Hollow Girl: Reunion 1
Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 12:03 am
disclaimer: i never have and i suppose i never will have the right to call GW my own.
note: yay! finally got the time to edit this fic so i can post the first chapter up. i have all the other chapters but i still have to work on them. this is rated only for mild violence and disturbing contents. well, enjoy!
She slipped quietly out of the bed, making sure not to make any rash movements as to wake the sleeping form of the young man lying beside her. Dragging the bed cover with her, she glided silently towards the huge glass window and gazed down at the sea of buildings and bright lights. She glanced at the clock sitting by the nightstand; one in the morning. She should have left hours ago, but exhaustion had pulled her down to unconsciousness. Then she glanced at the young man not long ago had held her in his arms. He had the darkest raven-blue hair she had ever seen. And the warmest brown eyes. <i>So what are you doing with him Relena? Trying to rob him of his kindness?</i> The unbidden thought made her sigh softly. <i>It was nice knowing you Mr. Corwin.</i> With that, she collected her folded clothes from the corner of the room and quickly put it on. Dressed and controlled, Relena walked to the side of the bed and gazed down at the young man, thinking of innocence and it?s difference from ignorance. Innocence was long gone and this man was ignorant. She laid a gentle kiss on his forehead and walked out the door without looking back.
Jed Corwin felt a chilling breeze brushed his vulnerable skin, waking him from a blissful dream. Reluctantly opening his eyes, he reached across the bed reflexively, but somehow instinctively knowing that it would be empty of any presence. His eyes followed his outstretched arm, finding what he already knew would be there; emptiness. He searched his mind for the memory, certain when the image came that it wasn?t just a dream. The girl wasn?t just a dream. Although perhaps, more of a nightmare. Long dark blonde hair floated around her, whipping her lovely face. Deep blue/green eyes dominated her face, haunting in their effect. Lovely mouth in a controlled smile, defining her in its form. Control. <i>I?ve only known you for a week so it must be insane to think myself in love with you, isn?t it? So then tell me, in knowing that you have no intention of coming back, does my heart bleed in agony?</i> He placed a hand over his heart, as if to keep it in place. Again he stared at a memory of her in his mind, awed by the vividness of it. <i>The world can watch you everyday, they know your face, the sound of your voice, but have they ever looked beyond, as I have? Were they as chilled as I was, to gaze deep inside those lovely eyes, searching for the soul, only to find that there is no core? No emotions, not even a block of ice that for some indicated that they still lived, even if frozen alive. Have they ever felt the grief I felt, when I found you were only a hollow girl? A hollow girl I know I will always remember and mourn.</i>
~0~0~0~
Quatre hesitated before knocking on the firmly closed door of Relena?s office, uncertain of the lie that formed inside his head. Pathetic. He had to make up a lie just to have an excuse to see her. He shook his head while mocking himself. In an uncharacteristic decision, Quatre tossed aside his reasoning and decided to not give a damn if he did not have an excuse to give Relena. Why the hell couldn?t they see each other than in business meetings and certain occasions? <i>Because Quatre, you would give yourself away.</i> He had been standing outside for too long. He began to feel his stiff legs tire. He knocked softly, urging himself to relax.
?Come in.? A muffled voice ordered.
Quatre gently opened the door and glided into the room, his eyes discreetly studied Relena from behind her desk. As Relena looked up, her eyes bore at him questioningly. Quatre opted for honesty.
?Hi. I thought I?d drop by here before going to see Duo.? No response from Relena. Quatre stepped closer, perhaps thinking that if he can see her better, it would be easier to read her emotions. ?How are you Relena??
?I?m fine Quatre.? Looking up from the pile of papers she had been studying, Relena motioned for him to sit, finally acknowledging his presence.
Quatre sat down and smiled in apology. ?I?m sorry. I should have known you would be busy. Perhaps I can come back later.?
