Chapter 2; Back To Reality

ìHey Jacob!î Duo yelled to his friend, who was, at the moment, trying to figure out how he was misled into thinking Relena was not only slow but also non-athleticÖíCause he was completely wrong. Every time he thought he would get her she would do something to get out of it! ìThink fast!î He turned to look at his friend only to see black hair and a flash of color. As the feel of another body slammed into him he knew exactly what had happened. Duo had gotten a hold of Hilde and decided to ëpassí her to him. ëYa know, normally I wouldnít mind having a girl, especially this one, thrown at me, but not right now!í

ìMaxwell!î he hollered to the braided man. He then heard a giggle erupt from his arms and he became confused. He looked down to see Hilde in his arms laughing. ìWhatís so funny?î

ìYou soundÖlike WuÖ Wufei!î Hilde got out in a mess of giggles.

ìWho?î he lifted an eyebrow.

ìNever mind, lets just get him!î She pointed towards Duo and turned to get ready for the attack when he nodded. The both stopped short to watch the scene unfold.

Duo was still laughing at Jacob and Hilde, and Relena decided to take advantage of this situation. She crept up behind Duo. She waited just a few seconds and jumped. ìAhhh, what theÖ!î the rest was drowned out as both went under water with Relena on top. Hilde and Jacob both practically collapsed on one another from laughing so hard. What they didnít know was that when Relena jumped on Duo, he had turned a bit. When they had landed under water and hit the sand they were facing each other. She was straddling him, and when they did hit, her hips moved. Causing a certain reaction from DuoÖ one that she noticed for the first time today. Her eyes widened under the water and she let out a small gasp. Duo smirked as the ideaís cameÖ but he stuck with just one. He caught her off guard turning the tables, and their positions. After that all you could see was water splashing everywhere, and limbs popping into view every now and then.

At one point the two had made their round about behind Hilde and Jacob. They came up for air to see the other two laughing like a couple of idiots, using each other as something to lean on. Relena got a certain glint in her eye and Duo got his smirk. They both went under water and swam up to Hilde and Jacob. They grabbed their ankles and the laughing idiots became shocked idiots. When all came above water again everyone just started to laugh or chuckle. ëToday is definitely one of the best days of my life.í Relena thought wistfully as she watched everyone around her, even the ones she didnít know.

ìHey guys, Iím gonna go up to our towels and dry off a little. I want to walk around in a little while.î

ìHey Lena, Iíll come with you!î Hilde said as she ran, as best she could [sheís in water still], to Relena who was by the shoreline. Relena nodded and smiled.Ý

ìUmÖ Weíll stay in here for a whileÖ maybe weíll meet some girls.î Jacob turned to Duo and nodded in his agreement.

ìWhat time should we meet to check in with one another?î Sure Relena knew the chances of getting assassinated were less here, but they werenít gone.

ìHow about inÖî Duo stopped to think, ìÖin three hours at the car?î Every one nodded and the girls left.

Hilde picked up her towel and ran it across her body as Relena lay down on hers. ìSo Lena, do you think weíll see those guys again?î

ìIím not sure. If they are staying here then probablyÖ if they arenít then I donít know. But I wouldnít worry about it Hilde, there are a lot of other guys hereî Relena just smirked with her commentÖ there were a lot of guys. The minute she was dried off enough she was gonna start their ëhuntí.

ìI guess your right. Want some chips?î Hilde passed the bag over to Relena.

ìSo where do you wanna go first? Youíve never been here before so you pick.î

ìHow ëbout that store we saw earlier with the purple sign?î Hilde stopped for a sec to think of the name, ìIt began with a ëDíÖDraÖDriÖOh I got it! Dredz.î

ìGood choice, weíll go there first.î

About fifteen minutes later the girls put their shorts back on and headed up to the boardwalk. A few guys they walked by winked at them and others said ëhelloí. By the time the two got to the store they had huge smiles plastered on their faces.

The minute they entered the store the smell of incense hit them. Hilde took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Relena followed suit with a warm smile taking place on her lips. Hilde gasped at the sight of the store. Candles were lit along with the incense; there were clothes that lined the walls; some with dragons on them, others with felt designs or mythological animals. On one part of a wall there were mirrors. All had different frames. Some had moons, or stars, or the sun. Others had dragons, lights, fire, or water.

In the middle of the store was an island type thing. On one side there various types of jewelry. They ranged from necklaces to earrings to tongue rings. All the jewelry was made out of varied things; beads, shells, hemp, gold, silver, metal, glass, and some were even feathers.

On the other side of the island were oils, candles, incense, books, [hair] dye, and holders. They had many varieties of candles; Drip, scented, colored, intent smoke, and relaxing kinds. Oils and incense also varied. The books were pretty much about anything and everything; the beach, witch craft, mythological creatures, cooking, arts, design, computers, musicÖeverything.

Relena took a step forward and Hilde followed. She motioned for Hilde to pick a direction to go in. She looked at the clothes then the mirrors and went towards the mirrors. They were all different but so very beautiful. Relena nodded when she noticed the look on Hildeís face; every thing was indeed beautiful. She was glad Hilde picked this place; she knew she would like it.

After looking at all the mirrors, and picking out which oneís she would buy at the end of the day, Hilde turned and scanned over all the candles, oils etc. She went through the same process of looking over the items on this side as well, picking out incenses and candles of various types, and then scanning the holders for an appropriate matching quality, service, and size. Next stop would be Jewelry.

