Author's Note: The reviews for the finale of "Do You Want To Dance?"clamored for me to write another FMP story…especially my anime bud RedLion2, who made a subtle suggestion based on my recent re-viewing of my Gundam Wing DVDs…and so I asked her, the BEST GW A/U writer on the site if she'd collaborate on a story bringing together the main couple, villain and a few other main characters from GW in a plot for FMP. This takes place after TSR. And here's the usual disclaimer, we do not own any of these characters or universes…they belong solely to Shouji Gatou for FMP, Koichi Tokita, Hajime Yatate, and Yoshiyuki Tomino for GW.

IN THE DARK

PROLOGUE…Gathering Clouds

Hong Kong…six months ago…

As the sun set as a signature to the battle between Amalgam and Mithril…that nearly leveled Kowloon…Amalgam's Mr. Silver, AKA Leonard Testarossa stood on a rooftop and surveyed the aftermath of the fight between the two ultimate Arm Slaves. Red Venom, the offspring of the Venom AS created by the evil genius Guaron…who had recently met his demise after hanging on to life following his last encounter with the masterpiece AS from Mithril known as Arbalest. He had watched as Arbalest crushed the Red Venom code named Codarl, even as it had been pushed to its limits by the loose cannon Gates piloting it…and marveled at the sheer power of the shining white machine. He also acknowledged, albeit grudgingly that the skill of the pilot of the Arbalest was as much to be credited…as well as that pilot's bond with a certain exceptional person…

Leonard had just relayed his eyewitness account of what had transpired and then made another call…to potential ally OZ…the military division of the powerful Romefeller Foundation…

Present Time…

About 500 miles off the southeast coast of Japan lay the island base for the Pacific division of the para-military peacekeeping organization known as Mithril…a vast hive of activity that included an airfield, a sea base, an administrative building and living quarters for their personnel that included a gym and a bar. The administrative building housed offices for all officers, especially that of Colonel Teletha 'Tessa' Testarossa, the Executive Officer of the Pacific division. Hard working as always, Tessa was spending another late day behind her desk studying the latest data on those individuals known as Whispered…concerning one new discovery regarding the Vice Foreign Minister, Relena Darlian.

This is…amazing…I had no idea that someone like that…could actually be a Whispered. Tessa's silver eyes widened as she continued reading the report General Amit had sent to her from Intelligence. As Vice Foreign Minister she's a world leader in mold of Lord Mallory…a person with immense power in a political sense…but as a confirmed Whispered…the potential that this implies…could have tremendous benefit worldwide…or could spell disaster if she fell into the wrong hands…

Sighing Tessa then referred to the communiqué she received almost immediately after getting Amit's report from the organization known as Preventer. The group was like Mithril, an organization of mercenaries…former soldiers who took on the role of peacekeepers in the many disputes that took place worldwide…and they were the unofficial bodyguards of the VFM. However, they lacked the firepower and weaponry of Mithril and as such in the past had called on them for assistance…and now they were doing the same…having requested a meeting to discuss this very delicate matter…

The intercom buzzed drawing Tessa's instant response. "Yes?"

"Lady Une from Preventer has arrived," her assistant replied. "Along with the Foreign Vice Minister and her bodyguard."

"Please send them in."

Tessa rose and came from behind her desk as the panel door slid open to admit three individuals, two females and a male… led by a tall attractive woman with medium length sorrel hair dressed in a tailored navy suit, who offered a neatly manicured hand in greeting…

"Colonel Testarossa…I am Lady Une…director of Preventer…thank you for agreeing to see us at such short notice."

Tessa smiled, "Not at all, Lady Une."

She then went and addressed the petite young woman with honey blonde hair who had a carriage of gentle strength and authority, even for a girl of 17. With a deferential bow she greeted the Vice Foreign Minister.

"I'm deeply honored that you would call on me for assistance, Vice Foreign Minister Darlian."

Relena smiled and responded in kind. "It's me that's grateful, Colonel Testarossa…I've been quite beset by these so-called 'whispers' and would welcome any light shed." She gestured to the impassive young man standing beside her. "Allow me to introduce my bodyguard…Heero Yuy."