Relena shook her head in a negative response. Setting her paper work aside, she folded her slim hands together and faced Quatre. ?No please. It?s all right. I guess I need a little a break anyway,? she glanced around her office as if seeing it for the first time. ?Hmm? this isn?t exactly the place to receive proper visits. Come, we?ll have tea in the garden. It?s much more appropriate.?
Quatre watched her gracefully stand up, revealing her immaculately clean pale blue suit. Quatre followed her out to the garden, relating business informations as well as personal. Relena questioned him about the preventers working on his part of the colony.
?Everything is fine so far. Nothing seems out of place except for those scraps of metals found that were used to build the mobile dolls. But you already know that Sally and Wulfei took care of that,? Quatre smiled fondly at the mention of the two. ?They make quite a team.?
"Have you heard from Milliardo and Noin yet?? Relena?s tone of voice never changed. It was neither cold nor warm. Just indifferent. Somehow, it was more disturbing than if it had been cold.
Quatre shook his head in answer. ?I?m guessing they haven?t reported to you or any of the officials yet.?
Relena only nodded in confirmation. ?They promised to be here before I meet with the representatives from the colonies. We need to discuss the possibility that not all weapons from outer space were eliminated.?
Quatre stared in space, thinking of the very real possibility.
?I?m sorry to cut our visit short Quatre, but I have a few more minutes to get ready before I make the speech of reassuring the world of non-existent trouble.? The sarcasm in her voice was barely audible but Quatre detected it. Again, he studied Relena and wondered at the change. Then it hit him. This change in her wasn?t so recent after all. How long has this been going on? <i>You know exactly how long Quatre. Don?t try and fool yourself, it?s getting to be a hobby.</i> Three long years of waiting, then finding that while he waited for the perfect opportunity, his dream was dwindling away, slowly fading. Almost gone. <i>Oh Relena, I don?t know who to pity more, you or me.</i>
?It?s alright. I must be going as well. Hilde promised me a banquet.? Quatre smiled tensely.
Relena stood up just as a silent maid came and took the tray of teas away. Holding out her hand to Quatre, Relena smiled her usual controlled smile. ?Please give my regards to Duo and Hilde. We must get together again soon.?
It was too much. Suddenly, Quatre couldn?t take anymore. The coldness of the eyes, the controlled smile, the polite gestures and the meaningless words. All of it defined all his dreams, hopes and illusions. Quatre saw a delicate red rose made of brittle glass shatter in his mind. The brilliance of colours almost blinded him. But the image of crimson blood remained even after the strange illusion. Quatre came back to reality and saw that Relena?s slender hand was still waiting to be accepted. Quatre took it and shook gently, as if her hand would break if he shook too hard. He was bleeding quietly; hoping Relena couldn?t see the blood. Taking a final study of her features, Quatre let go and walked out without goodbye.
Relena stared after him, understanding filled her eyes. <i>Somehow, I always knew you?d see it. The real me.</i> Perhaps only the kindest people can see the cruelties in others. Just like the cruel people can sense the kindness in others, and then set out to destroy it. Collecting herself and putting aside the distracting thoughts, Relena walked inside the Sanc Kingdom, every step a calculation.
~0~0~0~
Duo Maxwell entered the building as if he was simply walking in the park, his stride slow and easy, while the security guards regarded him with suspicion. He took the elevator to the highest level of the building, whistling cheerfully. Finding himself around the darkened and cold hallways, he read the signs on the doors and finally found the one he was looking for. It read, Private: Black Guards Only. Duo opened the door without knocking, receiving a deadly look from moody Prussian blue eyes.
?Well hell, long time no see Yuy.? Duo exclaimed laughingly, ignoring the glare that can shoot right through any barricade.
?What the hell are you doing here Maxwell?? Heero answered tersely, ignoring the warm lieu of hello.
Duo glanced around the spacious room, taking in all the latest gadgets and technologies known to mankind. Blinking lights and cold blue eyed machines stared back at him. ?So this is your new home Heero. A very warm environment, I must say.?
Heero turned his back on Duo as if he didn?t exist and resumed his assembling of machines and typing.
