Official Quote : They don't have Gundams, they have wings.
A/N : I got three more reviews in my box! Dearest Illico, you are still my source of courage. Thank you. And I am happy to see you again, dear Akumetsu. Don't apologize for your delayed review, I have already felt wonderful to receive your comment! To my newest reviewer, dear JasLine, I am glad to know you like my story. But unfortunately, it looks like an error happened and parts of your message are missing. If you don't mind, I will be happy to receive another comment from you. Oh, and I give you an official Wings explanation (at last!) so go to the end of this chapter to read it.
In this chapter, I try to switch our two main characters' position. Relena is introduced to unsureness and burden, on the other hand Heero is faced to a calm, peaceful world. It is interesting to watch them react. Enjoy!
Wings
-a Gundam Wing Fanfiction-
Chapter Three : Hidden
~o~
hide v (pt hid, pp hidden) 1 [T] put or keep out of sight 2 secret; not known; mysterious.
~"There is a secret of secrets..."~
When Pagan arrived, Relena had stopped crying.
Pagan came out from the pink limo, carrying an umbrella for his mistress. He was surprised to see his young lady so… impassive. She stood there, near a dull concrete brick wall, motionless. Her grayish coat was soaked by snow, and she didn't do anything to thin layer of ice which covered some part of her hair and shoulders. And she didn't seem to acknowledge him at all.
So, he stepped slowly towards her and provided shelter for her with the umbrella he held. He watched her for some seconds. She still didn't react.
Worried, he lowered his head to her level.
"…miss?"
The call registered into her. She lifted her eyes a little, her eyes looked foggy, as if she was still dreaming. When she saw Pagan's face, her lips mouthed a soundless greeting, and she straightened her posture. Then her eyes averted to her limo and without waiting for her butler, she walked towards the car. Pagan followed her in quick steps, sheltering her from the snow rain. After they got into the car, Pagan started driving. The old butler's anxiety increased as the minutes passed, he paid glances to his young mistress in the back seat for many times. She was looking outside the window, obviously didn't pay attention to any scenery she saw.
What's wrong with me?
The road outside her window was covered by snow, looked as white and grey blur lines in her vision. She steadied her trembling hands, and swallowed her sigh. She resisted the urge to cover her nose, which was reddened from her cry, with her hand.
She was only tired, she decided. She almost didn't sleep last night, and the night before the previous night. She felt horrible, so weary. She was never this fragile. Yes, she was more sensitive in some occasions, during her period for example. Or when she had fever. She remembered her tears wouldn't stop when her temperature went above forty degree. But those were because of biological reason.
But this… this had gone too far. She was practically weeping without reason. Moreover in public. It definitely wasn't related to her lost umbrella at all.
Her chest ached again, and her vision became glassy. She closed both eyes vigorously.
I am not going to cry with no reason. She held back her tears by force. Again.
She hated when she was weak like this. She really needed sleep. So what with those annoying dreams? The dreams had no effect on her. Even if it did, she wouldn't care. She would stay on her bed today, even if she had to tie herself on it.
Nah, it had been settled already. Now she should stop shivering. It was because of the cold, she just needed to warm herself.
Pagan almost jerked the limo when she called him, and she realized that she had been quiet for quite a long time.
"Yes, miss?"
"I'm just wondering whether you have some dry towels." She was proud that her voice sounded collected. "My coat is wet from the snow."
-.-.-
It had been two days since he first arrived in this world.
Yet he managed to find nothing.
Heero scrutinized the poster with a picture of a girl wearing diamond tiara in front of him. It was titled "The Dancing Party of the Year". He read the first paragraph : "The presidential will hold a welcoming party for 'Princess' Amelia, the winner of Eurasia beauty contest…"
He didn't understand what the poster implied, but the party seemed related to a 'princess'. He checked the date. It would take place the day after the following day.
With a snatch he tore the poster off the announcement board. He would have it checked later. At this time he ought to find his destination first. He glanced up to the sky, it was almost evening. He had to be fast.
He turned to an empty road, climbed a flight of rusty emergency stairs and stepped on the top of the old apartment block in no time. From there he couldn't be seen by the pedestrians below.
He was still not willing to take the risk of using his wings. So he chose to use his legs, running on the upper part of the tall blocks, jumping from one building to another. The air was humid on his face, it was going to be raining soon. Where was the place?
Ah, there it was. The huge tower at the west of the town. They were supposed to meet there.
He landed gracefully on the desolate alley behind the tower. The soft ice had begun to fall again. He wrapped his cloak around his shoulder, and walked towards the entrance. With one hand he spelled the iron padlock unlocked, stepped in, and closed the doors behind him. The tower was almost dark, but he had no complaints. He went to the upper floor, where the walls opened to the outer space. The other four guys had waited there.