The bodyguard offered his hand and without a change to his sullen expression said coolly "A pleasure."

Tessa shook hands with him then stepped back and gestured to three leather chairs, which had been brought in. "Please make yourselves comfortable."

The two women accepted her invitation and sat…but the young man remained standing, right by the vice foreign minister…at Parade Rest. As Tessa herself sat behind her desk she could not help but notice that Heero Yuy…with his lean but muscular physique, intense eyes, and unruly head of hair…along with his earnest manner brought thoughts of another…and she giggled in spite of herself.

Confused as to why she was laughing Relena inquired, "Is there something wrong, colonel?"

Tessa blushed as she realized her impropriety. "Forgive me, Mr. Yuy…you just remind me of…someone." She then cleared her throat and asked Relena politely, "Now please tell me, ma'am…what can I do for you?"

Coming straight to the point Relena began slowly, "I understand…that Mithril has extensive knowledge about certain individuals…called Whispereds…is that true?"

Lady Une spoke up, adding. "At Preventer we have bare-bones information about them…which is why we are here."

Tessa heaved a deep sigh as she nodded. "Yes it is…Mithril has been actively involved in the protection and in recent cases…the rescue of such individuals." She nervously fingered her platinum blonde braid. "It's an extremely sensitive issue…one not easily discussed."

"But ma'am," Lady Une interjected. "With all due respect you did read the communiqué we sent you…about the Vice Foreign Minister…and her own suspicions of being a Whispered?"

Tessa sighed, "Yes, Lady Une…I have it right here." She held up the document in question. "However, as I just said this is an extremely sensitive issue…so sensitive that even my own people have very little knowledge…by my order---"

Not standing on ceremony nor mincing words Heero interrupted rudely, "That doesn't matter… this has to do with the vice foreign minister…sensitive or not, she has a right to know whatever you do."

"Heero," Relena reached a hand to his arm to stifle him. "Colonel, I'm well aware of this being a delicate matter…which is why it is of the utmost urgency that I know everything about the Whispereds…for the continued pursuit of peace."

Tessa took a deep breath and nodded. "I agree." She rose and came from behind her desk and addressed Heero and Lady Une firmly, "If the two of you would please step out…I'd like to speak to Vice Foreign Minister Darlian…in private."

Relena got up to protest. "Colonel Testarossa, these two are extremely close to me…I trust them implicitly." But this time Heero laid his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently…a subtle but intimate gesture that did not go unnoticed by Tessa.

"As you wish," he said as he and Lady Une both turned and exited…

When they were alone Tessa took a seat beside Relena…and turned to face her. The vice foreign minister cleared her throat and apologized, "Please excuse Heero, colonel…he's been my bodyguard for two years and has experienced these spells I've been having first hand…and he's very concerned about me."

Tessa smiled as she assured her, "There's no need…it's obvious he cares deeply for you. However, what I am about to tell you…is of the gravest importance…and in the utmost confidence…when I said earlier that my people do not know what I am about to tell you…I meant those nearest and dearest to me." She sighed as she stated, "Because, I too…am a Whispered."

Relena's eyes widened to gentian saucers. "You are…a Whispered?"

"You appear surprised, ma'am," Tessa remarked.

Relena blushed as she sputtered, "I-I didn't mean anything…just that to encounter another person…who knows what these…dreams or spells are…is quite amazing…and a relief."

Tessa smiled and said, "There's approximately two dozen recognized Whispered individuals throughout the world…most have not reached their full potential…to draw from their powers. However…a few…can not only understand what it is in their subconscious…they can be used to enhance the development of advanced weaponry…with something known as Black Technology."

"Black Technology?"

"Yes…that is knowledge buried deep within the psyche…and randomly floats to the surface, the so-called 'spells' you mention. This knowledge is at a level beyond the highest recorded IQ…and has great potential." Tessa took a deep breath and continued, "However, deliberate attempts to draw this knowledge has led to tragic consequences…there have been recent attempts by terrorist organizations to do just that to a few unfortunate subjects…and they have become lost shells within themselves."

Relena gasped as she asked, "You mean…they went insane?"

