Eternity In His Hand 5/?
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2003 9:29 am
Wheeee! Another chapter! The last one before I go on Spring Break too. I leave on Friday and will be gone for a week. Don't have too much fun without me! *winks*
Berry <--who's slightly perturbed because her car wouldn't start this morning...
Eternity In His Hand
Chapter Five
Heero raised the Sword of Peacecraft vertically in front of him, light blinking off the blade as he turned the hilt flat in his hands. A wind rose and tossed dark locks of hair into his eyes but he barely noticed, so focused on his opponent was he. Across from him, Quatre Winner held his sword outstretched, the point of his weapon aimed directly at the white rose in Heero?s breast pocket. The other man?s blue eyes were determined, his boyish face just as serious as Heero?s. He was not going to back down. Between them, the Rose Bride stood in her lavender dress, the tiara on her head glittering in the sun. Her expression was serene, her eyes gazing at the point where the Champion and his challenger would collide. Heero could not read her thoughts in those carefully blank blue-green eyes but he knew his own and that was enough.
?Last chance, Quatre,? he said flatly, ?Once we start I will not stop. It is not in me to go easy on those who duel for the power of the Rose Bride.?
The point of the other man?s sword did not waver. ?I would not have it any other way, Heero, and you know I cannot quit. I must have the Bride?s music. She is the shining thing I?ve been looking for.?
?This isn?t the way to get her to play for you, Quatre,? he answered icily. ?But if you insist, let us finish this once and for all.?
?Yes,? Quatre said quietly, ?Let it be finished.?
* * * *
Eight hours earlier?
Quatre Winner leaned against the piano, feeling the vibrations of the music through his uniform coat. Relena sat on the bench, playing softly in the pre-dawn hours, every note tinkling in the air before disappearing. He felt very alive at that moment, the harmony tickling every nerve in his body until he fairly tingled with energy. His gaze was fastened on the Rose Bride, watching her fingers on the keys, the way she sometimes bit her lip as she concentrated on a particularly hard movement. The more time he spent with her the more he realized that these moments in the music room were filling something within him, something that made his own playing even better than before. Something that could not be tarnished even by the presence of the Champion.
Heero Yuy leaned against the wall a few feet from the piano, arms crossed over his chest, his dark eyes apparently looking at nothing but seeing everything. He seemed relaxed but Quatre knew the other man had his doubts about these music sessions. He had agreed to them and had even accompanied the Bride this morning but there was a set to his shoulders that spoke of unease. It was clear that Wufei?s treatment of Relena had given Heero a biased view of all the Student Council members, something Quatre hoped to change. If nothing else, he would have liked to have become friends with the stoic student. There was just something about him that made Quatre want to know more. Like why did he wear a Rose Seal? Where had he gotten it? Did he know what winning the Rose Bride really meant?
?You wrote this song.?
Quatre looked over at the Champion who was watching him without expression. ?Yes, it?s called ?The Sunlit Garden? after one of my favorite places to play as a child. It?s not finished though which is why I asked if the Rose Bride might play it. She has a real gift for music.?
The cobalt eyes swung to the small figure at the piano and softened slightly. Quatre wouldn?t have seen it if he hadn?t been looking for it and it made him wonder. Maybe Heero Yuy did have a reason to duel for the Bride.
?You take piano lessons, not fencing.? Again it wasn?t a question, but Quatre answered it as he had the first time.
?I?ve loved music since I was a child. I learned to fence when I came here but I?m no longer on the team,? he shrugged self-deprecatingly. ?It doesn?t really call to me like the piano.?
Heero?s eyes seemed to see right through him, looking into his very soul. Fortunately for Quatre, whatever he saw made him relax and the tightness in his shoulders eased.
?It suits you.?
Quatre smiled gratefully. ?Thank you.?
The Bride played the last flourish and stopped, dropping her hands into her lap and looking to Heero. Her Champion nodded and she smiled before standing to hand Quatre his music. He took it from her reluctantly, tempted to ask her to keep playing though he knew Heero wouldn?t allow it. It was very early on a Saturday morning and Quatre would be surprised to learn there were more than ten people moving around the campus. A delicate yawn from Relena proved his point and he acceded gracefully.
?Thank you, Miss Darlian. You?ve given me something to work towards.?
?You?re welcome, Quatre,? she said softly as she followed Heero out of the room. He watched them go before looking down at the sheets in his hand. They were just notes but when she played them?
?Sweet, isn?t it??
He glanced up to find Dorothy leaning against the doorway, her head turned to watch something down the hallway. He blinked, confused. ?What is??
?Why, the Bride and her Champion, of course,? she sneered, locking sharp eyes onto him. ?I?m surprised to find you up so early but I guess it?s understandable. It?s a tactic I would have never have thought of but in your case it just might work.?
?What do you mean??