?I didn?t come here just to bug you, you know. I have a message for you.? Duo?s tone of voice never changed, still upbeat and warm.
Heero glared up at him from his position on the ground. ?Then give me the message and get the hell out of here. I?m trying to get some work done.?
Duo grinned at his grumpy remark. Nothing?s changed, Heero was still Heero. Duo studied his old comrade discreetly, taking in his taller and slightly more muscular form. His eyes were still the eyes of the Perfect Soldier, cold machine. ?Zechs and Noin just got back from where ever the hell they?ve been and it seems that they found some suspicious scraps of metals out floating in the outerspace. What do you think??
?It could have been just part of the old mobile dolls we all destroyed a long time ago. Why do they want my opinion on this? That is none of my business, that?s Zechs.? Heero said dismissively.
Duo ignored this and continued. ?People are starting to panic. They want to know what the hell is going on and so does the representatives. For now, only a few people are aware of it. Noin also mentioned that they might have detected some signs of inhabitants way out of the borders of the existing colonies, perhaps some hidden base. She didn?t want to tell us this but she thought it might be significant.?
There was no reaction from Heero. No indication that he heard any part of Duo?s speech. It provoked Duo enough to mention the one person that could always be counted on to break the stoic soldier?s concentration. ?Relena wants some people to check this out carefully. She said it?s logical to accept the possibility of rebellions hiding out there. All of the old gundam pilots have already agreed to take care of this for her and I thought it might be a good idea to include you. After all, you have the most experience working as a black guard and all. Us, well, we?re all a little rusty.?
Heero didn?t hear the rest of Duo?s speech, only one part struck him. ?Relena actually ordered you to check this out because she thought it was a logical possibility??
Duo smiled in victory. ?Yup.?
Heero gave him a suspicious glance, regarding Duo as a liar. ?Why her and not Zechs??
?Well, Relena is the Vice Foreign Minister, it?s suppose to be her job. Hey, what?s that got to do with the mission?? Duo now glared suspiciously at Heero.
Heero glanced down at the computer again, pretending to ignore Duo but frowning in confusion. Relena hated reality. She always lived in a dream. In the belief that once peace had been stablished, there would be no more chaos. And now she was actually facing up to the possibility of another blood hungry lunatics trying to destroy her perfect peace? No, not Relena. Not the believer.
?Hey, I?m only the messenger. When you decide what you want to do, just contact Quatre. Relena gave him the head position on this project so he has all the plans. We also thought it would be practical to stay at the Sanc Kingdom just in case trouble isn?t so far away after all. Relena pretends to go along with it but I think she wants to kick our asses out of her place. Her and Zechs are still arguing about it. Anyway, that?s where you?ll find us.? Duo started toward the door, turning one last time to smile at Heero. ?It was nice to see you again Heero. I?ll see you around.?
Duo walked out and Heero resumed his typing. Ignoring the vivid image of deep blue/green eyes that begged for tenderness.
~0~0~0~
Relena sat at the head of the table, commanding all eyes on her even without the least provocation on her part. It was natural and instinct. She had the rigid poise of a born leader. She studied the faces around the table, counting ten heads. Quatre seated at her left, Milliardo seated at her right, then Duo, Hilde, Trowa, Wulfei, Noin, Lady Une, Marimeia and Sally Po. All were serious and grim, except for the always chirpy Duo.
?Alright, I know that everyone?s been trying to gain some useful informations regarding those suspicious metals found in the outerspace. I?d like to hear all of it.? Her voice was firm and commanding, missing the gentleness of tone found in all women.
The massive double-doors of the meeting room opened silently just as Relena?s last word was spoken. Trained to see and hear all, the former gundam pilots turned towards the door instinctively, surprise written all over their faces. Only Duo smiled in welcome.
?So, you decided to join us after all.? Duo said with a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.
