This idea just came to me last night so I don't really know where this can go right now. If there's a positive response then maybe I'll put some more thought into it. AU story, but I don't want to explain too much… You'll kind of get the gist as the story develops.
You know the drill…Gundam Wing is not mine. The characters are not mine. I am merely a student with way too much work on her shoulders at the moment. This is my respite so to speak. J Enjoy.
Prisoners of the Past
Broken Wedding Plans
Ice blue eyes coolly surveyed the restless congregation who were beginning to their seats.
Vultures, all of them…
Scanning the crowd brought him to several conclusions of who, what and why the people were there.
Some were well wishers. Genuinely happy people, happy to see him happy on such a happy occasion. Actually, this group was the minority. Very much so the minority in such a large crowd.
Some were women scorned, full of jealousy. These women stood out especially since their hateful gazes were mainly focused on his fiancée with a few glares in his direction every once in a while. Their fiery eyes said "why didn't you choose me as your queen? I could've have been a much better one than her."
Some were avaricious leaders ready and willing to schmooze, hoping to gain good favor. This was the largest group of those not belonging to the media.
His sister, with a reassuring smile but a blank look in her eyes only made him more uneasy. His sister, who normally could make him feel better about any decisions he made even if she didn't agree with him could do no more grimace slightly. Someone who didn't know her as well would think she was being sincere. He knew, however, that Relena harbored feelings of dismay.
The announcement of the engagement of Milliardo Peacecraft, crown prince and soon-to-be King of the pacifist Cinq Kingdom was finally taking place.
He was only 23 years old. Healthy. Wealthy. Virile. Handsome. Charming. In his position the world was both at his feet and in his hands, very literally. He was about to marry a beautiful and kind- hearted woman worthy of becoming his Queen and monarch to the Cinq Kingdom throne.
Why then with every passing day did his heart turn colder…and with everyday it seemed as if his insides were so empty that sometimes he felt them twist and wrench painfully…
*****
A lone figure stood in the shadows on the second floor. One that didn't fit into the well-wishers, women scorned, schmoozers or media categories.
The keen eyes carefully observed the locations of every guard in the hall, starting from the front.
Two by the entrance. No problem.
Five walking through the seating area.
One guard on the stage with the future King and Queen.
Shadows crept up into the creases made by the frown on their face. Only eight guards? Did they think the only way in was through the front? They were making it almost too easy…
*****
He hated crowds. Media. Taking pictures. A quick glance to his side showed that his fiancée probably shared his feelings. She smiled politely, nervously, and as if sensing his eyes looked over to him.
Her dark eyes brightened and she reached out to clasp his hand in a simple gesture of affection.
Milliardo sighed, gave her hand a little squeeze then began to wonder if he would ever be able to blink again without seeing bright lights dance in front of his eyes.
More flash bulbs ticked off in front of him as the crowd witnessed the proof they didn't know they were waiting for. The lingering side glances, the light lovers' touch of hands, the twinkle in their eyes. No question: Milliardo Peacecraft was marrying the woman he loved.
Relena Peacecraft watched the scene from a different perspective. She had the same reassuring smile on her face. But it was slowly fading away.
Finally a discrete signal came that they were on the air, broadcasting live via satellite to every country around the world and either colony in space. In essence all of humanity was watching him.
No pressure, right?
Milliardo fixed the tie completing his elegant black three piece suit. His trademark platinum hair fell over his shoulders and back neatly, providing a dramatic contrast to the black. He wore a deep blue shirt as a complement to his glacial blue eyes.
In a few confident strides he stood at the podium, then motioned for his fiancée to join him. Might as well milk it up for them as much as possible. So what he did was wrap an arm around her waist, the action drawing her closer to his side.
Check off the need for closeness as one more piece of evidence.
"Ladies and gentlemen…", Milliardo's deep baritone came out smooth as velvet into the microphone, "… I'm sure you've heard many rumors about the announcement I'm making today. I feel that now is the time to make it official…"
*****
The hidden figure tensed. It was time. From their spot on the second floor, their gloved hand gripped the 9mm handgun equipped with silencer.
A quick check of the guards' position. The trigger was pulled.
Ready to call it mission accomplished, the assassin turned to head towards the escape route which was right out the window. Too late did they realize that the target was not hit. Missed target meant failed mission. Failed mission meant major repercussions. And there was no time to take another shot, not now when the guards had been alerted. Five more minutes and the hall would be swarming with backup.
Acknowledging failure, but not ready to accept punishment the figure jumped out the window, then out of sight.
Meanwhile the world witnessed a horrifying sequence of events.
In pushing him to the floor she'd saved his life.
By being the only person aware of the threat she'd sacrificed her own.
So her limp body fell to the polished wood floor with a hollow thud. Dead on impact.
Shot through the heart.
*evil chuckle* how evil am I? Trust me when I say that things are not what they seem. You'd be surprised (I hope) to find out just who is who. But you won't find out just yet anyway. This is where you guys come in… review! Please!