The Cat arched an eyebrow. ?Don?t be so modest, Quatre. Early morning piano sessions? It?s brilliant. Get the Champion to trust you and he?ll never know what hit him when you challenge him for the Bride.?
?But, Miss Dorothy, I? I would never do that!? He exclaimed, ?You?ve got it all wrong!?
?Do I? Well, maybe I overestimated you. I thought you wanted the power to bring the world Revolution so that your music would become a part of everyone?s hearts. It seems I was mistaken.? She turned to go but Quatre called after her.
?Dorothy, wait.?
She turned. ?Yes??
He looked away, wondering if he was doing the right thing. A shining thing.
?I was wondering if?.if you would spar with me this afternoon.?
Dorothy?s lips curved in a small smile. ?A little rusty, Quatre? Very well. I?ll meet you in the practice room after lunch. Don?t forget.?
He shook his head. ?I won?t.?
How could he? He might just be making the biggest mistake of his life.
* * * *
Hilde sighed dreamily as she held up a pale pink dress to her body, studying her reflection in the mirror. The fabric highlighted a healthy glow in her skin but she wasn?t sure pink was her color, especially with her dark hair and eyes. She tilted her head and pursed her lips thoughtfully.
?What do you think, Relena? Too long, too pastel, too?not me??
Sitting on a pillow at the low table, Relena put her tea cup down and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she looked at the dress Hilde held. They were in Hilde?s dorm room, her roommate having gone to spend the weekend with her boyfriend, leaving the two girls time to themselves. They were fast becoming friends even though Hilde still thought the other girl much too dainty and quiet, but Relena had a way about her that just made people love her and Hilde was no exception. She was beginning to think of Relena as a sister, something she would never have biologically, and she found Relena opened more in her presence, speaking of things she might not have with Heero around. That was one reason she had insisted Relena come with her to her room. Hilde?s dorm was an all female building and there was no way any males would bother them there, making it the perfect time to figure out what they were going to wear to the upcoming Spring Ball.
Relena stood and padded barefoot over to the pile of dresses Hilde had had sent from her room in her parent?s house, picking through the mountain of dresses before finally pulling out a slim, floor-length, spaghetti-strapped dress in a rich blue.
?What about something in blue? It?ll bring out your eyes.?
Hilde blinked and then laughed lightly. ?Well, I guess pink really isn?t my color.? Relena blushed but Hilde gave her hug before switching the pink gown for the blue. Holding it up to herself, she gave a little nod. ?Much better! Thanks, Relena.?
The other girl smiled and Hilde snapped her fingers with a grin, hanging her dress against the back of the door. ?Now to find you a dress, Relena! Come on, I?m sure there?s something just perfect for you in here.?
Relena shook her head. ?That?s very kind of you, Hilde, but I?m not going to the ball.?
Hilde felt her jaw drop. ?Why ever not??
The fair-haired girl sat down on the edge of Hilde?s bed. ?Well, Heero hasn?t told me I could.?
?Told you?? Hilde fumed. ?You mean that idiot hasn?t asked you yet? Errrrrrr, I could just kill him sometimes. Really, how could he be so forgetful?? She patted Relena on the shoulder. ?Don?t worry, Rel, he?ll ask you for sure so let?s pick out a gown for you.? She threw unsatisfactory dresses over her shoulder, looking through the bulk of material before squealing and pulling out a ball gown of a beautiful sea-green color that shimmered with an overlay of almost transparent silk. The dress belled at the waist though the top of it fitted tightly with slim straps and an intricately laced back. It was perfect and when Hilde whirled it out for Relena to see, the other girl obviously agreed as a hand went to her mouth and she looked up at Hilde wide-eyed.
?Hilde, it?s beautiful,? she whispered around her fingers, ?but I can?t possibly??
Hilde made an unlady-like noise. ?Oh, of course you can!? She laughed and pulled Relena to her feet to fit the dress against her. ?Oh my gosh, I can?t wait for Heero to see you in this. Maybe that mask of his will finally slip and he?ll faint dead away.? Relena couldn?t help but laugh and Hilde grinned to herself. The other girl didn?t laugh enough in her opinion and if she could produce one, all the better. ?Well,? she continued, ?we?d better hide this so Heero doesn?t see it until the Ball. No need to spoil the surprise.?
Relena helped her stash the dresses and they both sat down to finish their tea and take a break. It was hard work being a girl, after all.
?Hilde, you haven?t mentioned it, but who are you going to the Ball with?? Relena asked, stirring her tea with a spoon.
Hilde shook her head and put a finger to her lips. ?First you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not even Heero.?
Relena looked down into her cup. ?Hilde, it?s impossible for me to lie to Ma? to Heero. If he asks, I will have to tell him.? She closed her eyes. ?Maybe you?d be better off not telling me.?
