Disclaimer: Ok here goes again as standard protocol I tink everyone must get used to writing these little sentences, I do not own Gundam Wing or any of the characters within the Series and Endless Waltz so don’t kill me yet will you until I finish this story ^_^

Resemblance Of A Legend

by Rufas

Chapter Three

Peering through the sun-lightened kingdom a single girl leaned over the edge of her window; with the glass extended to the sides the view of the surrounding area was immaculate one could say it was awe-inspiring at the very least. The buildings were covered in white, the skies were pale blue in the white smoke lifted clouds that hovered above in the heavens and then, there was the lush colour of the grass which stretched around the grounds of the institution, which something caught her eye sitting down perfectly almost motionless all isolated from the rest of the world from the looks of it.

“So I’ve finally found you, White Reflection even though your image isn’t as white as it looks is it Yuy?” She muttered resting her head over her arms watching a distant figure far deep across the grounds with dark brown hair.

“Trying to follow your heart’s destiny but the only thing that awaits you is a cruel destiny hand picked by the one and only Heero Yuy, isn’t it ironic that someone’s mistake will lead to the death of yourself.” She narrowed her smile into a sarcastic motion on her face like a hawk watching its prey her voice remained quiet against the wind that was blowing into the room from the open view, knocked aside several strands of her hair in brief variations of time.

“But now I’ve found you Yuy, I’m not going to let you out of my sights for all the terrible suffering your family has caused they will soon feel it all become to twist back on themselves…It would be simply not be reasonable to kill the burden of all this pain but to strike exactly where his defences are the lowest… His heart.” Diluculo closed her eyes following a brief snickered laugh of coldness echoed in breezed filled room for several seconds before it returned to pitch silence once again, re-opening her eyes to view the subject in question.

There was something about this young one that caught her attention instantly since she had arrived at the Preventer training school deep within Sanc territory, she could not put her finger on it, it felt like an obsession to get acquainted with this student. She shook her head staring down at the individual who seemed to be in his own world of reality right now away from all distractions, the true mark of a soldier to distance himself away from emotional ties that might lead to ones own death how admirable she thought to herself. It felt a shame that these feelings had to be forgotten about since revenge demanded death, which seemed a reasonable trade for what was fitting end to this fake reflection of a peace minded leader.

“As of this day Yuy you are a dead man, have a nice day won’t you and take a good look around for it is the last time of daylight you’ll ever get to see.” She scowled with cruel intent forced through her teeth.

“Don’t forget our true mission here woman.” A voice resounded across the far side of the room changing her view perspective to a well dressed man brazened in a light coloured pure white suit along with clean cut short blonde hair.

“I haven’t forgotten the true objective, don’t worry I know not to out step my boundaries on the foundations wishes to self-govern.” She replied not liking the idea of being told what to do but it meant the survival of her true mission, which couldn’t be risked at any cost; she stood up from the window stepping over to the centre of the small room.

“Make sure you don’t, remember this is our operation do not do anything that would anger the peace unified nation, the attack on the head of Preventers was nearly considered a terrorist attack until the reports of a malfunction in the fuel tanks ruled that out.” He moved his head across to see her pass by him heading towards the door before taking a firm grasp of her arm holding her seeing something that stuck out completely hearing her snarl in response looking him in the eyes.

“I can’t have you walking through the Sanc Kingdom with a gun at your side, it would ruin our cover for being here since there is a ban on all military weapons in the institution, don’t you think it would be a little suspicious that you are carrying one unless you are going to kill someone with it?” The blonde haired man finished just as she pulled her arm back to herself again.

“She looked down to her holster with reluctance removed the strap around her waist handing the holstered gun over to the obvious superior foundation member, taking it in one of his hands. “Fine take it, but don’t think for a moment once I got my sights on my prey I’ll let him out” she pushed for the door to open walking through it as it pressed to close shut again before finishing. “Alive that is…”

The day pretty much seemed to pass by outside with the sun hovering over head, Nicolai continued to read although he felt the presence of someone uncomfortable observing him from somewhere made him feel unsure that there were simply too many tensions conflicting around with the explosion earlier on and the arrival of that strange girl from the colonies. He flicked over another page in the book he was reading after the rest of the day was quiet there was nothing much to do but catch up on studies before a piercing howl he could hear in the wind caught his attention shaking his head to one side instantly as the last thing he saw was a hard ball aimed in his direction knocking the book face down at his feet, grunting with a slight notion of being disturbed I could have prevented it, and I knew it. But for some reason, I didn't I just let the object slam onto my palms, with more force than I thought someone like Maxwell was capable of. After I opened my eyes again and looked over to the side, the young American student was already stalking near from me, still with that over cheery smile that simply made him stick out too much, Nicolai just hated those who drew too much attention to themselves specially when they tried to associate themselves with him making himself stand out was something he had tried to avoid since day one coming to the institution but sometimes even he admitted it couldn’t be avoided at times. I watched as his hair swayed behind him, shining a light brown in the daylight. I was glued to the floor where I stood not paying much attention to the loud-mouthed “so called” friend as he described himself as, even though he never considered himself a one since Nicolai had never had anyone he could even class as being close to being a friend. Too many complications got in the way of that, and the rest was merely speculation since I hadn’t come here to make friends, only to come one step closer to understanding and prove myself I’m not so helpless after all to his ever-apprehensive parents.

“Hey pal, wondered where you’d disappeared to. You know that was quite the stunt you pulled back there almost could see the frustrations on Instructor Noin’s face. It was as if she instantly knew who was responsible for malfunction in the simulation.” The dark haired American sat down leaning back against the bench outside relaxing in the sunlight looking up at the sky.

“Hm, What do you want?” A cold reply came from his complacent words turning his head back to his reading once again.

