Warning: 3xC within, along with a dash of 2xH. (and 1xR of course)
Chapter Seven: A Kiss of Stardust
The night was alive with sounds and smells. The aroma of incense and firesmoke danced on the night wind, teasing the crowds of spectators with thoughts of dancing and laughter. Moonlight filtered down through the trees, bathing the carnival in silver light that heightened the sensation of stepping out of time and into a place where there were no thoughts of war. Children ran, giggling as they weaved between adults who watched them with soft eyes while remembering their own childhoods. Vendors cried out their wares, enticing young girls and their reluctant lovers to look over the arrays of bright silks and gleaming jewels. A group of singers had gathered a sizeable crowd under the branches of a large oak, while acrobates did backflips to the delight of their stunned audience. Over all, the feeling in the air was of excitement and release. An escape from the continuous play of their lives under the rule of the A'rateken. For at least a night, they could forget their troubles and remember what it was like when all they had to worry about was what to wear to work the next day.
Rena drifted through the crowds, a pale wrath in a blue summer dress. A few people waved to her, rebels that knew she was Bladeheart, and she bowed her head in acknowledgement, when in truth she wanted to smile brightly. She had never felt more like her oldself than she did at that moment. Relena Peacecraft, dove of peace, a girl who could laugh and smile with ease, was slowly taking over the warrior rebel, Rena Bladeheart. It wasn't an unwelcome change, but it was uncomfortable. At the oddest moments she found herself looking at the world with the eyes of one who wished for the blood and battles to be over. Just today she had almost given Duo a heartattack by throwing her arms around him in a bear hug and pulling his long braid with a smile. As she reflected on it now, Duo had always been there for her after Heero's 'death'. In part because she knew he felt responsible for not doing something to save Heero, even though he had been shot at the time. He had become somewhat of a brother to her, always overprotective but offering his shoulder to cry on when she needed it. She smiled wistfully to herself, vaguely catagorizing the facial expression to be that of Relena's. She had told Duo that he needed to make an appearance tonight because she had something to show him. He all ready halfway believed that Trowa had seen Heero but full belief would only come when he saw Heero with his own eyes, away from the A'rateken army.
Feeling rather pleased with herself, she wandered towards a pastry vendor where she bought one of the delicious apple confections she had fallen in love with as a child. Happily munching, she turned her thoughts to her masked weapons specialist, a sparkle entering her blue-silver eyes as she silently congratulated herself. She had told Trowa that she had found a rebel spy on the inside that could supply Quatre with the needed information that would help them plan the death of the empress. He had nodded silently and disappeared into the darkness towards the meeting place she had told him of. She just wished she could be there when he met Catherine for the first time in almost two years. What worried her was that they were putting Catherine in danger by bringing her into the rebellion. If she was discovered...
Rena shook her head. She would have to hope that everything would work out. Hilde had informed her that her and Duo's secret weapon, whatever it was, was almost complete. The two of them had been sneaking off at odd hours to work on it and Rena just hoped it was as good as they thought it was. Hilde would be coming with Duo tonight, both of them wanting the excuse of the festival for a night off. She was certain there was a little romance blossoming between those two and, hopefully, the romantic atmosphere would give them a good shove into love.
Love...
A warm tingle ran up her spine as she thought of Heero. He was alive, and he was everything to her. She hadn't realized just how dead she was inside until he had held her in his arms again. Even her appearance reflected his presence. Her eyes keep changing color. Dark blue when she was at her happiest, and a silvery blue when she was feeling more like Bladeheart or Heero wasn't around. The two seemed to be linked. Heero always brought out the princess in her.
Brushing her hands of any pastry crumbs, she cast around for her dark warrior. He had said he would come and the evening wasn't getting any younger. Where was he?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Sank palace rose as a dark silhoutte against the starry night sky. It was lit by a scattering of well-placed miniture spotlights as well as with light from within. The imperial flag was hung over every balcony, proclaiming the empress's presence as well as damning the once peace-oriented castle with the blood of its own people. It was no longer a symbol of hope and light, and the strength of human will. Now it was only a tool for the Order, to let mankind know that there was nothing they could do to stop them.