Not understanding the sad note in her friend?s voice, Hilde hastened to reassure her. ?Oh no, don?t say that, Relena. It?s wonderful that you refuse to lie to Heero. It makes me know for sure that you?re the right girl for him.? Relena blinked in surprise but Hilde continued, ?I?m going with Duo Maxwell, Relena, and the only reason I haven?t told Heero myself is I?m afraid he?ll go off and do something drastic and embarrass me.? She snorted. ?He has a way of doing that.?
?He cares for you very much,? Relena said seriously and Hilde sighed.
?I know, and I love him, too, but sometimes he plays the part of an overprotective brother a little too well. He?s very defensive of people important to him.? She took a sip of tea. ?Still, I don?t think he likes Duo very much. I wonder why? Do you know, Relena??
Relena shifted uncomfortably, ?I think it has to do with the fact that Duo is on the Student Council.?
Hilde sat her cup down with a sharp clink. ?Now that?s the craziest thing I?ve ever heard!? But then she blinked, remembering Heero?s response to Wufei?s treatment of Relena. Chang was a Student Council member. ?Well, maybe not so crazy,? she amended after a moment, ?but Duo isn?t like the others. He?s fun loving, chivalrous, and he makes me laugh. He would never hurt me.?
Relena smiled slightly. ?It seems like you two are very close.?
Hilde shrugged, suddenly unsure. ?Well, I don?t know about that, but he has been tutoring me in algebra so I might actually pass the next test with his help.?
A loud banging on the door startled both girls and Hilde jumped up to answer it, revealing another female student with an annoyed look on her face. ?Hilde, I know this is your first year here, but you know very well that boys aren?t allowed in the rooms. If this happens again I?m afraid you?ll get a warning.?
Hilde frowned, ?What are you talking about? I didn?t let any boys in.?
The other girl tilted her head, confused. ?Well, the director found a man coming up the stairs claiming he had come to see you. She made him leave, of course, but he?s still standing in the lobby, refusing to go until he sees you and your friend.? The girl suddenly giggled. ?Not that I blame you for trying to sneak him up. He?s drop dead gorgeous, even when he glares.?
Hilde smacked her forehead with one palm. ?That sounds like Heero. Thanks, Lynn, I?ll go down and make sure he leaves.? The other student nodded and disappeared as Hilde glanced over her shoulder at Relena. ?Well, it looks like our girl time is over. I?ll keep your dress here so Heero doesn?t see it, but you must come over the day of the ball so we can get ready together, alright??
?If Heero says it?s okay, of course I?ll come.?
Hilde sniffed as she and Relena headed down to the first floor lobby after slipping on their shoes, but was kept from saying anything as Heero came into view, looking as grumpy as ever as he noticed them.
?You never told me guys weren?t allowed in here,? he said as they stopped in front of him. Hilde smiled sweetly.
?You never asked, dear.?
Heero shook his head. ?Are you ready to go, Relena??
Relena nodded. ?Yes.?
Hilde coughed suddenly. ?Uhm, Heero, could I speak with you alone for a second??
He glanced at Relena who nodded. ?I will wait outside.? Waving a goodbye to Hilde, the other girl exited the dorm and Hilde immediately poked her old friend in the ribs. Heero grunted and looked at her sharply.
?Ask Relena to the dance.?
?What??
She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and gave him one of his own glares. ?Heero Yuy, I know very well that you haven?t asked her yet, probably due to some insane male notion that you can?t dance, but you are going to ask that girl and you are going to ask her tonight!?
He looked at her a moment, an unreadable expression on his face before nodding once. ?Alright, I?ll ask her tonight.?
Hilde felt her jaw drop and quickly shut it with a snap. She hadn?t thought it would be that easy. ?Well?okay then, just as long as you ask her.?
?I said I would and I will.? He turned away heading towards the doors. ?And in case you were wondering, I already know you?re going with Maxwell. As long as he doesn?t break your heart, I?ll refrain from breaking both his legs.? The door closed behind him and Hilde shut her jaw for the second time.
Men!
* * * *
Quatre lowered his saber and pulled up his face mask, his breath misting across the glass-plated view field as he did so. Sweat dripped between his shoulder blades and his hands felt stiff, but he had found that he wasn?t as rusty as he had thought. In fact, Dorothy had told him his technique was still near perfect, though his strength was a bit lacking. Luckily, he had always been very fast and his speed would be an asset against Heero?s superior might.
?So,? he whispered to himself, lowering the point of his saber to the floor. ?I guess I?ve decided.?
?I guess you have.?
Turning, Quatre kept his surprise from showing as he locked gazes with Heero Yuy. Behind him, Relena stood quietly, her eyes almost sad as she watched him. Quatre focused on the Champion. Heero crossed the room to stop a few feet away, something close to disappointment on his face.
?I thought better of you.?
Quatre breathed out, feeling the sting of Heero?s disapproval more sharply than he expected. He tried not to look at Relena as he spoke. ?I do wear a Rose Seal, Heero.? The ring glinted in the fading sunlight that streamed through the window. ?I have been deemed worthy to duel for the Bride.?