Kato let out a sudden sigh hearing the cold brush off looking over his direction. “Why do you always have to go and give everyone the cold shoulder, you know there is more to life than just becoming stronger. I came to ask if you wanted to chill out on the ball court, but I can see that’s FAR beyond your comprehension of having fun.” Kato leaned up from the bench looking up at the sky again.

Nicolai just stared over at him with a narrowed frown before taking his attention back to his studies flipping over the next crisp page in the book. “No… I’m not involved.” Single and very receptive in every line he gave.

“Geez your almost sounding like that computer of yours in that room are sleeping in the same bed at night with that attitude why don’t you just give up trying to act normal like the rest of us.” Kato said in a sarcastic disappointment in his voice even though he expected nothing less from him.

Nicolai stopped closing his book suddenly turning his retained narrowed cold stare through his cobalt eyes at Kato. “Listen, I didn’t come here to make friends nor have fun. If you lose your dream, that's the end of it and I intend not to lose my chance to complete my mission, that’s all… Pal.”

Same cold response in that type of monotone closed the conversation for several minutes going silent as he opened his book again going back to studying, however as usual the American couldn’t keep quiet for too long as something came into his mind.

“Quite a view, isn’t it?” The American asked across to what he considered a close friend even if Nicolai thought quite the opposite to more on the lines of a obstacle to his goal remaining silent in his usual behavior not wanting to pursue the conversation any further. Even the American knew when to quit at times like this it was impossible to get a word out of the promising student despite his reluctance to open up to others.

Kato stood up from the bench even still he could see that Nicolai wasn’t paying any attention to the American more interested in studying on the one subject that caught his eye the most. Mobile Suits, he had the strange urge to feel close to being secure with that subject all his life it felt a part of him even if he didn’t admit it to anyone.

“Listen Pal I’m not asking you to trust me, but the least you could do is to drop the computer program you got going up there in that head of yours and come down to planet Earth every once in a while but I guess that’s too much to ask right?” Kato said out of slight agitation of his own toward the dark haired anti-social self of Nicolai.

“It’s none of your concern…” He answered simple but got the point across clearly through his deep toned voice.

“And, stay out of your way right?” Kato continued knowing that he would say that too taking the basketball back he turned around starting to walk away from Nicolai’s position. “Not everyone can do everything by themselves, not even you Nicolai.” He spoke over his shoulder barely hearable by the one who tried to separate himself from other attachments around him; he looked up seeing the American come to a stop near a group of other Preventer students obviously under going the same training. “Hn, Says who…”He shrugged quietly going back to flip through vital pages regarding Mobile Suit designs.

“So originally it was the Romefeller Foundation who created Mobile Suits to be used by the former Earth Sphere Alliance, after certain members pushed for the usage of man-made looking weapons the reports still not have confirmed the founder of this idea. Although some sources say he died during the last universal war between the colonies and the Earth involving new designed suits called Gundam’s, although again it still is not confirmed who designed these suits nor what happened to their whereabouts other than the pilots and the weapons have simply disappeared.” He paused reading out loud while no one was around until he heard the movements of someone approaching taking a seat directly next to him, obviously he hadn’t given up so easily or just found it convenient to interrupt him further no bothering to look up from his stare looking towards the ground closing his eyes he crossed his arms over his chest waiting to hear the optimistic voice of Kato once again for another lecture.

“You know he’s right, you could try and make an effort to socialize every once in a while Nicolai.”

Nicolai opened his eyes surprised the voice wasn’t the same as Kato’s it was more deeper, monotone more than himself and very precise in every word spoken, he turned and looked across to the newcomer who called his name out. As his head lifted slowly up to the daylight of the sun he caught the image of the slightly taller figure wearing a dark blue coat baring the Preventer insignia on one arm, a green tank top under it and blue jeans along with a mop of messed dark brown hair like his own. He had his eyes closed just like Nicolai had moments ago.

“Huh…F-Father?” His only words he choked out firm with feeling of being taken by surprise which he never experienced too often, it took a lot to surprise the young boy despite his age he was tough to crack his mental capability. Looking up to the image of that which was Heero Yuy who slowly opened his own set of cobalt eyes staring down ever provident upon Nicolai.

“So how have you been? I see you’ve made friends already, I’m not surprised to be honest with that one he’s just as cheerful as someone I used to know long time ago when I was about your age.” Heero’s response was clean-cut even when facing his own family he couldn’t get rid of some things.

Nicolai started to slide the pages he was reading into his inside jacket pocket slowly but unnoticeable that hoping that he didn’t hear what he was saying, trying to get a firm grip of himself he pushed off the bench to stand up. “Huh, what are you doing here? If you’ve come to make me change my mind about joining Preventers, I’m not…” Nicolai said in a harsh reply yet trying to keep surreptitious while talking to Heero who promptly took follow after him.

“What? Can’t I spend time with my own son anymore? I mean isn’t that what normal father’s do with their children?” Heero tried to sound humorous but it didn’t cut the chase with his monotone voice simply spoiled the delivery of it; catching up to Nicolai he walked slightly behind him at his side his eye briefly caught the image of a young girl he seemed to recognize collecting a large black case of someone suspiciously although it was probably nothing he had family concerns right now narrowing his gaze towards Nicolai.

“Depends what kind of time you’ll be spending, the last time you came you just gave me a lecture on what I should and shouldn’t be doing in class, before you criticized me on my conduct during training simulators before coming to the conclusion that I should just come home because I was acting reckless.” Nicolai Turned his head slightly to face him while he talked partially during their strolled down the path.

“Come on, you know that’s not true. Now you’re just blowing what I said to you out of the water with a beam cannon and beyond I think your being a little unfair and pre-judgmental Nicolai…” Heero let out a brief opinion trying still to get used to this strange life of having a family, it was something DR J had not trained him for but he was getting accustomed to it slowly stage by stage.

“Well I wasn’t the one who tried to interrupt every test class just to watch up on me to see how I’m doing every second, it’s not that I need a guardian angel to look over my back.”