They were good in hiding their presence, he thought.
A blinding flash of white light lit up the sky outside. He ignored the thunder, and took a spot in the circle. None of them moved, they just examined him in silence. He studied the expressions on their faces, and in a few seconds he knew that their searching was not a success.
-.-.-
Everybody in Darlian household was aware of their mistress's unusual behavior.
It was three days ago when she came home with wet coat, towels enveloped her slender figure. On the outward, it was a pitieous sight. But she was wearing that adorable, determined look on her face, and there was no sign of weakness, fatigue or complaint in her. She almost looked noble when she was like that.
Her mother welcomed her in, bewailing about her catching a cold, asking her why she didn't use her umbrella. She laughed a little before answering.
"Did you get a chance to see the snow rain, Mother? It was the first snow of the year," she said.
She said no more words, and went upstairs to her chamber. Her soft-spoken mother watched her, wondering what had happened to her daughter. Pagan was the most surprised one, seeing his mistress change suddenly from her usual composed state to quiet, melancholy state, then to cherry, upbeat state all in one day.
The other employees in the house saw it too that night. Their young mistress came into the kitchen after dinner, smiling to herself. The head chef of the house, a kind man in his mid-forties, had been working for Darlian family for a long time. He stared at her for a time, then blinked in confusion.
"Busy?" the look on her face reminded him of a child.
"Oh no, dear," he said with a clear Northern accent, "You are not going to help us with anything tonight."
"Well I am not," she denied with a laugh, "I am going to sleep early tonight."
She skirted to the exit, turning around once more to give praise to the chef for the delicious dinner, and bade the others good-night. She was not there when the employees stared at each other, not knowing what was wrong with their mistress.
But as sudden it came, as sudden it went off.
Her mood had changed again when the following morning came. This time she looked distressed, as if there was an important matter which burdened her. And unfortunately, the burden didn't come off as fast as the last time.
Now, after three days, it was so obvious that one must be blind to not see it.
Her mother examined her daughter during their breakfast, but she didn't seem pay any attention. She only ate very little that morning, and when she put off her knife and fork, her mother decided to try some queries.
"Is there something in your mind, dear?"
She lifted her head immediately, bringing her eyes to her mother. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't. In the end she cut off their eye contact and kept silent.
"No," she answered quietly, "Nothing, Mother…"
Mrs. Darlian obviously didn't believe that. Her daughter was never good in lying, and she could read that there was something in her mind. She was wondering what it was, and why her little girl refused to tell her.
"Are you worrying about your father, darling? You can be sure that he is okay," she assured her, "His plane will definitely arrive safely this evening."
"No, I just…," she looked at her again, but removed her gaze again quickly.
Now I have made her worry, she thought regretfully. But I just can't find a way to tell her…
"I am going to pick my school bag upstairs," she announced instead, rising from her seat.
Her mother watched her flee through the door. Then she turned to the old butler behind her seat with questioning look on her face. Pagan shook his head a bit, his expression declared that he also failed to understand his young lady.
-.-.-
Heero had wandered aimlessly for hours, spending all his morning to monitor the whole town. The city was calm if compared with his birth land, it was almost irresponsive. The people in this world were numerous, but each was antsy and busy with his own self all day. That made it harder to keep track, but at least they were unconcerned about him. A complete stranger who didn't belong to the town.
He was certainly growing bolder with his act, taking a place in the middle of the busiest spot in town. He hoped his chance to find his target would increase by doing this. He set his eyes to the crowd in front of him.
The town continued buzzing around him nonchalantly. When the mid-day came, he found himself losing his concentration. This world was too bright, too noisy, and too cold. He looked up to the snowing white sky.
And the sky is also not blue, he thought.
Ah, he compared this world again with his dream. But he never had a chance to see a clear day. It was always cloudy. He wondered whether the colour of the sky would still be the same white when the cloud went away.
He was tempted to fly beyond the clouds and find out himself.
He went rigid when a childish voice called him. He had unintentionally been so careless to drop his guard. Feeling insecure and unsure, he lowered his eyes cautiously. A little girl was staring at him intently.
"Are you lost?"
He didn't give an answer. Partly because of surprise, partly because of confusion. Well, he was not hiding, and he knew exactly where he was. Accordingly, the answer was no. But he didn't know what to do or where to go exactly. Maybe he was lost after all.
As the result, he only stared back at her. The girl grinned widely. Looking at the child, he couldn't help but remembered his past. The little kid he almost killed not too long ago. And then… the girl in his dream.