Heero arched an eyebrow and his voice was pitched low and dangerous. ?And that makes it alright??
Quatre glanced at him, his brows drawing together in confusion. ?You?ve already fought two duels for the power of Revolution. Surely you know that it makes miracles possible.?
Heero?s eyes were chips of blue ice. ?I don?t care.?
Quatre?s fingers tightened around the hilt in his hand. ?What? Then why? Why duel if you?re not interested in Revolution??
The other student neatly deflected the question with one of his own. ?I think you should ask yourself that, Quatre. Is the power of the Bride all that matters to you??
This time Quatre had to look at Relena only to find that there was nothing in the aqua eyes that looked back at him. It?s almost as if her heart is gone, as if the real Relena Darlian is locked tight. He blinked. What made me think of that?
?I want to duel because I want to always remember the things most precious to me. If I gain Eternity, no one will have to be unhappy. Everyone will have something shining.? His eyes swung back to Heero. ?And that?s the truth.?
Heero nodded but he seemed almost resigned. ?The Arena Forest awaits you, Quatre.?
* * * *
Heero raised the Sword of Peacecraft vertically in front of him, light blinking off the blade as he turned the hilt flat in his hands. A wind rose and tossed dark locks of hair into his eyes but he barely noticed, so focused on his opponent was he. Across from him, Quatre Winner held his sword outstretched, the point of his weapon aimed directly at the white rose in Heero?s breast pocket. The other man?s blue eyes were determined, his boyish face just as serious as Heero?s. He was not going to back down. Between them, the Rose Bride stood in her lavender dress, the tiara on her head glittering in the sun. Her expression was serene, her eyes gazing at the point where the Champion and his challenger would collide. Heero could not read her thoughts in those carefully blank blue-green eyes but he knew his own and that was enough.
?Last chance, Quatre,? he said flatly, ?Once we start I will not stop. It is not in me to go easy on those who duel for the power of the Rose Bride.?
The point of the other man?s sword did not waver. ?I would not have it any other way, Heero, and you know I cannot quit. I must have the Bride?s music. She is the shining thing I?ve been looking for.?
?This isn?t the way to get her to play for you, Quatre,? he answered icily. ?But if you insist, let us finish this once and for all.?
?Yes,? Quatre said quietly, ?Let it be finished.?
It was Heero that made the first move, a blinding strike whose power Quatre felt clear to the bone. Straining, he pushed the Sword of Peacecraft away from him with his saber and danced to the side as it whipped back, slicing through the air where he had stood. With agile steps, Quatre stayed a step ahead of Heero, retreating but forcing the Champion to leave himself open as he fought to keep the distance between them closed. Still, Heero was far from beaten, a wild lunge made Quatre roll to the side, a hand shielding the ocean blue rose on his chest.
?You?re good, Heero, and no doubt a better swordsman than I, but my will is stronger. I will be the one to Revolutionize the world.?
Heero lifted the blade of his sword, a ready battle stance. ?You?re mistaken, Quatre. You think that the Rose Bride?s music is the key to your happiness, to making you complete, but in the end she?s just a ordinary girl. If you want to fill your heart, you?ll have to do it with your own two hands.?
The Sword flashed through the air so fast Quatre heard it hum. He raised his saber in answer only to see it break it two, the sharp end skittering away. For a brief moment, so brief he would later convince himself he had imagined it, it was not only Heero that attacked him but a ghostly image that lay superimposed over the Champion?s form. The faint outline that of a taller, more broad man with long silver hair wearing a cape that flared unseen behind Heero in a wind that did not exist. The mirage?s hands were placed over Heero?s on the Sword and he lunged with the other boy as the blow tore the rose from Quatre?s uniform, blue petals exploding in a shower that littered the ground. Quatre stood, shocked to the bone, as the image vanished with the loud ringing of the tower bells, allowing Heero to straighten from his final pose nonchalantly. After a moment, his voice drifted across the Platform, quiet and reserved.
?Don?t take it personally, Quatre. Your wish is true but I cannot allow you to use the Bride to fulfill it. Find another, better way and leave Eternity to the gods.?
* * * *
Trowa Barton lowered his binoculars, his expression grave as he set them on the table at his side. For a moment, his hand shook, and the seeing glasses rattled against the surface before he managed to still his fingers. It was a blessing that he was the only one to witness the duel for there was no one to see how much it had shaken him. He could show no weakness to the other Council members. He was the President, and as such, had a role to play like all the others. That role did not include doubt, but his mind nagged at him, would not let him forget what he had just witnessed. His eyes did not lie, the image in the binoculars had been real, no matter how much he wanted to deny it.
?The Power of Peacecraft has awakened,? he said softly, turning his face to the sky, to the elusive fantasy that hung there, ?Will he be the one??