Trowa stood silently watchful, a soft breeze rushing though his light brown hair. His face was half hidden by the ever present mask as well as the hood of a dark cloak that made him all but invisible in the twilight. He had initially paused to watch the guards as they made their rounds, watching for the moment when all backs were turned that would announce his chance to enter the hidden pathway, but a strange feeling had entered his heart and he had stayed, watching the palace with dark emerald eyes. He didn't know exactly what he felt. It had been a long time since he allowed himself to feel anything, but now he could sense an apprehension in the air, a feeling of waiting. Something was going to happen that night, something big. He didn't know if it concerned him or the others that would currently be attending the festival outside the city. Whatever it was, he would pay attention to it.
~You should always act on your emotions.~
It was amazing that Heero was alive, for he had no doubts that that was who he saw on the battlefield that day. And he knew it was also why the man hadn't killed Rena where she stood, as he was surely capable of doing. Power had radiated off the Hand of the Empire, and yet, he had let them both live. Surely that meant there was hope for Heero, for Rena's sake.
He straightened abruptly, the tiniest of motions that an ordinary man would never see. It was time he went to meet Rena's mysterious new informant. She had told him when and where to meet their new spy, a funny half smile playing on her lips and a bright look in her eyes. He had wondered at the overnight change in her even as he suspected that she wasn't telling him something. Not that he was worried, she would never send him into danger, but it puzzled him nonetheless, and he found himself calmly questioning what it could be.
He entered the palace as silent as a cat. The secret door had been easy to find and he hadn't even had to worry about the guards. The A'rateken were too proud to think someone would dare enter their fortress alone. The passageway he was in was completely dark and he waited a few moments, letting his eyes adjust. He was alone in the corridor, so he leaned back against the cold wall, crossing his arms over his chest, content to wait. Fortunatley he didn't have long. Almost immediantly there came the sound of a door sliding shut and soft footsteps descending the stars to where he stood. After a moment the flickering light of a candle appeared, and he unfolded himself from the wall, ready to meet the new informant.
It was a woman, as he had guessed from the lightness of her step. She drifted down the last few steps, head bowed and came to stop in front of him in swirl of pale skirts.
"Rena, I hope that you..." The woman trailed off as she raised her eyes to meet his, and she gave a faint gasp. A small hand fluttering to her mouth in surprise. Trowa felt his heart lurch as he drank in the familiar eyes the color of swords, and the dark red hair that drifted a little past her shoulders now. All the heartbroken moments he had lived through in the last two years flitted through his mind, every image a reminder of what it had been like to live without the woman in front of him. He could barely breathe his chest hurt so much.
"Trowa?" She breathed, a hint of a question in her voice. She raised her hand hesitantly towards his mask and he let her lift it away to fall beside her feet. Tears welled in her eyes and she began to tremble, the candle weaving dangerously. He reached out and took it from her, more calmly than he felt and set on the steps. Then, with a daring he had saved since the morning she had been captured, he pulled her into a rough embrace, one hand in her silky hair, the other wrapping around her shoulders to hold her tightly against his chest. She immediantly collapsed against him, sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clenching around the fabric of his shirt. He buried his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder, breathing in the scent of her hair and skin.
"I can't...believe...it's really...you." She said, between sobs. He shut his eyes painfully, trying to find the words to tell her how close he had come to murdering with his bare hands, to running insane with the agony of his memories, to destroying himself. Even with all these thoughts, his lips could only utter one word.
"Catherine..."
She sobbed even harder and he tightened her arms around her, gathering his strength for what lay ahead.
~Thank you, Rena, for this moment.~
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heero felt unprotected.
He was dressed in black pants and boots along with a buttonup white shirt. He wasn't wearing his cloak and he felt light without the weight of his twin swords on his back. Furthermore, he was surrounded by people. It made him self-conscious, as if they could look at him and immediantly denounce him for an A'rateken. He was also angry at himself, angry that he felt out of place among humans. He WAS human! It was a part of him, too, and yet, he didn't quite belong anymore.
He walked quickly through the crowds, his dark eyes searching for the sun-kissed hair that would proclaim Relena's location. He finally spotted her playing with a group of children who were laughing and spinning around wildly. As he came close, three of the little ones tackled her and they all went down in a heap of arms and feet. Watching them brought a pang to his heart, a wish for his own childhood, but he quickly suppressed it as Relena noticed him.
"Heero!" She cried, happily, and two of children raised their happy faces to his. In a whirlwind of movement, they had launched themselves at his feet, using their sudden weight to knock him of balance. He landed flat on his back, the air rushing out of his lungs and the two little munchkins flopped down on him laughing. He arched an eyebrow at them as Relena's musical laughter reached his ears. She appeared above him, looking down at him with a smile on her face, her hair falling over her shoulders like sunbeams kissed by stardust. She was breathtaking.