Heero lowered his head not wanting to admit the fact that was true. “Now you’re being unreasonable Nicolai, just listen for a second.” Heero said noticing Nicolai carried on walking he reached out taking his arm in a strong grip not hurting him but enough to get his attention during the conversation. “Now listen Nicolai as your father I want to protect you from certain things in life you can understand that right?” Heero gave a concerned narrowed look in his eyes he had a hard time controlling his emotions and knew Nicolai had the same problem at times which made it all but harder for the Perfect Soldier to explain.

“Give me a break, now let go will you I can take care of myself without the help of others getting in the way, I want to do this on my own.” Nicolai tried to pull away from his father but obviously he was overpowered from Heero’s super strength that he was well known for back during the war.

“Your not listening Nicolai, I’ll let you go only if you agree to hear me out, understood?” Heero raised his head waiting for some word from Nicolai only getting a shrugged nod from the dark-haired boy releasing his vice grip from his arm the skin almost turned white from the pressure he could imply sometimes forgetting his strength a lot of the time while at home.

“I’m sorry about that Nicolai, but your mother and I are worried about your progression here at Preventers it’s not that we’re judging you it’s just that we care about you that’s all. And I don’t think digging up the past is going to exactly help you.” Heero paused giving time for stern look across his hardened facial expression beaming at Nicolai as they walked down one path around Preventer grounds.

He always told him that but he hardly listened, which Heero knew all too well having a similar stubbornness with Arys, not to mention himself ‘It must just run in the family blood’ he sighed silently to himself without anyone knowing.

 Silence resided while walking, meaning he had to come from another approach to the situation. “Look Nicolai you can’t keep blaming yourself for past mistakes made, I’ve learned that punishing yourself over guilt only makes the situation harder. You loose prospective that way and it will only get worse until one day it will destroy you, if it’s something your trying to prove to me you don’t have to, not to either of us. Does this make any sense to you?”

Nicolai started to slow down in his hastened pace thinking over what he was talking about. “It’s him…” his only cold response.

“Heero looked over at him confused as to whom he was talking about. “Who, Nicolai? You have to make yourself more open, I want to help you but you keep brushing everyone away when they try to get close.” Heero slowed his own pace to match with Nicolai’s finally noticing he had his attention slightly but better than nothing.

Nicolai dug his fingers deep into his palm closing his eyes as Heero finished his words. “You… You don’t understand.” He paused opening his eyes once more forming a narrowed stare at the ground, his clenched fists shaking somewhat in anger. “I see the same image over and over in my mind when I close my eyes, the facial expression will never be forgotten so easily. It’s not as simple as wiping a plate clean or a window free of dirt, the dirt still stays as the memory remains.” He came to a complete stop along the sunlit path along the gardens that surrounding the main Preventer building.

Heero just observed Nicolai coming a to a stop as well in formation between the two he opened his mouth about to say something, but no words came out as much as he wanted to try and comfort his feelings. Heero still wasn’t used to expressing his feelings fully at times even he was taken by surprise with blank looks which made him have doubts about his fatherly ability, a problem the Perfect Soldier had hard grips with.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t be weak, I know you both still have doubts looking down on me all the time as if I’m still a child. Well I’m going to prove to you both I’m not as helpless as you think I am, I won’t fail you…” He grimaced coldly looking down at a shaking clenched fist he raised to his chest, just staring at it angered.

Heero saw the frustrations in his eyes knowing he was going through a rough time in teenage years he had experienced much himself, walking over behind him placing a firm hand on his right shoulder, changing his stare to a more understanding one looking down at his own flesh and blood. “Nicolai, there are a lot more ways other than this to prove strength.” He watched that Nicolai stopped shaking his fist to look at him over his shoulder from the corner of his blue eyes it almost made him give a smile seeing a small part of himself even if he was putting himself through bad areas. He recognized that even teenagers have their own way of dealing with things, just like he did 14 years ago that it wasn’t much different from the time he punished himself for the deaths of many innocent people that died at his own hands. But that was the past now he now had a wife and a son, a family which he would give his own life for at anytime if need be to protect what he loved and cherished the most.

Nicolai was caught off guard lowering his fist looking back at his father over his shoulder before sliding half turn to face him somewhat a better angle than before, as much as he tried to hide his emotions from everyone else Heero always had a way to bring them about the people he was around in a strange way. Perhaps it just was the calm hard monotone voice of his that seemed to explain everything or the amount of understanding the once emotionless Perfect Soldier had within his heart, now exposed to a new word of understanding which he thought maybe he could live in this new world filled with peace that Relena had accomplished over the many years of struggling through the wars of After Colony 195, and the Eve war of 196 onwards to the present day Heero was still fighting for a peace filled world which he could allow his family to live in as the two just stared into the open sea colour of their hardened eyes paused for thoughts.

Someone stood on the high rooftop of the main building watching through a laser scope holding a sniper rifle positioned over the edge of the structure leering down upon an unsuspecting student. “That’s it now everyone is gathered the show is about to begin the so called world where inertia is considered to be peace, and the easy path leads to devolution. The overture to the destruction has already begun; the people are overjoyed; they believe a wonderful future is ahead of them.” A feminine voice resounded almost childishly like a game giving a pause between her words waiting for the right moment, a true mark of an assassin where patience is only virtue to success.

She smiled loving the moment that was going through her veins with every heart pulse the intensity growing. “I’ve waited a very long time to have this opportunity to have revenge on you Heero Yuy, I consider this only but a taste of what’s to come of your happy little reunion….” A brief pause came quietly across her scavenger lips honing her instincts into the bullet she felt her gloved finger closing in on the trigger aiming the crimson line higher.

