Chapter Twenty-five

Sylvia stole furtive glances about. There was nobody around. She put her ear to the door.

" …We can do it this way," said Zechs.

" I agree," said Noin.

 " Have you found the rocks, Wufei?" Heero asked.

" I believe I have."

 " What did Sally and Hilde say? When shall it be?" Relena said.

" Soon, I hope. They have yet to find out how to open the gate," Wufei said.

Sylvia had never felt so shocked in her life before. They actually found it! Curse them! Ancient damnation!  She pressed her ear nearer to the door.

Heero cocked his head towards the door. " Who's there?"

Silence engulfed the whole room. The doorknob turned slowly and Sylvia came in meekly. " Sorry but I didn't know you were having a meeting. I'm looking for Relena."

Eight pairs of eyes studied her but only one pair was trying to penetrate into her soul. Heero stood up. " Why are you looking for Relena?"

Relena rose. " Is anything wrong, Sylvia?"

" It's nothing really. I felt bored and just wanted come company. And I couldn't find Dorothy. Since you are busy, I think I'll just leave."

" No, actually the meeting is over," Heero answered. Except for Relena and Sylvia, they all left the room. After closing the door, Heero stopped Wufei. " Wufei, can I have a word with you?"

The latter was bemused. " Let's take a walk."

The two walked in silence at first. Heero wanted to be sure that no one was following them.

" How did you meet Sylvia Noventa?" Heero asked.

" Didn't I tell you before? I met her in a village. The war made her an orphan."

" Haven't it occur to you before that she may be a spy?"

" I have thought of that but she does not seem to have any magical skills."

Heero looked at him. " A highly skilled sorcerer can disguise his abilities. This is a common fact."

Wufei frowned back at him. " I am not siding her, if that's what you can thinking. But right now, she does seem harmless but if I ever discover another side to her, I will kill her. I can assure you that."

Their talk ended abruptly. Heero could sense that Sylvia was not such a simple girl. On the façade, she appeared to be an innocent girl who hates the war but deep inside, who knows? He had suspected her the first time they met but remained quiet about it, lest he is proved wrong. What happened just now, what Sylvia had said about looking for Relena, was a lie. He knew it.

Because he himself had placed a spell outside the room. A spell that can show to him the footsteps of a person and how long they have been there. The longer a person stands in the same place, the darker the colour of the spell. It had shown clearly to him that Sylvia had intended to eavesdrop for the shapes outside the door was a dark red.

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Sylvia shut the door behind her. It was too close. She was glad of her quick thinking. Except for Heero, the rest were totally convinced. She must watch her step more carefully from now on.

You hear me?

Yes, I hear you well. What is it Sylvia?

The others have found it.

What?!

Yes, it is true. Have you activated the security magic?

I…

You idiot! Haven't I taught you?

Yes, but I'm still confused. It is very...complicated. I only managed to activate half of it.

Half is not enough! What will my mother think?

I'm sorry…

My mother hates incompetent fools. Listen carefully and I shall only say it once more!

I'm listening…

Oh, before that, check on this person. Her name is Hilde, Hilde… something. I believe she is a traitor. I vaguely remember her name on our deserters' list. I shall personally deal with the soldier who allowed her in.

Yes!

After Sylvia had finished giving her instructions, she went to open her windows and spotted Quatre in the garden below. Quatre Raberba Winner, you pitiful moron. You only have yourself to blame.

" Quatre!"

He turned around and smiled. " Hello, Sylvia."

" Taking a stroll?" She fell into step beside him. " It is a very nice day."

Quatre was silent.

" Is anything wrong?" Her face was brimming with concern for him.

" Nothing really," he said after a pause. " I'm just pondering over something."

" Care to share it with me? It's good to talk about it, that's what my mother taught me."

He bent his head. " I don't even remember my mother's face, let alone remember what she had taught me."

She brushed her hair back. " So that's what has been bothering you!"

He turned to look at her. " Huh?"

Sylvia took a deep breath and spoke in a voice that was strangely mesmerizing and hypnotizing. 

