The Shine Maiden 6/?

[melrose_stormhaven]

Disclaimer: Gundam Wing not mine. Bandai owns it. Don't sue. Okane ga nai.

Free talk: HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Hello, hello! Welcome to yet another very late update of my fanfic. XD I also noticed that I got a LOT of reviews…Hmmm…maybe I should update slower…hehehehe…just kidding.

May I take this opportunity to protest? WHY CAN'T I PUT IN MY ASTERISK LINE BREAKS?!? FF.net's Quickedit 'edits' it out! WHY?!? ::cries:: HIDOI!!!

This one goes to Hoto-chan, Buta-chan, Klaine, and Deng, artists and friends extraordinaire. You ROCK.

Chapter VI: The Dragon Maiden

"She did what?!?"

The Dragon General, Heero, gave Duo a baleful look. "Do you have to exaggerate everything?"

The Red Phoenix General frowned at Heero. "I was not exaggerating." He plopped down on one of the ornate blue chairs in Heero's study. His dark purple eyes narrowed. "I can't believe she just stared at the wizard then sucked the air out of him. I've never heard anyone do that before. Not even Al–"

"Now you have. Now shut up," Heero cut in. Though he didn't show it, Relena's power disturbed him. Where the hell did she learn her skills? If she had been a candidate to be a Maiden, Relena should have been trained with them. But in the years he have spent training to be a General, he has never seen the girl. Where had she come from?

"Where the hell did the Emperor pick her up?" Duo burst out, sounding irritated. "Some tavern?"

"You could ask him, if you like," Heero suggested.

Duo violently shook his head. "Forget it. I don't want to die yet." He sighed. "I suppose we should learn to accept her, since it looks like you're going to be stuck with her in a while. Tomorrow will be your binding ceremony, is it not?" The binding ceremony would formalize Relena as Heero's Maiden. Nearly all of the country's important digintaries would attend, including the twelve Elders, the Emperor, and his court. Duo could already imagine the whispers that would erupt when Relena appears.

However, gossip was not Duo's main concern. The binding ceremony required the Maiden and the General to trust each other, otherwise the 'bond' would fail. It did not bode well that Heero and Relena have yet to know each other. "You and your Maiden should talk," Duo said in a solemn voice. "You know the ceremony will not work if–"

"I am aware of that, Duo," Heero said. "You need not remind me. I will get around to it."

"So when are you going to talk to her?" Duo pressed on.

Heero thought for a moment. "Later."

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Relena sat quietly in the stone benches beside the gurgling fountains that decorated the water gardens of the Shrine of the Blue Dragon, a book in her hand. It was peaceful in the garden, and the gods knew she needed peace. She was nearly halfway through the book when a shadow loomed over her, blocking her light. Glancing up, she found a dark-haired young woman in ornate red robes standing in front of her, a look of hesitation on her face. She closed her book, and gave the woman a small smile. "You are the Red Phoenix Maiden, are you not?" she asked.

Despite her reservations, Hilde found herself smiling back. "Yes. I am the Red Phoenix Maiden. I am Lady Hilde."

"You're the one who raised objections to my appointment as the Blue Dragon Maiden."

Hilde reddened, then she looked at Relena straight in the eye. "Yes."

Relena smiled again. "I can't blame you. It was quite abrupt, wasn't it? Unfortunately, I had no choice in the matter. The Emperor has made that quite clear."

"The Emperor?"

"You must all be quite curious how I ended up as a Maiden." Relena laid down the book on her lap. "Truly, even I was surprised I was…chosen. I was traveling when it all happened."

Hilde frowned. "Traveling? All by yourself?" Women rarely traveled alone, especially those of high station. Most travel in palanquins or carriages, escorted by several men. The streets were too dangerous for women to travel alone. Besides, convention demanded that a young woman was never to leave without a chaperon or an escort.

Relena nodded. "I've been traveling since I was young. Truth be told, I have lived most of my life traveling with my family from one place to another." She smiled briefly, then she frowned. "I rarely came here. I was just passing by when I was fell upon by a group of soldiers at the roadside. "

Hilde was startled. "Soldiers?" she asked in a soft voice.

Relena smiled thinly. "They seized me and forcibly brought me to the palace, where I met the Emperor. He gave me two choices: I will be a Maiden or I will die. It's not hard to guess what choice I made."