They turned the corner of the island viewing the items on the side that they could not see from the front of the store. There were weapons of sorts, except for guns, but of knives, throwing stars, daggers, and swords and on the very bottom shelf in the back were lighters. On top of the case was a note that read: ìThe Sank Kingdom is a pacifist country. The weapons will only be sold to collectors with a permit. Thank You.î

Relena looked up and smiled. She searched behind the counter, in the middle of the island and spotted who she was looking for. ìHey Derek! Thanks!î

A man about the same age as Relena and Hilde looked up and smiled at whom he saw. As he tilted his head and walked over his brown/blonde hair moved away from his eyes, revealing a pair of grayish-violet eyes. He had dimples when he smiled and as he came towards them Hilde noted that he was wearing blades ëWow this store must be awesome to work for. From the looks of it, it seems as though you can wear whatever you want in here. Heís wearing clothes that most places would never let someone wear at work, except Hot Topic[i].í Indeed, the man named Derek was wearing a pair of baggy black pants and a long black shirt with silver spikes sewn on [as a design, not actual spikes]. Next was his one silver loop earring and ball chain necklace. The last things seen were his blades.

ìWhat are you thanking me about Relena?î He smiled again as she looked down. He already knew, but hey, why not have her say it?

ìThe sign. You put up a sign about the weapons! Thank you.î She went over to him and gave him a hug. Derek wrapped his arms around the girl and replied while letting go.

ìYeah, well you worked hard to get the Kingdoms policies and ideals back. Really hard. The sign is just a sort of recognition.î Derek smiled again to Relena. While Hilde watched the exchange she ran over the facts in her mind as it went along. ëSo 1:She knows a really hot guy and they are friends, 2: He knows about her job and doings, 3: They were smiling an awful lot.í She thought again, ëWait one secÖAre they datingÖ nawÖmaybe they haveÖhmm looks like Iím gonna have to drill Relena for information later.íÝÝ

Relena stepped back and motioned to Hilde, ìDerek, this is Hilde, Hilde this is Derekî The two shook hands. ìDerek is a friend of mine that I met a few years before the war startedÖwhen my father took me for a little vacation. I met Derek in the stores, also helped him get his job when he was old enough.î She turned towards Derek and said, ìI met Hilde during the war when I was on Libra. Later on after the war, er, warsÖwe became good friends.î

ìI see, so youíre a war Vet then?î

ìI guess you could call me thatî Hilde smiled and shrugged. She never really thought about it that way.

Derek nodded and motioned for them to sit down next him behind the counter. Hilde sat on a stool next to where Relena was sitting on the counter, who was next to DerekÖWho had to stand because of his blades. They were at the corner so Relena was right in the middle. They were kind of all in a triangle formation, which made it easier for them all to see each other.

ìSo Relena, I take it you didnít know Insurrection was here last week?î Derek asked. Relenaís eyes widened telling him the answer.

ìNo! He never told me, I didnít know. How was the concert?î

Before Derek could answer, Hilde jumped in on the conversation. ìWait, Insurrection? You mean Justinís band?î

Derek nodded. Looking at Relena with a confused look he asked, ìShe knows Justin?î

ìYeah, her and another friend of ours, whoís around here somewhere, met him and the band when they went to a concert with me.î Relena explained. Hilde nodded in confirmation and Relena asked again, ìSo how was the concert?î

ìPretty good. Brandon wasnít as good as usual though, heís getting sick.î

ìUm, which Brandon, there are two in the band?î Hilde and Relena had managed to get that out at the same time, causing Derek to smirk after the confusion from being hit by two voices at once left him.

ìBrandon K.î

ìI see, I hope heís alrightî Hildeís browed creased with concern and Relena nodded.

They talked about other thing for about ten minutes, but when more customers came in the girls went back to their search of the store, though, they werenít really looking for anything.

When they came to the jewelry they started pointing to all the different things they wanted to get. There were so many different things. Relena fingered her locket. She knew the boys had gotten it here. Trowa knew the owner and Quatre helped with the design. After all three had seen the design and approved it, it was paid for and made. Hilde pointed out a dragon necklace, and Relena pointed to a dagger. Next Hilde pointed out a scull cross, and Relena pointed to a series of spikes.

After many rounds of the necklaces and looking at the earrings they started the process over with the bracelets. As Relena was admiring a black stoned bracelet with little mini spikes on it she felt Hilde nudge her side. She looked over in the direction she was told to and saw the two guys that they saw from earlier. She looked at the taller one and got eye contact. He winked at her and she blushed. Hilde turned her away and started pointing things out again.

As Hilde pointed to something she leaned over and whispered, ìYou think theyíll come over?î

Relena nodded with a smile and said, ìI like the taller one, with the brown hair. I havenít seen his eyes, but I bet theyíre nice.î

Hilde giggled and responded, ìYeah, I like the shorter one with dark hair. Itís not quite black, you can tell in the sunlight.î Relena nodded. ìI bet he has nice eyes tooî

Relena giggled this time. They waited a bit longer and walked to the end of the counter, to the front of the store. They were looking at the end of the rack of rings when Hilde felt some one beside her. Just as she turned Relena heard a whisper and warm breath on her right ear.

ìHello ladiesî

Back in the water, Duo and Jacob were splashing around when they heard a squeal from beside them. When they looked over they saw two girls laughing, completely soaked. Duo scratched the back of his head and grinned.

ìHeheh, sorry about that. Didnít see you there.î Right then Jacob added in his apology for getting the girls wet.

ìYeah, sorryî

At that very moment the two girls noticed just how cute these two guys were up close, rather than ëokayí from where they were when they saw the two horsing around. The girls exchanged a look and introduced themselves.

Ý ìItís okay, it was bound to happen. Iím Ashley.î The girl with light brown hair gestured to herself. Next to her a girl with extremely blonde hair stepped forward. Her hair was too blonde, it had to be colored; and it was, the guys could see the strawberry colored hair at the roots of her hair.

ìHello, Iím Beckyî Becky extended her hand out and Jacob took it. He nodded and introduced himselfÖ or was going toÖ

ìHey, nice to meet you Ashley and Becky. Iím Duo, and this is Jacobî Ashley shook Duoís hand and nodded to Jacob. After that the two new ëcouplesí walked around in the water talking about various things. About ten minutes later they got out. Duo and Jacob dried off with their towels, but noticed the girls soaking wet and handed them their towels to dry off.Ý Once everyone was dry they headed up to the boardwalk.