Relena felt Milliardo tensed as she remained calm and undisturbed by Heero?s appearance. Quatre had warned her in advance that Duo had decided to ask Heero to join the mission. She was grateful for the warning but refusing to acknowledge why. She stood up gracefully, taking her time. She started towards Heero, not releasing eye contact. Holding out a hand, she said politely, ?Welcome Heero. I?m glad you decided to join us. We could use all the help we can get. Yours especially, since you?ve worked as a black guard. Have a sit and we?ll continue the meeting.?
All eyes widened in surprise at the indifference in Relena?s manner. Only Heero remained unconcerned even as his stomach tightened in tension. He took her offer and sat at the available end of the table, nodding politely at a stunned Marimeia. Dutifully, she nodded politely back at the boy she had met only once and briefly.
Relena went back to her position, posture perfectly controlled and calculated. ?Alright, now, about those reports??
Milliardo studied her openly, wondering at the change in her. It has been a while since he's seen her and he knew she would only laugh at his desire to tell her how much he?d missed her. How much he?d missed looking into those lovely eyes. The peaceful eyes. But no trace of the Relena he had been longing to see was there now. Only a rigid stranger who knew her place on earth. Her obligations and loyalty. He missed her now more than ever. Missed the innocence and fiery passion of her beauty. He missed what was gone and resented the emptiness. <i>Damn you Relena, not you too. Not after all the years I?ve spent living only for the day when I finally get to see that old admiration in your eyes whenever you used to look up at me from my arms. The way it was when we were just children, unaware of the dark fate that awaited us both. God, I miss you little sister.</i>
Relena listened intently to the reports, deciding on her actions and the consequences, finally nodding in approval. ?Hmm? it seems that the only way we can get the informations we need most is to personally go there and find out what?s going on. We don?t know the dangers and we don?t know what to expect so do proceed carefully. Milliardo and Noin will guide five of you to the spot while Sally and Lady Une guards the surrounding area. I want all of you to keep in contact with me so that I know what?s going on.?
Quatre sat up straighter, ?But Relena, I think that someone should stay here with you just in case.?
?No.? Her voice was firm, commanding. ?You?ll need everyone working on this. I already have more bodyguards than is necessary, I won?t be needing anymore.?
It was rare for anyone to hear Relena so determined so nobody contradicted her decision. Rising from the table, Relena dismissed them with a wave. ?The meeting is over. I suggest everyone start preparing. "Noin??
Noin came to attention, her posture stiff. ?Yes, Miss Relena??
?I want complete reports on everything. Keep me informed everyday.?
?Of course, Miss Relena.?
?Alright, thank you all for coming.? Snatching her briefcase from the table, she pushed her chair back and started to leave, pausing for just a second. ?Remember that you all have to attend the party tonight for the sake of keeping everyone calm. They have no knowledge of this mission and I prefer to keep it that way for the time being. However, your presence is necessary to assure them. Is that clear??
All heads nodded in response to her less than subtle command.
~0~0~0~
?I think this royal blue one will go nicely with your complexion Miss Relena.?
A nicely rounded woman commented, holding a long shimmering dress that was fit for queen.
Relena didn?t care for useless fashions but appearing elegant was necessary. She touched the hem of the dress fleetingly, nodding her approval. It was a beautiful dress; even she could see that. ?It will do.?
~0~0~0~
Quatre stood beside all the other pilots, unsure if it was time to blend in with the crowds yet or if to wait for any signals. As anti-social as the old gundam pilots were, Quatre knew that blending with high-class aristocrats would be no problem. They were trained to be prepared for any possibilities. Quatre studied his old comrades, still amazed by the unexpected reunion. He never thought he?d see Heero ever again. At the moment, the perfect soldier was standing still, watching every movement in the glittering room full of people. The rest of the pilots were doing the same. The ladies were already socialising, all looking beautiful in their modest gowns. Marimeia was doing her part as well. A sudden bout of melancholy took Quatre by surprise. <i>So strange, such a beautiful night but it feels so wrong. Here I am, surrounded with all these laughing people but? it all feels so lonely.</i>
note: yay! finally got the time to edit this fic so i can post the first chapter up. i have all the other chapters but i still have to work on them. this is rated only for mild violence and disturbing contents. well, enjoy!