“This is the final line Yuy, You can save dying for later after you’ve felt the tears of sorrow then we’ll just see how strong you really are so called “Perfect Soldier” when your covered in your own blood you can curse your own optimistic judgement of the past.” She spoke with tension forming in a hatred filled heart even though her hand was perfectly level along with her mind set on the objective at hand.

Focusing the scope further on the targets back a sadistic smile cross her face. “Now is the time for pleasure and pain, the pleasure will be all mine Heero and the pain shall be yours.”

Heero continued with his deep discussion with Nicolai, having doubts still about his reason for being at Preventer academy it simply worried the soldier who had changed into a father now at a surprisingly fast rate.

“Nicolai you don’t have to still hold grudges from the past, why don’t you at least give normal school a chance before making a full decision on taking the field exam. You’ve never been in a real battlefield before, and being a Preventer means taking a lot of risks of your own life it won’t be easy you know that.” Heero looked down at him concerned in his eyes even if his voice remained perfect monotone heavy. “Would you at least consider it?” He asked him calmly still baring a hand on his shoulder.

Nicolai looked down thinking for a second before raising his head with a conclusion. “I’m not doing this because I hold grudges for the past or present, neither to impress you or mom on what I can do.” He paused looking down a brief moment more having a hard time expressing to him since he didn’t do it often. “I want to follow in the footsteps of desire, I want this if anything, no one understands me if anything I feel out of place in normal places since I have abnormal parents who never tell me everything, I don’t expect it to be easy.”

“Nicolai, you know we only do that for your own safety…”

“Let me finish.” Heero gave a slight sigh under his breath nodding just hearing him out for a change. “I made a few mistakes along the way in life and I want to make sure I don’t make anymore, I was naïve and helpless back then. This time I want to be able to make a difference and by making you both proud of me to be called your son.” Nicolai looked down somewhat feeling unsure about what he said knowing that maybe he’d continue to give him lectures like he always did on how to do things.

“Hn…” Heero observed his actions and words waiting for the right time before replying. “ Nicolai, son we all make mistakes even I do. And that’s because we aren’t all that perfect as we hoped to be in this world, I think what matters is that we try our best and try to learn from those mistakes so that we don’t repeat the past. I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you all the time than I should have but my work does kind of interfere at the worst possible times when I want to spend with my family.”

“… You don’t…”

Heero raised his other hand making Nicolai pause in his words shaking his head sternly. “Hear me out now Nicolai, I gave you your turn as stubborn as I know you are I know I can’t change your mind that’s up to you. I suppose I have part of the blame on myself as to where you get that streak from but that’s beside the point, but I will always watch over you as a father Nicolai that is something I will always do because I simply do not want you to suffer as much as I did once. I’m sure your mother will agree with me on this as well, we’ll allow you to continue at Preventers if that’s what you really want, I just didn’t want you joining because you had some burden to prove something to us both when you don’t since… I’m already proud of you Nicolai.” Heero hid a lot of emotions at times but at times he couldn’t help but release them at unexpected moments leaning over raising his left arm and then wrapped it around Nicolai and hugged him.

He stood there confused not knowing how to respond. “Father… I…don’t know what to say, It is what I want but I don’t think I have proven myself yet not until I finish the field exam and pass as a full Preventer here at the institution.” He closed his eyes a minute realising he hadn’t been this close to his father for a long time. “But I’m glad I got to see you again, all I see of you these days is two mentions in history books and that’s about it.” Nicolai smirked sarcastically opening his eyes again before looking around noticing that other students were observing them like prying hawks, which made him nervous.

Heero sustained his smile hearing something he hadn’t heard for a while noticing Nicolai’s nervous motion across his face backing away from the hug holding him by the shoulders giving the observing students a sudden glare from his narrowed frown of disapproval which soon made some of them continue back to their affairs. Looking back towards Nicolai for their little moment. “Now that’s a word I haven’t heard for a long time.” Heero grinned.

“Huh?” Nicolai came to a temporary halt with his jaw open wondering what he meant exactly.

“Don’t you remember? You haven’t called me father is a very long time, we thought you forgot but then again I should’ve spent more free time with you guys than I should taking off on missions.” Heero stared in contortion “You do know that don’t you, Preventers will send you on various missions around the world and even in outer space on the colonies. There is nothing for sure with this job, I just want you to realise this so there is no regrets later on…hn…” Heero eyes glanced around feeling something wasn’t right as birds suddenly flocked in the distance, someone was watching them with deadly intent he could feel it right down to his blood.

Shaking his eyes side to side not letting the suspect know he was on to them, whoever it was, just as the sun peeked above them from the tree’s there it was. A sparkle came form the roof of the main Preventer institution, his eyes led down a thin red line from the target location pin-pointed directly into Nicolai’s back meaning only one thing a long range sniper with an laser dot sight. His first reaction came straight to him hearing a bullet shot he used his super human ability to pull Nicolai to the ground hard feeling a sharp metallic object rip through the right sleeve of his jacket, gritting his teeth in the process he instantly leaned up from his position seeing a faint shadow from the roof.

The woman stood up in irritation taking a pair of binoculars to her eyes to scan the damage caused from the sniper bullet for the results. “Blast it!” She pulled down the scope seeing bad results. “I should’ve known he had some kind of ability, the Zero system obviously changed him somehow to sense bloodshed before it occurs.” She scowled in annoyance tapping her fingers again the binoculars yet smiling still as if it were a hunting game for sport. “But your luck will run out sooner or later Heero, I guess I’ll just have to find out why this one means so much to you after all, we’ll meet again!” Commotion noises could be heard around the building as security started to move in on her position she quickly turned to dash over the roof top using an escape ladder she set up earlier.

____________________________________________________________________

Heero turned his attention back to Nicolai leaning off him. “Why did you do that for!?” Nicolai exasperated coughing a breath after having the wind knocked out of him from Heero’s overpowering shove into the ground.