Only the wind answered.
TBC
Berry <--who's slightly perturbed because her car wouldn't start this morning...
Eternity In His Hand
Chapter Five
Heero raised the Sword of Peacecraft vertically in front of him, light blinking off the blade as he turned the hilt flat in his hands. A wind rose and tossed dark locks of hair into his eyes but he barely noticed, so focused on his opponent was he. Across from him, Quatre Winner held his sword outstretched, the point of his weapon aimed directly at the white rose in Heero?s breast pocket. The other man?s blue eyes were determined, his boyish face just as serious as Heero?s. He was not going to back down. Between them, the Rose Bride stood in her lavender dress, the tiara on her head glittering in the sun. Her expression was serene, her eyes gazing at the point where the Champion and his challenger would collide. Heero could not read her thoughts in those carefully blank blue-green eyes but he knew his own and that was enough.
?Last chance, Quatre,? he said flatly, ?Once we start I will not stop. It is not in me to go easy on those who duel for the power of the Rose Bride.?
The point of the other man?s sword did not waver. ?I would not have it any other way, Heero, and you know I cannot quit. I must have the Bride?s music. She is the shining thing I?ve been looking for.?
?This isn?t the way to get her to play for you, Quatre,? he answered icily. ?But if you insist, let us finish this once and for all.?
?Yes,? Quatre said quietly, ?Let it be finished.?
* * * *
Eight hours earlier?
Quatre Winner leaned against the piano, feeling the vibrations of the music through his uniform coat. Relena sat on the bench, playing softly in the pre-dawn hours, every note tinkling in the air before disappearing. He felt very alive at that moment, the harmony tickling every nerve in his body until he fairly tingled with energy. His gaze was fastened on the Rose Bride, watching her fingers on the keys, the way she sometimes bit her lip as she concentrated on a particularly hard movement. The more time he spent with her the more he realized that these moments in the music room were filling something within him, something that made his own playing even better than before. Something that could not be tarnished even by the presence of the Champion.
Heero Yuy leaned against the wall a few feet from the piano, arms crossed over his chest, his dark eyes apparently looking at nothing but seeing everything. He seemed relaxed but Quatre knew the other man had his doubts about these music sessions. He had agreed to them and had even accompanied the Bride this morning but there was a set to his shoulders that spoke of unease. It was clear that Wufei?s treatment of Relena had given Heero a biased view of all the Student Council members, something Quatre hoped to change. If nothing else, he would have liked to have become friends with the stoic student. There was just something about him that made Quatre want to know more. Like why did he wear a Rose Seal? Where had he gotten it? Did he know what winning the Rose Bride really meant?
?You wrote this song.?
Quatre looked over at the Champion who was watching him without expression. ?Yes, it?s called ?The Sunlit Garden? after one of my favorite places to play as a child. It?s not finished though which is why I asked if the Rose Bride might play it. She has a real gift for music.?
The cobalt eyes swung to the small figure at the piano and softened slightly. Quatre wouldn?t have seen it if he hadn?t been looking for it and it made him wonder. Maybe Heero Yuy did have a reason to duel for the Bride.
?You take piano lessons, not fencing.? Again it wasn?t a question, but Quatre answered it as he had the first time.
?I?ve loved music since I was a child. I learned to fence when I came here but I?m no longer on the team,? he shrugged self-deprecatingly. ?It doesn?t really call to me like the piano.?
Heero?s eyes seemed to see right through him, looking into his very soul. Fortunately for Quatre, whatever he saw made him relax and the tightness in his shoulders eased.
?It suits you.?
Quatre smiled gratefully. ?Thank you.?
The Bride played the last flourish and stopped, dropping her hands into her lap and looking to Heero. Her Champion nodded and she smiled before standing to hand Quatre his music. He took it from her reluctantly, tempted to ask her to keep playing though he knew Heero wouldn?t allow it. It was very early on a Saturday morning and Quatre would be surprised to learn there were more than ten people moving around the campus. A delicate yawn from Relena proved his point and he acceded gracefully.
?Thank you, Miss Darlian. You?ve given me something to work towards.?
?You?re welcome, Quatre,? she said softly as she followed Heero out of the room. He watched them go before looking down at the sheets in his hand. They were just notes but when she played them?
?Sweet, isn?t it??
He glanced up to find Dorothy leaning against the doorway, her head turned to watch something down the hallway. He blinked, confused. ?What is??
?Why, the Bride and her Champion, of course,? she sneered, locking sharp eyes onto him. ?I?m surprised to find you up so early but I guess it?s understandable. It?s a tactic I would have never have thought of but in your case it just might work.?
?What do you mean??
The Cat arched an eyebrow. ?Don?t be so modest, Quatre. Early morning piano sessions? It?s brilliant. Get the Champion to trust you and he?ll never know what hit him when you challenge him for the Bride.?
