Masks
By: Starlight-x
Chapter 4
The girl was of medium height with straight honey blonde hair pulled back into a careless braid. She was seated, hands clasped tightly between her knees, rocking back and forth slightly while she alternated between biting her lower lip and glancing around the room.
Quatre took a deep breath. "Oh Edwin, you were always such an idiot." The poor girl looked like she didn't know what had hit her. He considered what her reaction would've been to Wufei and shook his head. Not that the other man wouldn't have been an excellent teacher, he was just sometimes lacking in the expressive compassion department. Clearing away any lingering emotion from his face he approached his new responsibility. "Relena? Relena Darlian?"
She glanced up, standing as he approached. "Are you Wufei?"
"No," Quatre spoke gently. "My name is Quatre Winner; I'm the one who'll be helping you adjust."
"I don't understand." Relena twisted her fingers together. Quatre could see the shadows under her eyes. "Edwin said something about meeting a Wufei, that he would explain everything before he, before he–" Her voice trailed off and she sat down heavily.
"I'm going to explain everything that's happening to you." Quatre sat down next to her and placed one hand soothingly on her arm. "It's going to be okay."
"I don't understand." Relena had begun to worry the end of her braid with her fingers. "One minute he was standing there telling me he was going to give me the greatest gift he could give anyone and the next he was just gone and nobody seemed to remember he ever existed and it's been seven days and I can't sleep because whenever I close my eyes I see things, memories I guess, of things that I shouldn't know about but they're there in my head and I'm just so tired…"
"It'll be okay." Quatre soothed, interrupting what looked to be an endless sentence. "I think I can help with all of it but especially the sleeping part." He gripped her by the elbow and helped her to her feet.
She followed along quietly although she had resumed biting her lip. Quatre got her situated in the car and slid in beside her.
"Where are we going?" Relena's grip on his coat sleeve was tight. She glanced to the side and jerked slightly. "Who's he?"
"This is my friend Trowa, he's going help you sleep." Quatre patted her hand reassuringly. He nodded at his guard.
"Don't be afraid." Trowa reached forward and touched her temples with both hands. Relena gasped, eyes widening.
"It's gone. I don't hear them anymore…"
"Sleep." Quatre patted her hand again. "We'll talk more when you've rested."
The girl's eyes closed, her breathing already becoming rhythmic.
"Poor thing." Quatre eased her into a comfortable position. "I always knew Edwin was kind of a flake, I just didn't realize he'd degraded this far."
"He could've handled this better." Trowa agreed.
"He most certainly could've done that." Quatre sighed. "Seven days with all that clutter in her head, it's amazing she hasn't gone insane."
"Well, at least you know partly why Edwin chose her, she's mentally strong."
"I wonder if he managed to contact anyone other than Wufei."
"That depends on his mental state. He always admired Wufei, so of course he would remember to contact him about his protégé, but you'll probably want to make the other calls yourself."
"Of course." Quatre shook his head dolefully. "Thinking about it I'm surprised he even bothered with a successor." He turned his attention to the girl sleeping next to him. "It'll be interesting getting to know her." He looked over at the other man. "I hope you don't mind helping her out for a bit."
"As long as it's temporary I can manage." Trowa answered honestly. "Thankfully Edwin wasn't as old as you. Still combined with yours the sheer volume of memory and knowledge is difficult to contain. She'll need to find her guardian as soon as possible."
"So much to do." Quatre gave a sigh. He gave his guardian a look. "How long will she sleep do you think?"
"I'll try to keep her under as long as possible."
"She needs time to recuperate, but she'll also need to learn as quickly as she can." Quatre sighed.
"NO, that combination will cause an explosion!" Relena suddenly jerked forward on the seat. She blinked for a moment and looked back and forth wildly.
"Relena," Quatre soothed and she focused on his face.
"That wasn't me, I don't know about any explosion." She moaned, putting both hands to her head. "Just let me sleep."
"We're going to try." Quatre assured her, settling her back again. He looked over at Trowa. "Concentrate on her. Don't worry about suppressing me for now. I can handle it."His guardian gave a nod and once again touched Relena's temples. The girl relaxed back into sleep.
"Head home." Quatre gave a sigh. He closed his eyes, handling the over abundance of memories as Trowa released them.
0000
He'd felt like he'd been followed for a while. Duo hunched his shoulders and resisted the urge to glance behind him, instead he took an abrupt turn down an alley, halting several feet inside. "I know you're back there. Why don't you come out and play?"
He turned to see several men enter the alley behind him. "Why've you been following me?"
They continued their approach, silently.
"Don't want to talk huh?" Duo shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. "I guess asking you nicely to leave me alone won't work."
One of the men pulled out a knife.
"Nah, didn't think so." Duo sighed. "Well, let's get this over with."
0000
It had been a quiet morning. That all changed with Duo stumbled into the diner through the back door. He was covered in blood, his left eye already starting to swell shut.
"Duo? What in the world happened to you?" Jin hurried over to assist the other man to a seat.
"The people I've been running from finally caught up with me." Duo winced as Jin applied pressure to the nasty gash on his head. "There's nothing like a good fight to clear your head."