Tessa nodded sadly. "Yes…that's why we at Mithril are dedicated to protecting the Whispereds that have been recognized as those select few. Right now we are guarding a very important subject…in Tokyo."

"Who is that?"

"Miss Kaname Chidori." Tessa replied. "She's presently being guarded by a member of our Special Response Team…a top specialist with a background in guerilla warfare…and in addition a member of the Intelligence Division has her under surveillance 24/7…so you see how important it is to keep this knowledge restricted to as few as possible."

"I see," Relena said trying to digest all she was told. "Chidori? Is she any relation to UN Chairman Chidori, director of Environmental Issues?"

Tessa nodded, "She's his eldest daughter…but that doesn't matter…her Whispered abilities make protecting her a priority." She sighed and asked, "So Vice Minister…if you could fill me in on your own situation."

Relena hesitated, a little unsure of herself. "Well, the first time one of the...spells occurred, I was in my office, going over some documents that needed my signature." She stopped, dropping her gaze to the floor. The carpet was light blue, and calming.

"Please, go on," Tessa encouraged.

"I was tired, and had a bit of a fever. Heero kept telling me to go home early." Relena smiled, thinking back. "But I needed to get the work done. I remember closing my eyes for a few moments, and these strange images began appearing. Odd shapes at first, then numbers. They came very fast.

"When I tried to examine them closer, my head felt heavy, unstable. I couldn't seem to breathe." Relena swallowed hard and looked at the Colonel. "It was very disturbing, but I brushed it off as being overtired."

Tessa nodded, a frown on her face. "That certainly sounds like what I've experienced. When did they start?"

Relena bit her lip. "About three months ago. I've had five of them."

"Five. That's quite a few. When did you tell Lady Une?"

"After the first three. They didn't seem coincidental after that," Relena said. "They've upset Heero very much."

Tessa smiled. "I'm sure they have." She got to her feet and moved around her desk. "I think that perhaps we should do some testing. Would you be willing to let us do that?"

A small chill swept through Relena's body at the suggestion, but she nodded. "Yes."

"Good. I also think, Vice Foreign-"

"Relena, please."

"Relena, that you should be placed under guard by one of our Mithril agents," Tessa said as she sat down and pulled open a drawer.

"Actually, Colonel, I'd rather have Heero at my side. He's been with me a long time, and I trust him." Relena sat forward in her chair, her hands twined in her lap. I can't imagine not having him with me. It made her sick to her stomach.

"What does Heero think about your spells?" Tessa asked, and there was a coolness in her gray eyes that hadn't been there before.

"He's...skeptical of them. At first, he thought I was just exhausted. But now...he's not sure what to make of them," Relena said. "He wants to make sure I'm all right."

"Of course he does." Tessa nodded. "And I'm sure he's a very capable bodyguard. But," she frowned, "if you were to fall into the wrong hands, it would be disastrous. I need to know you'll be completely safe."

"I will be." How many times had Heero saved her life? Rescued her from a potentially dangerous situation? There was no one she trusted more.

"Hmm." Tessa was staring at her desk, her eyes narrowed. "I think I might have a solution." She looked at Relena, a pensive look in her eyes. "Would you agree to staying close to one of our men? He's the guard for Miss Kaname Chidori."

"How would that work?"

Tessa smiled. "You would have to stay in Tokyo, where Miss Chidori lives. She's a student at Jindai Municipal High School."

Relena frowned, an unsettled feeling creeping into her stomach. "For how long? My job requires me to be active in politics. I can't simply disappear."

"Well, at least until we can fully test you. We would plant you at the high school as a new student." Tessa began pulling pieces of paper from her desk.

"And Heero?" Relena wasn't conceding on this. If he wasn't allowed to stay with her, this wasn't happening.

"He would be with you, of course." Tessa gathered the papers into a small stack. "I believe he'd get along quite well with Sergeant Sagara, the man protecting Miss Chidori."

Relena wasn't sure what to say. Since the spells had started, she'd found herself less sure of many things. "Well, if it wouldn't be for an extended time, we should be able to work it out," she finally said.

Tessa left her desk and walked around to sit next to her again. "I really have no idea how long this would take. But I want to help you, and the Black Technology is invaluable to us. We need to know how much control you have over your powers."

