Darkness Without the Light
By: Amber
Relena sighed staring at her reflection no one would guess the calm composed face hid so many turbulent emotions swirling and colliding with one another all at once. She mentally reviewed her plan for tonight the evening was to appear business as usual.
Wufei and Sally would be in attendance because with their jobs for them not to be there might seem suspicious. Milliardo and Lucrezia would be there as well, until the so-called assailant breaks into the party. In shooting Lucrezia it would legitimately excuse
Milliardo's absence. This in effect making her seem more vulnerable left with only a minimum of protectors it was hoped this would lure the person responsible for all this into making an appearance.
Her gaze absently took in her image not her usual attire her hair for once was swept up with a few strands loosely curled around her face. Her gown was a black confection allot more daring than was normal for her it hugged her figure tightly a thigh high slit providing a tantalizing glimpse of skin meant to tease and tempt one closer to make a more thorough inspection. Relena looked up at the sound of the door opening, watching Milliardo enter her room their gazes locked silently within polished surface.
"Is there anything I can say that will change your mind about this scheme?" Relena smiled regretfully. He shook his head, "I didn't think so. I can't believe Heero's not here to talk you out of this madness." She smiled wryly. "It would be difficult for Heero to stop much of anything right now he's currently under a doctors care and heavily sedated."
Milliardo's eyes widened then narrowed suspiciously. "You didn't."
"Why does everyone always say that to me when they find out she murmured humorously?"
"Relena for god sakes why?" Relena pushed herself up and closed the gap between them,
even wearing heels she had to look up into his eyes. "You were wrong to keep things from me. I know I'm not a warrior but I can fight in my own way if I know what I'm up against."
Milliardo opened his mouth but she gently laid her finger against it before he could reply. "I love you that wont change no matter what but you can't protect me from life." She moved closer stroking his hair fondly before laying her forehead against his chest. "Nor is there anything that will make Heero see me as a woman rather than a duty. I have to accept that just as you have to accept you can't always make everything better for me." Relena lifted her head their eyes locked and held as she strived to ease his worry.
"When this is all over you should take Lucrezia on a honeymoon and relax. Relena well lets just say its time she learns who she is and what she wants from her life." Relena's smile wobbled but remained as she turned to get her evening gloves. Pulling them on she returned and held out her hand. "Don't forget Lightening Count no heroics stick to the plan because I couldn't bare to loose you either." He sighed taking her hand turning it over he stroked the uneven ridges of the bandages now hidden then met her eyes with determination.
"I can't and won't stand back and let something happen to you not while I have breath in my body to stop it." Linking his fingers with hers. "You're wearing your tracker?" She smiled, "yes I'm wearing the tracker I have no desire to get up close personal with someone this disturbed."
Milliardo pulled her into a hug almost as if he couldn't help himself holding tightly to his baby sister one last time before forcing himself to let her go to prove to her he considered her his equal. Tucking her arm into his he smiled wryly. "Come on let's go get rid of this loony toon."
Relena laughed a genuine full body laugh something he hadn't heard in awhile he didn't realize how much he missed it. "I think Duo is rubbing off on you she teased." Milliardo rolled his eyes. "If you're around Maxwell enough your forced to adapt or kill him his lips twitched."
* * * *
Relena stood to the side slowly nursing the champagne she got after Lucrezia's "shooting" and had been nursing it ever since. She couldn't see any faces that screamed psycho at her but then if she had perhaps she would have spotted him months ago. Once more she moved through the crowd soothing the anxious clucking of those upset by her near brush with death working the magic that so many attributed to her successful reign in government.
She looked so lovely tonight fitting the station of queen of the world only her own modesty prevented her from taking her rightful place it was disgusting the way she had to mingle among these swine but he would change all that once she was his all these filthy peons would be a thing of the past.
* * * *
Relena bid Pagan good night and wearily climbed the stairs so far the night was a bust she had been counting so much on this evening panning out so this would be over once and for all. May be just maybe inspite of her carefully laid plans it had still seemed too contrived she should have listened to Lucrezia from now on she would leave the spy shenanigans to those better suited. But she had been so sure. Relena nodded at the guard as she passed entering her room. She walked tiredly to her vanity by passing the lights and collapsed onto the stool. Staring blankly at her shadowed reflection she pulled off her gloves and began taking down her hair.
"That's so much better I always loved your hair loose." Relena froze the hair on the back of her neck crawled and a chill prickled across her skin despite the warmth of the room. Schooling her expression to one of mild interest her eyes scanned the room within the mirror's surface.
"My mysterious admirer I presume?" There was a silence from the room as if he was surprised at her lack of reaction. "Am I allowed to see just who has been so attentive all these months or am I to go on conversing with a shadow?"
He laughed delightedly. "Ah but Relena shadows are just as important as the light, the dark cannot exist without the light anymore than I can exist without you he sing songed." Her eyebrow quirked quizzically and she absurdly thought about what his reaction would be if she started giggling.