ìSo, you guys from around here, or just a vacation?î Becky tilted her head up and looked at Jacob. ëHer eyes seem so filled with lust its creepy.í He wanted her to look away. It really did irk him. He didnít know why, but the thought off sleeping with her was not pleasing. Just then he thought of some one elseís eyes. A midnight color, as dark as her hair. They were beautiful. He murmured ìHildeî and Becky nudged him. She looked mad. ìWhat did you say, you still havenít answered my question?î ëDoes she know Hilde?í he pondered before he answered her. He also noted that Duo was looking at him oddly, like he was trying not to smile. He shrugged it off and answered the blonde next to him.

ìNot really. He lives in the Kingdom, and I live on the out skirts, kind of on the border.î Becky nodded and they kept walking.

ìDo you girls want to go in any of the stores?î Duo asked as he looked at Ashley. She nodded and they went into the one next to them. The name was faded, but it was clearly a music store. They went in and looked around, Duo commented on how a couple things ëwould be a good gift for Lenaí, earning confused looks from every one, especially Jacob. ëI thought they were just friends?í They went into other stores and looked around and then left, repeating the process with each one. They were headed towards Dredz and would be there in about 15 minutes. All the while talking to the girls they learned more about themÖand with every thing Jacob learned he got less and less interested. He doubted he would want her even if he were drunk. Duo also noticed this from his friend, the only difference was that he knew why he was loosing interest, and his buddy there; well he didnít. ëThe lug-nut fell for her and he doesnít even know it yetí Duo chuckled and continued looking at the things in the store.

Meanwhile

ìHello Ladiesî Relena turned around to see who had gotten so close behind her. She found the man from earlier. The one she wanted too; the tall one with brown hair. She looked up into his eyes and---

ìEEEK!!!î Relena turned away at the sound of Hilde squeak. Hilde was breathing heavy while she smiled at a man in front of her. He looked like the one standing next to her [standing next to Relena] except his hair was much darker, and he was shorter too. ëShe was right his hair isnít black; itís brown, darker than Heeroís. DAMN it! I thought I abandoned him today, Argh!í She giggled a bit at Hilde and asked if she was all right.

ìYeah, this guy here scared the crap out of me!î she exclaimed. Normally she would have swore but she didnít know how he would react if she had said ëshití instead of ëcrapí.

ìíThis guyí has a name you know.î The dark haired man laughed at Hildeís antics.

ìWell are you gonna tell us your name or what?î Relena chimed in. The man next to Relena chuckled a bit and answered.

ìHis name is Sid, and Iím Chase.î Chase extended his hand to Relena and she took it. The minute they touched he kissed her hand. Relena blushed slightly. She was used to the gesture, but only in formal places.

ìThat is Hilde, and Iím Relena, pleased to meet you two.î Relena smiled to Chase. ëHe is definitely a good oneí Relena grinned at her thoughts. She looked Chase over. He had brown hair that was slicked back from being wet, a good frame, nicely built, sharp jaw-line, tall, dull green eyes, and a nice smile. She did have to admit, he wasnít as cute as some of the others ëÖlike Derekí but he wasnít bad, she looked him over again, ënot bad at allí As Relena came out of her thoughts Hilde looked at the watch she had that was hanging off her shorts.

ìHey Lena, we have another two hours. Why donít we hang out with these guys till then.î Relena nodded and looked at Sid and Chase with eyes brows raised in emphasis to the question. Both nodded and gave a ëSureí and the four looked around a bit longer.

ìSo ready to switch stores, or walk around now?î Chase looked at Relena and she nodded then looked at Hilde who also nodded. The two pairs of people headed to the left. [Duo and the others are headed toward them from the right] As they left the store Sid noticed that a lot of the guys were looking at them, especially Relena and Hilde, his Hilde. He moved closer to her side and put an arm around her. As she looked up and into his eyes she got a bad feeling. He looked really possessive at the moment. She squirmed a bit out of his grasp, and took his hand instead. He looked down to Hilde and she could tell he was a little hurt. She got that bad feeling again, but she brushed it off as feeling bad for Sid. She must have gotten him ensnared already, ëWow, now wasnít that quickÖ?í

As Relena and Chase watched from behind Chase held out his hand and asked, ìMay I?î Relena smiled and took his hand.

ìYou mayî Chase smiled to her in return and the group walked onward.

About three stores past Dredz the group came to a bench with an alley a few feet down and before it. ìYou want-a sit down here for a little?î Chase looked at the girls and Sid did to.

ìSure lets sit here for a bit. We still have about and hour andÖî Hilde looked down to her watch and read, ìthirty minutes.î Chase, Sid, Relena, and Hilde sat down on the bench and talked for a bit.

About four stores away, [1 store before Dredz] Duo and Jacob were with the two girls from the water. Duo could have sworn he heard some one laugh, and that some one sounded like Lena. He looked around the small store but found no sign of her. He shrugged it off and kept on looking at the little trinkets that the brown-haired girl pointed out. To say the least, Duo Maxwell was bored.Ý They had kept on talking to theses two girls, and continued to loose their interest as well, yet they didnít bother showing it. Everything the two girls talked about seemed soÖ ëTrivialí he thought in his mind, ëNo, well nothing is to small to talk about, who knows when life will end for me, or anyone else. Nothing is unimportant, or trivial. Nope, these chicks are just plain boring.í The girls continued their endless chatter, and with a sigh he continued to nod to whatever they were saying. The guys continued to look about, only partially listening.

ìDuo! Duo..î Ashley was getting frustrated with Duo now. He wasnít paying all that much attention to her. The only thing that made her happy was the fact that when he did, he agreed with her. A simple shake of the head had led her on to another topic that he would agree on as if it required no thought at all, as if he knew that she was right, which she obviously was, as usual.[1] Ashley chucked to herself as she settled into her mind the content thought of her and Duo, and the fact that he knew right off that she was someone that knew what was going on, and was usually right about stuff, unlike that Foreign Minister. She ëhmphíed at the thought of the blonde politician. ëRelena Darlian Peacecraft. Whooped de do. Who cares about her ideas, they will never work out anyway, especially when she isnít around. If I ever met that stupid girl IídÖí Ashley was cut short of her pleasing thoughts as Duo pulled on her arm a bit to signal the fact that they were walking. She nodded her thanks and smiled a big smile with a fang tooth missing, and chapped lips widening.