" I don't think I have ever told anyone this before. I don't have a happy childhood. After I was born, my mother died. So my father looked at me as a jinx. I was a clumsy child, very useless and I had a bad limp from a fall. I could not do anything without my leg affecting me. My father hated me. So I ran away from home. I ran away to look for a better life. I was eight years old. I wandered about for a year before I finally found happiness with a family that took me in. They were good people and they treated my leg and gave me warmth. I loved them and they loved me. So I called them Father and Mother. But our happiness was short-lived. The war came and stole their lives away. So here I am, looking for my own happiness again."

" So those people that were killed in the war, you being the only survivor of your family…they are not your real family?"

" No, but I loved them nonetheless. They were my happiness. I left my misery with my father for a better life. Do you understand what I am saying, Quatre?" She looked at him. " When something becomes painful, you have to try to leave it behind in search for something better. You can't just wallow yourself in sadness all day long. You need to get up and go. Look for a place that belongs to you. Like how my father and mother took me in and how I ran away from home. I left to search for my happiness. So must you."

There was silence for a while as she let Quatre absorb what she had said. " I'm speaking from a personal experience. I understand how you feel Quatre and I'm willing to help you. Tell me where you want to go from here. I'll go with you if you like."

Quatre's hands shook. Maybe I really should leave them and go search for a place that can have me. I am not needed here anymore. I shan't stay here anymore. " I think I should do this by myself. Thank you Sylvia. You have helped a lot."

" What's a friend for? Believe me, there is a place out there for you." She smiled at him. " Come on, let's go find the other guys. See what they're up to."

" No…no, I think I'll just go to my room." He looked pained. He felt the pain. Quatre, where do you go from here? Sylvia is right, I should have left a long time ago. He murmured a goodbye to her and retraced back his steps. I should have left when I had the chance. I hope it is not too late now.

It took all his will, all his determination not to look back. He had finally decided on something and he is not going to let go. He had been so indecisive for so long and now that he has finally come to this conclusion, he will not let go. I will leave. I will leave to search for my own life.

He clutched the Sandrock tablet tightly in his pocket. Will you go with me, Sandrock? He could feel it saying yes. He smiled. Thank you, my Sandrock.

It took all of her might not to laugh aloud. I don't think I have ever seen such a stupid boy!  And she began to laugh, softly, so as not to disturb the rest.

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It was two days after Quatre had a talk with Sylvia. Quatre was preparing for his journey and had not told his decision to anyone yet. Not even Rasid knows about this. Furthermore, he was hoping the right time would come so he could break the news to them in the gentlest way possible. He knew they would be upset and would persuade him to stay because of their friendship. But his mind is made up.

Noin rubbed her temples. She has been feeling rather exhausted lately and had not slept last night. She would be glad if she could have five hours of sleep at night. Undisturbed.

" Noin? Are you all right? You look pale," Relena said. They were discussing about OZ.

Dorothy touched her forehead. " You are sick."

Noin shook her head and pushed Dorothy's hand aside. " I am fine. I guess I am a little tired."

" You need a rest. We'll end the meeting now," Relena said firmly.

Noin stood up quickly. " Miss Relena, really I'm fine. I…"

Suddenly her world started spinning and with fluttering arms, she collapsed to the floor with a quiet thud.

" Noin!"

" Noin, are you awake? Noin?"

She opened her eyes, slowly, to see the worried face of Zech's staring down at her. He touched her forehead. " Your forehead is still hot."

She struggled to get up. " No, I'm fine…"

Relena stopped her. " You should rest. You have been working too hard. I'll ask Dorothy to oversee some of your tasks."

" Dorothy? No…"

Zechs said, " I'll do it for her. I know what to do."

Noin smiled. " Thank you. It's my fault. I shan't fall sick in such a critical time. I should have taken care of myself better."

It was Relena's turn to curve her lips. " I'm sure Brother can do that, right?"

And it was the first time ever that Zechs' turned crimson. " Right…"

And for the next three days, Zechs stayed by Noin's side. She had never felt so lucky in her life before. And neither did he.

Quatre's head was bent low, absorbed in his own thoughts. He could not feel his feet. They just do their own walking. He had no idea where to go. He had just visited Noin and she was looking much better. In fact, whenever she was with Zechs, she always looks so much better. There is this certain glow in her whenever she was with Zechs.

He smiled. Noin likes Zechs. Why didn't I realize that sooner? They make such a good couple. His feet stopped outside a door. I have stopped. Why have my feet stopped?