Relena already knew what Heero would say. He wouldn't want to be stuck in a high school. But he was worried about her, and Colonel Testarossa seemed intent on helping her. "Let me discuss this with Heero and Lady Une. Then we can decide from there."

Tessa nodded and got to her feet. "Of course." She walked to the door, and Relena followed, her stomach in knots.

Heero and Lady Une stood outside the office. Heero's eyes focused on Relena immediately, and she saw his frown deepen. He knows something isn't right. It amazed her how perceptive he was.

Tessa gestured to Lady Une. "I can explain the situation to the Lady, Relena, if you'd like to speak with Heero."

Relena kept her eyes on her bodyguard. "Yes, please. That would be best."

"Very well. If you would please follow me, Lady Une." Tessa pointed at her office. "Relena, please use my office. It's very secure."

"Thank you." Relena turned back to the door, waiting as Heero opened it for her. She felt his eyes drilling into her back as he followed her inside and shut the door.

"The Colonel believes I am a...Whispered," she said, turning slowly to face him. He waited, with no change in his cool demeanor. "She'd like me to stay in Tokyo and undergo some tests."

His Prussian eyes glinted at that. "Why the tests?"

"Mithril would like to know if I have any sort of control over the images," she said.

"Why?"

Relena looked down. How could she explain things to him? I'm not sure Colonel Testarossa wants him to know about the Black Technology. "It's important to keeping peace," she told him, lifting her eyes to his.

His jaw tightened and he came to stand before her. "What aren't you telling me?"

Why did he have to be so perceptive? "I'm sorry, but that's all I can tell you right now. You have to trust me. These tests are important."

He studied her for several long moments, and she wasn't sure if he'd let it drop. But he finally seemed to come to a decision, and relaxed. "How long will we be here?"

"I'm not sure. And, um, we have to be undercover, too."

He lifted an eyebrow.

"As students at a high school. It's temporary, of course," she said, hoping he would understand. She needed him here with her.

"A high school. That will be...different." And a slight smirk touched the corner of his mouth.

Relena tried to smile back, but didn't have the strength. Her head felt heavy, and she closed her eyes. An image of a box flashed before her, followed by a sequence of numbers. She gasped, her chest tightening. Why was this happening? Why now?

"Relena."

She could feel Heero's hands on her shoulders, and struggled to focus on his touch. "H-Heero..."

"Relena. Can you hear me?" His voice was low, but she could hear his concern, his restrained panic.

She clung to his voice, to his touch, and eventually came out of it. Her eyes fluttered open, and her breathing was labored. He reached around her and drew her to him, stroking her back with a gentle hand. There were no words, but she didn't need any. All she needed was his physical reassurances.

The door behind them opened, and Relena pulled back. Heero let her go, but she knew he would stay close.

"Is everything all right?" Tessa asked. "Relena?"

She nodded, but couldn't find her voice.

"She had a spell." Heero's voice was flat, with an edge.

Tessa's eyes widened, and she turned to Lady Une. "We need to get her tested as soon as possible."

Lady Une glanced at the shaken Vice Foreign Minister. "Yes, I agree. When can you get them enrolled at the high school?"

"I'd say two days. After that we can begin testing."

Relena listened to the quiet conversation, and tried to keep her feet, but the spell, as they always did, had taken much out of her. She wondered if she could get to one of the chairs, and then found herself being lowered gently into one.

Heero knelt at her side, and swept the back of his hand across her cheek. "Relax," he whispered.

She nodded and let herself lean against his strong shoulder, knowing that no matter what happened next, he would be right beside her. However, skepticism seemed to be a continuous underlying current in the young man's dour persona…

Tessa punched a button on the intercom on her desk and ordered "Send in Lieutenant Commander Kalinin on the double."

Within five minutes the panel slid open to admit an older man clad in a Mithril uniform with a tall solid physique that belied his years…with long silver hair tied back and a close-cropped beard he had the hard countenance of a seasoned soldier. He came to the desk saluted smartly and stood rigidly at attention.

Tessa came from behind the desk and returned the salute. "At ease, commander."

