Dark Side 5/?

[Sissi]

Dark Side

By : Sissi

DISCLAIMER : I do not own Gundam Wing.

Chapter Five : Fallen Angel

She woke up with a headache, her head throbbing with some invisible pain. She watched her surroundings and immediately saw the glass of water, which she quickly grabbed and drank its contents. Sighing with relief, she decided to consider her options once more.

She has been here for a week already, trapped inside this room like a caged bird, unable to escape. There was no window, and the only door that could provide her some form of escape was always locked, except for the times that man would come to bring her food.

That man...

She knew, deep within her heart that he wasn’t a bad person. She could see, within his eyes, that he felt somehow sorry for her. Not in the beginning, this she was sure of. She could still remember the cold glances and the harsh words he would direct her. But, as the time passed, he became gentler and started to talk to her, trying to help her not to feel so lonely.

What was his name again? Ryan? No, it was Richard.

Richard...what a beautiful name...

She gasped when she noticed what she was starting to think about. How could she conceive such an idea?

Shaking her head, she walked to the door, listening to any exterior sound. Nothing. No sound of water dripping from an open tap, not even the sound of laughter. She started to play with her long hair, curling it with her fingers. Nothing.

Sighing inwardly, Relena went to her bed and lay down. Closing her eyes, all she could notice from the outside was the chilling wind that would enter the room through the space between the door and the ground. It would be a cold night, but she cared not. Touching her cold cheek and feverish forehead, she knew that it would not take long.

She shivered. The silence was too overwhelming to her fragile heart. Who would have thought she would miss Duo so much? She laughed, breaking the stillness of the room.

Seven days.

She has been there for seven long days.

How long could it take?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was barely five o’clock when the mahogany clock placed in the main living room rang. Richard lifted his face and watched the orange sky, the golden orb already giving its place to its beautiful lover.

Soon, brilliants blue and red dots would appear in this dark velvet, glowing with an unreal light. How long would it take? Maybe some more hours? Maybe eternity?

Richard put his hands on the wooden window and closed the curtains. He turned his head and watched his friend reading a file, one hand holding protectively some type of folder while he had a black pen in the other. He himself had a pen within his fingers, and once in a while, he would turn it 360 degrees, a small mannerism he had whenever he felt anxious.

The clock finally stopped ringing and a long silence met his ears. Only the sound made by the crickets in the garden could be heard. The song of death.

“I will check on her again, Derek.”

His voice sounded hollow in the big gray office. The only lamps turned on were placed near the door and on Derek’s table, creating a game of light and darkness in the room. Shadows lurked in the corners, watching his steps. The ‘tic - tac’ of the clock did not help either. Everything around him seemed to start growing, making him feel smaller, just like a tiny bug that could be easily replaced or killed.

He slumped his shoulders. He was not as successful as his friend and have always lived behind his back. Nothing fairer than to dedicate his life to him. He pressed the pen with more force.

Derek did not even twitch, he simply kept his gaze fixed on the folder. Good. Maybe he would not notice his subtle escape. After all, he was insignificant. Standing slowly from his chair, he tried to avoid making any noise. He had not even noticed that his fingers had started playing with the pen oce more, turning it like a helix, quicker and quicker, just like a machine when its fuel is almost over, reaching its climax, its glory.

“Okay, my friend. Just don’t get too attached to her, you know.” The pencil fell from his fingers with a small ‘clack’ on the marble floor. He turned, but his friend would not look at him. His eyes were settled solely on the paper in his hands. Yet, small veins were clearly appearing on his right hand, the one holding the text.

“What are you talking about?”

Once again, silence met his years. Bending his back, he took the pencil and placed it on Derek’s desk, noticing how clean and perfect it was. His hand rested on the smooth wood, gently tracing the material. Not a spot of dirt or scattered files marred the furniture, but he should not be surprised. Derek had always been perfect in everything he did. Always.

Turning his back, he was about to open the closed door when he heard a shuffling of cloth and wheels running on the hard floor. He waited.

“Well you see, she is mine, after all. And what is mine, I will never let anyone possess it.”

The ‘tic – tac’ of the clock was his only response.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Ah, Dr. Stevenson, how are you?” Derek asked, his huge smile plastered on his face. The old man simply chuckled at his juvenile enthusiasm and told him that everything was fine, causing the younger man to nod in understanding.

“So, how’s the machine? Have you already finished building it?” The urgent tone in his voice couldn’t be ignored; he was nervous, and the doctor grinned to himself. Maybe there was something hidden in this man’s intentions, and he would certainly take advantadge of the situation. Pulling the right strings and he would be done. He would have a marvelous future.

“Aye, give me just some more hours and it will be ready for whatever plans you have.”

“Is this true?”

“Have I ever lied to you?”

“No, never, I am delighted to hear this news, Dr. Stevenson. I will bring your first patient within some hours.”

“Very well, do you have any plans for her? Any idea of what she ought to be?”

“About her future?”

“This, too, but I was referring to her past. We will need to give her a new past so we can change her personality. This was the original plan, if I recall it correctly.”