There was no one around. Quatre stared at the door, unsure. Before he could stop himself, his hands had already pushed open the heavy, chocolate-coloured door.

He stepped in tentatively. He listened and looked. It was a music room. All kinds of instruments were kept in here. Harp, trumpet, French horn, flageolet, cello…His eyes fell on the violin that was resting on the bench of a grand piano. So familiar, this fondness, this feeling…His fingers ran nimbly across the stringed instrument. He picked up the bow and rested the violin on his shoulder. He cocked his head left to support it.

The bow touched the strings. Quatre did not know he could play the violin. He did not remember he could play such a delicate instrument. What is this tune I'm playing? He cannot remember, but it was a light cheery tune that reminded him of good times when girls and boys idle and play in the summer. His fingers just moved, without him telling them what to do.

You have not forgotten that, at least, not your heart.

The music ended. He put down the violin. Feeling a little tired, he sat down on the piano bench. As if controlled by an old, irresistible itch, his hands open the lid of the piano.

Quatre paused. He looked at his hands. Is this what I used to do? He played a note, than another, and another and before he knew it, he was playing another nameless piece of music. This piece was unlike the first one he had played. It was completely the opposite. It was dark, cold and mysterious.

" You don't have to be so serious, do you eh, Wufie?" Duo said as he dodged a fireball.

" Stop calling me Wufie!" Wufei threatened him with another fireball on his palm.

" Wait, wait! Hang on…did you hear something?"

Both boys were silent.

" It's music," Wufei answered.

Duo frowned. " Yeah, don't you think it sounds like…Quatre?"

Wufei sat down.

" Hey, what are you doing, Wufei?"

" No use disturbing the genius. Might as well sit down and enjoy the music."

" You are right." He sat down beside him.

Rasid turned to Pargon. " Did you hear that?"

Pargon, who was preparing snacks, looked up. " Yes, who could it be?"

Rasid's eyes were moist. " No doubt…no doubt it's him…"

Zechs helped Noin out of her bed. " I can walk by myself, don't worry."

" You sure? You still look a little weak."

" Maybe but I'm not an invalid." Noin stopped. " Who's playing the piano?"

" No idea."

" Who can play the piano?"

Zechs looked at her. " Are you thinking who I'm thinking?"

" I am thinking who you are thinking."

They grinned at each other.

Dorothy was chatting with Relena while Heero walked behind them. He does not want to be accused of eavesdropping. They crossed the royal garden and he braked abruptly. Relena turned back.

" What is it, Heero?" she asked.

Heero placed a finger to his lips. The two girls listened.

Dorothy heard it first. " It's music. Someone's playing the piano."

" Who could it be?" Relena wondered aloud.

Heero nodded to himself. " It's him."

" Who?"

Sylvia's eyes were close. Her body relaxed as she lay on the bed. Such a pity…She opened her eyes and sat up. Why am I sympathizing with him? I have a heart of stone! I should not feel anything for my enemies. I cannot or I'll lose… She forced herself not to cry. I used to play the piano too…

A tear dropped onto her clenched fist.

Quatre finished playing. Someone applauded for him. He had not notice anyone coming in or he would have stopped immediately

The intruder was Trowa. " That was one of your favourite pieces. You still remember it?"

" Actually I don't remember the name."

" Cold Fire. The name is Cold Fire." Trowa went to the cupboard and took out an expensive-looking flute. He blew music into it. Quatre was surprised; he did not know his friend could play the flute. Once again, guided by an old habit, he joined Trowa with the piano. He knows the music; his fingers know it and he let them play on the keyboard.

Quatre felt peace. He really did. It has been a very, very long time since he had felt peace. He wanted the feeling to last forever and ever. And he was sure Trowa felt the same way. The duo played one piece after another, and the most wonderful thing is they did not stop once to tell the other what piece to play next. They just know. Their souls are one. They need no words. The music did the talking for them.

Elsewhere in the palace, friends stopped to listen. They could feel the magic too. They could feel the peace too. They could feel the universe. Right then, everyone seems to be united as one. This is where they all belong together; this is the place for them.

However, all good things must come to an end. Trowa put down his flute. He smiled gently at his chum. Quatre returned the smile. Neither spoke for a few minutes. It was too magical for them to say anything. Quatre closed the lid of the piano and returned the violin back to its original place. Trowa placed the flute beside it.

