One

“It has not, and will not be, revealed to the public?” Zechs questioned again, wanting to assure everything would remain safely hidden.

Sally nodded an affirmative, “Those who were there aren't allowed to say a word, or they'll have a heavy punishment. I believe they know that things will be horribly disturbed if the news lets out.”

Duo looked uncomfortable, “But is he really alive as a cyborg? He's practically all machine.” Zechs turned his face away quickly and stared at an unknown spot on the wall. Sally noted the man's uncomfortable look and quieted Duo.

“I wouldn't worry much about it. These days robotic parts replace terribly damaged limbs all the time. It's not too unusual for it to be the same with him.”

Again the discussion was turning uncomfortable for Zechs and he stood hurriedly, exiting the waiting room and heading into the wide hall of the Preventers Hospital. The doctor that was helping them in their unusual case had run a check-up over the cyborg and reported that nearly ninety-four percent of the body had been replaced with robotic parts.

“His skull remained intact, saving the brain and all of the left side of his face. Neck was still intact too, although his right side was most heavily damaged and a mechanical eye has replaced the original. He will still function humanly, but with his mechanical body parts, some things will be different.”

Zechs shook his head, footsteps slowing. He leaned heavily against the wall with his forehead resting against the wall. Just how much had changed? What had happened to the former leader of OZ in the past year? It was true his body had never been found, nor had the cockpit of Tallgeese II, but how had someone else gotten a hold of him?

How was he to face his former leader, friend, now? `What does he even remember?' Zechs sunk to the floor weakly, feeling his energy drained away. He had begun coming to terms with his betrayals and failures when Mareimeia had appeared -- Treize's daughter. And now... now Treize was practically resurrected, with his body mostly mechanical.

It hurt, inside, and Zechs gripped his hand over the fabric on his chest. It was painful to think of facing someone again with his guilt that had been reawakened. He didn't know if he could live with the pain, again, and didn't know if he could accept his wrongs -- not when he had to see one of the many people he betrayed.

The nurse checked him over quickly to confirm his statement. She remarked, “If you would like, the doctor wished to see you. I could lead you to his office.”

Hesitating a moment, Zechs nodded, still a bit unsure. He followed after the nurse and was admitted into a small, neatly kept office where Dr. Golding sat behind his desk. “Ah, Mr. Peacecraft, please sit a moment.”

The doctor nodded. “Right, then, Zechs. I wished to talk with you about the patient you brought here. From Doctor Po it seems that you are probably the closest to the patient than anyone else here at this time. Correct?” Zechs nodded, admitting to himself that yes, he knew Treize best out of anyone in the hospital. “Well, I have completed the final touches to the cyborg body that were unfinished. Things ought to be all right, but I'm sure it will take a good deal of adjusting for Mr. Kushrenada. I'm not sure where he is to be staying once he leaves the hospital, but I would like someone to be with him, help him adjust.”

`Not me...' Zechs thought hurriedly, worried what would happen if that were the case. “Perhaps Lady Une...” he suggested softly.

Blinking in surprise, Martin exclaimed, “Really! I'm rather surprised...” He cleared his throat. “Pardon. I could talk to Une, but I believe her duties as the chief Preventer will not go well with what Mr. Kushrenada needs. If you are unwilling, I will ask Dr. Po if she would be willing to help. I had thought that perhaps someone who knew him better would be preferable as he recovers.”

Zechs rose, nodding. He left the room and headed down the hallway, trying not to think of what he was doing. He would be seeing a cyborg -- no, not just some cyborg. It was Treize, hopefully the same Treize he'd known. Shuddering at the thought that things perhaps had changed drastically, Zechs blanked his mind.

He stopped in front of the room marked 304 and slowly reached out, touching the handle. He entered the room silently and was faced immediately with the hospital bed. The figure sitting on the bed looked up quickly and the moment seemed to be frozen in place.

False skin had been placed over his entire face and ran down past the collar of the hospital robe. His arms were uncovered, however, and the silver metal reflected the light in the room. The replaced right eye had a brighter tone of blue and seemed a bit wider than the original. He sat atop his blankets and his legs, bare like his arms, were also silver metal. His hands were the only other part of his body covered with false skin.