"Or break it. Here, hold this." Jin moved to bandage some of Duo's other wounds once Duo was holding the cloth to his head.
"You know, I wonder if he knew they were coming." Duo leaned back.
"Who?" Jin poured a liberal dose of antiseptic over another cut.
"OUCH. That hurt." Duo glared at Jin. "That elite, what's his name, Quatre."
"Ah, your mysterious friend." Jin finished his bandaging job and turned back to Duo's head. "Some of these cuts probably should be stitched."
"I'm not going to any doctor." Duo waved him off. "And I'm thinking he just might be that. A friend I mean."
"Hey Jin, where–" Catherine froze as she saw Duo. The swinging door she'd come through nearly hit her on the back of the head. She reached back absently and saved herself. "Duo, what have you done to yourself?"
"Hey Cathy," Duo gave a small wave.
She hurried over to where he was sitting. "You do realize that I'm going to have to sanitize this entire room now?"
"Sorry." Duo had the grace to wince. "I didn't really think I should come in the front. Didn't want to scare away any customers."
"Idiot." Catherine inspected his face, grimaced at the black eye and blood. "Thankfully we're not open yet. So what happened?"
"A not so friendly surprise party." Duo pushed up off his seat. "The real reason I came here is because I was hoping Jin might be able to find out where that Quatre guy lives."
"You're going to him?" Catherine frowned. "That doesn't seem like you Duo."
"Yeah, I hate it. But after what happened today I don't think I have much of a choice; I was damn lucky to get out of this fight today without getting injured worse. Whoever hired those thugs must be someone big and I got the feeling the only way I'm going to stay alive long enough to figure this all out is for me to be under an Elite's protection. Besides, I don't want to get you guys in trouble and if I stay here you'll get mixed up in it."
"Idiot." Catherine reached out and carefully ruffled his hair. "We're already involved. We have been since Jin found you and patched you up the first time."
"So, do you think you can find out for me?"
"Sure, but it might take a little time." Jin rinsed his hands at the sink. "Getting information about the Elites isn't as easy as it might seem. Most of my regular methods would raise red flags and information brokers generally don't like getting noticed."
"Thanks, I'll owe you." Duo stood up, grimaced and sat back down. "Think I might rest for a little bit. Don't worry, I'll be out of your hair in no time."
The back door swung open and Rashid entered. He took in the trio and crossed his arms over his chest a frown settling heavily on his face.
"Sorry Rashid, looks like we won't be opening today." Catherine smiled apologetically at him. "I would've tried to call you but I only just walked in a moment ago."
Rashid eyed Duo. "Was it that man?"
"The Elite? No." Duo shook his head. "Why do you dislike him so much?"
"My people call them the cursed ones. They do not belong in the natural order of this world. All life moves in a set pattern, but they exist outside of that pattern." Rashid's frown grew more pronounced. "That is all I can tell you."
"Cursed or not I really have to find him again." Duo shrugged, a half smile on his face.
"You are going to him?"
"I don't think I have much choice. He seems to know something of me and I believe he can back up whatever he says. Besides, there's something else–" Duo stopped abruptly and shoved his left hand into his jacket pocket, fisting it around the projector he carried there.
"That girl huh?" Catherine leaned down to peer into his face. "I think someone has a crush." Her voice took on a teasing note.
"Do not." Duo protested, his cheeks coloring slightly. "Just curious, I want to know who I was and why they know me. That's all, simple really."
"If you say so." Catherine grinned down at him.
"Well, since we're not going to be open today I'll work on getting that information for you as quickly as I can." Jin paused by Catherine to press a kiss to her cheek. "I might be out late tonight. Don't wait up."
"Be careful."
"If you wish to find the cursed one, then I will escort you to where he currently resides."
Rashid's statement drew everyone's attention.
"What are you talking about? You know where he is?" Duo leaned forward.
"We always know where the cursed ones are." Rashid turned away. He glanced back over his shoulder. "If you choose this then be warned, any dealings you have with one of his kind will always end in regret for you."
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Maybe I'll be lucky." Duo stood up and moved to stand next to Rashid. "I hate the idea almost as much as you seem to, but I don't want to cause anymore trouble for those two." He waved a hand back at Catherine and Jin. "You three have been good to me and there's no way I want anything bad to happen to you. I think it'd be better if whoever wants me dead ends up on his doorstep instead of yours."
"I see." Rashid stared down at Duo for a long moment before nodding briefly. "Very well, I'll take you to him."
"How are you going to enter the Upper Levels? Do you need papers?" Jin asked.
"No." Rashid headed for the door. "I will make preparations. Be ready by the time I return this evening."
"Count on it." Duo gave him a thumbs up, holding the pose until the door shut behind Rashid. Afterwards he sank back down and sighed.
"Since you have some time before you leave I think you'll have enough time to visit a doctor and get those injuries properly cared for. Jin's quite good at what he does but I suspect you have a couple that require stitches don't you?"
"You really are phenomenal Cathy." Jin grinned charmingly at his girlfriend. "I'll leave Duo in your capable hands and I'll head out then."
"Be careful."
"You too."