" You are a very good player," Quatre told him.

" So are you."

Trowa noticed that his friend was not smiling. " What is the matter?"

" I…" Quatre did not know how to say it. He had just remembered that he should be isolating himself from them so that the separation would not be too much to bear. He did not understand why he had rendered a duet with him. Why?…

" I don't think I should stay here anymore."

Trowa was startled, but he did not show it. " What do you mean?"

" I think I should leave. I have been a burden for so long already. I wanted to tell you yesterday but did not have the courage. I'm sorry."

Trowa's face was stern. " You are not a burden to us. You are our friend, Quatre. We will not allow you to leave."

" I know you will say that but my mind is made up."

" Who has been telling you such tales?"

" Tales? What do you mean?"

" Someone must have said something to make you leave. Who is that person?"

" No one told me anything. I came to this decision myself."

" Who is that person?" Trowa insisted.

" No one!" Quatre started to leave.

" If you want to leave, where would you go?"

He paused. A little. " I'll be heading west. I'll probably be doing a lot of travelling. I don't think I belong here with you people. Maybe I once felt that way but not anymore."

He went out of the room.

Trowa was left alone. He folded his arms and looked down. He shut his eyes once, twice and reopened to find that he has to do something. And fast. Quatre has never been this serious before. Yes, he has always been serious but this time round it is different. He wants to find himself, he wants his memories back. But he doesn't know where to start. Yet, he is determined to find a place to start.

If they don't do something fast, they will lose him forever.

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Duo's tablet glowed. He grinned, positioned it upright on the table, and tapped it twice. " Hi Hilde. How's everything going down there?" The God of Death propped his legs up on the table.

Hilde's voice came through. " Hi Duo, everything is going according to plan."

" Where's Sally?"

" She's on night duty. It sure is lonely being by yourself."

" The two of you have grown rather close."

" We tell each other everything."

Duo raised an eyebrow. " Oh? So you are not telling me everything eh? I thought we are good friends."

" What do you mean?" Hilde said, a little flustered. " I tell you everything too. I don't lie to you."

He laughed. " Relax, I'm only joking. It has been some time since I last saw you."

" Yes…Seriously, I sort of miss you." She bit her lip.

" So do I," he answered with genuine feelings. Hilde was surprised.

" You do?"

" Yeah. You are a great girl you know."

Master sat back. At last, the security magic has been activated. Nothing can escape from his clutches. He straightened his back. The magic has alerted him of a disturbance from outside. Someone is making a connection with one of his men. And he knows who the traitor is.

Hilde laughed. " Can you just be serious for once?"

" I told you, I'm the God of Death. I can't die. Believe me, when we meet again, I'll show you!"

Urgent knocks pounded on Hilde's door. " I'll talk to you some other time, Duo. Someone's at the door."

" Aww…"

" Goodnight."

" 'Night, pal."

They logged off. Hilde hurried to the door. Two soldiers were outside. " Yes?" she said.

" You are wanted," Soldier One informed her simply.

" Wanted? By whom?"

" You'll see," Soldier Two said.

" Unless you tell me who wants to see me, I won't go," she said.

Soldier One laid a hand on her shoulder. " If you know what's good for you, don't ask." He squeezed her shoulder, hard.

Left without a choice, Hilde went with them.

" This is…" Hilde gaped at the interior of Master's abode.

A deep, ambiguous voice came from behind the curtain. " Hilde Schbeiker."

Hilde dropped to her knees immediately. " Master, my greetings to you."

" Do you know why I summon you here?"

" Your subordinate has no idea."

" Men."

As soon as Master had said this, the two men began to kick and punch her. Hilde cried out in pain. " Master! What is this for?"

" Traitor. You wretch. You think you can fool us OZ? I have been observing you, Miss Traitor. You left OZ years ago and now you are back to betray us. OZ had no need for rats like you. Hell would love you."

Hilde knew that it was over for her. If she does not escape now, she would die. HHhHHKNJUHh

So she started to run.

" Where do you think you are going, my dear child?"

A magic bolt hit her from the back. Hilde collapsed.

" Finish her."

The two soldiers sneered and spat at her, before they took out their batons.