"All right, let him up guys." She said, ruffling their hair. The children jumped up and skipped away laughing, and throwing sly looks back at him. Grunting, he stood and dusted himself off, noticing that Relena seemed to be trying to keep from laughing. He smirked a her.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself." He remarked wryly.
"Now that you're here." She said, pointedly, and grabbed his hand. "Come on, I want to dance."
He blinked in surprise but she was all ready pulling him towards a group of singers, music spilling off their tongues as couples danced gaily in front of them. He let himself be led, wondering at her happiness to be with him. Could this all really be happening? Was he really with the woman he couldn't live his life without?
"Heero," Relena said, breaking his thoughts,"are you all right?"
He summoned a mysterious smile for her.
"Come on." And he led her out onto the 'dance floor'.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sally sipped slowly on her glass of punch, watching the festivities around her. Duo and Hilde had passed her a few moments ago, halfway drunk all ready, and headed for the dancers. She smiled when she thought of those two, wondering how long it would take them to realize what everyone else already knew. Wufei was around somewhere, glowering because she had made him bring her. Everyone else was enjoying the night off, why shouldn't she?
Suddenly a movement to her left caught her eye, and she focuse on the spot, trying to figure out what had snatched her attention. She frowned as she only saw laughing men and women talking happily amongst themselves. She sighed and relaxed, frustrated with herself.
~Can't even enjoy the night for a second, can you, Sally?~
She squashed the thought and took another sip of her punch, her gaze finding Rena with dancers, being whirled around by a tall, handsome man. She suddenly choked, spraying punch everwhere.
~Heero!~ Her mind screeched, and she firmly got a hold of herself. Trowa had said...but, she hadn't really believed....She took a deep breath and started towards the couple, wondering why Rena hadn't said she had talked with Heero. Determined to find out what was going on, she strode forward, only to be tackled from behind, landing painfully on her stomach.
"Hey there, little rebel, glad to see me?" A voice hissed in her ear. She turned her head and came face to face with glittering skin, slanted eyes....
"A'rateken!" She screamed, as his knee collided with her ribs. She curled into a fetal poistion, finding it hard to breathe...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heero jerked his head up at the scream, automatically pushing Relena behind him. Immediantly he felt the presence of one of the Mages, he didn't know which one. He hissed between his teeth.
"They're here." He ground out, his power awakening as he called upon it. Relena clutched the back of his shirt just as A'rateken soldiers poured in the festival area, swinging swords and spears. The ground erupted from invisible blows and Heero searched around for the Mage.
Relena pulled on his shirt, trying to get his attention. "Heero, you can't be seen here. You have to go!" She said, a tendril of fear creeping into her voice.
"I'm not leaving you." He said, sternly, eyes on the crowd. She tugged at him again and he finally looked down at her, her eyes shimmering at him.
"Heero, you'll be exposed, you'll never be able to go back." She said, trying to make him understand what he'd be giving up. He reached out and touched her cheek tenderly.
"Better to die a traitor than to lose you again."
She smiled slightly at him and he turned back to the battle, keeping Relena behind him. Wishing he had his swords, he called a shield into place around them, a silver sphere made of earth and wind. It was just in time, too, for a fireball came from nowhere and exploded against it, shaking the ground under their feet.
As the smoke cleared, Takuya appeared wearing a smug smile. Heero growled low in his throat.
"So, " The mage said, snidely, "I see you've switching sides. Joined Rena Bladeheart have you? I'm sure the empress will want to hear this and...oh, what will Ritara say?"
Heero lashed out, flinging an energy blast from his upraised hand. It exploded harmlessly against Takuya's own shield. The Mage laughed.
"Do you think you can win against me, Gharial? You were made from part of my very powers!" He shouted, and Relena gasped as the Mage began to glow with building power. "I will be the one to find the key, not you! And then I will have all the power I will ever need!"
Takuya threw up his hand and called out to the lord of the storm.
Heero threw himself over Relena as lightning struck out of a clear sky, shattering the shield into a million glittering shards.
The world went white.
tbc...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*hides behind her own shield* please don't hurt me! I had to do a cliffhanger! Otherwise this thing would have continued forever! But don't worry, I will have the next part out this week.
hope you guys liked this chapter!