“Are you injured!?” Heero demanded in a much more concerned hardened voice worried about his safety more than his own life he scan over his body to see any wounds or traces of blood but saw none other than his own arm which was dripping odd drops onto the ground staining the grass.

“Huh…father… You’re bleeding…your injured yourself…uh?” Heero stood up analysing where the assassin took off scanning with his eyes he started to break off stopping a moment turning his head back at Nicolai.

Seeing no further threat was around, he had to be sure. “I want you stay here and go with Kato to your next class is that understood, I’m going to try and find out what is going on.”

“But your injured, let me come with you.” Nicolai stood firm to his feet again.

Heero glared through hard lined eyes back towards him in incensed look on his face he hadn’t shown before. “Nicolai don’t, I’m your father and as your father I want to protect you. “ His eyes narrowed more deeper focused on the boy. “But as a soldier I know that is my duty, now do as I say, Hm hey you!” Heero called over towards a dark-haired student who looked side to side wondering if he actually meant him seeing a nod from Heero in response he walked over from the commotion to them.

“Did you want me sir?” Kato asked the injured Heero.

Heero nodded a quick response pushing Nicolai over towards him. “Make sure he gets to his next class I’m trusting you to handle this mission, and don’t let him out of your sight or I’ll be finding you if he isn’t where he’s supposed to be, got that.” Without a second further wasted Heero sprinted across the Preventer grounds heading over to where he spotted the assassin take run. Even with an injured arm he was quite amazing with his ability to sustain numerous wounds and still act a hundred percent efficient.

The two boys just watched Heero disappear into the shadows once again, Nicolai just watched him confused on how to act from here he had only just saw his father for a brief moment and now he had gone off just like usual, things hadn’t changed even from back at home.

“What a guy, I wouldn’t have believed it without seeing it first so what dad told me was true wow, well hot shot let’s get you to class before I get the hitch.” Kato tried to help Nicolai along before getting shoved back stumbling backwards few steps. “Hey! I was only trying to help what’s the deal pal?”

Nicolai stared over at Kato from the corner of his eye in his arrogance of liking to handle things on his own. “I want anyone’s help, that’s all Pal…” sliding his hands in his pockets he calmly walked away along the path.

“Hey Nicolai! Wait up! You never said your last name was Yuy, and that your dad is Heero Yuy!?” He picked up his things dashing over to catch up with his fellow student waiting for an answer he saw him open his eyes barely to the corner again.

“You never asked…” Nicolai said rigid to brush the American off as much as he could hating the attention that was just drawn to himself made the atmosphere insecure looking over once again to where Heero disappeared off. ‘Father… I’m sorry my weakness caused you to get injured, I’m going to continue my training as a Preventer for now it’s the only thing I can do for you…’ Nicolai shook away his thoughts casting away from the distance back on track walking to the Institution.

“Is that all you got Nicolai!?” Kato slashed his fencing sword to clash against Nicolai’s during an intense dual. “I’m sure someone of your magnitude can show a little more fight!”

“Hn…” Nicolai’s response remained unchanged blocking the attacks on a more defensive posture than attack not really putting much effort into the dual at all.

From his opponents expression it angered Kato seeing how he was taking it so lightly. “Don’t you find it a little of a coincidence that the two of us are here right now?” He questioned the motive of Nicolai’s presence in the Institution.

Parrying aside another of Kato’s all out thrusts he grimaced. “I don’t believe in coincidences…If that’s what the battle has determined to be there is little I can do about it other than to fight it my own way.” He paused blocking one of Kato’s attacks again hearing the metal swords grind against each other in the air he gazed over to the far side of the room seeing the shadow of someone entering the class, obviously late for some reason or another seeming to catch Nicolai’s prompt attention. “Huh, it’s her…”

Kato wondered what Nicolai was talking about turning his head over his shoulder trying to see whom Nicolai was talking about. “What? Just what are you talking about she?” His eyes blinked staring around.

Knowing when to take advantage of a situation when left before him he thrust forward taking the first aggressive stance in the dual knocking aside Kato’s duelling sword continuing to strike a hard jab in his chest just enough to knock him backwards losing his balance on the floor, lowering his sword aimed at him. “I believe the fight is mine Maxwell…”

With a grunt grasping his chest with one hand where he knocked the wind out of him he coughed. “Why…Why you little scoundrel! You did that one purpose didn’t you!?” He coughed again with a groan.

Nicolai withdrew his fencing sword under his arm turning around closing his eyes trying to avoid watchful eyes that were pried on him right now, and they weren’t from Kato but from someone else.

Pulling himself to stand on one hand still clutching his chest he took a step forward annoyed. “Using dirty tricks to deceive me during a fight doesn’t anyone in your family know how to fight fair!?” The American shouted out across the class as it disturbed the duelling of others almost knowing these two had their differences.

Nicolai shrugged a cold shoulder. “Don’t blame your own incompetence on me, you should be more focused on your own battles than anything if I were an enemy you would be dead by now.” He started to walk away lowering his head. “In a real fight you won’t be able to complain after your defeat…” He said coldly letting his messy hair cover his eyes.

Kato balled up his fists from his words obviously hit the mark. “Nicolai! You coward!” He yelled over to the dark-haired student.

Nicolai halted gritting his teeth from Maxwell’s verbal attack retaliating instantly so fast to thrust his fencing sword tip indented at his throat.

“If you were anyone else, I would kill you were you stand…” His voice held a certain deep tone Kato felt from Heero Yuy earlier on, obviously these people were not to be taken likely as the kidding type seeing the intensity in his eyes he meant every word he said that moment.

“May I have the pleasure of taking you up on that offer?” A calm voice resounded from the opposite side of the room that caught everyone’s attention with a single swing of their heads catching the sight of a woman with medium blonde hair.