She slipped quietly out of the bed, making sure not to make any rash movements as to wake the sleeping form of the young man lying beside her. Dragging the bed cover with her, she glided silently towards the huge glass window and gazed down at the sea of buildings and bright lights. She glanced at the clock sitting by the nightstand; one in the morning. She should have left hours ago, but exhaustion had pulled her down to unconsciousness. Then she glanced at the young man not long ago had held her in his arms. He had the darkest raven-blue hair she had ever seen. And the warmest brown eyes. <i>So what are you doing with him Relena? Trying to rob him of his kindness?</i> The unbidden thought made her sigh softly. <i>It was nice knowing you Mr. Corwin.</i> With that, she collected her folded clothes from the corner of the room and quickly put it on. Dressed and controlled, Relena walked to the side of the bed and gazed down at the young man, thinking of innocence and it?s difference from ignorance. Innocence was long gone and this man was ignorant. She laid a gentle kiss on his forehead and walked out the door without looking back.
Jed Corwin felt a chilling breeze brushed his vulnerable skin, waking him from a blissful dream. Reluctantly opening his eyes, he reached across the bed reflexively, but somehow instinctively knowing that it would be empty of any presence. His eyes followed his outstretched arm, finding what he already knew would be there; emptiness. He searched his mind for the memory, certain when the image came that it wasn?t just a dream. The girl wasn?t just a dream. Although perhaps, more of a nightmare. Long dark blonde hair floated around her, whipping her lovely face. Deep blue/green eyes dominated her face, haunting in their effect. Lovely mouth in a controlled smile, defining her in its form. Control. <i>I?ve only known you for a week so it must be insane to think myself in love with you, isn?t it? So then tell me, in knowing that you have no intention of coming back, does my heart bleed in agony?</i> He placed a hand over his heart, as if to keep it in place. Again he stared at a memory of her in his mind, awed by the vividness of it. <i>The world can watch you everyday, they know your face, the sound of your voice, but have they ever looked beyond, as I have? Were they as chilled as I was, to gaze deep inside those lovely eyes, searching for the soul, only to find that there is no core? No emotions, not even a block of ice that for some indicated that they still lived, even if frozen alive. Have they ever felt the grief I felt, when I found you were only a hollow girl? A hollow girl I know I will always remember and mourn.</i>
~0~0~0~
Quatre hesitated before knocking on the firmly closed door of Relena?s office, uncertain of the lie that formed inside his head. Pathetic. He had to make up a lie just to have an excuse to see her. He shook his head while mocking himself. In an uncharacteristic decision, Quatre tossed aside his reasoning and decided to not give a damn if he did not have an excuse to give Relena. Why the hell couldn?t they see each other than in business meetings and certain occasions? <i>Because Quatre, you would give yourself away.</i> He had been standing outside for too long. He began to feel his stiff legs tire. He knocked softly, urging himself to relax.
?Come in.? A muffled voice ordered.
Quatre gently opened the door and glided into the room, his eyes discreetly studied Relena from behind her desk. As Relena looked up, her eyes bore at him questioningly. Quatre opted for honesty.
?Hi. I thought I?d drop by here before going to see Duo.? No response from Relena. Quatre stepped closer, perhaps thinking that if he can see her better, it would be easier to read her emotions. ?How are you Relena??
?I?m fine Quatre.? Looking up from the pile of papers she had been studying, Relena motioned for him to sit, finally acknowledging his presence.
Quatre sat down and smiled in apology. ?I?m sorry. I should have known you would be busy. Perhaps I can come back later.?
Relena shook her head in a negative response. Setting her paper work aside, she folded her slim hands together and faced Quatre. ?No please. It?s all right. I guess I need a little a break anyway,? she glanced around her office as if seeing it for the first time. ?Hmm? this isn?t exactly the place to receive proper visits. Come, we?ll have tea in the garden. It?s much more appropriate.?