Duo cringed inwardly at how much Ashley was disgusting him. He wasnít a picky man, but this just wasnít in his league. First she was self-absorbed, second she was dull, and third her persona was worse than having a mission away from your friends on your birthday.

Unknown to Duo, Jacob was thinking pretty much all the same things. He did not like Becky at all, as a matter of fact, he hadnít really liked her from the moment he had handed her his towel and she didnít even bother to give a simple ëThanks.í He wasnít choosy, but he did like a decent lady, not one who was just looking for someone to have a little ëfuní with then skip to the next person in line. He wasnít looking for a commitment, at least not at a place like this, but at least an interesting person he would contemplate keeping in touch with, or at least be able to enjoy talking to. Neither of those were working here. Sighing to himself they headed to the last part of the store to watch these two girls make a big deal out of how pretty the pens were and, well, oh my god, they worked too. ëGeesh, not only are they shiny and pretty, but they work too! They are brand-new and they work!í Jacob smiled as he laughed out loud to himself with his little inside joke.

Soon they left the jewelry store that they were in, and entered the next. ìDredzî, Duo read off the name.

Relena laughed at another one of the brothersí tales. These two were quite interesting. She heard Hilde giggle and she smirked. Hildeís eyes were twinkling. She was most definitely happy, and so was she. They both had two nice looking guys and they were laughing with them, and concentrating on only having fun, not paper work.Ý She smiled again and felt Chaseís arm encircle her shoulders. Just then she felt a cold shock go threw her. It wasnít pleasant like it would have been. She hadnít felt that feeling since she landed on that colony to make peace talks and negotiations, that is, before they drugged her tea. That feeling was coming to her again. She was shocked, and bewildered. It has been quite sometime since she had felt that way. As the thoughts sunk in she immediately brushed them away. This was her get away and she refused to believe that it was going to be ruined by ësome feelingí. She would keep her guard up, but she was definitely going to have her funÖ She deserved it. She turned in a bit and put her own arm around him. She saw his face brighten slightly and she smiled at him.

ìSo, how long are you guys going to be around here?î Hilde inquired

ìWell, that depends on whether or not there is anything that will keep our interestî Sid liked to flirt, and he loved the feeling of being wanted. Giving off hints that he may decide not to stick around always seemed to invoke such comments.

ìOh, okay.î He would have been lying if he said the response he got did not disappoint him.

ìSo,î Relena chipped in, ìwhere are you guys from?î ëGuess we should learn a little bit about these guys before we travel any farther away. Wouldnít want them to end up being some ex-OZ or White-fang members seeking revenge on us or something like that.í

How ironic that thought would seem later on.

As Duo sized up the store he noticed one thing right off the bat: they had Insurrection shirts. He headed straight for that area. As he picked up the first shirt Ashley inspected it.

ìWhoís In-ser-sion?î the young one asked as she squinted her eyes to read the shirt.

With that question Duoís interest was gone. Totally and completely goneÖ as was his mouth wide open. ìItís Insurrection, and they are one of the widest known metal/rock bands as of today. How can you not know of them?!î Ashley just stood there, looking quite like an idiot, for her mouth kept opening and shutting, trying to form some sort of answer.

ìUh, um, uh, how should I know, I donít even like rock or any of that.î Before an answer could reach her a man bladed up to them, eyes on the shirt, and a smile on his face. His eyes looked up to Duo, then to Ashley, and back to Duo.

ìSo you like Insurrection?î

ìYeah, theyíre really goodî Duo looked at the man beside Ashley. ìI know the band as wellî

ìReally?î Derek answered, interest heightened, ìSo do I, they were here last weekend, did you come and see them?î

Douís eyes widened. As if in thought he said, ìWow, I wonder why he didnít tell usÖ?î

ìYou know them well, or just one of them?î

Dou looked up to the man on bladed, I know the whole band, but me and two of my friends, who should be around here somewhere, have known Justin the longest.î Duo put down the shirt and searched through the rest of the rack as they talked.

ìSo you work here?î As he finished his sentence the two made their way towards the back of the store where the posters were. In doing so they left Ashley just standing there. ëHow rude! Awe man, and Derek was hotÖI wonder if they would go for a three-Öí (wonít finish thought)

ìYeah, a friend helped me get the job a few years ago. She just left about ten minutes ago. I bet you wouldíve liked her.î

Dou huffed at that. ìI bet sheís better than who Iím with nowî Duo turned his stare to Ashley for a moment then back to Derek. ìShe probably, at the very least, knows who Insurrection is, like them, or notî He stopped for a second as a question came to him. Duo turned and eyed Derek, grinning, ìSo why arenít you with her?î

ìWeíre old friends, from before the wars. I duní knowÖ just doesnít seem right at the moment, maybe in the future, or maybe I could introduce you one dayÖ?î

ìSounds good to me,î Just then Duo caught sight of the weapon display, ìHey, what theÖ?î he trailed off as he and Derek walked to them to take a closer look. As Duo approached them he noted the many different types of swords, knives, and daggers. He loved these types of weapons, but this was a pacifist country the last time he checked. Just then he noticed the sign. His thoughts became thoughtful for the moment, as he murmured, ìI wonder if sheís been in here yet, sheíd appreciate thatî He hadnít thought heíd spoken out loud, though, until Derek asked: ìWho?î

Snapping out of his thoughts he answered, ìHuh? Oh, Iím here with two other people besides my friend over there, he pointed over to Jacob who was looking at some of the jewelry. ëI bet itís gonna be for HildeÖí ìTheyíre walking around somewhere, looking for guys no doubtî

ìTheyíre girls?î Derek inquired.