Their face, hair, and eye colour were different. They didn't have anything similar… except the same innocent smile. This little girl had obviously never known anyone who would hurt her, probably didn't even know that some people could actually hurt her. Just like the girl in his dream. It was totally different with the kid who shrieked out when he was in front of her. He couldn't tell which one was better.
A woman called the girl and hurried towards them.
"Mom!"
"You are not supposed to run off like that," the woman chided with a worried look, "Look, you have disturbed this young man."
"I am not!" she protested with a pout.
The lady took the little girl's hand, then apologized to him before dragged her daughter away. The girl waved her hand to him for – he guessed – saying good bye. He hesitated one second, then replied the gesture stiffly. He felt awkward afterwards.
For the first time since he had the dream, he wondered where the girl in his dream was now. How was the girl after these years? She might have forgotten him after she grew up.
He closed his thought and continued his searching. He eyed each blond girl, unconsciously paying more attention to little girls with smiles on their faces. He sighed internally when he caught himself. It seemed that the dream wouldn't let him free forever.
-.-.-
When she came home that afternoon, she didn't expect that her father was already at home. Her eyes widened when she entered the living room, and her bag was dropped from her hand. She was not able to utter a word, seeing her dear father standing there together with her mother. Mrs. Darlian was the first to see her daughter, smiling tenderly to her direction. Mr. Darlian turned around, and when he caught her eyes his eyes softened passionately.
"I'm home, dear," he greeted with his deep, warm voice.
"Father," she managed to speak the word, "You are back."
"He said that it was supposed to be a surprise, dear," her mother supplied, nudging her husband lightly.
The vice foreign minister raised one brow at his wife. Then he broke a grin.
"Well," he said, opening his both arms, "Where is the welcoming hug from my favourite little girl?"
The using of her nickname made her give her first genuine smile of the day. She dashed towards her father, entering his affectionate embrace. She stayed there, enjoying her father warm arms. And she felt her eyes blur with unshed tears. She was always her father's daughter.
"Relena," her father asked carefully, "Do you want to go with me to a party?"
"What party?" she lifted her eyes curiously, still not letting him go.
"Oh just a semi-formal celebration, and your mother will be with us too," he said warmly.
She stepped backward, disentangled herself to see her father's face clearer. She took some time to consider the sudden offer, unsure whether it was good or not to accept it.
"It will take place tomorrow night, so your school won't be a problem," he added, encouraging her to accept.
She looked at her father face, seeing worry in his eyes. Finding it strange, she eyed her mother who gave her an innocent look and realized that her mother must have told him something about her. Her father was clearly trying to give her some comfort. She smiled at her parents' effort.
"I will be glad to go," she answered solemnly.
"Good, then you may shop for a new dress tomorrow after school," Mr. Darlian smiled widely, "We will have some fun together."
-.-.-
When the sun disappeared below the horizon, he had come to a conclusion. It was useless to continue his search if he couldn't be sure which girl was the princess. He hated to admit it, but he found that Duo was right. It was wiser to call off – not to abandon it, he mentally corrected Duo's word – their searching until the envoy from Middle Continent came.
He didn't know what choice the others chose but he was going to take a break. At least after this last attempt.
He re-read the poster he got two days ago in his hand. Then he looked to the mansion in front of him.
If he was not mistaken, this was where the party was held tonight.
-.-.-
Her mother had said that the boy in front of her was her childhood friend. She didn't say anything in opposition, but she felt a little bit guilty for not remembering anything about him. So when her parents left her with the boy, she was nervous. She had a nice conversation with him, but still…
She stayed on her spot, but searched for her father with her eyes. Apparently it was true that people with Asia blood had sharp intuition, because he read her very well.
"Looking for the vice foreign minister?" the boy asked with Japanese accent, "He is with my father and the other ambassadors over there."
"Um… thank you," she mumbled, an embarrassed flush rose to her cheeks as the Japanese boy chuckled lowly. He was joking with her.
Shirou-kun was very nice, she thought. She really felt bad not remembering anything about their short childhood time together. But he dismissed it lightly, as he told her his story of not being able to memorize his friends' name properly because of his father's job as Japan's official ambassador. He was moved from one country to the other so many times that he hardly kept up, he said.
"But I remember about you," his black eyes narrowed to thin lines as he smiled, "You are the first girl I have ever met who has golden hair and blue eyes. I used to think that you were tenshi."
"Tenshi?" she repeated, not understanding what it meant.
"What is the English word for it…?" Shirou tried to describe it, not finding the right word, "You know, the girl who often appears in tales… the one with silk mantilla – in my tales – but is usually pictured with a pair of wings in your tales."
