Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, but their backgrounds within this fic *are* mine. So are my original characters and the magicky bits I put in! And "omae o korosu" to anyone who hurts them! *over-protective mother face*

Warnings: eventual shounen ai, swearing, some OOC, heaps of magic

Notes: Again, thanks for reviews! Cos' they're what keeps me going! And, as always, here are my replies:

Landlady of the Universe: They're almost over, actually (the hols, I mean). Oh well. And don't worry, Suri *will* go with someone; there's just a lot to go before that happens! (And I've got all the relationships planned...*cackle*). Thanks for the addy, but um... either my comp is stuffing up (all too possible), or the addy doesn't work that well. Thanks anyway! And as a thank you, I'll chuck you another box of choco! *struggles with the huge box, then throws it at Landlady*

Finny: The way this story is going (really long), something *will* end up happening to Quatre. I'll just have to decide exactly what! And by the way, how can you like *freezing* water?? *shivers*

Mariel Yuy: Hehe... let's just say I have heaps of choco left over from X'mas. And if I eat it all, I won't be able to fit into my room! *grin* But ooooh, I'm so happy you've added me to your fav. fic and author list... never thought anyone would do that! *gushes and leaps over the moon*. I was trying to keep the personalities right (the guys wouldn't be half as luvable if they went totally OOC, right? *wink*) - glad you like it. As for the fanart, that would be so COOL! You'll notice I didn't fully describe Suri - that's because I like leaving my OCs' appearances vague, and thus let my readers decide how they're supposed to look. The only term I've used is "raven-haired", and somewhere in this chapter, there will be a bit more of a description. Tell me if you're going to go ahead with it, kay? *bounces up and down* And any more reviews would be great! Ja.

$!$!$!: Hehe... go chocolate! *waves another packet around* Don't be sure it's Heero and Suri - they have a one in six chance of getting together, as do Mili and Suri. At least, at this point of the story it's a one-in-six. *grin* And to clarify, I have heaps of time and heaps of space, so review away! *runs around in circles, looking behind all couches and shelves for reviews* One of your guesses are right - you'll see which one. And yup, it's a cool name *grin*. And 'prequel' sounds perfect.

Vilanda: Thanks - I'm glad you like it! And by the way, I love magic as well! But oh well... it wouldn't be GW without Relena having a major crush on Heero, right? Then again, you never know what might happen with the pairings in a fanfic...

Vaun: Glad you like it! And ooh, I love saying this - you'll just have to wait to see who ends up with whom! Hope you keep reading!

Part VIII: Zolt'é

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Three months later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suri gathered her cloak more tightly around her shoulders, shivering slightly as another gust of wind rushed through the window. One good thing about being a student of the Collegiums - you have an endless supply of these 'uniforms'. Which means I can go basically anywhere without people knowing I don't *have* anything else to wear. She had had no more trouble with her channels since the night Heero helped her; in fact, Master Tumi had declared her good enough to be promoted into an advanced class. But that didn't help her financial state - after all, the crown only funded the students' lessons, not their lives. So now, along with Elementalist, defence and Psychic lessons, she worked in the palace grounds for about two hours per day, doing whatever needed doing that day. Oh well... the wages are fair, at least. Ten credits per hour isn't bad by anyone's standards. I should be grateful Mili arranged it for me...

But that didn't solve her immediate problem. What the hell am I going to do about presents? It's Zolt'é, after all... I can stand not having new clothes and all, but I owe them *some* sort of thank you, for all they've done. And on second thought - I may need those new clothes after all. I mean, Duo did say that some people turned up in these uniforms, but I seriously doubt it...

*** flashback ***

"Hey Suri!"

The girl spun around. "Duo! What are you doing here?"

The braided boy smirked. "Relax - I'm not going to eat you. I know you're busy these days, but Zolt'é is coming up - how d'ya feel about a party?"

"Party?"

"Yup. There's one every year, and all Collegium students are invited. The others are all going. Want to come?"

Silver eyes lit up for a moment, then dimmed as Suri bit her lips. "I'd like to, you know. Never been to a Zolt'é celebration... not since Granny died. But I won't have anything to wear, and I've got no idea how to act and all..."

Duo grinned. "Don't worry about it - people turn up in uniform every year. And as for the last bit, nobody really cares - protocol goes out the window on Zolt'é night. So does court manners and all the other crap."

The girl glanced at him. "You sure? 'Bout the first bit, I mean."

"Dead serious - come on, I've been going for the last twelve years. Don't you trust me?"

Suri rolled her eyes. "I'd trust you not to kill me, but I wouldn't trust you not to empty freezing buckets of water on me when I'm as tired as hell."