ìYeah and my friend, there, has it bad for one of them, he just hasnít realized it yetî

ìI see, would that be the one you were just talking about?î

ìNaw, the one he likes is Hilde. The one Iím talking about is ëLena. I guess you could say sheís not a fan of war, although, I donít think she minds weapons ëwith an edgeí so to speak, hell, if I remember correctly thereís a room in that house, somewhere, with a whole collection of them.î

ìWait, wait, wait, you mean Relena Darlian?î Derek stated more than asked. ìOh! I shouldíve noticed before! You must be Duo.

ìErÖ Yeah. What is your name by the way, and how do you know of Relena and me. You must know her, I mean, not many know her formal last name.î

ìActually, yeah, I do, we met before the war. She had mentioned you and about your braid, as a way of recognizing you, heh, guess I forgot about it. And my name is Derekî

Duo smiled, ìSo youíve known ëLena for quite a while huh?î ëMaybe I can find out something interesting hereÖí he thought, ëblackmail is always good to haveÖ you never knowÖî

Hilde fidgeted as she sat beside Sid. She was bored, and she knew he wanted her to say something that would make him feel wanted. She could tell. He kept setting her up so she would comment him, but she always found a way to evade the answer. She wanted to walk around again.

Suddenly Chase took back his arm from around Relena, and he stood up. She gave him a questioning look, as did Hilde, though Sid didnít. He got up as well and stood next to his brother. Each extended a hand out to the girl in front of him, and both girls took they offered hand. Both girls also got that ëfeelingí again.

ìHow about we keep walking hmmm?î

Relena nodded to Chase. ìYou guys want to walk on the private beach, on the back strip?î Hilde looked up, grateful for the opportunity.

ìYeah that works, me and Sid here know of a nice place to go. Itís on the sandbar. Iím sure youíll get back in time, especially since we can take the alley as a shortcut.î Both girls nodded and they headed off.

As the guys directed the girls on where to go, they put their arms around them, holding them close, as if protecting them from everything, or maybe to keep them from running. As a quizzical look crossed Hildeís face, Relena smiled reassuringly to her, hiding her own discomfort. Hilde smiled back with a nod and let the guys lead them.

The four had walked about four steps when they had turned to go down the alley that they had passed right before getting to the bench. In order to continue down the alleyway they had to go down in pairs. Hilde and Sid went down first, followed by Relena and Chase.ÝÝ

ìSo, you said you guys were from where again?î Hilde asked. Sid and Chase exchanged a glance, it seemed though, only Relena saw it. Suddenly she was very scaredÖ

ìYes, where?î Relena asked. She received no answer.

The two pairs were about half way down the alley they pace slowed. Relena noticed this and tensed. Chase felt her tense and tightened his grip on her. This just furthered her uneasiness. Chase looked her over and decided on another tactic. As they were about to put their feet down for the next step, Chase suddenly stopped and pulled Relena back causing her to squeak, also causing the two in front to turn around, and pulled her sideways [back towards the wall] and kissed her, not gently, but very rough. Sid smiled and Hilde just let her jaw open a bit. ëOh please donít do that to me Sid, I wonít enjoy it yetí Hilde silently pleaded.

As Chase backed off a little he noted the slight blush on Relenaís cheeks, her face downcast, and smiled. As her face tilted upward, his smile faded. Relena had a frown on her pretty lips, not a smile, nothing of that sort at all. Chase scowled further and became very angry and very frustrated. He couldnít take it any more, ëWhat does she want from me!í With that last thought he gripped Relenaís shoulders roughly and pushed her against the wall, pushed her hard. With the force that was used, Relena couldnít help but let a reaction slip as she yelped very loud, almost screamed as the breath was knocked from her. She heard herself let out a softer sound and also heard Hilde try to run to her as well as yell something. Whatever it was, was cut off by Sid.

ìNO, LEN-!î ëWhat the hellís goiní on?í Hilde thought. She tried to get to her but Sid held her back from behind. As Relena looked out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hilde cringe, but she didnít know why exactly. Sid was breathing in Hildeís ear, saying something.

He had gripped Hilde by the crook of her neck, right where the neck and shoulders met, and pulled her back to him, wrapping an arm around her waist. She was about to say something when a hand went over her mouth and lips touched her shoulder and neck, the side that wonít have a bruise tomorrow. Hilde practically whimpered as she saw what was happening to Relena, but Sid mistook it for pleasure and added more pressure and saliva to his attacks.

ìWhat my doll, are we not important enough for you to remember small details about. Do you not care about me My Hilde? You seemed like you did before, you even said you loved me. Isnít that why you gave yourself to me first? Donít worry; Lena will be fine.î Sid nuzzled his face into the side of her neck and breathed in her ear again.

ìWhat are you talking about? I donít even know you! I never said such a thing! What do you mean gave myself toÖ oh my god, noÖ you disappearedÖ years agoî Hilde was near tears, ëHow could he still be aliveÖ how could he still love me?í

ìLet me go! What are you doing?î Relena struggled against his grasp on her, but it was useless. He was too strong.

ìYou know Lena, I havenít forgotten about you.î Chase moved in extra close to her and tried to kiss her, she kept her mouth shut tight, ëWhat is he thinking!í She tried to push him away again, but she couldnít, but she did, however, get her hand free long enough to slap him.

ìStop this right now!î She yelled, but then another loud smack sounded through the alley, and Hilde watched as Relenaís head snapped to the side dangerously fast. She tried to call to her but her throat was suddenly grasped and held, not tightly, but it stopped her well enough.

Chaseís stature suddenly changed dramatically. He was glaring at Relena. He held her firmly by the shoulders against the wall. He waited about five seconds before becoming frustrated by her silence ìWhat is wrong with you Relena!? Answer me Damnit! Here I am, being all nice with you and what do I get?! A frown from the poor princess, and then a slap!î Chase spat in her face just as her head snapped up when he called her ëprincessí ëHow much does he really know about me?í She glared at him, realizing why exactly she was getting a bad feeling every time they touched.