She sighed and it sounded ridiculously loud within the silence that had settled over the room. "That's very romantic I'm sure but I make it a policy to know up front whom I'm dealing with especially in light of some of my friends and acquaintances meeting with fatal and near fatal accidents." She swung around on the stool, "it's you isn't it causing these incidents?"
"Of course," came his sardonic reply. Her eyes narrowed as she peered into the darkened corner from where his voice came. "If your feelings are so sincere then please at least have the guts to show me who has done these things for my supposed benefit."
The silence stretched on uncomfortably while Relena held her breath fearing she had pushed to hard after all this person was crazy had to be the accidents coupled with the death of the Duke.Well she thought triumphantly he wouldn't get his hands on Heero or Milliardo she had seen to that if someone had to get hurt from this insanity she would rather it was her. Those two had suffered enough for her she was damned if she would knowingly allow more.
She blinked returning to the present as a shuffling signaled his movements and gradually his figure appeared. The light from the partially drawn drapes highlighted his features enough that his image was burned into her memory. Relena had been betting that it was someone she knew or had come in contact with at least sporadically but looking at this nondescript man she didn't have a clue who he was and if she was honest didn't want to know who he was she just wanted him locked up.
* * * *
Lucrezia leaned her elbow on his shoulder and smiled. "You always take me to the nicest places." He laughed softly lifting her hand he gently kissed her knuckles before they both turned back to the screen. Lucrezia frowned, "Milliardo she pointed to the blimp there's an extra heat signature." He scrolled through the listing of those left in the mansion and their locations.
He smiled ferally, "we got him I have to admit I had doubts about Relena's plan but it looks like she knew what she was talking about." She frowned thoughtfully, "how do you know its not Heero despite orders to the contrary?" He smiled ruefully. "I have it on the best of authority he's receiving a doctors care whether he feels he needs it or not."
" What??" Milliardo smiled, "later I promise." Leaning forward he initiated a secure communications link. "I want you to move in contain the individual with my sister but
await my orders before firing I'm on my way." He stood and headed for the door.
"Wait where do you think your going?" He didn't answer just stared back determined in the face of her silent accusation. "You promised her she gently chided."
He shrugged, "I lied. I gave her a hint at the beginning of the evening she shouldn't be surprised I will always do everything in my power to protect those I love." Lucrezia sighed shaking her head she pulled her weapon and checked the ammunition. "Come on then lets go." He shook his head. "Yes! Lucrezia said firmly. Together from now on remember?" He looked heavenward in resignation. "How do I ever win with you two?" She frowned reprovingly, "by lying."
By: Amber
Relena sighed staring at her reflection no one would guess the calm composed face hid so many turbulent emotions swirling and colliding with one another all at once. She mentally reviewed her plan for tonight the evening was to appear business as usual.
Wufei and Sally would be in attendance because with their jobs for them not to be there might seem suspicious. Milliardo and Lucrezia would be there as well, until the so-called assailant breaks into the party. In shooting Lucrezia it would legitimately excuse
Milliardo's absence. This in effect making her seem more vulnerable left with only a minimum of protectors it was hoped this would lure the person responsible for all this into making an appearance.
Her gaze absently took in her image not her usual attire her hair for once was swept up with a few strands loosely curled around her face. Her gown was a black confection allot more daring than was normal for her it hugged her figure tightly a thigh high slit providing a tantalizing glimpse of skin meant to tease and tempt one closer to make a more thorough inspection. Relena looked up at the sound of the door opening, watching Milliardo enter her room their gazes locked silently within polished surface.
"Is there anything I can say that will change your mind about this scheme?" Relena smiled regretfully. He shook his head, "I didn't think so. I can't believe Heero's not here to talk you out of this madness." She smiled wryly. "It would be difficult for Heero to stop much of anything right now he's currently under a doctors care and heavily sedated."
Milliardo's eyes widened then narrowed suspiciously. "You didn't."
"Why does everyone always say that to me when they find out she murmured humorously?"
"Relena for god sakes why?" Relena pushed herself up and closed the gap between them,
even wearing heels she had to look up into his eyes. "You were wrong to keep things from me. I know I'm not a warrior but I can fight in my own way if I know what I'm up against."
Milliardo opened his mouth but she gently laid her finger against it before he could reply. "I love you that wont change no matter what but you can't protect me from life." She moved closer stroking his hair fondly before laying her forehead against his chest. "Nor is there anything that will make Heero see me as a woman rather than a duty. I have to accept that just as you have to accept you can't always make everything better for me." Relena lifted her head their eyes locked and held as she strived to ease his worry.
"When this is all over you should take Lucrezia on a honeymoon and relax. Relena well lets just say its time she learns who she is and what she wants from her life." Relena's smile wobbled but remained as she turned to get her evening gloves. Pulling them on she returned and held out her hand. "Don't forget Lightening Count no heroics stick to the plan because I couldn't bare to loose you either." He sighed taking her hand turning it over he stroked the uneven ridges of the bandages now hidden then met her eyes with determination.