Nicolai slowly lowered his fencing sword to his side. “Hm…” Little to saying much but he never effused a fight when it presented itself allowing a quick nod of acknowledgment to the woman stepping over to the centre of the room where the two faced off in front of the crowd of fellow students. Silence resided over them between whispers, but someone was watching even more closer.

Keeping her thoughts to herself she smiled ‘That’s it son of Heero Yuy, show me just how much strength you really have, show us all’ She lightly gave a childish laugh under her breath watching through her eyes at the conspicuous kid.

“Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Diliculo Winters I am a member of the Genesis Foundation in outer space and have come here as a student from the colonies to better learn about Earth policies.” She placed her fencing mask over her face extending her duelling sword to the tip aimed at her opponent ready.

He gave a slight nod again. “Nicolai Yuy, It’s a pleasure.” He replied hard toned to her gesture placing his face guard over his head as well since without a second to spare she lunged at him not to his surprise he blocked the attack with his own sword pushing her back to go in for a swipe of his own, she distanced herself backwards evading the attack barely knowing that she couldn’t make many mistakes with this one he was obviously dedicated to his fights.

 Both of their voices lacked much emotion for fire burned between these two individuals though their blood was swimming with excitement. This would be a duel.

Kato saw Nicolai confront the taller woman in the mask. They looked as if everything else in the world had ceased to exist except for each other. Violence vibrated in the space between them, humming brightly and loudly. Kato understood that this fight was not his and that he must not interfere, so he stood back to give them room.

“Is that the best you can do?” She said sarcastically taunting the dark-haired dualist who tried to hide his emotions she found it amusing to toy with him swinging for another attack constantly giving him little to no space to have a breather forcing him to back up step by step with each howling slash of her sword colliding against his.

“Hm…” Nicolai tried to discard away his thoughts concentrating purely on the fight at hand parrying aside one of her attacks to reply with a stroke of his own being met by her own blade, she obviously had training in this before and wasn’t weak either from the way she handled herself.

“There once was a man who held a fake name, he came to Earth to bring peace by fighting a battle against unforgiving odds.” She paused diving forward for another swing of attacks. “He was well known for his super human abilities and piloting skills as the Perfect Soldier and soon became legendary in history as the one who ended the Earth Sphere Alliance’s reign of dominance over the world in a single strike!” Her voice echoed with aggression filled thoughts having a firm grip of the battle forcing him back by step. “After making his mistake, he sought to repent for his error by causing more grief, and now his own resemblance is trying to make himself into another legend!” She slashed forwards making him loose his balance pulling back again. “Isn’t that right Nicolai Yuy!?” Diliculo lunged forward poised with her sword ripping against the skin of his forearm tearing a thin line across his shirt that the clothing started to turn red along the cut line.

Pure steel clashed against a bloody red one. Tensions flew; Nicolai and Diluculo danced a deadly dance together to the music of the ringing of their swords while Kato watched them as closely as he watched the perimeter of the duelling ground. He watched Nicolai's perfect slash at her torso, he also saw the smooth parry she made with his own sword. They kept dancing, feet shuffling, arms and swords snaking out, their entire bodies in constant motion. Nicolai hadn’t touched the other as of yet, He were almost too eerily silent, not shouting epithets at her like most other duellist were wont to do. He spoke with only his weapon

Nicolai’s facial expression changed a moment before turning back to normal holding his position she looked disappointed that he wasn’t using his full potential. “You shouldn’t be losing to a woman, you should be tying to make yourself into a much bigger legend than this. Is that why your father was so disappointed, Nicolai Yuy!” She drove in for another strike to provoke him, seeing the blade incoming something clicked inside of his head that made his eyes narrow with anger lunging forward piercing the tip of her own sword with his causing the metal to snap with the tip end flying into the air he sword continued forward seeing most of the class look back thinking he was going for a kill, something called in his mind.

‘Don’t die’

“Huh?” His first instinct, he was not totally unsure where that came from nor what triggered it. But when he looked up he could see his fencing sword was held right up to the taller woman’s neck hearing a thud in the background as the tip of her sword impacted into the floor tip first hanging out. The class remained in suspense holding their breaths not sure either to take a swallow at the back of their throats or not.

Nicolai started to withdraw his sword standing up fully confused over what had took place the last few minutes.

She smirked tapping her hands lightly together forming applause. “That was quite the impressive fight Nicolai, but I’m not bad myself I hope we’ll have another chance to duel again… legendary reflection.”

Nicolai turned around looking down at the blood-smeared cut he sustained, having a hard time understanding just what she was talking about, it confused him just like the voice he heard in his mind that made him stop. “I’m having difficulties understanding what you’re saying, I guess there must be another legend your describing because I don’t know of any…” He calmly walked away out of the class.

Kato sighed in relief seeing the duel end. “Hey Nicolai, wait up!” He yelled chasing after his class friend.

She watched Nicolai leaving shortly followed by the loud voice of Kato shouting after him. ‘ I knew you’d hide some truths but you cannot hide you’re fathers blood smeared path so easily, I’ll be watching you my little legend’

Keyboard noises could be heard tapping away as Heero typed forceful upon the keys on one of the Institutions computers, the room seemed almost dark in it’s appearance with poor lighting fitting Heero’s profile of not wanting to be noticed invading the Preventer network.

"This is getting too weird. How in the world do we get a mission
wherein we're not suppose to harm anyone and end up almost killing our
targets?" Duo complained as he dropped on his bed speaking through a view screen to Heero.
 

Heero didn't answer back. "Hey I'm talking to you." Duo said and sighs
when he noticed that Heero was busy hacking the school files. "What
did you find?" He then asked standing moving forward to the screen for a closer look.
 

"Nothing." Heero said with a simple response as he skimmed through their files with his eyes moving side-to-side following the text.
 

"I knew it, another dead end huh?" Duo complained.
 