Short of breath and feeling the original shock set over him again, Zechs began to turn away, to run away. But the defeated sigh that left Treize's lips stopped him.

“I must look a fright,” the tawny-haired man remarked softly. “I had hoped it would not affect you. I apologize, my friend.”

Zechs noted now that his voice was also a bit different. A few tones off -- sometimes a bit too high and others a bit low. `What am I thinking?' he demanded of himself. He braced himself and walked towards the bed, keeping low his own uncertainties. “No,” he said shakily, “I apologize. I... it's only a shock that you're alive. Appearance... it doesn't matter.”

Shaking his head, Treize replied, “I had not been aware she lived. When her mother died, my contact with the Barton family ended.” Zechs remained silent and unmoving, frozen a few feet from the bed. “You're so rigid, Mirialdo...”

“Don't call me that,” Zechs whispered softly, eyes closing as his arms involuntarily came up to cover his front, offering a small amount of protection.

Silence dragged on again and still Zechs didn't dare to look at the man that had meant so much to him before they had split ways.

“I do not know what I am to do now, my friend. I am a man who needs to be dead. My life means chaos for the Earth and her colonies. My being here in a time of building peace is unthinkable.”

Somehow that triggered a reaction from Zechs and the pale-haired man dropped his hands to his sides and faced Treize. “It is quite hard to remain dead when peace has yet to be fully claimed. I'm sure Une will find a way to ensure that you being alive is kept secret, however. I am also a man needing to be dead but I have already made my appearance and now I am required to live.”

“Excuse me,” Zechs whispered, turning quickly and walking quickly out of the room, hoping that it didn't look like he was fleeing.

In the hallway he bumped into Dr. Golding and the doctor informed Zechs of his conversation with Une. “She desperately wants to take the position but even she admits that she is probably not the best choice. As it is, she believes that she is not around Mr. Kushrenada's daughter enough. She thought you were best fit for the position and can arrange a place for you to live. Ms. Une would like you to contact her first, however.”

Une had arranged for Mareimeia to also be cared for by Zechs, adding to the pale-haired man's anxiety for having to face his past once again. The three would stay at the remaining estate that had been kept by Une. The other handful of estates that had belonged to the Kushrenada family had been sold, but Une had kept one of the smaller ones. She had arranged for Sally to locate a few trustworthy servants to help with housework.

Zechs would be in charge of taking Treize to the estate while Une had Zechs' possessions shipped to the estate as soon as possible and she would bring Mareimeia over herself.

The morning that they had to prepare to leave, Zechs waited in Dr. Golding's office with a cool look on his face to mask his inner emotions. He was dressed in a simple outfit with a black shirt and tan-colored pants. His hair seemed bright against the black fabric, and his skin looked deathly pale, but he didn't care for the time being. He was too on edge, too worried on how arrangements would turn out to worry about how he looked.

The door eventually opened and admitted the doctor and Treize. Treize wore a turtleneck, long-sleeved shirt and long pants with high boots. Only his one eye gave a hint that he wasn't the same. Zechs cast him only one glance before listening to the doctor's instructions. He accepted the card with phone numbers on who to call for information and help and then he took his leave with Treize. In front of the building there was a sports car waiting -- Une had claimed Mareimeia had chosen it.

As Zechs drove towards the highway, he glanced sidelong at Treize, noting the blank look on the other's face. He wanted to know what was going on in the other's mind but he didn't dare open himself up enough to even question him about it. For the time being he needed to stay distant. He didn't want to let anyone see how confused he was at the moment. It was a long drive, for no one opted to start a conversation and so things remained silent.

When they finally arrived at their destination, Zechs spotted two cars sitting in the drive. One bore the Preventer's mark on its front doors while the other seemed regular enough. The front door was thrown open wide as soon as Zechs cut the engine and Mareimeia was dashing down the steps with a brilliant smile on her face. Une appeared close behind, looking worriedly after Mareimeia. Zechs recalled, then, that the child had suffered a bad wound during the battle a few weeks ago. Hopefully the girl would not stress her wound too much.

