been taking care of Duke for me. I took an OZ carrier to accommodate Duke and I and left for the colonies. I put the carrier in autopilot and leaned back in my seat. I had come too close to getting caught.

My dog curled up in the seat opposite me and I leaned over to pet him. I ran my hand over his cropped ears and he gnawed on my hand playfully. I came closer and closer to the colony, identifying myself at five kilometers to the landing strip. My palms were sweating, why I didn't know.

When I landed the plane, Duke ran up to me with his lead in his mouth. I grabbed my bags, locked the carrier, and started walking to the base that the circus was using. I met Trowa around the lion's cage. Duke started growling. He looked up.

"Hey," I said. He ran up and took my bags.

"My suit's about a half-hour from here, at the Allies' base. I just came from UCP. They're looking for me there. I'm getting scared,"

"Don't be. I have hundreds of warrants for my arrest. This circus is probably one of the safest places to be. Tonight use the name Midii Weisz. You and I are the only ones who know about that, okay?"

"Okay," I said. We walked to my trailer and put the dog in it.

"Go ahead and sit down. I need to settle in," I told him. He pulled out a chair and sat down. I unpacked my big suitcase, the stuff from Damion's room, and all the equipment that I had stolen from Treize's office. I hooked up my laptop and signed on. Entering the phone program, I called Heero. He took forever to pick up.

"Hello?" he said gloomily

"Heero! How you doing?" I said bouncily.

"Misty? Where are you?"

"I'm at the circus. I'm running from the law right now, from Treize. Join us?"

"I would if I could. Can I wait until I'm less flammable?" he asked darkly.

"A'ight...well, watch your back. Treize will look to you for my whereabouts," I said. Trowa pointed to a small bar at the bottom of the screen.

"I think he already is," he told me. I saw the icon nearing the end. I grabbed the cable and ripped it from my computer. The machine droned as it died. I exploded.

"Thinks he's smart, does he?" I said.

"What was he talking about, being flammable?"

"Well, vampires have to adhere to certain rules. No sunlight, no crosses, no holy water. They're attracted to bright colors and shiny objects. Basically, they're antisocial. But at night- it gets pretty scary at night. I'm looking at hotspots right now. And I think we're in trouble here."

"What do you mean?" he asked me. I pulled out a map.

"See those dots? Every one is a vampire I've fought or killed. Hotspots are where there are a number of them, like France, for instance. Other than that, we have New England. I don't know what to do for Heero. It's all a mystery...

"Well, we better get your suit back here. It's too dangerous," he said nervously. We locked up my trailer and left with a truck.

Driving through the air-conditioned city, the silence was uncomfortable. I rested my elbow on the door and dropped my head onto my hand. I liked space. It was different from Earth; calmer and quiet, and there wasn't the stress I had elsewhere. I let my hair fly around in the wind. I was suddenly reminded of Quatre for some reason.

"You okay?" Trowa asked. I looked up.

"Yeah...I guess so. I'm worried for Heero's life though. Alexander's after him. I can keep him at bay, but only for so long..."

"I see your situation. Don't worry about him. He can watch out for himself," he said.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about. Alexander is a professional vampire Hunter. He's dedicated to eradicating evil from the face of the Earth. Do you think Heero can deal with that kind of skill?"

"Professional, huh? How does he pay for his wooden stakes and holy water?" he asked, chuckling. I shot him a look and he stopped. There was a definite silence until we reached the base. I unlocked the carrier and rolled out the suit.

"There it is, let's load it up," Trowa yelled from the truck. I ignored him, took the last bag I had packed, jumped into the gundam, and turned it on. I called him from the platform.

"I've got to run some errands. See you later!" I turned the ignition and the metallic eyes flashed an eerie green. I pulled the controls up, and it blasted through the false atmosphere. I waited until I got out of the colony cluster to switch it back to a fighter jet. I had two choices- I could go to the L4 or L1 UCP base. I sent out a mass e-mail to everyone I knew, telling that all of my lines were being tapped and not to contact me. As I exited the program, hovering between L4 and L1, I noticed one e-mail. At the top in a banner the movie of Cat and I played. I could hear the violin distinctive to Quatre's style. It read,

Misty...