ìI wasnít the one who kissed someone with out their permission expecting something they not only donít deserve, but wouldnít know what to do with if they got it!î she almost yelled back.

ìAt least Iím not a spoiled little rich slut that thinks they control the world and colonies alikeî he whispered coldly back in a very accusing manner. He suddenly looked very violent again, and Hilde again squirmed under Sidís arms, trying to get him to jus let go.

ìWhat did I just say? Lena will be fine.î Sid pulled her closer to the wall with him, quickly putting her, in front of him still, but facing him. As her back hit the wall, she felt it crack a little. Then it hit her. What if she was stronger than him? He used to be such a weakling, and she was a trained soldier, peace may be here, but her skills just didnít leave her. So what was she waiting for? ìFight him!î her brain screamed, and she did as told.

ìWhat the?î Suddenly Hilde let out a small sound, almost a squeak, yet almost a shriek. She pushed him off and punched him square in the jaw. She went over to him and punched him in the stomach, then hit him in that back of the neck as he leaned forward, then elbowed him to the back.Ý

As he hit the ground he let out a grunt. Hilde let her body relax, and then noticed, when she had pushed him away, he had ripped the strap of her swimsuit, and it now hung off slightly. She looked up to see Chase paying them no heed, Relena held up against the wall as he sniffed her neck. She looked scared. She was fighting to push him off, but she just wasnít strong enough. Hilde began to head over, hopefully able to sneak up behind Chase and get him off and help the, for once since Hilde met her, helpless Relena.

ìHehÖ heh heh, hahahahha!î Hilde looked down as Sid began to get upÖ ëHeís laughingÖat me!í ìDear, dear, HildeÖ Iím not as I was, granted neither are you, but I grew much stronger, and more skilled. I can also endure much more pain as well. And, besides, you were always the ëhard coreí type of girl now werenít you?î

Hildeís face turned red, and contorted with anger, and little mortification. ëHow dare he speak of a past long goneÖ a personal past!í Hilde lunged at him, aiming for his face, but he just grabbed her fist and pulled her to him. She struggled, she struggled hard, but he was better than her now, and stronger than herÖ a new realization hit HildeÖ She was scared.

Relena began to thrash once more, after his comment. Suddenly it seemed his hold on her slackened, and she tried to get away. She knew her attempt failed as she felt him withdraw his hands and then replace one by pushing her back against the wall by her neck. He leaned in closely and whispered in another cold tone, ìPoint provenî. ëOh no, what the hell am I gonna do now. Weíre not supposed to check in with Duo and Jacob for about another hourí Relena thought franticly and glanced back at Hilde, who she was sure just screamed out something like, ìRELEN---!î, now noticing her horrified expression. She tried to smile to Hilde but couldnít as a pair of lips crushed hers and she watched as tear fell from one of Hildeís eyes. What has Sid just told her?

ìDonít worry my Hilde, darling. He wonít hurt her horribly. He may fuck her brains out with a few scratches here and there, but he wonít hurt nor kill her. Quit worrying and relax. She may even get a child out of it too.î As Sidís words reached her, as he moved her body, her eyes widened and closed tightly as the first tear left her eyeÖ more and more tears followed that one first one. She was helpless.

She looked back at Chase but closed her eyes and looked away again. She no longer enjoyed him as eye candy, and she no longer fought against him, which he could probably see as her body slackened. As she stared in front of her, she could see Hilde being held against the wall, kind of like she was, except, she was facing Sid. She now had Chase tuned out, yet faintly could tell he was threatening her in some cunning manner. She squeezed her eyes shut. She may not be able to hear him, but she could feel him. His hand was beginning to find itís way up her side and towards her chest. Suddenly her head snapped forward to look at him.

The sudden movement caught Chase off guard and he stopped for a second. He looked up to her face, taking his eyes off her body, but not his hands. Just then his features took on the look of shock. She was glaring at him full force, and her lips pursed in a tight line.

ìMy god RelenaÖ youíre beautiful even with such an ugly expressionî Just as it looked like she was to respond, he placed a finger on her lips. ìShhhî

ìSo they were in here before you say?î

By now Jacob had joined the discussion. As Derek, Duo, and Jacob discussed things revolving around Hilde and Relena and the war, Ashley and Becky just talked about the stores content, like the bikini and many of the tighter leather clothing. But even more so they talked of how hot they (Duo, Derek...), and some other guys in the store as well, were. Every once in a while they would introduce some sort of scheme in getting one to talk to them, or even stoop so low as to have one accidentally brush past and touch something they shouldnít.

ìYeah about a half hour ago. They left with two guys. They looked like brothers Iíd say.î Even though Derek had said this with a smile, he did not, at all, look happy about it. Duo and Jacob noticed this as well.

ìWell, at least we know they are having a good timeî Jacob commented. Derek just shrugged at him, very non-committal-like.

ìI would hope so.î

ìWhatís wrong?î Duo couldnít take it anymore. If something was wrong, her bodyguard damned well ought to know, right?Ý

ÝDerek seemed glad that he asked as well, ìI donít know, something about them I just didnít trustî Again he shrugged his shoulders. ìIt could just have been my imagination but they just didnít seemÖright.î

Duo straightened, much at attention, and nodded. ìI see, and which way did you say they went?î Derek pointed to the left corner in the front of the store, ìThanks. When we leave I think we ought to head in that direction.î Jacob nodded in agreement, ìWe should just check on them. Just as long as we donít make it to obvious that Iím doing my job, she shouldnít get too mad, if nothings wrong.î Jacob looked confused with that.