“I see. This is very interesting. Can I give her someone’s past who is dead?”

“Of course, as long as you can detail me with it.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“Oh, would you care to inform me this idea that it forming in your mind?”

He shrugged. Why not? “I want to revive a certain person that was dear to me.”

“Ah, I see. Very well then, just send me the information about this person’s life and everything will be arranged.”

The doctor left Derek to himself who was staring blankly at nothing. His heart was beating maniacally, for the wish to see this person alive again has been playing again and again in his mind. He knew she would have Relena Peacecraft’s body, but still, she would be with him again.

“Marianne...”

The name left his dry lips like a whisper, husky yet sweet at the same time. The name brought him happy and sad memories, smile and tears. A paradox if anyone cared enough to analyze, but human nature was never said to be simple or easy.

Could someone blame him for this strange desire he felt inside his heart, even if it were twisted into a demented plan? Even if it destroyed the lives of thousands of people?

No, it is not possible, for even now, all he has been doing was seeking for his happiness.

Happiness...

Such a strange word...What was it a poet had already said about it? That we could never find it? Maybe. Men have always been ambitous creatures, who can tell if a dream can be easily replaced by a new one, bigger and more challenging?

No one.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Richard walked through the hallway with his head bent low, not daring to look back at his friend. He could still hear Derek’s distinct voice telling him the fact he feared the most yet he refused to acknowledge. Shaking slightly his head, he strode with quick steps to Relena’s chambers.

Hands upwards, he was about to knock on the door when he remembered once again the fact that she wasn’t in that place for her own wish. Better saying, she was the hostage in this place. Derek’s hostage.

Paralyzed and unable to contain this strange feeling which was crawling inside his heart, he opened the door with his own key and spotted the sleeping girl on her bed. His heart swirled with happiness at the sight and he gently stepped inside, not wanting to wake her up.

Placing himself next to the bed, he watched her rosy lips slightly parted, a sweet smile gracing her angelic face. Running a finger on her cheekbone, he watched in amazement when she stirred in her sleep.

Kneeling down so that he was in the same level as her, he kissed her forehead, relishing in the feeling of warm skin touching his lips, a sweet scent invading his body system.

Yawning when she felt something touch her forehead, Relena slowly pried her eyes open, watching dazedly the shadow in front of her. Her eyes were unfocused, the light blue somewhat blurred with confusion.

“Ri-Richard? What are you doing here?”

He didn’t answer her immediately; he was blushing too much to be able to come up with a good excuse. His hand came automatically o his breast pocket, in a vain attempt to find something with which to occupy his mind. Nothing.

He had left the pen on Derek’s desk.

“Nothing, just wanted to talk to you.”

Sitting upright, Relena rubbed her eyes and used the wall behind her as a support to her head. Richard was acting strangely, his back was hunched and his eyes averted to look direstly at her. His hands trembled everytime they approached her bed, which only made her muse. She stared at her pale blue suit, already wrinkled for her sleeping with it. The fine texture of the fabric reminded her of Noin. She and her had went shopping and she had spotted the dress.

Noin had been delighted with her choice. She sighed, the silent noise escaping from her lips.

“Okay, what’s the matter? Are you feeling bad or something? How can I help you?” She noticed that his hands were trembling.

By staying with me, he thought, but instead, replied,“Just keep me company.”

“Hmmm? Just this? Okay...”

Still feeling very sleepy, she inched closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder. Closing once again her eyes, Richard could feel her breathing start to even and her body relax. Placing his arms around her slim waist, he almost cried out in shock when he felt her own arms encircling his neck, her face near his.

“Relena?”

She didn’t reply anything in return, but it wasn’t necessary to him. Just the feeling of her body pressed against his was like heaven. Nothing else mattered. Time seemed to have stopped for him until she muttered a name that cracked his heart.

“Heero...”

He couldn’t stand that name. He remembered when she had told him all about this man who had dared to break her soul and heart, becoming instantly his mortal enemy. He was somewhat glad to notice that he had no feelings towards Relena, but it did not relax him a bit, for he knew she still loved him deep within her heart, this small admission being his proof.

It did not matter right now; all he wanted to do was stay close to her, nothing more, nothing less. How had this happened, he wondered to himself. Till a week ago, he despised this woman who thought was the owner of the world, not caring with the way the war had left the Earth and its citizens, or so he thought. Now, all he wanted to do was protect her from any harm. What an irony of life.

Maybe, he thought, this was the way she had won the sympathy of the entire universe. Not only was her beauty striking but also her heart was so warm and kind that anyone would be easily drawn to her. He was no exception.

Yet, even the strongest fall. Would he let her have the same destiny as the great leaders that have already walked upon this world?

He kept watching her, cuddled within the security of his arms. Hours passed and they continued there, him hugging his precious angel.

“Ah, here you are, Richard. What did I tell you about her being mine?”

Richard trembled with fear when the door was knocked open and Derek was there, standing with a superior air, finding out about his treasure.