Stay tuned for: The Key
please review, I need encouragement! *hugs*
Chapter Seven: A Kiss of Stardust
The night was alive with sounds and smells. The aroma of incense and firesmoke danced on the night wind, teasing the crowds of spectators with thoughts of dancing and laughter. Moonlight filtered down through the trees, bathing the carnival in silver light that heightened the sensation of stepping out of time and into a place where there were no thoughts of war. Children ran, giggling as they weaved between adults who watched them with soft eyes while remembering their own childhoods. Vendors cried out their wares, enticing young girls and their reluctant lovers to look over the arrays of bright silks and gleaming jewels. A group of singers had gathered a sizeable crowd under the branches of a large oak, while acrobates did backflips to the delight of their stunned audience. Over all, the feeling in the air was of excitement and release. An escape from the continuous play of their lives under the rule of the A'rateken. For at least a night, they could forget their troubles and remember what it was like when all they had to worry about was what to wear to work the next day.
Rena drifted through the crowds, a pale wrath in a blue summer dress. A few people waved to her, rebels that knew she was Bladeheart, and she bowed her head in acknowledgement, when in truth she wanted to smile brightly. She had never felt more like her oldself than she did at that moment. Relena Peacecraft, dove of peace, a girl who could laugh and smile with ease, was slowly taking over the warrior rebel, Rena Bladeheart. It wasn't an unwelcome change, but it was uncomfortable. At the oddest moments she found herself looking at the world with the eyes of one who wished for the blood and battles to be over. Just today she had almost given Duo a heartattack by throwing her arms around him in a bear hug and pulling his long braid with a smile. As she reflected on it now, Duo had always been there for her after Heero's 'death'. In part because she knew he felt responsible for not doing something to save Heero, even though he had been shot at the time. He had become somewhat of a brother to her, always overprotective but offering his shoulder to cry on when she needed it. She smiled wistfully to herself, vaguely catagorizing the facial expression to be that of Relena's. She had told Duo that he needed to make an appearance tonight because she had something to show him. He all ready halfway believed that Trowa had seen Heero but full belief would only come when he saw Heero with his own eyes, away from the A'rateken army.
Feeling rather pleased with herself, she wandered towards a pastry vendor where she bought one of the delicious apple confections she had fallen in love with as a child. Happily munching, she turned her thoughts to her masked weapons specialist, a sparkle entering her blue-silver eyes as she silently congratulated herself. She had told Trowa that she had found a rebel spy on the inside that could supply Quatre with the needed information that would help them plan the death of the empress. He had nodded silently and disappeared into the darkness towards the meeting place she had told him of. She just wished she could be there when he met Catherine for the first time in almost two years. What worried her was that they were putting Catherine in danger by bringing her into the rebellion. If she was discovered...
Rena shook her head. She would have to hope that everything would work out. Hilde had informed her that her and Duo's secret weapon, whatever it was, was almost complete. The two of them had been sneaking off at odd hours to work on it and Rena just hoped it was as good as they thought it was. Hilde would be coming with Duo tonight, both of them wanting the excuse of the festival for a night off. She was certain there was a little romance blossoming between those two and, hopefully, the romantic atmosphere would give them a good shove into love.
Love...
A warm tingle ran up her spine as she thought of Heero. He was alive, and he was everything to her. She hadn't realized just how dead she was inside until he had held her in his arms again. Even her appearance reflected his presence. Her eyes keep changing color. Dark blue when she was at her happiest, and a silvery blue when she was feeling more like Bladeheart or Heero wasn't around. The two seemed to be linked. Heero always brought out the princess in her.
Brushing her hands of any pastry crumbs, she cast around for her dark warrior. He had said he would come and the evening wasn't getting any younger. Where was he?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Sank palace rose as a dark silhoutte against the starry night sky. It was lit by a scattering of well-placed miniture spotlights as well as with light from within. The imperial flag was hung over every balcony, proclaiming the empress's presence as well as damning the once peace-oriented castle with the blood of its own people. It was no longer a symbol of hope and light, and the strength of human will. Now it was only a tool for the Order, to let mankind know that there was nothing they could do to stop them.