?But, Miss Dorothy, I? I would never do that!? He exclaimed, ?You?ve got it all wrong!?
?Do I? Well, maybe I overestimated you. I thought you wanted the power to bring the world Revolution so that your music would become a part of everyone?s hearts. It seems I was mistaken.? She turned to go but Quatre called after her.
?Dorothy, wait.?
She turned. ?Yes??
He looked away, wondering if he was doing the right thing. A shining thing.
?I was wondering if?.if you would spar with me this afternoon.?
Dorothy?s lips curved in a small smile. ?A little rusty, Quatre? Very well. I?ll meet you in the practice room after lunch. Don?t forget.?
He shook his head. ?I won?t.?
How could he? He might just be making the biggest mistake of his life.
* * * *
Hilde sighed dreamily as she held up a pale pink dress to her body, studying her reflection in the mirror. The fabric highlighted a healthy glow in her skin but she wasn?t sure pink was her color, especially with her dark hair and eyes. She tilted her head and pursed her lips thoughtfully.
?What do you think, Relena? Too long, too pastel, too?not me??
Sitting on a pillow at the low table, Relena put her tea cup down and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she looked at the dress Hilde held. They were in Hilde?s dorm room, her roommate having gone to spend the weekend with her boyfriend, leaving the two girls time to themselves. They were fast becoming friends even though Hilde still thought the other girl much too dainty and quiet, but Relena had a way about her that just made people love her and Hilde was no exception. She was beginning to think of Relena as a sister, something she would never have biologically, and she found Relena opened more in her presence, speaking of things she might not have with Heero around. That was one reason she had insisted Relena come with her to her room. Hilde?s dorm was an all female building and there was no way any males would bother them there, making it the perfect time to figure out what they were going to wear to the upcoming Spring Ball.
Relena stood and padded barefoot over to the pile of dresses Hilde had had sent from her room in her parent?s house, picking through the mountain of dresses before finally pulling out a slim, floor-length, spaghetti-strapped dress in a rich blue.
?What about something in blue? It?ll bring out your eyes.?
Hilde blinked and then laughed lightly. ?Well, I guess pink really isn?t my color.? Relena blushed but Hilde gave her hug before switching the pink gown for the blue. Holding it up to herself, she gave a little nod. ?Much better! Thanks, Relena.?
The other girl smiled and Hilde snapped her fingers with a grin, hanging her dress against the back of the door. ?Now to find you a dress, Relena! Come on, I?m sure there?s something just perfect for you in here.?
Relena shook her head. ?That?s very kind of you, Hilde, but I?m not going to the ball.?
Hilde felt her jaw drop. ?Why ever not??
The fair-haired girl sat down on the edge of Hilde?s bed. ?Well, Heero hasn?t told me I could.?
?Told you?? Hilde fumed. ?You mean that idiot hasn?t asked you yet? Errrrrrr, I could just kill him sometimes. Really, how could he be so forgetful?? She patted Relena on the shoulder. ?Don?t worry, Rel, he?ll ask you for sure so let?s pick out a gown for you.? She threw unsatisfactory dresses over her shoulder, looking through the bulk of material before squealing and pulling out a ball gown of a beautiful sea-green color that shimmered with an overlay of almost transparent silk. The dress belled at the waist though the top of it fitted tightly with slim straps and an intricately laced back. It was perfect and when Hilde whirled it out for Relena to see, the other girl obviously agreed as a hand went to her mouth and she looked up at Hilde wide-eyed.
?Hilde, it?s beautiful,? she whispered around her fingers, ?but I can?t possibly??
Hilde made an unlady-like noise. ?Oh, of course you can!? She laughed and pulled Relena to her feet to fit the dress against her. ?Oh my gosh, I can?t wait for Heero to see you in this. Maybe that mask of his will finally slip and he?ll faint dead away.? Relena couldn?t help but laugh and Hilde grinned to herself. The other girl didn?t laugh enough in her opinion and if she could produce one, all the better. ?Well,? she continued, ?we?d better hide this so Heero doesn?t see it until the Ball. No need to spoil the surprise.?
Relena helped her stash the dresses and they both sat down to finish their tea and take a break. It was hard work being a girl, after all.
?Hilde, you haven?t mentioned it, but who are you going to the Ball with?? Relena asked, stirring her tea with a spoon.
Hilde shook her head and put a finger to her lips. ?First you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not even Heero.?
Relena looked down into her cup. ?Hilde, it?s impossible for me to lie to Ma? to Heero. If he asks, I will have to tell him.? She closed her eyes. ?Maybe you?d be better off not telling me.?
Not understanding the sad note in her friend?s voice, Hilde hastened to reassure her. ?Oh no, don?t say that, Relena. It?s wonderful that you refuse to lie to Heero. It makes me know for sure that you?re the right girl for him.? Relena blinked in surprise but Hilde continued, ?I?m going with Duo Maxwell, Relena, and the only reason I haven?t told Heero myself is I?m afraid he?ll go off and do something drastic and embarrass me.? She snorted. ?He has a way of doing that.?