I intercepted a cell phone call telling Alexander about your plans. Please, please come to the mansion here. Leah has a son! Everyone is dying to see you...especially myself. Don't bother calling; we have a suite for you ready. I'll talk to you later. Quatre Winner

"Bless you, Quatre..." I whispered. I shot through the calm and docked in the north side of the center colony. The Windspeed, low on fuel, shut down on the back lot of an empty building, two miles from the Winner Estate. I got a cab, and as it pulled up to the enormous white building, Colonel Rashid ran out to meet me.

"Master Quatre is in the back courtyards, and he told me to send you out to him at once. I will take your bag. At once..." he trailed off, paying the cab driver.

I found Quatre right where Rashid told me he was. He was laying barefoot in the grass, propped up by one elbow, book in his other hand. The artificial sunlight played at his hair.

I slipped off my shoes and silently tiptoed over to him. I dropped to my knees, while he appeared totally oblivious to me. In one smooth motion, I slid down, slipped my hand over his shoulder, and kissed him lightly on his cheek. Surprised, he dropped onto my knees, and as I saw his finger fall out of the middle of his very thick book, I grabbed it, sticking a blade of grass between the two pages. I then examined the small book.

"Ooh...Hobbes! You know Quatre, there is a reason Greek and Latin are called dead languages. Nobody who has a real life can speak them. I just got your message. What's up?" I asked, moving his head, resuming a playboy pose, and allowing his head to drop, rather sharply, on my stomach. He threw his hands behind his head, and I reached up to shade my eyes from the bright light.

We resumed our day on the patio off of his apartments. He took the news about Heero- and me, rather well. But Quatre had a way of hiding his emotions, so I felt he was keeping something from me. I was assured by this when I saw how his hand shook as he reached for his iced tea. I tried not to draw attention to it.

"Quatre, listen...I want you to be safe- wherever you are. So I'm handing these over to you," I told him, sliding a cross, two stakes, and a bottle of holy water across the table. He took them, and his eyes widened with fear.

When Quatre said he fixed a suite up for me, he meant it. It took up a full floor of the Estate. I had lived with him on earth for a year and a half, and it taught me a lot. I sat on the foot of the bed, just thinking. My bag was untouched, sitting nearby. I heard the door opened and instinctively took up my gun. Quatre closed the door and put his hands up.

"Going to shoot me, Misty?" he asked

"Oh- sorry. I'm kind of jumpy right now. I'll put my gun on safety," I said, clicking the button to lock the barrel, and dropping it into my bag. He sat down next to me.

"Listen Misty, I don't really know what to do. I'm scared for you, I really am. I want to help you, but I don't think I can..."

"Cat, shut up. As long as I'm alive, you're protected to a certain degree. Alexander told me something a long time ago...that every One has a circle- a loyal, a lover, and a rogue. You are my loyal. So no one can touch you. Cat, you've been my best friend for years. I owe you a lot. I've got to make some calls, on a foolproof line. Can you do that?"

"Sure thing."

I set down the phone for the last time. I had new phone service and five hundred dollars from Treize's account. I was back where I started eight years ago. I was with the group I had established as family, yet I was completely alone.

"I need to talk to Quatre," I thought. Looking out of the large bay window, I realized how I missed Earth. Realization struck me, and I ran down the hall to where Quatre was.

"Cat, do you want to go to Arabia?"

February 22

Once again I boarded a ship, bound for Earth. Quatre and Rashid shared a row of seats with me, and the rest of the Maganac corp. behind us. I fell asleep, probably of sheer exhaustion, on Quatre's shoulder, and he gently pushed my head away. I then fell into the aisle, jolting me back awake. Ten minutes later we landed.

Earth was as beautiful as ever. The sand rippled beneath us as we touched down. Eight white SUVs pulled up to the boarding deck as we unloaded the baggage. Piling into the back seat of one of the minivans, Quatre and I were dwarfed by the tall Arabs. He looked to me.

"Listen, when we get to the Estate, try to blend in," he told me.