"Would you mind shutting up for a moment so I could concentrate?" Heero asked as he started pressing things at the computer keyboard harder than before becoming frustrated about the attack earlier.
 "What the...hey those are company reports, how did you break in their system?" Duo asked impatiently wanting to know just what Heero was planning.
 

"I've been working on this for a week I just tried finding a back door to their system. Even a fool proof one has its flaws that's why I'm curious about those two new arrivals the girl and that guy from the Foundation." Heero said as he quickly scanned
the reports. "Look at this. It states here that about a week ago, a space patrol encountered 5 unidentified objects going to a colony. It also states here that the space patrol was destroyed by something that had a resemblance to a Mobile Suit." Heero said.
 

"But that would mean that it was some kind of Mobile Suit which destroyed that
space patrol." Duo said with a half happy face knowing suits still exited to fight.

"And it also says here that these 2 enrolled here 3 days ago, Now isn't that a coincidence?" Heero then said with a narrowed frown over his eyes continuing to type at the terminal hastening his speed not wanting to be on for any longer than needed since security was tight but he knew how to get passed detection mostly having set up most of Preventer security systems himself personally.

"Yeah, but it couldn't be that Diluculo you mentioned I mean she’s a girl." Duo
tried to come up with his own firm idea of who the attackers were not having much success seeming more confused on his face.

 
Heero gave Duo a give look from the corner of his eyes deadly serious. "And still quite capable of killing." He grimaced. "Never underestimate anyone, we made that mistake today and almost failed our mission luckily, we've gathered some data on these new Mobile Suits." Heero indicated showing Duo some records from his terminal turning the screen view for him to see more clearly and started again pressing things on the keyboard.

"What the? Hey that's one of the Colonies." Duo said surprised to see that the colonies were involved in whatever this was..

"All of these suits have a stealth ability that makes them invisable from radar similar to your Deathscythe technology from what I can gather they also have better
manoeuvring speed and as far as I've observed, they lack in fire
power but they make up with their reconnaissance system." Heero scanned over with his dark blue eyes looking over the results showing on the terminal.

"So all these so called suits are far more superior in some ways yes and some
ways no?" Duo sounded confused over what Heero was talking about putting on one of his understanding faces.

"Yes, but like I said, never underestimate them these suits are very advanced but nothing can be confirmed yet since we haven’t had chance to see them in actual battle. But what concerns me more is this assassin whichever one of them it is they’re like us only they were trained to act like a normal civilian’s so its obvious that an act is being put on for some reason which I can’t figure out." Heero stopped typing at the desk machine going back to his thoughts as for a motive to the events.

"Like that Diluculo and Lloyd?" Duo laughingly joked knowing Heero was coming to that thought already about the two suspects.

Heero narrowed his eyes back towards the screen becoming focused again "This is something not to joke about, Duo these are professionals we shouldn’t be too careless from now on, remember assumptions lead to mistakes." Heero said angrily in his hardened voice when serious.

 
"Okay, okay. But I can't help it. How could two colonists outsmart us right?" Duo said still laughing.

"Whatever." Heero muttered and got back to work. “We’ll meet at the rendezvous point at Colony L2 of area D, that’s where the last report of the missing Preventer unit was last located near.” Heero stopped one second before continuing. “And one last thing Duo, be cautious.”

Duo blinked a second before giving one of his over rated smiles. “Hey, this is me we’re talking about of course I’ll be fine well check ya later Heero.” Duo leaned forward ending the transmission on Heero’s screen, as the once perfect soldier leaned back on his chair he heard a noise near the door instantly using his fast first reaction he had his gun in his hand in a split second primed at the door where a shadow stood.

"I'm surprised, Heero. You really turn up in the most unexpected places." A strong female voice resounded behind the shadow revealing a shor- haired woman baring one flap of hair over one side of her face coming into the light from the doorframe.

“Huh, Noin?” Heero sounded almost surprised himself that Noin had caught onto his presence being there in the institution after he had tried not to come into contact with unnecessary people.

She approached his position slowly from the door smiling. “It wasn’t too hard to figure you’d come here trying to find out who’s responsible for the recent attacks after saving life’s mysteriously.”

Heero looked at her from the corner of his eyes as she approached him slowly. “I'm sorry I'm good at sneaking in, besides saving lives is all I can do right now to try and protect a world free for everyone.” Heero then stared back at the computer going back to his work.

“Including your family as well?” She asked curiously as to his intentions in the Preventer military school were related.

“Hm…I have a feeling you didn’t come here to talk to me about family issues did you Noin, Let me guess...it's about the shooting...” He let a silent sigh to himself under his breath after failing to catch the assassin looking down at the keyboard in front of him with a frown.

Noin sat leaning on a table behind Heero followed by a nod reading the report she held in unver one arm. “Always perceptive as usual Heero I knew I came to the right person, we found the sniper rifle ditched at the edges of the Preventer grounds seems that someone wasn’t too interested in putting much effort into hiding the weapon, since the finger prints came up zero from the tests we have no idea who fired the gun.” She handed the report over to Heero to read for his own eyes.

 Heero looked over the test reports going through things thoroughly with detail. “I didn’t think so either, whoever is behind the attacks on both Colonel Une and Nicolai is a professional beyond all means and wouldn’t make easy mistakes as to leave behind much evidence leading to a motive.” Heero paused for one moment finding something interesting about the report. “But one thing is for certain it has something linked to the Genesis Foundation…” He lowered the report down to the desk after reading the minor detail, which interested him typing in some information on the computer brining up several images along with series of data accompanying it.

“Huh, Heero? What do you mean? Your surely not suggesting that they hired the assassin are you. I can understand the attack on Chief Une but your own son I can’t understand why someone would go to the length of seeing just a young student’s death have a meaning.” The purple haired instructor argued with him wondering what his evidence was.

After going through several reports he loaded up a profile on one of the students on the screen enlarging it. “First of all the report stated that the gun manufacturer was a company known as Zorin Industries, does that come to mind?” He questioned while continuing to hack into respective files.

