Black-Angel001: UPDATED! WOOHOO, FINALLY! THANKS FOR ALL THE PATIENCE!
I Don't Wanna Wait
"Yahoo! Time for the circus!"
Quatre Winner laughed. That's the only thing he could do; his sister's joyful celebration of attending a circus for the first time was entirely childish for a fifteen year old girl, yet so much like her. Serena happily dragged her older brother to the tent entrance, hoping to get a good seat. Once that was accomplished, she waited anxiously for the show to begin.
The rumors were true-L3's circus was fabulous, the performers flawless. Acrobats kept the crowd in suspense with their gravity defying stunts; horse riders' wowing everyone as they stood in the saddle, clowns got roars of laughter for their pranks. All too soon, though, it had to come to an end; but not before one more breath-taking act.
Catherine Bloom was clearly at ease in the spotlight, her beautiful red costume glittering. In her hand she held five throwing knives, four more at her hip. The other side of the ring was dark, shadows covering her target. A sudden light came on and there stood her object. A large, circular board stood upright, colors of red and green painted on it. Multiple holes were also there, indicating the long use of it. But that wasn't what shocked the crowd into silence.
A young man of seventeen was strapped to the circle, half of a clown mask covering his face. He appeared confident and unafraid.
"Oh no Quatre!" said a frantic Serena. "She's going to kill him, I just know it!"
"I don't think so Sere," was calm reply. "They must have practiced this, so I'm sure they know what they're what they're doing."
Serena was not reassured.
Catherine looked at Trowa. When he nodded briefly, she let loose her first knife. It hit right above his left arm. The show ended quickly enough, silence being the only sound in the big top. All of the sudden Quatre clapped. Then everyone roared his or her approval. Catherine and Trowa took their bows and left, the ringmaster giving his closing remarks.
When Serena had been younger, her favorite game was hide-n-seek. Quatre hated it, but had humored her because he loved her. Just because he tolerated it didn't mean he had to like it. For the tenth time since the show had ended, Quatre thought about killing Serena after he found her. Serena was a better at stealth that Duo, he sometimes thought, and he prayed the two never met. Once more he retracted his steps and at the same time tried to think of where she would go.
She knew he was mad. She knew it and felt really bad about it, but her curiosity was one of her worst faults. Oh, well, Quatre would get over it.
Somehow Serena had wandered to the lions cages, the great beasts lazily lying around. When they saw her, they went into frenzy, trained though they were; they were still wild animals with killer instincts about their territory.
Serena froze. The roars and growls of the lions were scary especially since she had never been that close to the animal before. Taking a deep breath of air she walked forward. All senses screamed at her- this was dangerous, they cried, turn back! Her feet kept moving. Soon enough she began humming a tune; nameless but familiar. The lions were unhappy with her persistence and ignorance.
Now only a few feet away from a female lion, She started singing softly but soon grew into a gentle tone loud enough to be heard over the growls. Oddly enough, it was Japanese. One by one they calmed but still held her gaze, watching her every movement. Serena sang the same song in English. A small smile on her lips, she cautiously moved to put her hand out to pet one. Strong arms grabbed her, spinning her around and pushing her to the ground. Startled by the sudden movement, the lions started acting up again.
Trowa straddled the girl's waist, gathered her wrists in one hand and held them above her head. His other hand was over her mouth. The girl struggled wildly in an attempt to get free, fear of what he might do reflecting in her eyes. Trowa shook his head. Why would he do that? It was vile and disgusting.
"Look, I'm not going to hurt you," he said. The struggling ceased for a second. "I'm going to remove my hand and you are going to tell me who you are and what you are doing here. Don't scream, okay?"
She hesitated then nodded. Cautious, Trowa moved his hand away. Her face was red and sweaty. Taking in a deep breath, Serena prepared to scream. He took notice, however, and slapped his hand back on her mouth. He looked annoyed.
"I told you not to scream."