Treize exited the car first and Lady Une slowed, her eyes moving away from the child and to the former leader of OZ. Even from the distance from car to stairs, Zechs noted the tearing of soft, brown eyes. He stepped out from the car and pocketed the keys.

Mareimeia finished her run and threw her arms immediately about Treize. “I'm so glad I get to meet you, Father!” she exclaimed happily. Treize seemed at a loss for what to do, but a slight smile cracked his lips and his arms rested lightly over the child's shoulders and on her upper back.

Lady Une finished her descent and scolded softly, “Marie, remember not to strain yourself. I don't want you causing more damage to that wound.”

Smiling brightly, Mareimeia broke away from Treize and bounded over to Zechs to give him a hug, too. “Mirialdo-san! Aunt Une says you're taking care of Father and me now!”

Not being able to bring himself to answer, Zechs pasted on a smile and nodded slowly. “I'll take you inside and introduce the staff,” Une offered, taking the lead into the mansion.

There was a butler, a cook, and two maids that would be around. A few rooms still weren't accessible yet, needing to be cleaned up or furnished, but it wouldn't be a problem since bedrooms were set up and a playroom for Mareimeia had been filled. The young girl left to go play while Une lead Zechs and Treize into a sitting room near the entrance.

She closed the doors before going to sit down. “Your Excellency, I am so relieved you're alive. It's so amazing... I'm glad that you can know your daughter.”

“No titles, please, Lady. I thank you for arranging things so nicely. I am glad that you have taken such good care of Mareimeia.”

“If there's anything you need, please contact me right away and I'll arrange it. I will be busy most of the time, unfortunately, but that is why I'm glad Marie will be here. Zechs, I cannot thank you enough for taking care of this.” Zechs tilted his head in acknowledgement but he still did not speak. “Your duties as a Preventer will be suspended for the time being. Sally has offered to help with anything you need so contact her, if you'd like. I apologize, but it is already time that I need to leave.”

Lady Une stood, smiling as she left. Zechs saw her out and then returned to the sitting room. Treize had stood up and was standing at the window, looking out onto the front lawn.

Zechs froze mid-motion, the door half-closed. His eyes locked on the back of Treize's head as he remained silent, lips tightened in a thin line.

They were interrupted, in Zechs' favor, when Mareimeia bounded into the room clutching a box of watercolors and a pad of paper to her chest. “Mirialdo-san, Father, would you take me outside? I want to paint in the garden!”

Zechs turned his attention to her, ignoring the look that Treize cast his way. “If you'd like, then let's go. I did not know you painted.”

“I just started but Aunt Une says I'm a natural!” Mareimeia beamed up at the man and detangled an arm so that she could grab onto his hand. “Father, won't you come?”

Mareimeia kept a tight hold of Zechs' hand the entire time as she led the two out of the house and around to the back yard. The garden was flourishing amazingly well; Treize's ever-so-loved roses were blooming in a variety of colors in a great many areas.

“Oh! What's this one?” the girl exclaimed, catching sight of a tall flower in an odd shape with many bright colors. She broke away from Zechs and went right up to the plant to study it. “It'll be lovely to paint!”

“It's a Bird of Paradise, Marie,” Treize informed her, watching his daughter as she hurried about to move a small table closer to the flower so that she could set up her supplies. Zechs moved to bring a chair over for the girl.

Smiling brightly, Mareimeia thanked Zechs and then began to pick out the colors she needed. “Forgive me, Marie, but Mirialdo and I have some things to discuss. We will stay close.”

“Alright, Father.” Already the young girl was becoming engrossed with her work and wasn't paying too much attention to the two. Treize smiled faintly at seeing her so dedicated in her work.

Silently Zechs followed after Treize, head bowed slightly so that his eyes were hidden by his bangs. His lips were once again pressed together in a thin line; he did not want to answer Treize's questions.

“Please answer me, Mirialdo,” Treize finally said. He came to a stop in the middle of the garden path and turned to face the other man.

Zechs was silent for some time before he straightened up and lifted his head. His eyes could not hide the mix of emotions that were assaulting him and an overall anger expressed itself there. “What if I wish not to answer?”