She froze for some seconds, "…you mean angel?"
"Ah! So that is the word," he said happily, "Angel. But now I know that your name is not angel."
She laughed whole heartedly at his joke. Inside, she was relieved that Shirou-kun didn't seem to imply anything with the word. And after spending some time with him, she knew that he was a joker at heart. He joked a lot, but even when he said something hilarious, he didn't have ill-intentions at all. The dark-haired boy was sharp and full of spirit that she began to like him. She offered him an invitation to her birthday party next Saturday and he accepted willingly, making her feel appreciated.
Somehow, she felt familiar with him. Maybe it was because they had been friends before, but she felt the boy reminded her of someone. She smiled sweetly when he excused himself to the group where her father was talking in. She stared to her father's figure.
Does he remind me of father…?
They were both kind and friendly, but their physical appearances didn't match.
Speaking of appearances, the dark hair was the one which attracted her most and the black mask he wore gave mysterious impression. Her face fell when she figured out the person whom Shirou-kun reminded her of. The boy from her dreams.
Suddenly the room looked too crowded and she began to have difficulty in breathing. She's better to go out. Where was the restroom?
A waitress pointed the direction for her and she walked through the hallway alone. She was so absorbed in her thought that she was late to realize she had walked too far. The balcony was seen in front of her, the restroom was supposed to be far behind. She half-turned to the hallway but dropped her intention in a second. Some fresh air would be good for her.
So she continued her step to the balcony. The sky was clear tonight and she watched the stars sparkling above her. The limitless sky was amazing, and she felt her problem so small and unimportant. It was silly, even. The one who had wished those dreams of the mysterious guy to stop was her herself, and it exactly happened as she wished. But she was not happy at all. Instead, she was stressing out because of it. She knew it sounded stupid, but she really couldn't help it.
Aaaah… she wanted to get out from this mess. She wanted to fly away.
Wait.
She blinked at the thought, looking past her shoulder. She wore a backless dress tonight.
That is probably a great idea.
-.-.-
He was never fond of infiltration, but when he did he had to make sure it ran smoothly.
Heero easily jumped up and caught his hands on the topmost of the wall. He swung himself up, pausing before he landed over the other side of the wall. From high place it was easier to see the whole area and he was choosing the safest entry. The lower room was occupied with many people, maybe he should try the upper floor instead.
So he looked up to the balcony.
And the view he saw made him lose his balance. He did fall from the wall, causing loud sound when he landed in the bushes.
There was a girl in a blue dress, wearing a pair of long white gloves. She wore a mask so he couldn't tell what was the colour of her eyes, but her hair – which was tied up and cascaded to her bare neck and shoulders in loose curls – was definitely blond. And as impossible as it looked, the girl did have a pair of wings spread from her back.
-.-.-
She was startled when a loud noise was heard from the garden below. She closed the balcony door hurriedly, and ran as fast as she could, back to the party room. She was beginning to regret her crazy idea of flying before.
Oh, she hoped that she was only paranoid and no one actually saw her wings.
Fortunately, her parents were ready to go home and were apparently searching for her. She ignored the confused look she received from her father and mother, and half-dragged them towards the doors. They got a sight of Shirou and his father on their way out, Princess Amelia was talking with them. Mr. Darlian stopped his daughter to properly excuse themselves. Mrs. Darlian curtsied a little as final good-bye and Relena imitated her half heartedly. She only smiled stiffly when Shirou-kun deplored her early leave.
She wanted to be out of this place. Quickly.
-.-.-
It took him some time to make a decoy for the guards.
When it was safe again, the girl had disappeared from the balcony. Heero cursed his recklessness, he never made such foolish mistake before. He climbed to the balcony and spelled the locked door open. He took a peep to the hall, feeling disappointed to find it empty. He walked through the hallway, slowly at first. Then his pace quickened with increasing urgency, and brand new hope filled his heart.
He didn't think twice to enter the crowded room, abandoning secrecy, determined to find the girl. His hope was smashed when he found so many masked ladies in the room, and most of them were blond.
-.-.-
Relena had begun to calm herself when the car started to run. She was overreacted. The noise she heard was probably nothing. Maybe just a dog ran after a squirrel or something, Shirou-kun had told her that Princess Amelia had many dogs in the house.
Whatever it was, it had been over and she was now safe. She should be grateful for that.
She relaxed on her seat and took a relieved breath. Her parents, who sat on her left and right side, eyed her curiously. She smiled, her burden had been forgotten because of the shocking event.
"Tonight is very entertaining," she stated cheerily.