Serena flashed him a plain look of 'as if'. Trowa released a frustrated sigh. "Alright. Just tell me your name." His hand moved.
"Let me go," she whispered angrily.
"Nice to meet you Miss Let me go."
"No you moron, that's not my name." It was funny, just a little.
"Then what is it?"
Someone else answered that question. Serena's head moved so she could see who had spoken her name. Her face became red. Quatre stood gaping at his friend who sat on his sister, both seemingly looking guilty. Trowa quickly got off her, holding out a hand to help her up. She accepted it.
"Uh, hi Quatre," Serena stumbled as she shook dust from her hair and clothes.
"What were you two doing?" Quatre's fury was calm; his scariest state of anger.
"Um..." Serena looked at Trowa for help. Thankfully, he would not leave her hanging.
"I found her bothering my lions," he explained, "since I had no idea who she was, I handled it the way I thought was nessacary. If I had known that you knew her it would have been different."
Quatre nodded and walked forward. Serena whimpered and inched closer to Trowa hoping for his protection.
"You don't have to be scared," Trowa whisphered.
"That's a laugh. You've never seen Quatre like this," she whisphered.
"Thank you, Trowa, for finding my sister," there was a definite edge in his voice.
"No problem." Trowa's reply was confident and so was his movement as he walked away. Over his shoulder, Trowa added "I'll contact you later." Quatre didn't respond. Instead, he stared at Serena who stood on trembling legs. Finally he sighed, running his fingers through his blonde hair.
"Let's go Sere."
"Quatre, I'm sorry for..."
"Don't worry about it," he inturupted. "I'm just glad you're okay and was with Trowa and not some other idiot."
Serena smiled but frowned as a thought crossed her mind. "How did you know him? Uh, his name's Trowa right?"
Quatre nodded. They boarded the shuttled to earth and sat patiently for take off. The whole time, Quatre told Serena all he could.
"I see. So, he's a pilot like you." It wasn't a question.
"Perceptive."
They chatted for a while until Serena fell asleep. While she snored quietly he thought.
When they arrived back home, Serena went to take a bath. Quatre was greeted by a very nervouse servant when he came upon the doors to the library.
"What's wrong? Are you okay Mr. Johnston?" Quatre asked, genuinely concered.
Unlike most wealthy people, Quatre treated all employee's fairly and like family. Everyone who worked for him admired and respected him.
"Well, sir, I..." Johnston stuttered. Giving up on speech, the man thrust an envelope at his employer. Bewildered, Quatre took it and read. It was an invitation to a party that Princess Relena of the Sanq Kingdom was holding. He and his family were asked to dress properly. Normally, Quatre would be okay with this; he was usually invited to political gatherings. The only problem was that the party was tonight.
"When did this come?" Quatre wasn't angry, Johnston thought with relief.
"Almost two weeks ago today, sir."
"Okay, I'll need a suite..."
"Rosie has something laid out for you and Miss Serenity," Johnston said hastily.
"Thanks. And don't worry about this-everyone forgets."
Johnston was very relieved.
"Why should I have to go?" Serena screeched.
"Because you were asked," a tired Spanish woman replied hotly. "Now, stop the childish act and act the proper woman you are."
Serena shut her mouth but her thoughts burned. Why did Relena have to include her? Serena respected the girl, but her pacifism stick had huge holdes in it. Rosie chuckled softly at her. The old woman knew her better than she knew herself, as she had clearly read her thoughts.
For some reason, Bunny suddenly found herself thinking about the boy who had been in her care for a very short time. The hospital had blamed and accused her of helping him get out. Of course that was a load of BS, but the doctors were too big-headed to realize that and look at the evidence. The look in his eyes had been intense, yet somehow calming, like he could fix any problem.