Quatre watched her gracefully stand up, revealing her immaculately clean pale blue suit. Quatre followed her out to the garden, relating business informations as well as personal. Relena questioned him about the preventers working on his part of the colony.
?Everything is fine so far. Nothing seems out of place except for those scraps of metals found that were used to build the mobile dolls. But you already know that Sally and Wulfei took care of that,? Quatre smiled fondly at the mention of the two. ?They make quite a team.?
"Have you heard from Milliardo and Noin yet?? Relena?s tone of voice never changed. It was neither cold nor warm. Just indifferent. Somehow, it was more disturbing than if it had been cold.
Quatre shook his head in answer. ?I?m guessing they haven?t reported to you or any of the officials yet.?
Relena only nodded in confirmation. ?They promised to be here before I meet with the representatives from the colonies. We need to discuss the possibility that not all weapons from outer space were eliminated.?
Quatre stared in space, thinking of the very real possibility.
?I?m sorry to cut our visit short Quatre, but I have a few more minutes to get ready before I make the speech of reassuring the world of non-existent trouble.? The sarcasm in her voice was barely audible but Quatre detected it. Again, he studied Relena and wondered at the change. Then it hit him. This change in her wasn?t so recent after all. How long has this been going on? <i>You know exactly how long Quatre. Don?t try and fool yourself, it?s getting to be a hobby.</i> Three long years of waiting, then finding that while he waited for the perfect opportunity, his dream was dwindling away, slowly fading. Almost gone. <i>Oh Relena, I don?t know who to pity more, you or me.</i>
?It?s alright. I must be going as well. Hilde promised me a banquet.? Quatre smiled tensely.
Relena stood up just as a silent maid came and took the tray of teas away. Holding out her hand to Quatre, Relena smiled her usual controlled smile. ?Please give my regards to Duo and Hilde. We must get together again soon.?
It was too much. Suddenly, Quatre couldn?t take anymore. The coldness of the eyes, the controlled smile, the polite gestures and the meaningless words. All of it defined all his dreams, hopes and illusions. Quatre saw a delicate red rose made of brittle glass shatter in his mind. The brilliance of colours almost blinded him. But the image of crimson blood remained even after the strange illusion. Quatre came back to reality and saw that Relena?s slender hand was still waiting to be accepted. Quatre took it and shook gently, as if her hand would break if he shook too hard. He was bleeding quietly; hoping Relena couldn?t see the blood. Taking a final study of her features, Quatre let go and walked out without goodbye.
Relena stared after him, understanding filled her eyes. <i>Somehow, I always knew you?d see it. The real me.</i> Perhaps only the kindest people can see the cruelties in others. Just like the cruel people can sense the kindness in others, and then set out to destroy it. Collecting herself and putting aside the distracting thoughts, Relena walked inside the Sanc Kingdom, every step a calculation.
~0~0~0~
Duo Maxwell entered the building as if he was simply walking in the park, his stride slow and easy, while the security guards regarded him with suspicion. He took the elevator to the highest level of the building, whistling cheerfully. Finding himself around the darkened and cold hallways, he read the signs on the doors and finally found the one he was looking for. It read, Private: Black Guards Only. Duo opened the door without knocking, receiving a deadly look from moody Prussian blue eyes.
?Well hell, long time no see Yuy.? Duo exclaimed laughingly, ignoring the glare that can shoot right through any barricade.
?What the hell are you doing here Maxwell?? Heero answered tersely, ignoring the warm lieu of hello.
Duo glanced around the spacious room, taking in all the latest gadgets and technologies known to mankind. Blinking lights and cold blue eyed machines stared back at him. ?So this is your new home Heero. A very warm environment, I must say.?
Heero turned his back on Duo as if he didn?t exist and resumed his assembling of machines and typing.
?I didn?t come here just to bug you, you know. I have a message for you.? Duo?s tone of voice never changed, still upbeat and warm.