“I will still ask you to.” Treize's features hardened. “Can you not at least give some sort of response?” He began reaching for Zechs with one hand but the other pulled away.

“Damn you... I thought you...” Zechs squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head away. “I just don't want to have to deal with you!”

“I've realized that,” the former OZ general replied softly. “Why else would you attempt to have Une look after my daughter and me? But you are now the one who is here. At least explain whatever the problem is so that things do not worsen. Mirialdo, why?”

Zechs raked his fingers through his hair, still not looking directly at Treize. `I thought you were dead... I learned to accept that my past died with you.' “I didn't want to face you again...” he whispered, shaking his head. `Not when I could not admit to loving you. It's not what you deserved... I got over you, Kushrenada!

“You don't want to face all that has happened, you mean?” Treize stepped towards Zechs again. “My friend, that's in the past and has to remain there. No one can change what has occurred. Your wrongs were no worse or better than mine or anyone else's wrongs during that time.”

Shaking his head, Zechs finally turned back to Treize. “How can you say that to me? How can you say such things when I had been the one to decide on the destruction of Earth?”

“Even I know that the plan you're talking about was long determined for the original Operation Meteor that the Barton Foundation had planned.”

“Leia Barton... Mareimeia's mother.” Treize didn't elaborate further and returned to the original subject. “You were tricked into it and were simply used by the White Fang. It wasn't something anyone could prevent.”

Zechs eyes flashed angrily as he gripped his fists tightly at his sides. “Excuse me?!” He held back a bitter laugh before continuing. “But, yes, I suppose you're right... Used. Again, hmm? It seems that's all I am -- some doll to be used. If I've been no better than the Mobile Dolls, then why have I not been destructed yet?”

“Get a hold of yourself!” The unusual occurrence of Treize raising his voice hardly fazed Zechs in the state he was in. “Mirialdo! Please, it wasn't what I meant.”

“No, you're right,” Zechs replied coolly, hands slowly uncurling from their fisted position. “You're right about me being used. Although in White Fang I was not used! For the first time I wasn't, sir. For the first time I did things by myself!”

“I know what I'm saying! But do you know? They were right; the Lighting Count was merely the puppet to the OZ leader. Unfortunate I didn't realize that until later!” `Damn you for acting so kind...'

`Challenge accepted,' Treize thought vaguely. He was close enough to easily catch Zechs in his embrace without giving the other man time to escape. He held the struggling man close to him, having no trouble.

`His strength...' Zechs could feel the difference in the other's arms. It was painfully obvious to tell that the arms surrounding him were mechanical. `Embraced by a machine,' he thought numbly. He continued to struggle but knew it was pointless against the mechanical strength that had been added.

“What started such thinking at a time like this, Mirialdo?” Treize murmured, pressing Zechs' head gently against his shoulder. “Had not those rumors from the past been ended once you were first with me?”

Zechs shuddered against Treize, feeling his emotions tearing him apart even more inside. Angry, despairing tears began to slip past his defenses and fall down his cheeks, unwanted. `I don't want to think of those times. Don't make me think of them.' He knew how to deal with things about the war, about battles, but when it went back to his raw emotions and his relationships, Zechs was too far lost on what to do. `Not now... when things cannot be fixed.'

“Mirialdo,” Treize whispered, turning Zechs' face towards his, “I have yet to stop loving you.” The statement brought on a fresh wave of tears as Zechs tried to pull away. Treize didn't let him go, however, and instead moved closer to allow his lips to caress the tear-stained face before him.

The pale-haired man pushed against Treize, still wanting away so that he had his typical distance separating him from the world. The body he was next to wasn't human; it was disturbing. The body was chill, false... Only the breath and face were warm.

Immediately Treize's arms withdrew and Zechs staggered back, a hand coming up to cover his face. Once he had regained his balance, Zechs took one last look at the cyborg and then turned, stumbling along the path to get away. He didn't care where he was heading; he just needed to be alone.

While Zechs fled, Treize slowly dropped to one knee on the path and rested his forehead in hand. “What am I to do, Mirialdo? How can you accept being here?” `I'm afraid I don't understand why the past bothers you so much... You have not tamed it... that does not seem like you.'