"Lady get your head out of the clouds and get dressed," Rosie scolded lightly. Almost in a dream Serena did as told.
her dress was a beautiful white silk, the material hugging her curves gently. A string of beads covered a certain area of her upper arm, the poofed sleeves hanging beautifully. Her shoulders were bare, the decoration of her dress amazing gems in a design that none could understand. The bow at the back was shaped to be like butterfly wings. A light mist of lily perfume and she was ready. Beautiful dangling earings, also white, was her only accessory.
When Bunny reached the botton of the stairs, her smile gre huge. She'd always sworn that if Quatre wasn't her brother (and technically, he wasn't) then she would marry him. That thought returned and her heart swelled with pride. Quatre's suite was simple, but he didn't need any sort of extremes; he always looked good. His jacket and pants were a dark blue to counter his bright blue eyes. His shirt was white and his tie was a brighter shade of the jacket. Serena practically ran to him, a feat not easily accomplished in heels.
"You look great," she bubbled.
"Thanks." He looked her over. "You, however, look terrible." He faked disappointment. "Too bad."
"That is the last time I compliment you Mr. Winner," she said snootily, head high. The siblings burst into laughter.
"Really though Sere, you are beautiful."
"Thank you."
Arm in arm they walked out the door and to the car, both thankful to be at home.
Relena politely shook hands with the people that she had to, giving a small smile and a polite word every now and then. Her eyes scanned the crowd and guests as if to make sure they were comftrable, but she was really looking for one person. She didn't find him, but the Winners were coming. Relena gritted her teeth. Quatre was very sweet and she liked him alot but his "sister" was very annoying. Serenity was smiling and telling Quatre some funny story since he gave a short laugh. Relena envied the way men looked at Serenity. Would he look at her like that? God she hoped not. The pair approached her in a now reserved manner. Serenity gave a short curtsy while Quatre kissed Relena's hand.
"Thank you for inviting us Your Highness." For some reason it was strange to speak the words. Serena frowned as a memory flashed across her eyes. Her head felt suddenly light, her body feeling like something was missing.
"Miss Winner? Are you alright?" Relena asked. Once upon a time the two had been friends. That friendship shined through once more. Serena smiled gentily.
"Yes, Princess Relena." Serena walked away. Now she felt uncomftrable. Her brow knitted together, Serena looked for the source of her discomfort. In the corner of the huge ballroom, a young man, strikingly handsome, stared at her. He licked his lips and began moving in her direction. Now just a little frightened Serena tried to find a safe place to get out of his sight. Blindly she walked in a general direction until she bumped into someone.
"I'm so sorry." The person grabbed her shoulders to prevent her from falling, which she knew she would do eventually.
"Easy. C'mon, have a seat," the voice was calm and causual. Unusual for a politician. She sat down and looked up at who she bumped into. Interesting shade of blue eyes.
"Duo Maxwell at your service," he said with a kiss of her hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Serenity Winner."
His eyes grew wide with surprise. "Winner? You related to Quatre?" At her nod he grinned. "Shame on Quatre for keeping a pretty little thing like you hidden."
Serenity's cheeks turned a bright pink. "Call me Serena."
"Alright. So, Serena, why were you flying across the room?" Duo sat next to her.
"I didn't like the way a guy was staring at me," she replied feeling at ease with him. Duo's face went from merry to serious.
"Oh, really? What did he look like?"
She thought. "Tall, muscular, black hair, blue eyes." She shuddered. "They were like ice."
Duo remained silent. Looking around he called a man over, whispered in his ear and looked back at her.
"This is Wufei Chang, a friend of mine. He's a big time woman hater, but he also hates the mistreatment of them. He'll keep you safe." Nodding to Wufei Duo left to find Heero or Quatre, preferably both, in the crowd.
For a long time the two just sat in silence, Wufei starring at nothing. Serena studied the boy in front of her. Wufei Chang was no boy. He had alot of weight on his shoulders, a heavy burden on his heart and consious. His face was noexpressant but his eyes told a horrible story. This was one person who understood lose.
"What are you starring at?" he said, no unkindly but clearly upset with her silent stare.
