TIMELINE: The story takes place after Survival of the Fittest, I’d say almost two years.

NOTE: I can’t just let Kylie and Heero ‘Rest in Peace’ can I? *evil laugh* Uh oh! Heero and Kylie are looking daggers at me. Don’t do it guys! I promise you’ll stay dead next time. Don’t…!

"Relena!"

Her head swam as consciousness began to jolt into her. Did someone called her name? But hearing nothing else, she assumed that she was dreaming. And so, she began to surrender into the swirling darkness again.

"Relena!"

There. Someone was calling her. She’s sure of it now. But when she tried to raise her head, she found it weighed a few anvils. She sank back to the floor, a low moan escaped her parched lips.

"Relena!"

That voice called again, this time nearer. Then, there was gasp as she felt someone reached for her. That someone pulled her close into a warm chest. "Relena!" that voice said, fear and concern was evident in his voice. Yes, in her jumbling thoughts, she managed to ascertain the gender of the voice.

"Relena!" that voice insisted. Finally, she was able to determine whose voice it was. She opened her eyes slowly, minding the stampede in her head. "Milliardo?" she croaked, finding it hard to speak.

She felt the sensation of being lifted. "That’s it, Relena. Keep talking."

"Milliardo. What happened?" She felt as if they’re moving.

"You’re going to be alright," her brother said as an answer.

Then, there was a new voice. "Zechs! Relena!"

"Noin," she heard him said.

"Help’s on the way," said Noin. As she heard that, Relena felt the burst of clear cold air.

She opened her eyes. "Thank goodness," Noin prayed. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," Relena replied, fighting back the headache.

The explosion finally dawned on her. She rose, quickly on her feet. But somehow she found that her legs were made of rubbers and she fell back into her brothers arms. "Easy," Zechs advised, placing her onto the cool grass.

"No," she refused, wriggling out of his embrace. Her eyes stared at what used to be her summer house. She then looked at Zechs, her eyes had a haunted look. "Dorothy! She was with me," she told them.

"What!" Noin fell onto the grass, weak.

Zechs looked at them, first Relena, Noin and finally at the house. He rose to his feet. "I’ll go find her," he volunteered, giving Noin a silent order to stay by his sister. His wife nodded in understanding.

"Don’t bother," said a new voice. "I’m alright." They turned to see Dorothy, limping towards them. She was pale and covered with dusts and grime. Her right ankle was bandaged. In her exhaustion, she tripped over a rock but Zechs was lightning fast and caught her before she hit the ground.

When he looked at her, he found her unconscious.

>>>@@<<<

They listened carefully as Dorothy relayed what happened. The girls were taken to the Preventers infirmary, where they would be safe. When Dorothy regained consciousness, she was more than willing to tell them what she knew.

And what she told them gave them the biggest shock of their lives. "Heero’s joined them?" Duo echoed, disbelief. He shook his head in denial. "No, you must’ve made a mistake. He wouldn’t…"

"It’s true," Dorothy insisted. "I saw him with my own eyes. Trowa saw him too."

Zechs looked around him. "Where is Barton, anyway?" he wondered, noticing the missing pilot.

"He’s gone to follow Heero and his friend," Dorothy answered. Then, she looked at Lady Une. "And I think his friend is Kylie."

Lady Une’s head snapped at that. Even Wu Fei, surprisingly, paled.

Duo pulled his hair in frustration. Hearing Heero’s alive was one thing but him… a traitor? "This is crazy! Heero couldn’t have betrayed us. He’s work so hard to attain this peace." He then fingered his braided tail. "If Heero and Quatre truly betrayed us, I’ll cut my hair!"

Under normal circumstances, the notion could’ve gained a few smiles and encouraged Wu Fei and Trowa to chase after Duo with a pair of scissors each. But this was truly a serious matter, a shocking one at that. None of them smile.