ìWhat do you mean? Why would she get mad?î

ìWell, today is supposed to be her vacation day. Sheíd get angry, Iíd bet, and say I was being paranoidÖ I just hope I am.î

ìYeah, well how about we leave in about a half hour then. If we do see them that way, weíll most likely meet then a half hour early, and we can settle our nerves.î

Duo perked up to his normal self, ìAlrightyî

The three continued talking until, about fifteen minutes later, a loud yelp could be heard, followed by a scream that sounded like ìRELEN---!î But the scream was stopped short. Duo had heard the yelp before, last night to be exact, when he scared the daylights out of a certain friend. And that scream was just as familiar. Scenes of his encounter with the Mercurios and Vayete, and an almost entirely destroyed MS flashed through his mind. Just a quickly was the scream cut off, were both Duo and Derek on their feet, both anguished and in unison saying, ìRelena!î

That on expressed name was enough to un-stupefy Jacob, and he too was then on his feet, exclaiming, ìRELENA? Oh shit! Hilde!î

As the two girls watched, they were beginning to swear to themselves, ëThey really are nutsí

ìDonít worry guys,î Ashley said, sauntering over to them, followed by Becky, who added to her comment.

ìYeah, itís probably just a couple, or two even, getting it on in the alley a few stores overî

ìYep, nothing unusual.î

The three guys looked at the two as if they had escaped from a loony bin and shot up with prozac[2]. They all gave a quick glance back to the girls and shot out of the shop.

ìThey said alley right?î Duo asked as they ran.

ìYeah its about four shops downî Derek answered quickly against the wind as they ran at full speed toward that direction, and he bladed ahead of them by a few feet.

The only thing Jacob could get out was, ìPlease be okay Hilde, pleaseî Duo would have smiled and patted his friend on the back had the situation been different. As the three rounded the corner to the alley, they all stopped short [Derek is very good on blades, allowing him to stop quick and not loudly]. They all looked horrified at what was happening right in front of them.

The first thing they saw was Relena being held against the wall by her throat, a man holding her there by her neck, while his other hand roamed her body. They also noticed Hilde, a man leaning over her as well, but he was whispering things into her ear, fingers sliding along the bare skin of her shoulder, where her top was ripped. When Duo looked back to Relena he saw the man say something to her, something he could barely make out.

ìMy god RelenaÖ youíre beautiful even with such an ugly expressionî Just as it looked like she were to respond, he placed a finger on her lips. ìShhhî

Relena then, promptly, bit his finger.

ìSomebody HELP!î She screamed, only to be rewarded with a quick smack and sudden lack of oxygen.

Again, all sound was faint for her; she only knew this, for she could barely hear Hildeís call, ìRelena!î, and then her scream. They did know one thingÖ she was trembling.

When they looked to Hilde as she screamed they noticed the tears, and all three guys snapped, and in good timing, for, they were just steps away from the girls, and guys that tortured them so easily.Ý Right then, each guy, split and did his own thingÖ

Jacob went over too the dark haired man that held Hilde, in a way that infuriated, and made him jealous at the same time. He grabbed the man by the hair, just as he was about to try and kiss her, and jabbed him in the kidney with the side of his fist. The man grabbed at his side and turned towards the source of his pain. Jacob faintly acknowledged that Hilde was sliding along the wall, to where he could tell there was some other commotion. As the man turned towards him, he threw out his hand and gave him a hard uppercut. He then kneed him in the balls, and kicked him in the stomach, so he hit the wall, and whacked his head against it. Jacob went over to check himÖ ëKnocked out coldÖí

/^\

Duo went straight to the man that held Relena, and punched him square in the face, as he [the man] turned to see who was approaching, mouth open to yell at his brother. As the man went to fall backwards away from him, Duo grabbed his arm and pulled him forward, slamming his knee into the bridge of the manís nose. Finally he went towards the man once more, punched him in the gut, and then gave a chop to the back of his neckÖ the man was out before he hit the ground.

/^\

Derek ran straight to catch Relena as she fell away from the fight. He pulled her close to his body, but detached enough so she could breathe again. After moving a couple of feet Relena felt another person beside her, lifting her other arm up. Derek also felt the shift, and loss of some weight. His initial reaction being to threaten the person, but he then noticed who it was. Hilde. About 4 feet from the opening to the beginning of the alley, Derek stopped and dropped to his knees, brining both girls with him. He held Relena on his lap, asking her if she was okay. She nodded, and turned to Hilde, a question in her eyes. Hilde whispered the reply, but her voice no longer held any tears, and was strong again. ìIím all right Relena, donít you worry about me okay?î Again Relena nodded. Relena couldnít help but smile as she saw Jacob come up behind her and pull her into a hug, which Hilde all but fell into.

Just as Duo had started walking towards Relena, excitement building to see that she was standing up, in his direction, he heard this annoying little voice that began asking him fast questions.

ìOh my GOD!!! Duo that was incredible. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?î ÖPauseÖ ìAnd who are they?î Ashleyís questions may have come out fast, but it didnít stop her from being able to add infinite disgust into the last question, as she pointed to one girl, and also to Jacob, with a black haired girl in his arms.

ìThese are our friends Ashleyî The answer was blunt, but agitatedly said. ëI do NOT need this right now, I just want to see if ëLenaís okay!í

A few feet away, where Jacob was holding Hilde, he asked her if she was okay. Hilde looked up and smiled, saying she was fine now. Jacob gave her another squeeze before letting her go, and just as Hilde was going to step back out of his embrace, she heard a voice behind her, and very familiar one.

ìExcuse me, but heís mine miss. Jacob why are you holding that... THING?î Becky was practically red with anger and wanted answers. ìWell, are you gonna let go of her or not.î

ìActually no, Becky, this is a friend of mine, do you mind?î Jacob responded. Hilde tightened her grip on him after those words, hiding a smile. Just then, Hilde knew where she had heard that voice before. Hilde let go, and heard a sigh from Becky.

ìAnd actually Becky, he is not YOUR man, and neither was Caleb!î Hilde yelled, turning completely around to reveal her features to the ëblondeí. Her mouth hung open.