The boy gave her a look of mock indignation. "Hey, it was only that once! And you have to admit that if I hadn't woken you up, you would've gotten in deep trouble."

"There are slightly more convenient ways to wake people up, you know."

He blinked innocently. "They're boring."

Suri rolled her eyes once more, then chuckled. "True, I guess. About that party... I guess I might as well. At least it will be a break from all the lessons."

Duo grinned back. "That's the spirit. How 'bout I pick you up... say, at noon? That way, we can go meet up with the others."

"Okay. And Duo... thanks." The girl's voice turned serious. "For taking me everywhere, these last couple of months. I... would have had a much harder time without you."

The boy smiled and gave her a quick hug. "You're welcome - that's what friends are for, right? Remember, Zolt'é noon!" With that, he bounced off, slamming Suri's door behind him.

*** end flashback ***

The girl glanced out the window. Almost noon - strange, he's usually early. But... maybe I shouldn't go... especially if Mili's going to be around. He'll be the centre of attention - I really don't want to embarrass him... or any of the others. They've been too nice, these last couple of months. Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. Moving to open it, she called, "Duo? Huh... oh, hi. Um, how may I help you?"

The man at the door held out his hand. "Would you be Lady Suriku?"

Suri's face almost twitched as she shook his hand. Hellfires - 'lady'? Why the hell would anyone call me that? Usually, it's Protégé Suriku or plain old Suri. The world must be going mad... "Yes, I'm Suriku. And you are...?"

The man smiled. "Oh, pardon me, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Master Duo's messenger, Poruel."

The girl returned the smile. "Nice to meet you. Um... sorry, but is Duo busy or something?"

Poruel shook his head. "Master Duo sent me to escort you to the Palace tailors. He asked me to deliver this." As he spoke, he handed her a sheet of paper.

"Thank you." Suri hid her confusion - what the hell is Duo up to? - and scanned the message.

Do you trust me? If you do, follow Poruel. You'll understand when you get there.
~ Duo

"Hmm..." The girl grinned wryly. He doesn't leave me much choice, does he? And I do trust him, so... "Then lead on, Poruel."

After several minutes, Poruel reached a room and walked in, smiling a greeting at the greying lady inside. Turning to Suri, he said, "This is where I leave you, Lady Suriku. Master Duo says to inform you that he will pick you up."

The girl nodded, answering, "Thank you, Poruel. I'm glad to have met you."

"And I you." With that, the man bowed slightly and walked off, leaving Suri staring nervously around her.

The lady turned to her and smiled. "You're Suriku, I presume?"

Suri nodded. "Just Suri, please."

"Then I'm Heather, one of the Palace tailoresses. And I see that Master Duo has a good eye - the dress he ordered for you is just the right size."

The girl blinked. "Um... dress?"

Heather's lips quirked. "Ah, so the rascal didn't tell you? I guessed as much, to tell the truth." She held out a covered garment. "But here you are, and here's the dress he ordered for you, so you might as well try it on, no?"

Suri raised an eyebrow, but nodded. So that's what I'm here for... I wonder if I should be laughing or angry? Walking over, she let Heather remove her uniform and help her with the dress.

After a few yanks about the waist, the lady pulled back, surveying the result, and nodded in satisfaction. "He has a good eye, that young one. The silver-grey silk brings out the colour of your eyes, but isn't dark enough to clash with your hair. And it's none too modest or revealing, either. With a couple of touches, you can give any of those wealthy airheads a run for their money."

"Excuse me?" The girl stared for a moment, then laughed. I guess she's tired of the typical I'm-higher-and-mightier-than-you-just-cos-I'm-rich attitude as well. No big surprise there.

Heather returned the grin. "Now what do you say to a makeover?"

Suri shrugged, then froze. "Wait a minute. You do know I can't actually pay for any of this, right?"

The tailoress smiled. "Don't worry, the boys have organised everything. Just sit and relax."

The girl sat, a small smile playing across her lips. This is fun, actually - I just have to find a way to repay all of it. Just wait - "Hey, did you just say 'boys'?"

Heather laughed. "I have a feeling they wanted this to be a surprise - you'll just have to find out later." She fell silent, then, and bustled around, tugging at Suri's hair and applying careful touches of makeup. After a while, she said, "There you are - as nice as I thought you'd turn out. And your escort is just in time."

Suri resisted the urge to spin around, feeling suddenly awkward with her hair curled into an elaborate arrangement at the top of her head. I've never done this before... shit, wonder if I look like a fool? "Um... Duo?"