Heero glared up at him from his position on the ground. ?Then give me the message and get the hell out of here. I?m trying to get some work done.?
Duo grinned at his grumpy remark. Nothing?s changed, Heero was still Heero. Duo studied his old comrade discreetly, taking in his taller and slightly more muscular form. His eyes were still the eyes of the Perfect Soldier, cold machine. ?Zechs and Noin just got back from where ever the hell they?ve been and it seems that they found some suspicious scraps of metals out floating in the outerspace. What do you think??
?It could have been just part of the old mobile dolls we all destroyed a long time ago. Why do they want my opinion on this? That is none of my business, that?s Zechs.? Heero said dismissively.
Duo ignored this and continued. ?People are starting to panic. They want to know what the hell is going on and so does the representatives. For now, only a few people are aware of it. Noin also mentioned that they might have detected some signs of inhabitants way out of the borders of the existing colonies, perhaps some hidden base. She didn?t want to tell us this but she thought it might be significant.?
There was no reaction from Heero. No indication that he heard any part of Duo?s speech. It provoked Duo enough to mention the one person that could always be counted on to break the stoic soldier?s concentration. ?Relena wants some people to check this out carefully. She said it?s logical to accept the possibility of rebellions hiding out there. All of the old gundam pilots have already agreed to take care of this for her and I thought it might be a good idea to include you. After all, you have the most experience working as a black guard and all. Us, well, we?re all a little rusty.?
Heero didn?t hear the rest of Duo?s speech, only one part struck him. ?Relena actually ordered you to check this out because she thought it was a logical possibility??
Duo smiled in victory. ?Yup.?
Heero gave him a suspicious glance, regarding Duo as a liar. ?Why her and not Zechs??
?Well, Relena is the Vice Foreign Minister, it?s suppose to be her job. Hey, what?s that got to do with the mission?? Duo now glared suspiciously at Heero.
Heero glanced down at the computer again, pretending to ignore Duo but frowning in confusion. Relena hated reality. She always lived in a dream. In the belief that once peace had been stablished, there would be no more chaos. And now she was actually facing up to the possibility of another blood hungry lunatics trying to destroy her perfect peace? No, not Relena. Not the believer.
?Hey, I?m only the messenger. When you decide what you want to do, just contact Quatre. Relena gave him the head position on this project so he has all the plans. We also thought it would be practical to stay at the Sanc Kingdom just in case trouble isn?t so far away after all. Relena pretends to go along with it but I think she wants to kick our asses out of her place. Her and Zechs are still arguing about it. Anyway, that?s where you?ll find us.? Duo started toward the door, turning one last time to smile at Heero. ?It was nice to see you again Heero. I?ll see you around.?
Duo walked out and Heero resumed his typing. Ignoring the vivid image of deep blue/green eyes that begged for tenderness.
~0~0~0~
Relena sat at the head of the table, commanding all eyes on her even without the least provocation on her part. It was natural and instinct. She had the rigid poise of a born leader. She studied the faces around the table, counting ten heads. Quatre seated at her left, Milliardo seated at her right, then Duo, Hilde, Trowa, Wulfei, Noin, Lady Une, Marimeia and Sally Po. All were serious and grim, except for the always chirpy Duo.
?Alright, I know that everyone?s been trying to gain some useful informations regarding those suspicious metals found in the outerspace. I?d like to hear all of it.? Her voice was firm and commanding, missing the gentleness of tone found in all women.
The massive double-doors of the meeting room opened silently just as Relena?s last word was spoken. Trained to see and hear all, the former gundam pilots turned towards the door instinctively, surprise written all over their faces. Only Duo smiled in welcome.
?So, you decided to join us after all.? Duo said with a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.
Relena felt Milliardo tensed as she remained calm and undisturbed by Heero?s appearance. Quatre had warned her in advance that Duo had decided to ask Heero to join the mission. She was grateful for the warning but refusing to acknowledge why. She stood up gracefully, taking her time. She started towards Heero, not releasing eye contact. Holding out a hand, she said politely, ?Welcome Heero. I?m glad you decided to join us. We could use all the help we can get. Yours especially, since you?ve worked as a black guard. Have a sit and we?ll continue the meeting.?