"I can't and won't stand back and let something happen to you not while I have breath in my body to stop it." Linking his fingers with hers. "You're wearing your tracker?" She smiled, "yes I'm wearing the tracker I have no desire to get up close personal with someone this disturbed."
Milliardo pulled her into a hug almost as if he couldn't help himself holding tightly to his baby sister one last time before forcing himself to let her go to prove to her he considered her his equal. Tucking her arm into his he smiled wryly. "Come on let's go get rid of this loony toon."
Relena laughed a genuine full body laugh something he hadn't heard in awhile he didn't realize how much he missed it. "I think Duo is rubbing off on you she teased." Milliardo rolled his eyes. "If you're around Maxwell enough your forced to adapt or kill him his lips twitched."
* * * *
Relena stood to the side slowly nursing the champagne she got after Lucrezia's "shooting" and had been nursing it ever since. She couldn't see any faces that screamed psycho at her but then if she had perhaps she would have spotted him months ago. Once more she moved through the crowd soothing the anxious clucking of those upset by her near brush with death working the magic that so many attributed to her successful reign in government.
She looked so lovely tonight fitting the station of queen of the world only her own modesty prevented her from taking her rightful place it was disgusting the way she had to mingle among these swine but he would change all that once she was his all these filthy peons would be a thing of the past.
* * * *
Relena bid Pagan good night and wearily climbed the stairs so far the night was a bust she had been counting so much on this evening panning out so this would be over once and for all. May be just maybe inspite of her carefully laid plans it had still seemed too contrived she should have listened to Lucrezia from now on she would leave the spy shenanigans to those better suited. But she had been so sure. Relena nodded at the guard as she passed entering her room. She walked tiredly to her vanity by passing the lights and collapsed onto the stool. Staring blankly at her shadowed reflection she pulled off her gloves and began taking down her hair.
"That's so much better I always loved your hair loose." Relena froze the hair on the back of her neck crawled and a chill prickled across her skin despite the warmth of the room. Schooling her expression to one of mild interest her eyes scanned the room within the mirror's surface.
"My mysterious admirer I presume?" There was a silence from the room as if he was surprised at her lack of reaction. "Am I allowed to see just who has been so attentive all these months or am I to go on conversing with a shadow?"
He laughed delightedly. "Ah but Relena shadows are just as important as the light, the dark cannot exist without the light anymore than I can exist without you he sing songed." Her eyebrow quirked quizzically and she absurdly thought about what his reaction would be if she started giggling.
She sighed and it sounded ridiculously loud within the silence that had settled over the room. "That's very romantic I'm sure but I make it a policy to know up front whom I'm dealing with especially in light of some of my friends and acquaintances meeting with fatal and near fatal accidents." She swung around on the stool, "it's you isn't it causing these incidents?"
"Of course," came his sardonic reply. Her eyes narrowed as she peered into the darkened corner from where his voice came. "If your feelings are so sincere then please at least have the guts to show me who has done these things for my supposed benefit."
The silence stretched on uncomfortably while Relena held her breath fearing she had pushed to hard after all this person was crazy had to be the accidents coupled with the death of the Duke.Well she thought triumphantly he wouldn't get his hands on Heero or Milliardo she had seen to that if someone had to get hurt from this insanity she would rather it was her. Those two had suffered enough for her she was damned if she would knowingly allow more.
She blinked returning to the present as a shuffling signaled his movements and gradually his figure appeared. The light from the partially drawn drapes highlighted his features enough that his image was burned into her memory. Relena had been betting that it was someone she knew or had come in contact with at least sporadically but looking at this nondescript man she didn't have a clue who he was and if she was honest didn't want to know who he was she just wanted him locked up.
* * * *
Lucrezia leaned her elbow on his shoulder and smiled. "You always take me to the nicest places." He laughed softly lifting her hand he gently kissed her knuckles before they both turned back to the screen. Lucrezia frowned, "Milliardo she pointed to the blimp there's an extra heat signature." He scrolled through the listing of those left in the mansion and their locations.
He smiled ferally, "we got him I have to admit I had doubts about Relena's plan but it looks like she knew what she was talking about." She frowned thoughtfully, "how do you know its not Heero despite orders to the contrary?" He smiled ruefully. "I have it on the best of authority he's receiving a doctors care whether he feels he needs it or not."
" What??" Milliardo smiled, "later I promise." Leaning forward he initiated a secure communications link. "I want you to move in contain the individual with my sister but
await my orders before firing I'm on my way." He stood and headed for the door.
"Wait where do you think your going?" He didn't answer just stared back determined in the face of her silent accusation. "You promised her she gently chided."
He shrugged, "I lied. I gave her a hint at the beginning of the evening she shouldn't be surprised I will always do everything in my power to protect those I love." Lucrezia sighed shaking her head she pulled her weapon and checked the ammunition. "Come on then lets go." He shook his head. "Yes! Lucrezia said firmly. Together from now on remember?" He looked heavenward in resignation. "How do I ever win with you two?" She frowned reprovingly, "by lying."