The braided boy stood at the doorway - gaping. "Uh - hi, Suri. You look... great." More than great - who'd have known she'd dress up so well? Can't blame me, I guess, since I've only ever seen her in uniform, but still. He let his eyes travel slowly over the girl in front of him - long raven hair, wide silver eyes, graceful body... not as beautiful as some of the court beauties, perhaps, but - she's different. Her eyes sparkle, and her smile is actually *real*... she's stunning.

The girl smiled nervously. "Thanks." Hell, why am I shy all of a sudden? Probably because he's staring at me like an idiot... time to wake him up. She reached out abruptly and tugged at the length of chestnut hair, sending the boy stumbling backwards. "And stop staring."

"Oi!" Hmm... maybe I deserved that. Don't stare - isn't that one of the rules of court manners? Ah, well. Grinning once more, he turned to the tailoress. "Thanks, Heather - I knew you'd do a good job."

Heather shook her head. "Off with you, younglings, before you make me feel older than I am. And look after the girl."

Suri smiled her thanks and followed the braided boy out. They walked in silence for a while, then she asked quietly, "Duo, why did you do that?"

The boy stopped. "Do you like the dress?"

The girl nodded. "I've never had anything as like it. But..."

"Suri." Duo interrupted, violet eyes serious. "We're friends - you should know that by now. You weren't born into a wealthy family; I was. That doesn't matter. You like me for me, not because my father's the Prime Minister. And I like you for you. I'm not doing charity or pitying you - the dress is simply your Zolt'é present because you're my friend. Okay?"

Suri had to resist the urge to cry - hell, what did I ever do to deserve friends like him? "But... I couldn't get anything -"

Again, the braided boy cut her off. "It doesn't matter - I receive more presents than I ever get around to opening." He grinned suddenly. "But if you really want to pay me back... how about a kiss?"

The girl stared at him in shock, frozen. Huh? Does he mean that, or is he just kidding?

Catching her surprise, Duo berated himself silently. Shouldn't have said that, hey? Baka, me. "Hey, Suri, it's alright..."

This time, he was the one interrupted as Suri chuckled and leaned forward, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek. "That what you meant?"

"I - er... yeah. Um... thanks." The braided boy struggled to regain his composure, and found himself failing dismally. Did she or didn't she just do that? Maybe I shouldn't be surprised, since girls do it all the time, but still - did she or...

"Duo! Uh - who... Suri?" Another voice echoed from the stairway.

"Hi, Mili." The girl turned and laughed at the prince's sudden resemblance to a stranded fish. "Surprised?"

I didn't get those diplomacy lessons for nothing, Mili thought wryly as he recovered from his shock. "I was, but I shouldn't have been. You look great."

Suri grinned. "You're the second person to say that. The dress was Duo's present... I think. Heather mentioned 'boys'."

The boys exchanged a quick glance, then Mili answered the unspoken question. "The dress was Duo's present; the shoes, make-up and all the rest of it was Quatre's. And this is mine." With that, he held out a small package. "Open it."

The girl smiled, feeling shy once more. So they were all part of it. I wonder what this is... "Oh Mili, this is beautiful."

Mili grinned. "Here, I'll help you put it on." He took the necklace from her fingers and fastened it gently around her neck, smiling as the jewels glinted in afternoon sun. [1] She looks wonderful - everything suits her perfectly. I think we made the right choice.

Suri reached and touched the piece of jewellery - hesitantly, as though she feared it might break. And as well it might - that must be worth what? Months of my wages, at least. Same with the other two 'present's... I know how much make-up sessions cost. Gods... "Thanks, Mili." Suddenly, she grinned and leaned forward again, giving the prince the same treatment as she gave Duo. And was rewarded as the prince repeated his stranded-fish expression. Exchanging a wink with Duo, she walked into Mili's sitting room.

"...Suri?"

The surprise in the three voices made Suri laugh aloud. "Hey, guys. Quatre, thanks for your present. It was really sweet."

The blonde smiled, recovering quickly. "You're welcome - and you look wonderful."

Trowa nodded slowly in agreement, then handed her a slender package. "Here - Zolt'é blessings."

"And to you," she replied automatically. Unwrapping the present, she smiled at the set of elegant daggers. Weapons - just like him, hey? But I should have expected it - after all, he *is* an assassin-trainee... I think. Nobody ever says it straight out, but you sort of get the point after a while. And these... suit me, for some reason. They look like jewellery as much as they look like weapons.

The tall youth smiled slightly, then gestured to the knives. "Those fit in the wrist pouches hidden in the lining of your uniforms... and that dress you're wearing."