"Blend in? Quatre, I'm a foot taller than any of the women and two feet shorter than our troops here! Don't get me wrong, I love this country and its people...but I'm just not going to disappear in this crowd," I whispered. He shrugged, and in lack of anything else to do, I checked my cell phone's messages. I noticed one that I hadn't before- from UCP.

"Quatre, you bring in all the weird chicks!"

February 29

I was truly safe with Quatre in his homeland. A week passed, just the two of us catching up on each other. We had cried and laughed, opened up and stopped talking. But in the end we were closer than ever.

Then the troops arrived. Quatre and I were in town to do some shopping. I was standing with my back to the open road as I felt the rush of cold air. I turned to see several Hummers with the Marimaia emblem on the side. I ran over to Quatre and grabbed his arm, pulling him into an empty store.

"Okay, Cat...Arab-ify me!"

"What?"

"Yeah, I need to try to blend in...remember?"

Ten minutes later I walked out wearing a veil and robe. We saw the soldiers asking about me. They put up posters and I told Quatre that we should leave. I was really scared by then. In the car we heard the news I had been dreading in the back of my mind. Treize was getting closer.

Part XIV

March 1

The rain pounded down. Suddenly someone jumped into the alley in front of me. I grasped the stake in my pocket with white knuckles. He had apparently jumped from the overhanging roof. Recovering from the shock of the impact, he rose and I saw his face, distorted by the rain and darkness.

'Who are you ?" I asked.

'I could ask you the same"

'Buffy. Who wants to know ?'

'Just call me Angel..."he said.

'Are you working for Alexander too ?'

'Damn right. Are you- you're Miss Antagonu ! The guy won't stop talking about you ! You're like the poster child of everything on the side of good...guess you're not as big of a bitch as I thought...though you had a blonde moment back there. Anyone could have seen you in that bright orange shirt...'

"Well, I love you right away ! What a charmer. Are you working for Alexander ? I thought I was the only one...'

"Kind of. I'm a vampire hunter. Frank Alexander's helping me- training and the like. You know, it doesn't help that you're a gundam pilot or Treize Khushrenada's daughter- there were a lot of people after you before...and now that he has a reward for your return."

'What ? What kind of reward ?'

'$250,000, give or take a few in the currency change.'

'Oh my God...'

'So, you're looking for the Elemental. You know, that thing has been hiding from me for about seven years.'

'Well thankfully I've only been looking for it for two months. I don't have a clue,' I lied. I turned to go and he followed.

'You are he One...and you are completely don't care !'

'Basically, I work for Alexander because I want to. I don't even know what this 'one' crap is about.'

'How long has it been since he showed up ?' he asked smiling.

'Umm...the first time was January twenty-second. Why ?'

'Oh, you'll find out in about a month...and I'll be there.' With that comment he left, ducking into the shadows.

I showed up soaking wet at the Estate. Not seeing Quatre on the way to my suite, I walked wordlessly into my room. Putting on some water to boil, I checked my messages and got into the shower. The sound of the running water was drowned by my thoughts.

'This Angel guy- is he for real? If so, why didn't Alexander tell me about him? Why hasn't Heero called ? And this thing he was talking about- sounds really sucky...'

As I toweled off my hair someone knocked on the door. I switched the dryer off.

'Come in,' I said as I took the kettle off of the burner. Quatre walked in.

'Hey.'

'Yo ! Coffee, tea ?'

'No thanks. Listen, I'm afraid you've been discovered.' I stood there, my hand that held the coffee cup shaking.

'Not by Treize. Trowa caught up with you.'

'Trowa ! Where is he ?'

'Downstairs. Waiting for you.'

'Excuse me- I have to change...' I said, running into the bathroom. I ran out two minutes later in my UCP uniform. Stopping in front of the mirror to put on some lip gloss, I scrunched my hair and started off running at breakneck speed.

I saw Trowa sitting in a chair in the lobby with a cup of coffee. I silently walked up behind him and in one fluid motion sat on the arm of the chair and tipped backwards. He saw it and held the cup above his head to stop it from spilling.

'Hey Misty !'

'I love you.'

Part XV

March 3

The three of us stayed in the shelter of the Winner Estate for two days before Duo showed up. We were in fact leaving when he pulled up in our driveway. I ran out to meet him.