"Ma'am." He relaxed to Parade Rest.

Tessa cut to the chase. "Commander, you know Vice Foreign Minister Darlian…with her are Lady Une, director of Preventer…and her personal bodyguard…Heero Yuy. "

Kalinin nodded his greeting to Lady Une and Heero. "Vice Foreign Minister," he bowed and addressed Relena in the respect due a potentate of her station.

"Commander Kalinin is the Chief officer over the Special Response Team…the unit to which Sergeant Sagara belongs…they've been assigned to guard Whispered subject Kaname Chidori…Sagara will be the operative overseeing this mission," Tessa informed the trio then not losing a step addressed Kalinin directly…

"Commander, there is strong reason to believe that Vice Minister Darlian…is a Whispered. But to determine that, she must undergo the tests in our Research lab…so it's been decided that she will disappear undercover in Tokyo…under Sergeant Sagara's protection…so these tests can be conducted ASAP. You are to begin immediate preparations for her and Mr. Yuy to be enrolled in Jindai Municipal High, creating transfer records for both." She then spoke to Relena. "In order to facilitate this without the media getting suspicious and unduly involved I think it would be best if you would be somewhat disguised…to protect your identity."

Dismayed Relena protested, "But I don't wish to change my appearance drastically." She fingered a golden strand nervously.

Tessa smiled and reassured her. "I think the use of a wig…would be enough…in Tokyo there are enough Westerners so your appearance won't draw a crowd…however, you are well known enough that if you stayed as you are…the mission would be compromised."

Sighing at the enormity of the situation Relena acquiesced, "I agree."

"Good," Tessa was relieved. "We'll take care of everything…including finding somewhere safe for you both to stay."

"Together?" Relena asked and Heero squeezed her shoulder as if to say let them try to keep me away from you.

"Well …in Japanese society an adolescent boy and girl unrelated and living together would be unacceptable. So in order to have you appear as inconspicuous as possible, I think that you could stay with Miss Chidori…and you, Mr. Yuy…could stay with Sergeant Sagara…his quarters are in close proximity to that of Miss Chidori." A slight shadow passed over Tessa's face as she added, "He stays as close to her as possible at all times."

Kalinin cleared his throat to break the sudden heaviness in the colonel's manner. "And Sergeant Sagara is well equipped…with state-of-the-art weaponry and surveillance tools to do the job…and he is a highly skilled expert in all facets of warfare."

"I see." Relena nodded then inquired, "And would Miss Chidori…agree to my staying with her?"

"Of course we'd have to ask her," Tessa replied. "However since Mithril's involvement with her, Miss Chidori has been very helpful…sometimes to the point of sacrificing her own life to assist us in several instances…and subsequently has become as valuable to us as any of our own people."

Relena smiled as she commented, "She sounds quite remarkable."

"She is," Tessa affirmed with grudging admiration. "I think the two of you will get along just fine." Turning to Kalinin she directed, "Commander, please inform Sergeant Sagara of this alteration to his mission…and let him know that formal orders…explaining everything in detail will be forthcoming…however, let Sagara know the basics now…so that he may make the necessary preparations."

Kalinin saluted and said, "Right away, ma'am."

"You're dismissed, commander."

He turned and exited leaving Tessa with Relena and her retune…who were appearing dubious about the plan in their concern for the young vice foreign minister…especially Heero whose scowl was darker than usual. So she hastened to put their minds at ease…

"Lady Une…Mr. Yuy…I assure you both that while Mithril conducts these tests the utmost care will be taken to assure that the Vice Foreign Minister will be as safe as possible…with as little inconvenience." Earnestly offering her hand she added, "I will do my best to ensure both."

Lady Une graciously accepted Tessa's hand. "I'm sure, Colonel"

Relena followed suit. "I'm grateful, Colonel Testarossa."