Suri's eyes widened in surprise - this proves I have great observation; I didn't even feel the pouches! But sure enough, when she ran her hand along her sleeves, she felt an extra layer of material. Grinning, she slipped the four knives into various slots. "I didn't even notice those pouches - thank you, Trowa."

The boy nodded, then let his emerald eyes flicker towards Wufei. With mild surprise, Suri noticed that the normally arrogant youth looked rather awkward, and asked, "Wufei?"

The Asian cleared his throat and handed her a package. "Zolt'é blessings, onna."

Suri grinned - so he got me a present too, hey? "Thanks, *Wu-man*. And I'll excuse the 'onna' bit, this time." Hmmm... this is heavy. Let me guess - books? Sure enough, the package opened to reveal several thick volumes. Opening one of them, her eyes widened as she saw the chit inside. Hellfires - is this...? "A pass to one year of lessons at the Bardic Collegium... oh gods, how did you know?"

Wufei reddened slightly at her awed tone, but when Quatre smiled and nudged him, he replied, "We caught your expression when you heard that concert the other day."

The prince grinned, "Wufei did, actually - I didn't notice. You should have told us you liked music so much."

Suri blushed. "Music lessons are expensive; I couldn't have afforded them. Thank you, Wufei..." she hesitated. "I know I can't repay any of this, but there is something I can do..." Before Wufei could react, she had walked over and promptly kissed him on the cheek. Chuckling at his utterly stunned face, she did the same to Trowa and Quatre.

The taller youth remained calm, though his eyes twinkled at Wufei's expression, but Quatre laughed outright. "Is this what you did to Mili? I *thought* he looked strange when he walked in."

Suri winked. "What do you think? And by the way, when do we leave?" Because for some reason, I'm not nervous any more - perhaps because I've actually got something to wear, but I suspect it's more to do with the fact that I won't be alone...

Duo stood, smoothing his hand over his black outfit. "About now would be good. Heero said he might not turn up - I say he will. Even if he doesn't, Relena will drag him along. Come on!" With that, he half-skipped towards the door, beckoning for his friends to follow.

Suri fell into pace behind him. Relena? Who's she? Or he? Nah... that's a girl's name. I'll just have to wait and see!

After a few minutes of walking, strains of music and laughter reached their ears. Duo reached out and grabbed Suri's arm, prancing towards the entrance. "Come on!"

Laughing, Mili and Quatre followed, and behind them, Trowa and Wufei. As they walked past the guards, Suri would have frozen in awe had Duo not been dragging her onwards. This place is huge! And it looks magnificent... Not even 'magnificent' did the hall justice; everything from the pillars to the ceiling to the decorations shimmered with iridescent colours which, she suspected, were courtesy of a group of Mages in the corner. Fountains sprang from nowhere, no doubt controlled by Elementalists, and small fireballs darted between the crowds. On the stage, several people in Bardic colours were thrumming the tune she heard from outside, and servants walked around with plates of food and alcohol. "This is amazing... do you see this every year?"

The braided boy nodded. "Told you you'd love it. Now come dance!" With that, he led her onto the dance floor, shouting greetings at friends and admirers.

Suri protested, "I don't know how!"

Duo grinned. "Trust me!" Guiding her hands to his shoulders, the boy swung her around in time to the music, ignoring her half-hearted struggles. "Just let the music take you away..."

Dance, dance baby
Let the music guide you
Dance, dance baby
The rhythm is inside you
Just swing, step, move your body
Sway, spin, just dance, oh baby...

By the time the music ended, they were both laughing. The braided boy winked, "Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

Suri stuck her tongue out. "Baka."

At that moment, the prince walked up and took her arm, shouting to Duo, "Go grab another girl!" Then, he grinned at Suri and spun her into another dance.

Don't stop movin',
Can you feel the music
DJ's got us goin' around...
Don't stop movin'
Find your own way to it
Listen to the music
Takin' you to places that you've
Never been before baby now...

Before the night was over, she had danced with Quatre, Trowa and even Wufei, as well as a few other people from her classes. I can't believe how much fun I've had... hey, is that Heero?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heero frowned to himself. I shouldn't have let her drag me into this - the practice fields would have been free tonight; I could have used them in peace. Now I'm just wasting valuable time.

"Come on, Heero! Let's dance!" The girl beside him tugged at his arm.

Why does she not let me be - I don't need distractions, dammit! "Leave me alone, Relena." With that, he broke free and walked off.

"Heero!"

"Omae o korosu." Cobalt eyes flashed dangerously, complementing the growl.

