Okay guys, I know it's been a while. I thank you for taking some precious time reading this, (if you are) now. Anyway, I just have to clarify a few things, as well as announce and denounce some, before some of you start flaming me. (-.-;) Erm, heh, heh.

Chapters

Again, I'm sorry if I take time to update. I tell you, I've finished many chapters already, but I'm not yet content, and sometimes reworks are very drastic. I can't afford posting drafts either because final versions are hardly read -- and believe me, changes can be that drastic. As of now, I've paused in my works upon watching Endless Waltz, and, boy, there goes my story. The Gundams do get destroyed in the end, and they have taken my numerous ideas with them. It basically ruins my plot -- you get the idea. But nevertheless, I'm finding ways to work it out, pray for me that I could finish. It's rather hard.

The Term 'OOC'

Okay, so some of you may think that Hilde's a bit too serious and remorseful, while Heero goes overboard with his anger and sometimes sudden vulnerability. Or maybe Noin's finely worded teasing session with Sally (I do admit I wrote it in a jiffy) was surprising... So, explanations.

Well, I guess this fic strictly follows the TV's outline. Where in there is no definite characterization of Hilde and her past, given the few times she appeared, significant as they may be. We all know that she is sacrificial (you bet we do) and that she seems in love with Duo (I don't know, it seems entirely platonic at first, and I think she's not that kind of get-go girl who easily allows herself to be, um, flat on her back). The basic word that defines her is 'Spunk,'  more so proven by her appearance. She seems tomboyish, she's a hacker, she's a soldier, she can pilot mobile suits with style. She must be pretty cool since Duo decides to stay with her

Well, I guess that much can be said. And from these observations came the fics where she is just so in love with Duo... sometimes she can be stubborn and dominating but she really loves our braided hero (erm, Heero? Hey, it was a joke!). And I really enjoyed these stories where she's just our adorable pixie. Heck, they're the majority of fics I read, and I have no complaint against that. But, given, there should be more freedom in characterizing her in fics. I mean, sure, she's got spunk, but is that limited to her encounters with Duo? Are you sure she's that easily swayed by him, or that much dependent on him? I personally think she would go slow, transcending from their carefully built friendship to something much more. She badly needs security, and she finds that in their friendship, and moving into a deeper relationship can ruin that friendship. Aside from that, Duo doesn't usually come off as a serious guy. And then there are some fics where they immediately go for it. No personal complaints again, mind you - I like reading them. But sometimes, she comes around as a lovesick tomboy whose life revolves around his. 

It's not limited to that, isn't it? I mean, the show doesn't necessarily dictate that she should be like that. What is she really like when upset? Has she ever had problems with her family? Or was her family murdered to begin with? How did she end up in OZ, or if she ever lived in Germany -- that kind of stuff. Ah, the wonders of underrated characters.

Which is why it comes down to this. Here, Hilde is depicted as having a long hidden dangerous involvement in the past, quite possible for our 'pixie' friend, having had no sufficient info about her past and surprisingly reaching the top of her batch in OZ despite her age, and size. There's no mention of family, or origin... and not enough time to confirm or deny fan suspicions, so it's not entirely impossible. Anyway, back to the topic, with her cheerful disposition, it seems that she is somewhat a dreamer (I think) and might have easily buried this so-called secret. And now, her past has come back with a very enormous claim on her. How do you expect will she react? Smile, stomp her foot and whine 'DUO!'? 

Being independent (no family, OZ topper, small girl --  looks like a boy at that, just a recap), I wouldn't think so, hence the seriousness and the hiatus. Considering her problems... well, I don't want to give away much.

And when it comes to Heero, some may say, 'Too harsh' or 'Too easy.' Well, this isn't the normal 'changed' Heero, done satisfactorily by Relena. Alternate Universe, her healing influence had never happened here, albeit a soft rejection. What have we got? An emotionally sensitive, hurt Heero who doesn't know where to go, and particularly doesn't care about anything and anyone. He is confused by Hilde, and so frustrations come by.

But don't worry, if the out-of-'characterness' gets to you. This is just the beginning. Things will slowly take its course, and pretty soon, you'll get their normal selves as they learn to relax, accept, and live with the situation. Pretty soon enough, you'll have Hilde singing in the shower, wearing her beret cap with extreme stubbornness and pride, and Heero grunting with control. Ok?

Speaking of Which...

In the future? Well, I do not know - it will take time. But, rest assured, I will try to finish this (and a whole lotta other series stored in my notebook). How would it end? I'm not sure, I haven't outlined the final part yet. I'm not even sure who ends up with who. An alternate paring fic doesn't necessarily mean they end up together, right? I love Duo, and him and Hilde just seem perfect together, but the twist with Heero is equally captivating -- how? That's my job. Just stand by and watch. 

Erm,

More exciting events soon, though, as the two would soon start training together, and the absence of their respective loved ones fade. Arguments may come and go but one more may change Heero's life. The importance of Hilde's beret is seen and Heero goes through numerous heights to retrieve it once it gets lost, and the real value of his newfound friend will soon reveal itself to him as challenges, sickness and threat notes come their way.

And Finally

Thanks to all those who supported this fic, especially those who emailed me (Sabacat, specifically, for waiting for the third part patiently) when I thought no one approved of the pairing. Big gratitude to you guys - this story wouldn't go on without you. And, ya, I'm working on it. TY's lots. And for all readers, please drop in comments... I really need them.

Thanks Again and Expect More

Yah! More author's notes... gulp.

But anyway, thanks. Smile, pray to God and be happy!

God Bless,

Annabelle
11/5/2k

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