Maintaining her composure, Lady Une looked at the Gundam pilots. "We better leave. The girls still need their rest," she suggested, nodding at the pale Relena, who had been silent the whole time. No one could tell what she was thinking. Hearing that Heero’s alive sounded like good news but hearing that he had betrayed her…

"Let’s go," said Zechs, giving his sister a reassuring pat. Too stunned, Relena failed to acknowledge it. Casting a worried look at her, Zechs let himself being ushered out by Noin. As soon as they were all out, he saw the nurse making her way towards her two patients.

Once outside, they dispersed. Noin and Zechs walked away, Lady Une left with one of her agents, leaving the remaining two Gundam pilots with the sympathetic and ever-supportive Sally Po. The Chinese agent had been watching their every reaction while keeping hers in check. And now, she still kept watch.

Duo slammed his fist on the wall, disgustingly. "I can’t believe it! I can’t believe that one of us Gundam pilots would betray his friends, let alone two!" he said, his teeth clenching. He took the news almost as hard as Relena.

"Don’t be too sure, Duo," said Wu Fei, after being silent the whole time. He leaned against the wall, overlooking the infirmary. His tired eyes met Duo’s, recalling a distant memory. "Remember, I betrayed you guys once," he reminded.

Duo shook his head, irritated. "That was different. Dekim…"

"How is my betrayal different from Heero’s and Quatre’s?" Wu Fei interrupted. He looked at Duo, cynically. "Both are not for the good of the people. I betrayed all things I believe in by working with Dekim Barton and Heero and Quatre betrayed theirs by working alongside Winteridge." He looked at Duo, his eyes intense. "How is that different?"

Duo opened his mouth to answer. And for the first time in his life, he couldn’t find any quick or witty answer as a response to Wu Fei’s questions. He gave up when he heard himself sputtering. "Ah… I’m outta here," he said, storming away.

Silence followed as Sally studied her partner. Finally, she decided to express the strange thought that was nagging in her mind. "You didn’t seemed at all surprise when you heard that Heero is alive," she tried.

"Where do you think I keep his puppy, Adin?" Wu Fei asked her back.

That triggered a memory. Sally recalled Heero’s puppy which was taken in by Wu Fei, rather voluntarily. However, she never saw the puppy again once Wu Fei took him back with him. Now, she knew what happened to it.

And so, she decided another approach. "You think that Heero truly betrayed us?"

At that, Wu Fei gave Sally a sharp glance. "Let’s say that Heero is not the kind of person who would hurt someone he has sworn his life to protect," he answered, watching Relena for the last time before walking away.

Sally watched him go. She shook her head, exhaling. "You didn’t answer my question, partner," she murmured.

>>>@@<<<

Though everything had crumbled, life goes on. When love is lost, hope would be the only thing that could sustain life. That is, that’s what Amy Pierson always told herself everyday in her miserable little life. Her whole family was gone; victims of the Eve War and her new ones were all lost.

But still, she mustered the strength she had within and picked up all the small pieces that life had left for her. Though painful as it was, she went on. However, fate still was not finished with its torture. Amy herself included.

Amy walked home from the grocery store. Ever since Jack was gone, captured and transferred to the Telrhani’s galaxy empire, the band they were in was scattered. Each of them lost any interest in performing ever since they heard of Jack’s capture. Morris, their manager, had suggested replacing Jack but Amy threatened to leave the band if he did. And so, they all decided to take a long break.

And what a long break it was. The new band member, the one who replaced Kyle, Gary Watanabe had decided to quit the band and formed his own band. Amy couldn’t really blame him. After all, their music career was rocketing and Jack’s capture had put everything to halt. He was just afraid that they would lose their edge if they stay silent too long and give way to the competitors. So, when his contract was over, he just quit.

The other two original members, Harry Chung and Paolo Bendetti stayed on. Loyalty burned differently in their case. Paolo was Jack’s best friend and Harry simply worshiped Jack. Before returning to their families, both of them had offered to stay with her on the colony but she said no. She needed some time to herself.