Trowa stood silently watchful, a soft breeze rushing though his light brown hair. His face was half hidden by the ever present mask as well as the hood of a dark cloak that made him all but invisible in the twilight. He had initially paused to watch the guards as they made their rounds, watching for the moment when all backs were turned that would announce his chance to enter the hidden pathway, but a strange feeling had entered his heart and he had stayed, watching the palace with dark emerald eyes. He didn't know exactly what he felt. It had been a long time since he allowed himself to feel anything, but now he could sense an apprehension in the air, a feeling of waiting. Something was going to happen that night, something big. He didn't know if it concerned him or the others that would currently be attending the festival outside the city. Whatever it was, he would pay attention to it.
~You should always act on your emotions.~
It was amazing that Heero was alive, for he had no doubts that that was who he saw on the battlefield that day. And he knew it was also why the man hadn't killed Rena where she stood, as he was surely capable of doing. Power had radiated off the Hand of the Empire, and yet, he had let them both live. Surely that meant there was hope for Heero, for Rena's sake.
He straightened abruptly, the tiniest of motions that an ordinary man would never see. It was time he went to meet Rena's mysterious new informant. She had told him when and where to meet their new spy, a funny half smile playing on her lips and a bright look in her eyes. He had wondered at the overnight change in her even as he suspected that she wasn't telling him something. Not that he was worried, she would never send him into danger, but it puzzled him nonetheless, and he found himself calmly questioning what it could be.
He entered the palace as silent as a cat. The secret door had been easy to find and he hadn't even had to worry about the guards. The A'rateken were too proud to think someone would dare enter their fortress alone. The passageway he was in was completely dark and he waited a few moments, letting his eyes adjust. He was alone in the corridor, so he leaned back against the cold wall, crossing his arms over his chest, content to wait. Fortunatley he didn't have long. Almost immediantly there came the sound of a door sliding shut and soft footsteps descending the stars to where he stood. After a moment the flickering light of a candle appeared, and he unfolded himself from the wall, ready to meet the new informant.
It was a woman, as he had guessed from the lightness of her step. She drifted down the last few steps, head bowed and came to stop in front of him in swirl of pale skirts.
"Rena, I hope that you..." The woman trailed off as she raised her eyes to meet his, and she gave a faint gasp. A small hand fluttering to her mouth in surprise. Trowa felt his heart lurch as he drank in the familiar eyes the color of swords, and the dark red hair that drifted a little past her shoulders now. All the heartbroken moments he had lived through in the last two years flitted through his mind, every image a reminder of what it had been like to live without the woman in front of him. He could barely breathe his chest hurt so much.
"Trowa?" She breathed, a hint of a question in her voice. She raised her hand hesitantly towards his mask and he let her lift it away to fall beside her feet. Tears welled in her eyes and she began to tremble, the candle weaving dangerously. He reached out and took it from her, more calmly than he felt and set on the steps. Then, with a daring he had saved since the morning she had been captured, he pulled her into a rough embrace, one hand in her silky hair, the other wrapping around her shoulders to hold her tightly against his chest. She immediantly collapsed against him, sobbing uncontrollably, her hands clenching around the fabric of his shirt. He buried his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder, breathing in the scent of her hair and skin.
"I can't...believe...it's really...you." She said, between sobs. He shut his eyes painfully, trying to find the words to tell her how close he had come to murdering with his bare hands, to running insane with the agony of his memories, to destroying himself. Even with all these thoughts, his lips could only utter one word.
"Catherine..."
She sobbed even harder and he tightened her arms around her, gathering his strength for what lay ahead.
~Thank you, Rena, for this moment.~
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heero felt unprotected.
He was dressed in black pants and boots along with a buttonup white shirt. He wasn't wearing his cloak and he felt light without the weight of his twin swords on his back. Furthermore, he was surrounded by people. It made him self-conscious, as if they could look at him and immediantly denounce him for an A'rateken. He was also angry at himself, angry that he felt out of place among humans. He WAS human! It was a part of him, too, and yet, he didn't quite belong anymore.
He walked quickly through the crowds, his dark eyes searching for the sun-kissed hair that would proclaim Relena's location. He finally spotted her playing with a group of children who were laughing and spinning around wildly. As he came close, three of the little ones tackled her and they all went down in a heap of arms and feet. Watching them brought a pang to his heart, a wish for his own childhood, but he quickly suppressed it as Relena noticed him.
"Heero!" She cried, happily, and two of children raised their happy faces to his. In a whirlwind of movement, they had launched themselves at his feet, using their sudden weight to knock him of balance. He landed flat on his back, the air rushing out of his lungs and the two little munchkins flopped down on him laughing. He arched an eyebrow at them as Relena's musical laughter reached his ears. She appeared above him, looking down at him with a smile on her face, her hair falling over her shoulders like sunbeams kissed by stardust. She was breathtaking.