"Please call me Tessa…after all we have a common bond." Smiling with genuine warmth Tessa and Relena clasped hands in the shared fellowship that existed only among the secret society known as the Whispered…

_______________________________________________________________________

Over in the quiet Chofu suburb of Tokyo was the condominium known as Maison K and on the fourth floor was the unit that Whispered subject and schoolgirl Kaname Chidori called home. She and schoolmate, friend and bodyguard Mithril SRT Sergeant Sousuke Sagara were seated at her table pouring over their Classical Japanese textbook and notes. Having finished a meal of curried rice and hamburger steak they were immersed in the completion of the assignment that was due on poetry written during the Sengoku-jidai period. And as usual, Sousuke was in the dark as far as understanding the simple but intricate prose of senryu. Frowning in concentration he read the final three verses…

Nakanunara, koroshiteshimae, hototogisu (If the cuckoo does not sing, kill it.)

Nakanunara, nakashitemiseyou, hototogisu (If the cuckoo does not sing, coax it.)

Nakanunara, nakumadematou, hototogisu (If the cuckoo does not sing, wait for it.)

I don't have a clue as to what this means…but seeing as it takes place when there seems to be many individual battles going on it must have some significance to tactics in warfare… he sighed heavily, drawing the attention of his companion…

"What's wrong, Sousuke?" Noticing his fierce scowl Kaname glanced over at the source of his seeming despair. "Oh that's easy."

He grunted, "Easy for you."

Kaname shook her head in exasperation. "No, easy for you too…this senryu is referring to the three main leaders who led Japan to unification… Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu…a piece of cake if you know your Japanese history"

"And I'm even worse at Japanese history," Sousuke lamented.

Kaname sighed and using her history notes she got up to sit beside him. "Here it is…Nobunaga Oda is the first one…because of his ruthlessness…the second refers to Hideyoshi Toyotomi…because of his resourcefulness. And the third describes Ieyasu Tokugawa…for his perseverance."

"Hmmm."

Sousuke took Kaname's history notes and saw how she had summarized each individual's accomplishments…and then saw clearly how each verse of poetry had in fact used a simple sentence about a bird…to describe creatively and accurately the personas of each warlord.

A smile lit his face as he said brightly, "I believe I see it now."

She giggled and patted him on the back. "I knew you would…you're a really smart guy, Sousuke…you just need to believe in yourself more." Blushing as his pewter orbs were focused intently on her she shyly averted his gaze as she went on. "I mean you pilot Arm Slaves and that takes a lot…of brains and muscle."

"You really think so?" Sousuke asked as if he had a hard time believing it himself.

"Uh-huh."

She really means it Sincerely humbled Sousuke was struck silent by Kaname's words she's so amazing in her own right…and she never fails to be there for me…in my entire life I never had anyone support and care for me like Kaname does… yet when she really needed me… He then thought again about the events that took place six months ago when his own misguided sense of duty tore him away from her…and nearly shattered his life. His smile faded as he remembered that dark time.

"Thank you…for everything," he said softly as once more guilt rose like bile in him. The feeling made him reticent as he got to his feet, reached for his belongings and said, "If we're finished I should be going now."

"Oh don't Sousuke." Kaname jumped up and entreated. "I figured since we finished our homework we could watch some movies…I got a special edition DVD of First Blood with deleted scenes…and lots of great explosions. It's early so stay and watch it with me, please?"

Her large thickly lashed coffee eyes drew him in…like they always did and his desire to leave evaporated. He put his books and jacket back down on the table "Sure."

"Good…c'mon with me." She grasped his hand and pulled him over to the living room area…

After starting the movie as they watched it soon became apparent that Sousuke was paying hardly any attention…staring at the screen but his even features were more grim then usual…with an added and discernable sense of rue. Concerned, Kaname studied the regret that appeared to blanket not only Sousuke's face but his whole manner. Intuitive where he was concerned she could see clearly how recent past events were still eating at him and could also see that he was as affected by their separation as she was…maybe more. Since they had returned and he made his plan to remain in Tokyo and finish attending school with her he seemed different…focused as always but deeply troubled and almost disillusioned about his life. Yet as was typical for Urzu-7, he was not divulging anything… however she knew…something had happened to change him. The way he was now it was clear that whatever happened in Hong Kong before she had found him… caused him to become subtly but noticeably altered…and even more determined to protect her. However…

He still seems so guilty about what happened before he went out to Hong Kong "You had to obey orders…it wasn't your fault." Kaname laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Startled by the impromptu statement as well as her touch Sousuke responded, "Come again?"