Now, she found herself thinking of them. She missed them a lot. But she missed Jack even more. Amy sighed, thinking that perhaps she should end her period of mourning. Kyle’s gone and Jack might return, if she keeps her hopes on the Preventers and the Gundams.

Yes, it’s time she stopped hiding.

It’s time to be with those she cared about. Or what’s left of them.

Amy smiled, as the decision was finally made. She knew it was the right one. So happy and relief she was that Amy nearly ran over someone. That someone grunted and irritatedly said, "Watch where you’re going."

Normally, Amy would’ve uttered an apology. But something in that voice triggered her emotion. She looked up and dropped her grocery bag. Her mouth hung open as she stared at the phantom before her. "It can’t be," she stammered.

That someone gave her a sharp stare before walking away. Amy finally found her voice and gasped. "Kylie!" The girl spun around, bewildered. But before she could gather her thoughts, Amy was wrapping her arms around her, sobbing.

"Kyle! Oh, Kyle! I thought that you were dead," she sobbed. "They told me that you were killed in battle but I know my Kyle is strong. I know you would survive and so, I keep on hoping that you would be." She looked up to her face. "And my prayers were answered."

Kylie stared at her. "Kyle?" Then her eyes showed confusion. "Who?" she voiced.

Amy frowned. "It’s Amy," she answered. "What’s wrong, Kylie? Were you hurt or something?" Her face then registered concern. "Did you have amnesia or something? Was that the reason why you didn’t come back?"

"Er… yes," said Kylie, hesitantly. She pulled herself away. "I was injured and my mind wasn’t how it supposed to be."

Amy reached out to brush Kylie’s hair. She did look different. There’s something in her eyes that Amy couldn’t place. "Poor Kyle," she murmured. "I hope it wasn’t painful for you. If I had known, I would’ve been by your side until you recovered."

Kylie took that hand and smiled. "No sweat, Amy. I’m fine as you can see now." She looked around the busy street. "Listen, do you want to talk somewhere else? Maybe fill up the gaps in my mind. The doctor tried to help me recover all the memories that I’ve lost but since no one know me, it’s been tough."

Amy nodded, eagerly. "Sure, Kyle." She was so happy to see her knight-in-shining-armor again. Something inside her tried to warn her of something but she discarded it. "Where do you want to talk?"

Kylie looked at the alley behind her. "Well, there’s this café I love to go. It’s on the other side of the block." She indicated at the alley. "I know it’s a long way but I just happen to know the short cut."

Unsuspectingly, Amy followed Kylie into the alley. They talked about the old times, hoping that they could trigger Kylie’s memory. However, Amy didn’t notice how Kylie seemed to linger behind her. And in the end, Amy noticed that she was the one who’s doing all the talking. Everything around her started to grow quiet. Too quiet.

Immediately, her natural sense of danger kicked in. She turned when she heard the sound of a gun being cocked. Standing before her, face as cold as ice and as still as marble, was Kylie with a gun pointed at Amy’s forehead.

Surprise, betrayal and shock mixed in her thoughts. Finally, a word escaped her lips. "Why?"

"Sorry, no offense but you must be eliminated," Kylie answered, her voice was dead serious.

"But…"

Kylie fingered the trigger. "Say bye to life, kiddo."

A shot rang and Amy cried out. Expecting never-ending darkness, Amy was surprised to find herself still standing. And that Kylie had cried out too. She was holding her bleeding hand while her gun had clattered a few feet a way.

From above, a shadow dropped. A boy about their age stood before them, his gun trained evenly on Kylie. The girl gasped in surprise, recognizing this intruder. "You!" she gritted her teeth. "Heero Yuy! How did you…"

Heero ignored the trembling girl behind Kylie. His eyes were only on the girl before him. "You may have her face," he said, marveling at the resemblance. He prepared for the killing shot. "But you’re not her," he hissed.

As quick as lightning, Kylie’s foot shot up, kicking the gun from Heero’s fingers. The Gundam pilot grunted as numbness hit his hand. But he quickly ducked as another foot shot up. It missed his head by inches. Then, he balled his fist and hit the girl hard on her head. The girl slumped on the ground, unconscious.