“Derek!” was all he could say, his eyes showing the emotion he most dreaded, fear, for he knew he could do nothing to alleviate the situation and save himself and Relena. They were probably doomed.

Hugging her closer to him, he tried to come up with some lame excuse, but his mouth wouldn’t comply with his wish. It seemed like it was glued, unable to articulate any sound except for his friend’s name. Derek did not sem to noticethis for his mannicured fingers started to pat his perfect Italian suit, as if trying to smooth it from any wrinkle. The silky cloth was impeccable.

Somehow, this entire did not seem to affect him. Was Relena only a porcelain doll to be played with? Only a marionette?

“Anyway, Richard, give her to me. Dr. Stevenson needs to see her.”

Feeling dread overpowering his entire body, he simply kept watching the blond man, his arms still enveloping the lithe form of the girl who was still asleep. Could he simply give her to him?

“Hand her to me, my friend. Nothing bad will happen to her, I promise you.”

Images of their friendship during childhood flashed through his mind. It was true; Derek was his friend and he would never cause any harm to him, so why was he afraid of this man in front of him? Maybe it was the way his eyes glinted with the hollow lamp illuminating the room, giving him a twisted image of a mad scientist.

Feeling his patience worn, Derek advanced and pried Richard’s arms away from the form he had kept with him. Grabbing Relena who awoke with the rough and sudden movement, he scooped her in his arms and walked away. Derek frowned. It was time and he could not wait any longer. His calm demeanour could have fooled anymore but his best fried. He had to leave the place as fast as possible.

“Derek!!!”

“Richard! Help me!” Relena shouted while she struggled against the arms of her enemy. It was futile but she would not give up. She tried kicking him, hitting him hard but nothing seemed to affect him. After some time, her limbs felt sore so she decided to stop with her antics.

She noticed, for the first time, where he was taking her. The walls were extremely dark, the only light in the place being emitted from small lamps hanging on top of their heads. The floor was dirty but there were neither rats nor cockroaches around, for which she was immensely grateful.

He stopped, turned, and glanced at her with a look at her that caused her to tremble with anticipation. What were they going to do to her? Kill her? She smiled inwardly; they would not gain a penny with her death. Actually, she mused, the Preventors would surely find them and punish their evil deeds, whatever they were.

Placing her quietly on a strange couch, she watched as an old man who had been hidden by the shadows appeared right in front of them. His white beard and dark glasses made her entire body stiff.

The old man seemd to notice this, for he came near and stroked her golden hair, like a grandfather to his granddaughter. The touch was light, but she did not feel comforted. It was cold. There was no feeling in his action, he was moving his hand like a machine. The only purpose was to make her feel less scared, nothing more.

“So, this is the girl. She is similar to the description of Marianne.”

“Yes, but her hair was lighter like mine and she used to have green eyes.”

“It doesn’t matter. There are plausible biological explanations to answer her doubts in case she finds this entire ordeal strange.”

“I am glad to hear this, doctor. Shall we continue?”

“Yes.”

The mad scientist, this is what she thought of the old man, started to connect many wires to a strange machine, while Derek kept watching her, probably afraid that she would escape. As if I could, she thought sarcastically. Still, she could not stop this strange feeling creeping through her being, consuming her soul. She was alone with two men who were probably going to do some experiences to her. They could transform her into a monster.

I am afraid...

“Here, put this helmet on her.”

Derek placed the object on her, not without some fight for she started to struggle again, her instincts telling her to. But, to her horror, her limbs were paralyzed for he had somehow managed to seize them up with hard pieces of leather connecting her to the couch. She wanted, at that moment, to growl, to shout, to let her bottled up anger free. She wanted to scratch the man with her nails, to stomp on his polished leather shoes, to pull his hair, to make him feel angry for all the pain he had caused to her.

But she could not. She was chained.

“Stay away from me!!” she shouted in vain. Soon after this, she felt something sharp pierce her skin, right on her arm. A cold liquid started to enter her blood circulation, making her feel extremely calm and sleepy. Somehow, she did not feel afraid anymore. Something told her that everything would be okay and that she would have what she had wished for so long : rest.

“What are...you...doing...” she could not finish her sentence for she was quickly falling asleep. A blurred figure passed in front of her eyes, but she could not distinguish whose it was. Yellow, blue, black, all the colours were being mixed, creating an exquisite myriad of brightness. Little did she know that by closing her eyes at that instant and letting darkness unfold its arms around her, Relena Peacecraft had died.

“Very well, let the machine do its job.”

Both man grinned, one with satisfaction and the other with glee happiness. Marianne was soon going to be alive again and he could not wait for this. The image of a pretty young girl in a summer dress, grinning and winking at him for all she cared, made him smile.

“My dear little sister...”

It was not too late after all.

Small ants started to move near his feet. He watched the insects doing their job, carrying pieces of cut leaves on their backs, one after the other.

He lifted his foot and stepped on them.


TBC

[/i]

[AngelOfDeath]

eep

::runs around frantically:: Somebody help Relena!

... ::whispers:: post more soon...

[hopeless_crush]

very nice!!!

please want more!!!!

~_~ `_`