"We are glad that you enjoy this night," replied her parents.
She felt she was turning back to her usual self as she told them her conversation with her Japanese childhood friend. Shirou-kun was a good friend, and she was looking forward to meet him again at her birthday party next Saturday.
-.-.-
He had examined all girls inside the room two times already.
Heero searched throughout the mansion and still didn't find a single clue about the girl. Then he went back into the room and tried his third attempt of searching.
The one who was called "princess" was named Amelia, and although she was also clad in blue dress, he was sure that she was not the one he saw before. The girl he saw was more slender, a little bit pale, and definitely… younger by some years.
He let out a defeated sigh and went back to the hallway. He was starting to doubt his self. Was he imagining things? Was she just a hallucination which was caused by his desperation?
He pushed the door open with his hand, this time not using his magic. His head hung low of disappointment… he really wasn't himself tonight. But the actions which were out of his habit apparently brought a benefit this time.
He found a feather on the balcony, squeezed between the steel frame of the door and the marble floor. It was rather big for a normal feather, but he still couldn't be sure. So he flicked a flame with his finger and tried to burn its edge. He was met with another surprise.
Instead of being burnt, the feather glowed up and split up to some pieces. In the end it turned entirely into silvery light and disappeared without a trace. He froze at his spot.
So he was not dreaming after all.
-.-.-
Being alone was lonely sometimes, especially after spending all night in a hectic party like tonight.
Later, late in the night, Relena spent some time to watch the sky again, this time from her bedroom. She knew that the images about the boy in her head had begun to fade, and she wondered whether all those dreams would end just like this. She stared absent-mindedly to the sky, unknown sadness made her heart hurt. The entire universe was shimmering above her, soothing the ache a little.
Will I see him again in my dream?
She asked the question which was haunting her these past days to the night, not finding an answer.
She didn't have any idea that there was one more person who watched the same sky that night, not being able to sleep. A certain boy who was restless to find her. The stars only twinkled with an innocent sense of conspiracy above the girl and the boy.
Once again, a masquerade helped a heroine to flee from pursuit. And the secret stayed hidden for one more night.
-.-.-
End of Chapter Three
~o~
A/N : Dear all, don't hesitate to scold me if I mess something up, especially my grammar. T_T
I think I owe you all little explanation here. Um, like I had written before in my previous Arc Ficlet, if there was something in my story that you didn't understand, you might assume by yourself. I guarantee it's safe, and I won't be angry or what. (smile)
But for you who desire my personal explanation (this is especially for you, dear JasLine!) here I give one.
-The Worlds-
"When do dreams become reality? Those two are, literally, two worlds apart... but an impossible attraction binds them together."
Chapter Two : Attraction
Yes, they come from two different worlds. Heero comes from a world called Terris, my personal creative imagination's work. On the other hand, Relena lives in Earth. Our blue Earth, simple and normal. I am not that creative to build two worlds in one time! (laughs) Our current setting is Earth, but we will move to Terris later, after at least one more chapter. At that time I promise I will give more detailed description of the world.
-New Characters-
Um, did anyone notice two extra characters in this chapter? 'Princess' Amelia is a mature woman, beautiful, sophisticated… well she does win a beauty contest in my story. (winks) Oh, I don't mind if you borrow her, but don't touch my Shirou! My other character, Shirou, is copyrighted by me. He is basically normal Japanese boy, fluent in many languages because of his father job. He is pure and has sensitive intuition, but he is not a shy at all. I think his most alluring point is the dark colour of his hair and eyes, how it changes to different shades, complimenting his handsome Asian face each time he talks or laughs. Attractive young man, don't you think? Whoa, whoa Heero's fans, calm down! As much as I love my character, Shirou is not the main character, and my heart is still set to make this a 1xR story. Anyways, Shirou will still have one important role later in this story. Oh, this is going to be a lot of fun!
So… that's my third chapter. Dear readers, what do you think, is my story too slow? Or is it too fast? To tell you the truth, this whole story is getting bigger than my original script. I need some time to arrange my ideas. Send me suggestions! Each opinion counts for something!
Additional Guidance (skip this if you had already known) :
The green button below which is read "Review this Story/Chapter" is the one you must click if you want to leave me something. The left text-box which is read "Add story to favourites" has a little black triangle sign on it. Click on it and choose "Add story to Story Alert" if you want to be notified when I update the next chapter of Wings.
What? The next chapter? Oh don't you worry about it, they will surely face each other again.
But their next meeting will not happen in a dream.
"Her perfect world was shattering to pieces, and when she turned to her dream, her only solace, she found it was no longer there."
(Chapter Four : Shattered)
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