"When you left before…it wasn't your fault," Kaname reiterated.

Understanding her meaning he turned his head and said despondently, "Maybe not directly…but I could have refused to leave." I had implied as much to Wraith. He turned sharply back when he heard Kaname laugh out loud.

"You disobey orders? Ha ha, that'll be the day." She shook her head as if the notion was too absurd to even consider and Sousuke sighed as he inwardly agreed.

She's right…just like Guaron was right Sousuke scowled as he remembered how Guaron gloated on his deathbed about how Sousuke had become nothing more than a performing monkey for Mithril...allowing for his assassin to get to her… damn .

Distressed by the self-recrimination she could see in him, Kaname decided to come clean…and tell him what happened on that rainy rooftop. She paused the movie and faced him.

"You know, Sousuke…when you left and didn't say good-bye…I was scared…so scared." She clutched at her shoulders as the memories of that time came back; causing a chill that belied the warm spring breeze, wafting in from the balcony. Turning away she continued, "I was terrified, feeling that someone was following me and I hated that…but I was on my own so I let them catch me…so I could catch them."

"Kaname!" Visibly paling Sousuke's eyes flew open wide in horror as he admonished. "That was very reckless."

Kaname nodded as she agreed, "I know…but I had the weapons you gave me…and I intended to take care of myself…so after school I went on a wild goose chase…and cornered him on the roof of some seedy hotel…but when I did he told me he was from Mithril."

So Kaname's bold resourcefulness turned the tables on the great Wraith, huh? And he called ME less then third rate…cocky bastard Sousuke's belly burned as he heard what proceeded to make him even more horrified…and furious.

Her back stiffened as she continued, "After I had confronted that guy from Mithril some Chinese girl…began shooting at me…trying to kill me…" She heaved a deep breath and continued as Sousuke's eyes were riveted to her…

"…so I used the stun gun you gave me…and I got her!" Kaname sounded like she was high scorer at the video arcade…which caused Sousuke to cringe. "…then out of nowhere he showed up."

He? "Who's he?" Sousuke demanded, eyes narrowing.

Kaname replied hesitantly, "Leonard…Testarossa."

Testarossa? Is he…? "Go on," he urged.

"Well…after I knocked her out…she and Leonard had words…then she threatened to come and kill me again…for her 'sensei' whoever he is…"

Of course Guaron…that son of a bitch!

"He had one of the AS suits with him…kill her, " Kaname shuddered as she went on "…I called him a murderer and he accused you of being worse…he then asked me to come away with him telling me he that he fell in love with me…then kissed me."

Sousuke's eyes widened. "He…kissed you?"

Kaname nodded and she rose to her feet her expression glassy as she was suddenly back on that sodden rooftop…the cold rain falling in a deluge, engulfing her, plastering the flimsy material of the torn yukata she was wearing to every curve…but the chill of the rain was superceded by that of Leonard's kiss. Devoid of any warmth it was a callous gesture of control; a promise of future domination by a man whose appearance was frigid…and whose embrace was ice. Worse of all, he was a thief…stealing her first kiss.

"I slapped him," she said woodenly continuing the story. "And then he left…saying he hoped one day I would come to share his feelings." She inadvertently and viciously ran the back of her hands across her mouth as if the memory had reminded her of remnants that were still there…wiping several times, the erratic behavior alarming Sousuke.

"Kaname!"

He jumped up and grabbed her …holding her arms firmly to make her stop…but still locked in her memory she pulled free and began beating at his chest in helpless rage…crying out and then crumbling against him as she burst into angry tears.

"T-that bastard!" she sobbed into Sousuke's shoulder…burying her face in its confines as his arms encircled her tightly, rhythmically stroking her to offer comfort.

"Shhh…it's okay now…it's all over …shhh, don't cry."

Ignoring him Kaname continued sobbing shaking her head. "H-he s-stole…my first kiss…damn it!"