"You." Serena strained her gaze to match his. She felt important in his preseance yet at the same time felt the urge to show him that she would not tolerate anything less that respect.
Wufei had to admit, she was brave to challenge him like this. "Why? What do you find so interesting about me?"
Serena didn't miss a beat. "Your expressions, body language, you tones. I'm studying you."
"And what have you learned from your 'study'?"
"Your body language is both offensive and defensive at the same time, which is weird. Most people are one or the other. Your expressions scream diffrent things. Like right now," she said with a satisfied smile, "you hate the fact that I can read you so easily."
"Very good."
Both looked up in surprise. There stood the man Serena had been on the run from. She shrank a little under his gaze. Feeling suddenly foolish for acting like a child who's scared of the monster in her closet she squared her shoulders and lifted her head. Serena looked him square in the eye.
"Chiba Mamaru. May I have this dance Miss...?"
"Winner," came the cool reply. "And yes you may."
Taking his hand she rose gracefully. Wufei stood quickly, his chair tipping but not falling. Grabbing Serena's arm he told her something quietly in her ear. She replied the same way. soon, Serena and Mamaru had walked of to the dance floor.
"Shit," Wufei muttered. He moved around to keep the girl in sight.
It took 15 minutes for Duo and Heero to find Wufei again; both pilots were highly pissed at Fei for letting her go. when they looked around they realized that the two were nowhere to be seen. All three cursing the boys took off.
Serena staggered around the garden of the palace, her mind foggy. The bastard had put something in her drink. Footsteps were behind her and before she could react, a fist hit her face knocking her to the ground. Shocked and now somewhat able to think clearly she looked up to see Mamaru standing over with a grim but satisfied look. She scooted backwards in a pitiful attempt to get away.
"Where ya goin' babe? This is a party, lets have some fun." His words were slurred against each other.
"No," she whispered. Turning she stumpled to her feet and tried to run but the grass made it difficult. Mamaru pushed her down then turned her on her back.
"No!" Serena said louder. Vainly she kicked and clawed. But he was drunk and stronger than her so it was a very task for Mamaru to hold her down. With one hand he tore at her dress. Serena screamed.
Heero frowned. Barely audible over the party he thought he heard a female voice. Walking toward the windows he listened. There it was again. His gut clentching Heero had time only to get Duo before going to at a dead run. Bewildered gazes followed him.
Silent tears of pain rolled down Serenity's pale face. Her body throbbed and hatred for the man atop her grew rapidly. Again and again he issued his violent love making until her body was numb and limp.
"Time for some fun," he groaned. Brandishing a pocket knife Mamaru held it close to her skin. Serena tried once again to get away but failed, his body pinning hers down. In a final burst of hope that someone might hear her, Serena screamed for him to stop.
Amazingly enough, he did. But not by his own will.
Relena cursed her long dress. Serenity was in trouble and Relena might not be able to help her. If he hurt her...the princess stopped short. Heero sent a fist flying into the idiots head with enough force to give him a one-way trip to the ground. Duo was leaning over Serena, his jacket going over her chest. The top half of the dress was tord down to her waist, the bottom in better shape but not much. Duo faced her.
"Relena, get your ass over here!"
At the moment Relena didn't care if he damned her to hell. Sparing a glance at the two men fighting, she saw with satisfaction that Heero was beating the shit out of Mamaru. Serena was strangly calm considering what she had gone through. Relena held her friend until Heero and Duo, who had gone to have a share of the action, came back. Gingerly Heero picked Seerna up. Paramedics met then halfway. One went in Mamaru's direction but was stopped by Duo.
"Leave him. He needs to die for this."
The med nodded and followed the group. Chiba Mamaru almost died that night. Well, who cares!
Black-Angel-001: WHEE! DONE DONE DONE! ((jumps around like Gollum from LOTR)) extra long for lack of updating. REVIEW AND I'LL BE HAPPY!