ìYouíre, youíre, youíre, youíre that girl that was withÖî Becky sputtered but lost the rest of the sentence. There really was no way for her to finish it after being back fisted by Hilde, a former OZ, and rebel. Beckyís whole body turned and she landed on her stomach, arms stretched out.

ìYep, that would be meî Hilde responded, muttering, ìyou whoreî at the end.Ý The next thing Hilde knew a girl was in front of her getting ready to smack her. She didnít get far though. Relena had watched her walk over to Hilde. She had seen this girl before, she knew that when she first ran to Duo, but it really clicked when she asked whom she and Hilde were.

Relena reached up and grabbed the girlís hand. ìNow I wouldnít do that if I was you,î she warned. Ashley turned around and put her hand down.

ìOh yeah, and whyís that?î she challenged Relena

ìBecause if you dare touch any of my family or friends I swear youíll regret it. Iím not as weak as you think Ashley, and I will personally kick you assî Relena talked slowly and clearly. As much as she was a pacifist, she had had enough of people taking control of her. Sheíd be damned if she let this fiend, one she knew from her past as well, try to do the same.

Ashley was easily confused though, ëHow did she know my name?í ìHow did youÖ? RELENA DARLIAN!?î Ashley almost spat, but she was too surprised to see her in front of her to gather her wits.

ìAshley Turnerî Relena acknowledged.

Ashley finally gathered herself, she looked Relena in the eye, ìSo you not as weak as you used to be, you say?î

ìNo, Iím not as weak as you THOUGHT I wasî Through all this Relena had stayed calm, even now her voice never wavered.

ìOh really Relena? So if I were to touch Duo over there, or your friend Derek, or even that little bitch right behind me, you are gonna what, ban me from the beach?î Ashley chuckled a bit.

Relena looked down to see Becky stir a bit and then looked back to Ashley, ìNoî

ìThen what are you gonna do if I do this?î Ashley ran a finger down Derekís arm, making him want to jerk away, but he didnít.

ìIíd do thisÖî and with her final statement, Relena pulled back her fist and threw it forward, to hit Ashley stomach. It looked like a week move but it made the brown haired girl wince and bend over.

ìIs that all I get?î ëIíll be damned if I show any pain in front of these two!í

ìThink of it as a warning. If you so much as touch, or threaten, anyone I care about I will beat the living daylights out of youÖ and then ban you and you whore friend from Sank grounds.î Relena smirked as disbelief washed over Ashleyís face, as well as challenge. Ashley then turned around and again raised her hand to Hilde. Hilde didnít bother to move; fore she knew what was going to happen. Relena again grabbed Ashleyís hand, but this time twisted it and turned around, pulling the limb with her, making the other girl scream and flip over on her back. ìNow, Miss Turner, I believe in pacifism fully, but I also believe in defending ones self, and those they love. If you touch anyone I care and love for then I will beat the living daylights out of youÖthat is a promise. Now, you and your friend will soon be banned from the Sank Kingdom. You will be escorted by my own bodyguards soon enough, along with those unconscious bastards over thereî Relena pointed to the still unconscious brothers that were leaning against the wall. She turned to Duo, who had the cheesiest smile on his face. ìDuo, would you please go to the car and call some of the Preventers down here to take care of them, and tell them not to make a scene.î

Duo got up and nodded. He walked over to Relena and Hilde, and leaned in and whispered, ìI guess that means you donít want Wufei to be one of them then?î Both girls smile and Relena shook her head ìnoî Duo chuckled as he ran to fulfill his orders.

ìDerek?î Relena looked to her side, to the man diagonally behind her. He looked up to her. She could see worry. She walked over to him and gave him another hug. When she pulled away she said, ìDonít worry, Iím fine. You should get back to your store. Youíre supposed to be on duty, remember?î Derek smacked himself in the forehead, saying ëdoh!í and then looked to her smiling. ìHa ha. I promise we will stop by before we head back home okay?î Derek nodded again, and saying ëTake careî to both girls and Jacob.

When Duo came back he saw both girls sitting near the wall, next to the guys. Hilde was sitting in front, watching them, Jacob by her side. Derek was not to be seen. Relena was a little ways away, leaning against the opposite wall, head bowed arms crossed. He figured she was deep in thought. He walked up to her, resting his hand on her arm, dipping his head down a little to look at her face. She opened her eyes and smiles slightly.

ìWhatís the word?î

ìThey said they would be here in about 5 minutes, and to just sit tight. Theyíre going to escort the girls to another country it seems, if they do not have any where else to go, and take those guys there to a prison, but first to HQ for questioningÖ you know, to see if any one put them up to it or something.î

Relena nodded to Duo, pushing herself off the wall, and gave him a hug. ìThank you Duo, and theyíre names are Chase and Sid they saidî she sighed into his chest, and looked up to him, ìI guess itís not really possible for me to have new relationships anymore huh?î Duo just looked at her, trying to figure a response, ìWell, I suppose itíll be back to reality soon enough then.î

All Duo could do was look at her. He didnít know what to say to make her feel better. He knew one thing though; he wasnít going to let this one experience crush her ability to have normalcy ever once in a while. That just wouldnít be fair. But then again, neither he, nor she controlled how people thought. ëAck!! Iím gonna find a way Relena, I will.í

Duo tightened his hold momentarily, then let go with one hand, to put them side-by-side, leaning against the wall.

END CH 2

AN: eh, sorry the ending wasnít that great, but I couldnít figure a way to end it goodÖ Well, I must continue to work on my stories. I have My Own Prison being worked on. And so many ideas attacking me! SoÖ unless I get a request, I donít know what will update first. Reviews are welcome!!

Dark Deity

[1] Sheís obviously delusional, If you didnít catch it. Duoís nodding cause heís not paying attention. Itís likely he hasnít heard a word. Heh.

[2] I donít know if you can be ëshot upí with prozac, but I figure saying it that way gives you a better idea of how crazy they sounded to Derek, Jacob, and Duo.