He stared down at her, rubbing his sore hand. Then, he picked up his gun. A tiny voice broke his thoughts. "What’s going on here?" the remaining girl asked. Heero was a little impressed that the girl was still standing after what she had just gone through.

He saw her looking at Kylie and then him, confused.

"That’s not Kylie," he simply said. Then, looking at the unconscious girl’s face, he shrugged. "At least, she’s not our Kylie."

Amy looked at him, wondering if she could trust him. After all, this guy could be the enemy. "Then, who’s this?"

Heero kept his expression neutral. "That’s what I’m trying to find out," he answered. He distinctively heard the sound of sirens. ‘Someone nearby must’ve heard the shooting and called the cops,’ he thought. He felt the girl, Amy, eyeing him bewilderedly.

He took out a piece of paper and thrust it into her hand, much to her surprise. He kept his hands on hers while staring into her eyes. "There’s an address on this paper. Go to this place. You’ll be safe there, I promise." Then his eyes seemed to flicker. "Relena will be there as well."

With that, he started to walk away. "Wait!" Amy called out, stopping him.

Heero turned, his left eyebrow arched, questioningly. Amy was instantly reminded of Kylie. Her friend used to do that when asking an unvoiced question. "Who are you? Why do you help me?" she asked. "Do I know you?"

A smile touched his lips. ‘Such a beautiful smile,’ Amy found herself thinking. The boy answered, "Let’s just say both of us loved the same person once." He waved his farewell. "Besides, she would be unhappy if you’re hurt."

Amy watched him go, contemplating what he had just told her. Finally, she looked at the piece of paper. "Relena," she echoed, thinking that it had been some time that she hadn’t seen her friend. Then, she looked at the direction where the boy had disappeared to. "Heero Yuy."

>>>@@<<<

Noin, Wu Fei and Zechs were resting in the lounge when Duo stepped in. Glancing at those in the room, he slumped onto one of the empty sofas. "Okay, let me get this straight," he began, opening an old subject. "Our friends, Heero and Quatre have joined the bad guys. Probably on a secret mission of their own but most probably they are our enemies, right?"

The other three nodded. "As far as any of us could tell, both of them never gave any signs that they were play-acting," said Noin, seeing that Duo was finally accepting the hard truth. "So, it’s safe to assume that they’re the bad guys."

Duo threw his hands in exasperation. "Great! The enemy has two Gundam pilots in which one is the best pilot that ever lived." He looked at Wu Fei. "Anyone else want to join up the enemy’s camp?" he asked the Chinese pilot but the question was directed to no one.

Wu Fei shook his head. "I’ve decided my side a long time ago, Duo," he answered. His voice was strangely quiet. Noin still could not figure out what disturb Wu Fei so much. Whatever it was, it’s not entirely because of Heero’s betrayal.

As she was pondering upon that, Trowa entered. He was walking past Duo when the Deathscythe pilot acknowledged him. "Hey, Trowa. Nice job on Dorothy’s rescue. Did you get Heero and Kylie yet?"

For a moment, Trowa looked at him in confusion. He turned his gaze on the others who were wearing the same expression as Duo. They were all looking at him, expectantly. "Huh?"

"You know, that night. When Relena’s place was trashed. Dorothy was almost killed by Heero and Kylie, remember?" Duo prompted, thinking that his friend was a little distracted or too tired to register the question in mind.

Trowa blinked. "Oh, that," he breathed a tired sigh. "Thanks. I was just in the neighborhood."

"But what were you doing there in the first place?" asked Duo, curiously. "Weren’t you supposed to watch the Mars colonies?"

He shook his head. "I was but suddenly I got this feeling that Relena’s in danger." He shrugged. "That’s why I was there."

"Well, I for one am glad that you were there," said Zechs, standing up. He shook Trowa’s hand. "Thank you for saving Relena’s life and Dorothy’s. I owe you one, Barton."