“Zorin? Weren’t they the suppliers that boosted OZ for standard military hardware arming its soldiers?”

Heero nodded in response to her answer. “But they’re just the front, Genesis are the ones who are pulling the strings from behind the scenes by covering its tracks they must’ve acquired someone from the previous OZ or the Alliance to help them find the right merchants since there is always a market for military weapons even in peace filled nations…People cannot forget the security weapons give them.”

“Genesis? You mean that huge Foundation who is promoting a new kind of peace in outer space by forming a universal peace keeper force, I thought that was just rumours sparked from the media since Preventers has been locking down on their recent activities trying to produce manned suits again.” Noin shook her head trying to forget the last war that resulted because of that tragedy.

Heero remained calm staring at the screen trying to find more things of interest. “Seems there more than just rumours… Take a look at this. “Heero backed off in the chair allowing Noin to see.

She stood up from the table leaning over his shoulder to see what he was getting at. “I’s just data files of the Preventer checks on materials sent from the natural resource satellites to colonies and also to the Earth and other locations, so what evidence is this to suggest foul play Heero?” She frowned a stare at him curious.

Heero folded his arms over his chest closing his eyes waiting. “Take a closer look at the dates and times of the files, don’t you see anything strange that Preventer logs should be provided by the hourly shipments of resources from the satellites?”

Noin listened to him taking another look at the reports lowering her jaw seeing odd formalities on the screen surprised. “What is this?” She leaned forward typing on the computer to scroll down the file listings furthering her frustration. “I don’t believe this there have been months of reports missing out of the Preventer network, I’ll make sure Chrief Une hears about this and finds out while the inspections weren’t carried out.” She said in a bad tone of annoyance leaning back from the machine taking no more than a few steps away.

“I don’t think it’s on our the side that’s the problem.” Heero opened his eyes again unfolding his arms back to the keyboard to bring up another series of screens.

Noin paused turning half around to face Heero again. “Huh? What do you mean then Heero if the reports haven’t been carried out there is no other way of the files not being there.”

Heero frowned a deep stare at the screen. “There is one other way, the files have been deleted to cover up their tracks of any evidence being left to raise any suspicions towards them while they do whatever they intend to do with those resources but I can pretty much guess what there for.” Heero stood up from the chair collection his blue jacket from the back.

“Deleted!? But that’s impossible, you said it yourself that the Preventer system you set up was practically impossible to get into without any of us knowing before hand. And from the looks of it seems that the entire network maybe at risk judging from the missing gaps you can’t be serious.” Noin said out loud in the room.

“Hm, I know but it seems we are dealing with impractical people we should be cautious at least until we find out just what or who we are dealing and then take measures to stop it.” Heero paused leaning towards the door. “I’m heading off to meet with Duo in the L2 area since that is where most of the reports have been occurring from XXXX355, I want you to look out for Nicolai while I’m gone there is a slight chance whoever is behind this might try again. From the effort being put into this I doubt they would simply just give up because of one failed attempt.” Heero said as he threw his jacket over one shoulder letting it trail over his back.

Noin walked somewhat a little over to him staggered still over the news. “What about Arys, shouldn’t you be informing her to watch over his security if we’re dealing with professionals here that is.”

Heero stopped at the door turning his head over his shoulder to look back at Noin through the corner of his eye. “Arys is on another important mission, I’ve already sent a message ahead to come back here after she is finished.” Heero turned back facing front again. “Oh and one more thing, I’ve left the reconstructed Wing Zero in the underground hanger if anything happens I want you to safe secure it until I get back.”

Noin gave another shocked stare at Heero. “The Wing Zero? I thought it was too badly damaged, did the Zero system actually survive the second Eve war then we can’t let anyone know about its existence right?”

Heero nodded a response to her taking a walk out of the door she rested back in one of the desks hearing his footsteps start to fade off in the background she sighed.

“Good luck Heero I just hope you know what your doing this time, you’ll risk your life knowing that you have to protect that kid I’ll do all I can to ensure the Sanc Kingdom doesn’t fall a third time.” Noin stood to her feet leaving the room.

A shadow moved back in the corridor seeing the instructor leave the opposite direction after listening to the entire conversation between the two Preventers he stepped out of the darkness seeing the coast was now clear. “Zero system? Wing Zero?” The dark-haired figure said narrowing his eyes interested. “Wasn’t that the suit I saw in the old Alliance data systems, claimed to be a problematic suit that could increase pilot combative ability, I thought the reports said they had all been destroyed at the fall of the last conflict between the colonies and the Earth so I was told during class. Hmm… Seems even my father has secrets he isn’t explaining.”

Nicolai turned and stepped into the room they had previously been inside taking a seat at the desk machine before typing into the Preventer Institutions records, scanning through many planning stages on the construction of the entire building and its surrounding structures.

“He said it was an underground facility, since the Sanc Kingdom was used as a hotbed for assaults in the past I bet it was used for Mobile Suit storage meaning the reason why my father would hide it in such an old location away from human sight. But if I can use that suit in training exercise maybe I can become as strong as he is, I’d be able to become a superior pilot without going at the slow pace the Preventer training program goes at.” He continued to type hacking into previous past data while trying to avoid the detection system finally locating the underground blue print on the screen.

“Found it…Sub-section 3 elevator, apparently off limits to anyone doesn’t surprise me…I won’t let regulations stop me from becoming a stronger person.” He stood up from the chair switching off the computer system turning off to the door closing it behind him, cautiously looking side to side noticing no-one was around he walked casually to his destination.

Finishing notes. Ok I’m quite satisfied with how things are turning out, even if they are working up slowly to the climax I want but look forward to more of the plot to be revealed in the next few chapters maybe answering questions that may be going in your heads heh. If anyone has any ideas or feedback you might wanna give me I’ll be glad to read it.