?He cares for you very much,? Relena said seriously and Hilde sighed.
?I know, and I love him, too, but sometimes he plays the part of an overprotective brother a little too well. He?s very defensive of people important to him.? She took a sip of tea. ?Still, I don?t think he likes Duo very much. I wonder why? Do you know, Relena??
Relena shifted uncomfortably, ?I think it has to do with the fact that Duo is on the Student Council.?
Hilde sat her cup down with a sharp clink. ?Now that?s the craziest thing I?ve ever heard!? But then she blinked, remembering Heero?s response to Wufei?s treatment of Relena. Chang was a Student Council member. ?Well, maybe not so crazy,? she amended after a moment, ?but Duo isn?t like the others. He?s fun loving, chivalrous, and he makes me laugh. He would never hurt me.?
Relena smiled slightly. ?It seems like you two are very close.?
Hilde shrugged, suddenly unsure. ?Well, I don?t know about that, but he has been tutoring me in algebra so I might actually pass the next test with his help.?
A loud banging on the door startled both girls and Hilde jumped up to answer it, revealing another female student with an annoyed look on her face. ?Hilde, I know this is your first year here, but you know very well that boys aren?t allowed in the rooms. If this happens again I?m afraid you?ll get a warning.?
Hilde frowned, ?What are you talking about? I didn?t let any boys in.?
The other girl tilted her head, confused. ?Well, the director found a man coming up the stairs claiming he had come to see you. She made him leave, of course, but he?s still standing in the lobby, refusing to go until he sees you and your friend.? The girl suddenly giggled. ?Not that I blame you for trying to sneak him up. He?s drop dead gorgeous, even when he glares.?
Hilde smacked her forehead with one palm. ?That sounds like Heero. Thanks, Lynn, I?ll go down and make sure he leaves.? The other student nodded and disappeared as Hilde glanced over her shoulder at Relena. ?Well, it looks like our girl time is over. I?ll keep your dress here so Heero doesn?t see it, but you must come over the day of the ball so we can get ready together, alright??
?If Heero says it?s okay, of course I?ll come.?
Hilde sniffed as she and Relena headed down to the first floor lobby after slipping on their shoes, but was kept from saying anything as Heero came into view, looking as grumpy as ever as he noticed them.
?You never told me guys weren?t allowed in here,? he said as they stopped in front of him. Hilde smiled sweetly.
?You never asked, dear.?
Heero shook his head. ?Are you ready to go, Relena??
Relena nodded. ?Yes.?
Hilde coughed suddenly. ?Uhm, Heero, could I speak with you alone for a second??
He glanced at Relena who nodded. ?I will wait outside.? Waving a goodbye to Hilde, the other girl exited the dorm and Hilde immediately poked her old friend in the ribs. Heero grunted and looked at her sharply.
?Ask Relena to the dance.?
?What??
She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and gave him one of his own glares. ?Heero Yuy, I know very well that you haven?t asked her yet, probably due to some insane male notion that you can?t dance, but you are going to ask that girl and you are going to ask her tonight!?
He looked at her a moment, an unreadable expression on his face before nodding once. ?Alright, I?ll ask her tonight.?
Hilde felt her jaw drop and quickly shut it with a snap. She hadn?t thought it would be that easy. ?Well?okay then, just as long as you ask her.?
?I said I would and I will.? He turned away heading towards the doors. ?And in case you were wondering, I already know you?re going with Maxwell. As long as he doesn?t break your heart, I?ll refrain from breaking both his legs.? The door closed behind him and Hilde shut her jaw for the second time.
Men!
* * * *
Quatre lowered his saber and pulled up his face mask, his breath misting across the glass-plated view field as he did so. Sweat dripped between his shoulder blades and his hands felt stiff, but he had found that he wasn?t as rusty as he had thought. In fact, Dorothy had told him his technique was still near perfect, though his strength was a bit lacking. Luckily, he had always been very fast and his speed would be an asset against Heero?s superior might.
?So,? he whispered to himself, lowering the point of his saber to the floor. ?I guess I?ve decided.?
?I guess you have.?
Turning, Quatre kept his surprise from showing as he locked gazes with Heero Yuy. Behind him, Relena stood quietly, her eyes almost sad as she watched him. Quatre focused on the Champion. Heero crossed the room to stop a few feet away, something close to disappointment on his face.
?I thought better of you.?
Quatre breathed out, feeling the sting of Heero?s disapproval more sharply than he expected. He tried not to look at Relena as he spoke. ?I do wear a Rose Seal, Heero.? The ring glinted in the fading sunlight that streamed through the window. ?I have been deemed worthy to duel for the Bride.?