The girl pouted, sending him a wistful glance before disappearing into the crowd. Heero sighed - he had known Relena for as long as he remembered, simply because her father was the Foreign Minister. And she had been trying to attract his attention for all those years. Maybe I shouldn't have given her a Zolt'é present - but then again, that would have been interpreted as rudeness, and I may get lectured for it. Still, even that may have been better than being dragged into these celebrations. But I have to do something before I can leave... He sighed again, then glanced around. Spying his cousin and the prince standing next to a raven-haired girl, he paced towards them briskly. I just hope she doesn't try to waste my time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So how did you find tonight?" A hand tapped on her shoulder.

"Oh... hi, Mili. And it was great... thanks." Suri grinned at the prince, who smiled back.

"Hey, is that Heero walking over here?" The braided boy moved to stand beside them.

Mili raised an eyebrow. "It is - so I guess Relena *did* manage to drag him along."

"She has for the last couple of years," Duo pointed out.

"Relena? Is she that girl who was with him?"

"Yup. Relena Darlian. Her father is the Foreign Minister, and he works with Heero's father a lot. Oi Heero!" The braided boy waved to the approaching figure. "Great night, hey?"

"Hn." The cobalt-eyed boy's face was impressive as he moved to stand beside them.

Duo rolled his eyes. "You'd think that people would actually *try* and have fun on Zolt'é... but I guess you wouldn't have come if Relena hadn't made you, right?"

"Hn." Heero repeated with a curt nod. Turning to Suri, he held out a package. "Zolt'é blessings."

Mili chuckled. "Mister Yuy says two new words! Open it, Suri - he didn't tell us what he bought."

Suri smiled at Heero's prompt 'hn' and removed the wrapping, then gasped. "It's... a power stone. But they're..."

Heero switched his impassive gaze on her. "It's amber, so it should work well with your gift." Turning, he began to move towards the exit.

Recovering from her shock, the girl called, "Wait!"

The boy sighed. So she's just like Relena - how typical. "What is it?"

Suri almost faltered under the piercing cobalt gaze, but didn't... quite. Grabbing his shoulders to prevent him from moving away, she gave him a light kiss on the cheek, then grinned, "You know I couldn't get presents for any of you, and this is what Duo suggested. I'll leave you alone now, but thanks for the present - and Zolt'é blessings." Waving, she walked back into the crowd and disappeared once more.

"Hn." Heero rolled his eyes. Stupid baka - trust Duo to make such suggestions. But at least she left me alone. He glanced around the festive hall once more, then stepped outside, into the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey Suri - what did you do?" Duo spotted the girl and went over to her.

"Huh? Oh, I gave him a kiss, of course. That's your suggestions, remember?" Suri winked.

Duo raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Hell... that must have taken some nerve. Did he say 'omae o korosu'?"

"What's that?"

"I'm going to kill you, in Japanese. I guess he didn't then - who knows, he may have liked being kissed or something. Wanna dance?"

"No, thanks. I'm tired. You go."

"Trying to get rid of me, are you?"

Rolling her eyes, Suri shook her head and waved her arm dismissively. Taking the hint, Duo mock-bowed and left. The girl grinned and turned back to the stone in her hand. How on earth did he know exactly what suited my gift the best? Master Tumi showed us these in lessons the other day - they're rumoured to be really power-enhancing. But they're so expensive... I'll have to thank him again, sometime. But for now, I've still got half a night ahead of me! Catching a friend's eye, she moved on to the dance floor once more, ready to dance the night away.

Credits:

The second dance lyric came from S Club 7's "Don't Stop Moving".

Notes:

[1] - I know that Suri, Mili and Duo are indoors, but my picture of the building has dozens of those ground-to-ceiling-to-wall windows... you know, like those beautiful mansions you see in brochures and swear you'll buy when you win the lotto. The sunlight comes in from there.

So, how did that go? I needed something light before the next one, which is going to be a *lot* more dramatic. By the way, Zolt'é is a festival that resembles Christmas. I just wanted to make my own world with its own celebrations and seasons etc., so bear with me *grin*. But for anyone who guessed that Relena would be the one that appears, here's another packet of chocolate! (it's semi-melted... you wouldn't believe how HOT it is right now! And I don't have air-conditioning either!) Now, for the million-dollar-question - *dum di dum...* is she going to end up with Heero?

*evil cackle*

... that's for me to know and you to find out! Much, *much* later...

The next part is important, so it may take up to a week to write. But guess what - the story will finally begin! *cheers*

Hehe... chocolate fever! Anyway, as usual, please review. But hmmm, I'm running out of bribes. Let's see - anyone want some ice-cream? *wink*