Hilde leaned back, trying to absorb everything Relena had said. This was madness! To have forced a woman to be a Maiden–it was a despicable thing to do! Though there had been many a reluctant Maiden, to have threatened one with death for refusal was too much. If what Relena had said was true…

"I know you doubt my words. What I've said is true. It matters not if you believe me or not. There is little anyone can do to change things. Moreover, I've made my decision. I will stand by it." Relena then looked up. "My lords," she greeted the approaching Duo and Heero. "Good day."

Hilde glanced up as well. From the expression on Duo's face, Hilde could tell he had overheard their conversation. Heero's face showed no emotion, but Hilde knew he had heard Relena's story as well.

"Good morning, pretty ladies," Duo greeted with false enthusiasm when they reached them. He gave Hilde a meaningful glance. "Forgive me, but I require Hilde's company. I've missed her terribly."

Hilde stood up quickly. She smiled at Relena. "I will see you soon." Then Duo whisked her off, almost dragging her in their haste to leave.

"Is that why you were so furious with me?" Heero asked, breaking through the silence that descended between them.

Relena turned to him with a bitter smile. "It was part of the reason, yes. I do not like to be forced to do something against my will."

"You could have fought them. You have the skill for it." The memory of what she did to the wizard rose in his mind. Oh yes, Relena had the skill for it.

"I had no desire to kill innocent people whom were only following orders. And I did not want to be a hunted criminal." Relena took a deep breath. "I must apologize for my attitude towards you. You are not to blame for my predicament. And…I am…sorry for your loss. I heard she had been a…wonderful person."

Heero glanced sharply at Relena, his eyes narrowing. The girl sounded sincere in her apologies and condolences. "I must extend my own apologies. I have not treated you well since you came. I also apologize for whatever harm had come upon you when you were brought here." It was not good apology, but it was all he could do right now.

There was another long silence. This time, it was Relena who spoke up first, her clear blue eyes solemn. "I do not like you very well, but it seems we are bound together. Shall we begin anew?"

He caught his breath when Relena gave him a brilliant smile, his heart leaping in his chest. He had nearly forgotten how beautiful his new Maiden was, and her bright smile reminded him of this. He glanced away. "If you wish," he muttered.

"Good." Relena stood up, book in her hand. "Then I shall see tomorrow for the Binding ceremony. Good day." She had walked past him when Heero suddenly asked, "Why had he chosen you?" Who are you?

Relena stopped and without looking at Heero, replied, "I don't know." When Heero said nothing, Relena went on her way, sliding the door shut as she entered the room.

T.B.C.

Free talk, part 2: So, how was this chapter? Relena's a bit nicer this chapter and Heero's a bit more…accommodating! They're all a bit formal here, if you'd noticed.

Sorry if this was short. I promise that the next chapter will be long!

Relena's appointment: Well, at least that explains why Relena was so mad at Heero the first time they met. I mean, who wouldn't be mad?

Next chapter: The Binding ceremony takes place and a secret about Relena and her origin is revealed. More about the Maidens and the Generals.

[Mellie]

eep! I about squealed when I saw this up! It is such an intriguing plot with so many underlying secrets. I can't wait to see the next chapter!

[GM1]

*squeal*

I'm so happy you updated this fic! I remember reading chapter 5 a few months ago and being quite intrigued! I then went back and started at the beginning! I can't wait to find out what will happen between our favorite couple!!!

[melrose_stormhaven]

Thank you. As promised, next chapter will be better...I got a shocker lined up. XD

[Eden]

I adore this ficcy Melrose! I'm so glad that you updated! It feels like an early Christmas present ^^

As always, I cannnot wait to see what else you have lined up, for this fic, or your others. You always keep me so intriegued! The short exchange between Heero and Relena was nice, mostly because it had them starting to be civil to one another. It's not that much, but darn it, its a start! And I have faith in them!!

Well, till next you update deary, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, least I forget ^^

~Eden

[Morrighan]

Ooh... Update!!! Whee!!!

So THAT'S how she got picked.... Geez, talk about evil. I would throw one heck of a fit if that happened to me.

Can't wait to see more, melrose!

[melrose_stormhaven]

Well, thanks! *grins*

Anyway, yep, yep, the Emperor was a trifle evil. But he has his reasons. You'll see more in the next chapters.

And Happy Holidays to ALL! *huggles*