Heero arched an eyebrow and his voice was pitched low and dangerous. ?And that makes it alright??
Quatre glanced at him, his brows drawing together in confusion. ?You?ve already fought two duels for the power of Revolution. Surely you know that it makes miracles possible.?
Heero?s eyes were chips of blue ice. ?I don?t care.?
Quatre?s fingers tightened around the hilt in his hand. ?What? Then why? Why duel if you?re not interested in Revolution??
The other student neatly deflected the question with one of his own. ?I think you should ask yourself that, Quatre. Is the power of the Bride all that matters to you??
This time Quatre had to look at Relena only to find that there was nothing in the aqua eyes that looked back at him. It?s almost as if her heart is gone, as if the real Relena Darlian is locked tight. He blinked. What made me think of that?
?I want to duel because I want to always remember the things most precious to me. If I gain Eternity, no one will have to be unhappy. Everyone will have something shining.? His eyes swung back to Heero. ?And that?s the truth.?
Heero nodded but he seemed almost resigned. ?The Arena Forest awaits you, Quatre.?
* * * *
Heero raised the Sword of Peacecraft vertically in front of him, light blinking off the blade as he turned the hilt flat in his hands. A wind rose and tossed dark locks of hair into his eyes but he barely noticed, so focused on his opponent was he. Across from him, Quatre Winner held his sword outstretched, the point of his weapon aimed directly at the white rose in Heero?s breast pocket. The other man?s blue eyes were determined, his boyish face just as serious as Heero?s. He was not going to back down. Between them, the Rose Bride stood in her lavender dress, the tiara on her head glittering in the sun. Her expression was serene, her eyes gazing at the point where the Champion and his challenger would collide. Heero could not read her thoughts in those carefully blank blue-green eyes but he knew his own and that was enough.
?Last chance, Quatre,? he said flatly, ?Once we start I will not stop. It is not in me to go easy on those who duel for the power of the Rose Bride.?
The point of the other man?s sword did not waver. ?I would not have it any other way, Heero, and you know I cannot quit. I must have the Bride?s music. She is the shining thing I?ve been looking for.?
?This isn?t the way to get her to play for you, Quatre,? he answered icily. ?But if you insist, let us finish this once and for all.?
?Yes,? Quatre said quietly, ?Let it be finished.?
It was Heero that made the first move, a blinding strike whose power Quatre felt clear to the bone. Straining, he pushed the Sword of Peacecraft away from him with his saber and danced to the side as it whipped back, slicing through the air where he had stood. With agile steps, Quatre stayed a step ahead of Heero, retreating but forcing the Champion to leave himself open as he fought to keep the distance between them closed. Still, Heero was far from beaten, a wild lunge made Quatre roll to the side, a hand shielding the ocean blue rose on his chest.
?You?re good, Heero, and no doubt a better swordsman than I, but my will is stronger. I will be the one to Revolutionize the world.?
Heero lifted the blade of his sword, a ready battle stance. ?You?re mistaken, Quatre. You think that the Rose Bride?s music is the key to your happiness, to making you complete, but in the end she?s just a ordinary girl. If you want to fill your heart, you?ll have to do it with your own two hands.?
The Sword flashed through the air so fast Quatre heard it hum. He raised his saber in answer only to see it break it two, the sharp end skittering away. For a brief moment, so brief he would later convince himself he had imagined it, it was not only Heero that attacked him but a ghostly image that lay superimposed over the Champion?s form. The faint outline that of a taller, more broad man with long silver hair wearing a cape that flared unseen behind Heero in a wind that did not exist. The mirage?s hands were placed over Heero?s on the Sword and he lunged with the other boy as the blow tore the rose from Quatre?s uniform, blue petals exploding in a shower that littered the ground. Quatre stood, shocked to the bone, as the image vanished with the loud ringing of the tower bells, allowing Heero to straighten from his final pose nonchalantly. After a moment, his voice drifted across the Platform, quiet and reserved.
?Don?t take it personally, Quatre. Your wish is true but I cannot allow you to use the Bride to fulfill it. Find another, better way and leave Eternity to the gods.?
* * * *
Trowa Barton lowered his binoculars, his expression grave as he set them on the table at his side. For a moment, his hand shook, and the seeing glasses rattled against the surface before he managed to still his fingers. It was a blessing that he was the only one to witness the duel for there was no one to see how much it had shaken him. He could show no weakness to the other Council members. He was the President, and as such, had a role to play like all the others. That role did not include doubt, but his mind nagged at him, would not let him forget what he had just witnessed. His eyes did not lie, the image in the binoculars had been real, no matter how much he wanted to deny it.
?The Power of Peacecraft has awakened,? he said softly, turning his face to the sky, to the elusive fantasy that hung there, ?Will he be the one??
Only the wind answered.
TBC
Goldberry i've always, always, ALWAYS loved your work 