Trowa looked at him in discomfort. Zechs rarely showed his gratitude, not that he’s not a thankful person. It’s just that Zechs would usually express it by paying the debt. This showed Noin that Zechs was deeply concerned for Relena.

"Just doing my job," Trowa finally muttered. Duo came over to pat his back.

"So, did you get to Heero and Kylie?"

Remembering Duo’s second question, he shook his head. "No, they got away."

The others looked at him in understanding. When Heero and Kylie worked together, they almost seem invincible. Deciding that they should change the subject, Trowa asked, "What have we learned so far?"

Duo draped an arm over Trowa’s shoulder and ushered him to a sofa. "Not good, Trowa."

>>>@@<<<

Relena stared at the ceiling while lying on the bed. No words could describe what she was feeling. Nothing could help her sleep as long as the nightmare kept on repeating itself. Faces, words, actions from the past played in her mind. Some were sad, some were happy but mostly, there were beautiful.

But now, everything seemed so ugly that Relena felt like dying.

Sniffling, she pulled herself up. Lady Une was kind enough to prepare quarters for her. Relena hadn’t wanted to stay long in the infirmary. It was too crowded and almost everyone could come and go. She wanted a place for herself, where no concern brother or friends would come in to ask how she was feeling. A place where she could think over what she had learned.

Involuntarily, her hand reached for the stuffed animal on the bed. Her fingers traced along the feature of the teddy bear. Usually, she would’ve drawn her strength from it. But this time, even the bear failed to offer her comfort. Hugging the bear in her chest, she groaned. "Heero. Why?"

A chime at the door indicated visitors. Displeased by the intrusion, Relena almost told the person to leave. Almost shouted an order to be left alone. But the words were stuck in her throat when she learned who it was.

"Amy."

The girl, Amy, reached out for her, sobbing. All Relena could do was support both of them.

>>>@@<<<

"So, we’ve all agreed that they’re after Relena now," Trowa concluded.

"In a nutshell," said Duo and sighed. "And what a small nutshell that is. We still haven’t learned exactly what their plans are, when they’re attacking and what are they waiting for? Why not just attack us now?" he wondered.

Trowa shook his head. "Winteridge is planning something, alright. And now that Heero, Quatre and Kylie are on his side, he might have all the advantage."

Duo shrugged. "Yeah. So, I’ve been asking this around. Who do you think will join Winteridge next? I mean, maybe this guy offered the others a great amount of salary and retirement plan or something." He feigned considerations. "Maybe that’s why they were so eager to join Winteridge. Being a Gundam pilot doesn’t exactly entitle us with the proper retirement plan, well, except for death."

"I told you no one’s going to join Winteridge," Wu Fei shouted. His voice held a note of finality to it. His eyes narrowed as he regarded Duo. "If any one of us decides to join the other party, I will kill him myself."

"Ohh… touchy," said Duo. "Hey, Wu Fei. Who do you think will kill you if you decide to join Winteridge?"

Wu Fei didn’t smile at Duo’s taunt. Instead, his eyes were cold. "I will not betray my friends," he declared.

Sighing, Trowa took a sip from his drink. "Let’s stop bickering with each other," he said, turning to Duo. "Back to the subject. Now that Heero, Quatre and Kylie have joined Winteridge, he has all the advantage. We have to come up with our own strategy."

"Not really," a new voice said. The three Gundam pilots, Noin and Zechs turned to the entrance. They saw Relena, Lady Une, Sally and a girl staring at them, grimly. ‘The new girl looks vaguely familiar,’ Duo thought.

"Relena?" Zechs prompted, concernedly.

"Amy saw Heero and Kylie," said Relena, gesturing at the girl beside her. Zechs and the others rose to their feet when they heard that. But Relena had more shocking news. "And she said Heero is not an enemy."

Author’s Note: Confused? Kind of, right? Is Heero an enemy or a friend? And why did he work with Kylie and then fought her later?