"Damn it!" Sousuke echoed so that bastard Guaron was telling the truth…even though I wanted to believe he was lying as I blew him away…he DID try to have her killed…and damn that arrogant shit Wraith who allowed it to happen…and damn me for being Mithril's obedient little lapdog…it's my fault I wasn't there to protect her…my Angel. As for Leonard Testarossa Tessa's brother or not…he must be a leader at Amalgam…when I see him…and I will…he'll pay for stealing what rightfully belonged to me.

"Kaname…please forgive me," he murmured as he continued caressing her. He pulled away and cupped her face with his hands. "I know based on what happened…you could lose faith in me. But I promise you…I'll never leave you alone again."

Shaking her head Kaname said, "That's unrealistic…I know you have other commitments with your job…that's why I asked you for those weapons…so I can take care of myself." She gazed right into his eyes. "I told you before it wasn't your fault."

He vehemently shook his head. "And I told you before that I would always be here to protect you. I failed you…but rest assured it WON'T happen again."

"But Sousuke…what about Mithril? You still have a duty---," she interjected.

He sharply cut her off. "Screw Mithril…from now on you're my top priority." To emphasize his intent he crushed her to him and added, "And I'll shorten the life span of anyone that tries to harm you…so please believe in me."

Then as if to erase the imagined reminder of Leonard Testarossa…Sousuke savagely captured Kaname's lips with his…kissing her with a storm of ferocity that roared possessively THIS IS MINE! Ravaging her in the same way he fought on the battlefield, he obliterated the frigid image of Tessa's brother lingering in her psyche. Then, as if the storm had passed his mouth became soft and gentle as his kiss became the plea he had spoken before believe in me. And Kaname responded fully, completely surrendering to Urzu-7's tender assault.

The gently passionate interlude continued until the insistent buzzing of his cell phone made an annoyed Sousuke pull away with a muffed curse to answer it snapping, "Sagara!…uh yes Commander Kalinin…sorry sir…what was that? I see…yes sir, I'll make immediate preparations…you can count on me…Urzu-7 out."

With a look of confusion Kaname watched as Sousuke flipped the cell shut. "Sousuke? What's up…?" As if staged her phone rang and she went over to answer. "Hello? Tessa? Hi…I'm okay thanks…what?…Do I have a guestroom here?…You're kidding right?…Well, I suppose I could…she's transferring here to go to Jindai?…Sure…I'll be glad to help…You're welcome…bye now."

As she hung up Sousuke inquired, "Was that the captain?"

"Yeah…she asked me if some girl she knows that's transferring to Tokyo to go to Jindai…could stay here with me…so I said yes." Kaname gestured to his cell, still in his hand. "So…what was that about?"

So Mithril's not wasting any time are they…why am I not surprised? Sousuke replied, putting his cell away, "Commander Kalinin has informed me that my mission here...has been revised."

"Revised?"

"Affirmative…as of approximately 4800 hours from 0800 tomorrow…my duties here will include the guarding of another Whispered." He heaved a large sigh As if I don't have enough trouble. "And because she appears to be a person of importance apparently an additional bodyguard…from Preventer…has been assigned to assist in guarding her."

"What's 'Preventer'?" Kaname wanted to know.

"They're another organization similar to Mithril…except they are more of a covert operation; operating from the shadows…we've worked with them before." Sousuke turned and gathered up his schoolbooks from the table…then grabbed his jacket adding, "I have to go and make preparations for this man from Preventer to stay at my place with me, since I'll be in charge of overseeing the mission." He headed to the door to put his shoes on with Kaname following him.

"I see…and this Whispered girl…is going to stay with me," she affirmed.

"Since you agreed it appears that way." His shoes on he turned to face her, his eyes softening as he asked, "About what happened before…are you okay?"

Kaname nodded. "Uh-huh."

Sousuke laid his hand on her cheek. "You sure?"

"I'm fine now." She smiled sweetly to assure him.

"Okay…then I'll see you in the morning when I pick you up at 0700 hours for school…get some rest."

"At 7:00…okay." Knowing his penchant for putting duty first Kaname added, "Don't stay up all night with these 'preparations'…you need your rest too, Sousuke."

He smiled as he reassured her. "Not a problem." He then leaned close and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Sweet dreams."

Kaname nodded as she opened the door to let him out. "'Night."

NEXT……LACK OF TRUST