"All right, let him up guys." She said, ruffling their hair. The children jumped up and skipped away laughing, and throwing sly looks back at him. Grunting, he stood and dusted himself off, noticing that Relena seemed to be trying to keep from laughing. He smirked a her.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself." He remarked wryly.
"Now that you're here." She said, pointedly, and grabbed his hand. "Come on, I want to dance."
He blinked in surprise but she was all ready pulling him towards a group of singers, music spilling off their tongues as couples danced gaily in front of them. He let himself be led, wondering at her happiness to be with him. Could this all really be happening? Was he really with the woman he couldn't live his life without?
"Heero," Relena said, breaking his thoughts,"are you all right?"
He summoned a mysterious smile for her.
"Come on." And he led her out onto the 'dance floor'.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sally sipped slowly on her glass of punch, watching the festivities around her. Duo and Hilde had passed her a few moments ago, halfway drunk all ready, and headed for the dancers. She smiled when she thought of those two, wondering how long it would take them to realize what everyone else already knew. Wufei was around somewhere, glowering because she had made him bring her. Everyone else was enjoying the night off, why shouldn't she?
Suddenly a movement to her left caught her eye, and she focuse on the spot, trying to figure out what had snatched her attention. She frowned as she only saw laughing men and women talking happily amongst themselves. She sighed and relaxed, frustrated with herself.
~Can't even enjoy the night for a second, can you, Sally?~
She squashed the thought and took another sip of her punch, her gaze finding Rena with dancers, being whirled around by a tall, handsome man. She suddenly choked, spraying punch everwhere.
~Heero!~ Her mind screeched, and she firmly got a hold of herself. Trowa had said...but, she hadn't really believed....She took a deep breath and started towards the couple, wondering why Rena hadn't said she had talked with Heero. Determined to find out what was going on, she strode forward, only to be tackled from behind, landing painfully on her stomach.
"Hey there, little rebel, glad to see me?" A voice hissed in her ear. She turned her head and came face to face with glittering skin, slanted eyes....
"A'rateken!" She screamed, as his knee collided with her ribs. She curled into a fetal poistion, finding it hard to breathe...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heero jerked his head up at the scream, automatically pushing Relena behind him. Immediantly he felt the presence of one of the Mages, he didn't know which one. He hissed between his teeth.
"They're here." He ground out, his power awakening as he called upon it. Relena clutched the back of his shirt just as A'rateken soldiers poured in the festival area, swinging swords and spears. The ground erupted from invisible blows and Heero searched around for the Mage.
Relena pulled on his shirt, trying to get his attention. "Heero, you can't be seen here. You have to go!" She said, a tendril of fear creeping into her voice.
"I'm not leaving you." He said, sternly, eyes on the crowd. She tugged at him again and he finally looked down at her, her eyes shimmering at him.
"Heero, you'll be exposed, you'll never be able to go back." She said, trying to make him understand what he'd be giving up. He reached out and touched her cheek tenderly.
"Better to die a traitor than to lose you again."
She smiled slightly at him and he turned back to the battle, keeping Relena behind him. Wishing he had his swords, he called a shield into place around them, a silver sphere made of earth and wind. It was just in time, too, for a fireball came from nowhere and exploded against it, shaking the ground under their feet.
As the smoke cleared, Takuya appeared wearing a smug smile. Heero growled low in his throat.
"So, " The mage said, snidely, "I see you've switching sides. Joined Rena Bladeheart have you? I'm sure the empress will want to hear this and...oh, what will Ritara say?"
Heero lashed out, flinging an energy blast from his upraised hand. It exploded harmlessly against Takuya's own shield. The Mage laughed.
"Do you think you can win against me, Gharial? You were made from part of my very powers!" He shouted, and Relena gasped as the Mage began to glow with building power. "I will be the one to find the key, not you! And then I will have all the power I will ever need!"
Takuya threw up his hand and called out to the lord of the storm.
Heero threw himself over Relena as lightning struck out of a clear sky, shattering the shield into a million glittering shards.
The world went white.
tbc...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*hides behind her own shield* please don't hurt me! I had to do a cliffhanger! Otherwise this thing would have continued forever! But don't worry, I will have the next part out this week.
hope you guys liked this chapter!
Stay tuned for: The Key
please review, I need encouragement! *hugs*