All eyes widened in surprise at the indifference in Relena?s manner. Only Heero remained unconcerned even as his stomach tightened in tension. He took her offer and sat at the available end of the table, nodding politely at a stunned Marimeia. Dutifully, she nodded politely back at the boy she had met only once and briefly.
Relena went back to her position, posture perfectly controlled and calculated. ?Alright, now, about those reports??
Milliardo studied her openly, wondering at the change in her. It has been a while since he's seen her and he knew she would only laugh at his desire to tell her how much he?d missed her. How much he?d missed looking into those lovely eyes. The peaceful eyes. But no trace of the Relena he had been longing to see was there now. Only a rigid stranger who knew her place on earth. Her obligations and loyalty. He missed her now more than ever. Missed the innocence and fiery passion of her beauty. He missed what was gone and resented the emptiness. <i>Damn you Relena, not you too. Not after all the years I?ve spent living only for the day when I finally get to see that old admiration in your eyes whenever you used to look up at me from my arms. The way it was when we were just children, unaware of the dark fate that awaited us both. God, I miss you little sister.</i>
Relena listened intently to the reports, deciding on her actions and the consequences, finally nodding in approval. ?Hmm? it seems that the only way we can get the informations we need most is to personally go there and find out what?s going on. We don?t know the dangers and we don?t know what to expect so do proceed carefully. Milliardo and Noin will guide five of you to the spot while Sally and Lady Une guards the surrounding area. I want all of you to keep in contact with me so that I know what?s going on.?
Quatre sat up straighter, ?But Relena, I think that someone should stay here with you just in case.?
?No.? Her voice was firm, commanding. ?You?ll need everyone working on this. I already have more bodyguards than is necessary, I won?t be needing anymore.?
It was rare for anyone to hear Relena so determined so nobody contradicted her decision. Rising from the table, Relena dismissed them with a wave. ?The meeting is over. I suggest everyone start preparing. "Noin??
Noin came to attention, her posture stiff. ?Yes, Miss Relena??
?I want complete reports on everything. Keep me informed everyday.?
?Of course, Miss Relena.?
?Alright, thank you all for coming.? Snatching her briefcase from the table, she pushed her chair back and started to leave, pausing for just a second. ?Remember that you all have to attend the party tonight for the sake of keeping everyone calm. They have no knowledge of this mission and I prefer to keep it that way for the time being. However, your presence is necessary to assure them. Is that clear??
All heads nodded in response to her less than subtle command.
~0~0~0~
?I think this royal blue one will go nicely with your complexion Miss Relena.?
A nicely rounded woman commented, holding a long shimmering dress that was fit for queen.
Relena didn?t care for useless fashions but appearing elegant was necessary. She touched the hem of the dress fleetingly, nodding her approval. It was a beautiful dress; even she could see that. ?It will do.?
~0~0~0~
Quatre stood beside all the other pilots, unsure if it was time to blend in with the crowds yet or if to wait for any signals. As anti-social as the old gundam pilots were, Quatre knew that blending with high-class aristocrats would be no problem. They were trained to be prepared for any possibilities. Quatre studied his old comrades, still amazed by the unexpected reunion. He never thought he?d see Heero ever again. At the moment, the perfect soldier was standing still, watching every movement in the glittering room full of people. The rest of the pilots were doing the same. The ladies were already socialising, all looking beautiful in their modest gowns. Marimeia was doing her part as well. A sudden bout of melancholy took Quatre by surprise. <i>So strange, such a beautiful night but it feels so wrong. Here I am, surrounded with all these laughing people but? it all feels so lonely.</i>
I really didn't like the first part of the story, she slept with a man that wasn't HEERO?! And whats with Relena cold and distant? Does Quatre like Relena or somethin'? I like it, pretty interesting so continue my I ask.