"Hey, Ms. Pom-poms!" he yelled. I ran up to his Jeep.

"Hey Duo. I was kind of expecting you to show up..."

"So, how is Slayerdom treating you?"

"Very funny. Come on...Cat's inside," I said, waving him over to the Estate.

We all sat down to beers and started discussing Treize.

"God, how did you live with him? I mean it's like living with a disease..." Duo commented, shuddering.

"I really don't know. I really only stayed with him for about a year, combined at least. God, now he's a real pain in the ass though. He thought I was all the sudden required to call him 'Father'. What a jackass..." I said, kicking up my feet and leaning back into Trowa's arm.

"Nah, really?"

"So, what has the Dark Knight been up to lately, Duo?"

"Selling parts. Business is really good right now. Have any of you seen Wufei around lately?" he asked. We looked at each other, but all shrugged or nodded 'no'.

"No...the last time I saw him was in China...but he is after Trieze, so I suspect he'll surface soon," I replied.

"I don't really care about Treize. I just want to be able to fight again. It's going to be a long six months..." I said.

"On a lighter note, I have an announcement to make when everyone gets here. Heero will be here sometime tonight. Wufei probably won't show up, but I doubt he'll care," Duo said, reaching for another beer.

"All right- let's make bets right now on what it is..." I said, giggling. Suddenly my cell rang. I walked away to answer it.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Revenge is sweet...meet me at the old Cinq Kingdom Palace tomorrow." A strange voice said. I listened to the dial tone for several moments before I hung up.

We all went our separate ways, and Trowa and I wound up in the gardens out back. I slipped my hand in his and we walked on the tiled ground. I filled him in on everything- including the Hunter called Angel. I told him about the offhand remark he had made about seeing me in a month and that I should train harder.

"Don't worry about it. But talk to Alexander. He will listen..." he assured me. I nodded and we flopped down onto the hammock. I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes.

How many times had I done this with Damion? I then realized how much I missed Damion. For six years I had been at his side, and we had been dating for three years. But I had Trowa now. That's all that mattered. I looked up at the sky. The sunset was as beautiful as the ones in Greece. I actually reached for a stake that wasn't there. As not to scare Trowa, I looked into his green eyes and smiled.

Trowa sat up, effectivly pulling me up at the same time. I saw Heero and waved, running up to the back patio and whistled over to Duo and Quatre.

"Just the five of us...with no Feds around! Times like these are very rare now..." Quatre said. We all nodded in agreement. Suddenly I perked up.

"Everybody get out your money...it's gambling time!" I said. Duo took a while to get the comment.

"Right...well, I'm proposing to Hilde tomorrow. There- I said it," Duo grumbled. It seemed I took a while to interpret it, but when I did, I was ecstatic. I seemed the only one; everyone else was speechless. I got up screaming and threw my arms around Duo.

"Okay... I might need my vocal cords for later life...get off of me."

As Duo informed us of Treize's advances on my discovery, my eyes wandered to Heero. He stood silently, leaning against a marble pillar. I saw the bite marks, which were reddened from being rubbed, as if to try to erase them. Looking up, he clapped a hand to his neck to hide the wound. Quatre obviously saw it and saved the moment.

"Should we head inside? I think Duo's out of beer." "Ha, ha, ha...very funny," Duo mumbled. Quatre led the group inside, followed by Duo and Trowa, but I stuck around until Heero made a move.

"So, my undead friend, how are you?" I asked.

"Lost...as usual. Is your boss on my case again?"

"No, he's slacking off. He thinks I haven't found you yet."

"I ran into Harris yesterday. He says Treize hasn't left UCP yet."

"Trying to scare me, Heero? In case you haven't noticed, I'm not a cream puff. I'm supposed to be killing you, remember," I remarked, walking through the French doors of the lower lobby.

We got on the elevator to go upstairs when it happened. The 'door man' transformed. I turned around in the 6x8 structure to see him bare his fangs. Without thinking, I grabbed the hair stick holding up my hair and grasped it Buffy- style. He pushed Quatre and Trowa aside to get to me and pushed me against the iron door. I grabbed his forearms and threw my legs up and shoved him up to the opposite door. Then he grabbed my neck, choking me. I took a blind shot with the wooden stick. It was lucky. I dropped to the ground, covered in ashes.

"I'm guessing that that was a vampire..." Duo yelled. I got my breath back, coughing up ash and dry air. Trowa helped me up as I shook with shock. I glared at Heero, who was stone-faced, but I saw something in his eyes. Fear, joy, tenseness, or pity was unrecognizable in his deep blue eyes. His eyes were strange- many vampires lost the light in their eyes. I knew then that he was different then.

After the door slid open, I heard Quatre mutter,

"I'm never using that again." I chuckled. We walked into the lobby and sat down- Trowa and me on the couch, Quatre in a chair opposite us, Duo in the papasan chair beside the couch, and Heero on the chair-and-a half, adjacent to Quatre.

Gazing into the corner, I saw Quatre's instruments- even as a six-year-old he had a passion for music. My old violin and clarinet that my father had left me hung in a lower section collecting dust. I saw that another piano had been added, as it had been every January and taken out in December.

"Cat, do you remember the Christmas tree? The one my father brought?"

"Sure do. I really think that one was forty feet."

"Well, everything is exaggerated when your four feet tall..." I said. Suddenly I thought of something.

"Quatre, how safe do you think I am here?" I asked.

"I really don't know."

Later that night I was up in my room getting settled in. I set up my laptop, put my cell in its holder, and plugged in my stereo. Duke, who had come with Trowa, was curled up on the head of my bed. He whined as I turned up my stereo, but fell back asleep. I went to the closet and grabbed a fluffy white towel, then set it down by the window. As I whistled him over, he slowly pranced onto the towel and lay down.

I checked the clock. It read 10:23. Hoping to start out on an early day, I fell into the sheets and went to sleep.

March 4

Something brushed my right temple. I turned onto my stomach and hugged the pillow, reaching for the knife I had put under it earlier. Daring to look at the alarm clock, I saw the time was 2: 45. Someone- or something- was in my room. Trying to adjust to the dark, I saw the bandage on his hand. It was Heero. He obviously saw the cross sticking out from the pillow, and reached out. Immediately he pulled away, the wood burning his skin.

Instead of figuring out what he was doing, I closed my eyes. I felt him brush the hair out of my eyes. I took the opportunity.

My wrist shot up and grabbed his, looking up into his face.

"What are you doing? I asked, and he came back with an expressionless answer.

"Who called you today?"

"I don't know. I'm taking a road trip tomorrow to meet whoever it was. Go away." And with that he left.

March 5

The next morning I came down early and took the elevator to the Garage, looking for evil, undead bellmen. Stepping out of the iron cage I looked over to my suit. Running up to the gundam, I pressed the button on my key chain, which lowered the loading dock. I pulled myself up and jumped into the cockpit. I slowly closed the loading dock, which functioned as the other Gundams' 'door'.

The suit shook as resistance weighed down the dock. Grabbing a gun, I stood up, bumping my head on the ceiling, and stopped the dock from closing. Heero stood in front of me. I put down my gun.

"You have the Zero System in the Windspeed," "Yes, I do. But you already know that. So what do you want?"

"You...can't handle it. You're not strong enough."

"Yes I am. I helped build the System- and Damion and I was some of the first people to test it. And I don't think you qualify for briefing me on my abilities. Good day," I said. I sat back into the cockpit and booted up the Gundam. He yelled to me.

"Don't go! You can't risk it." I ignored him and closed the dock. It was darker than I remembered, but the computer was bright. The small cockpit lit up with an emerald glow, and I took off. I pulled up a map on the secondary computer and set out towards the old Cinq Kingdom's palace.

I touched down at the old Palace, surveying the scene. The palace, only barely standing, was a sad sight. Because of the series of raids on the small country, other than a few rooms, several walls and steps, the Royal's house was reduced to rubble. I stepped out of the gundam and pulled my gun. As usual, I packed three guns, but I was still tense. The wind howled around me.

Wind had taken me here, just once. But I was just a fourth year.