Catherine turned her full attention on Duo. "Now, let's head over to see your old friend, Doctor Po."
"You may call her an old friend, but I don't remember meeting her."
"No, you were generally unconscious whenever she tended to you. I'm sure she'll enjoy this visit as a matter of course, especially since you'll be able to respond."
"Great. I'm thrilled for her." Duo grumbled. "Well, let's get it over with."
0000
"No, stop!"
Noin came out of a sound sleep abruptly. Her dreams had turned from pleasantly forgettable to a rampant nightmare filled with blood and fire that clawed at the edges of her memory. Sliding out of bed she grabbed a light robe and belted it around her middle before padding out of the room. "Zechs?"
There was no answer and Noin frowned. Peering into the living area she saw her silver haired companion seated before the computer, staring at something on the screen. She came up behind him, sliding her arms around his shoulders in a light hug. "What's wrong?"
He didn't react to her presence except to lean back against her slightly. "We got a message from Quatre. Edwin transferred his power. Obviously he made quite a mess of it."
Noin frowned as she gazed at the screen. "I should've kept better track of him," She read the remainder of Quatre's message and her frown deepened. "Poor girl. What a way to begin immortality. What's her name?"
Zechs silently pointed and Noin squinted at the name for a moment.
"Relena Darlian." Noin pulled back to look at Zechs. "Oh," She lightly hopped over the back of the couch, settling into the cushion next to him. "Picture?"
He opened the file and they both watched as the photo of the girl displayed. Noin sucked in a breath. "She looks exactly like her, oh Zechs."
He nodded. "I did some research, apparently a Peacecraft married into the Darlian family. Relena was passed down as a family name. I even found a few Milliardo's as well."
Noin pulled her guardian close. "Do you want to meet her?"
"Not quite yet." Zechs relaxed in her arms. "She needs time to adjust." He picked up her right hand and pressed a tender kiss to the palm. "Besides I've been Zechs Merquise for several lifetimes longer then I ever was Milliardo Peacecraft."
"You'll always be my bright prince." Noin stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head. "But if that's what you want then I'll wait before I introduce myself."
"So, what woke you up? Another nightmare?"
Noin continued running her hand over Zechs' hair, letting the strands slip through her slim fingers.
"Uh–huh. Somewhere out in this vast world there's an immortal contemplating something particularly nasty."
"Do you know who yet?"
"No. They haven't done more then consider it."
Zechs kissed Noin's hand again. "Maybe you and I should go on a little trip, remind the rest that you're still around."
"It's been so nice here." Noin sighed. "But maybe I have been silent long enough."
"It has been nice." Zechs shifted in her embrace so he could lightly touch her lips with his own. "I'll follow wherever my lady commands me."
"Well," Noin gave a satisfied smile. "Isn't that nice to know."
0000
The door to Cala's shop opened, shaking the small bell that warned her of a customer's approach. "Welcome, I'll be right with you."
"Take your time, it's just me."
Cala looked up to see Dorothy. "What are you doing here? I didn't miss meeting you for lunch again did I?"
"No, nothing for you to worry about. I'm here to commission a dress."
"Oh." Cala eyed her for moment. "You must have quite the dinner party planned. The last time you had me specifically design a dress was when you were angling for the editor to give you your own column."
"Nothing like that this time." Dorothy pulled her sunglasses off her face. "Actually, this is more important. I must look absolutely stunning and perhaps a trifle overwhelming. I need your best work."
"My goodness." Cala worried her bottom lip. "So who are you meeting with? The President? Or maybe you snagged an actual interview with Quatre Winner?"
"I wish." Dorothy sighed. "Actually Cala dear, I've been invited to a dinner party with my esteemed cousin and his lovely wife. I have been informed that I am not allowed to miss this festive evening of familial warmth and cordiality, by my Grandfather no less."
"Ah." Cala gave a wise nod. "Which cousin?"
"He's not the problem. I can manage him all right, it's his wife. I can't stand the woman and I'm positive she hates me just as desperately. But she is quite proper and won't show it. So we duel with our dresses. So far we've been evenly matched. But I want something this time that'll surpass anything she'll come up with."
"Do you have something specific in mind?"
"Not at all. You design to your heart's content." Dorothy gave an absent wave of her hand as she examined a lacy black top.
"When do you need this dress anyway?"
"Early next week. Tuesday evening to be exact."
"Dorothy! That only gives me nine days." Cala complained. "I'm not a miracle worker."
"I'm positive you'll be able to manage it." Dorothy responded casually.
"Oh, I'll manage it all right, but I won't guarantee you flawless success in your competition. You would've had better luck giving me more time."
"I came here as soon as I received the invite. You have the same timetable as me." Dorothy answered placidly. "I told you my cousin's wife hates me."
"I'll do my best." Cala calmed down slightly at Dorothy's admission. "But I still won't guarantee you anything."
"Don't worry about it. I'm not." Dorothy leaned over and ruffled Cala's hair lightly. "Thanks a million."
"Don't say that until after you see the dress."
"I have absolute confidence in you."
"Yes, well, we'll see." Cala motioned impatiently at her. "Go on and leave. I have a lot to do especially if I have only nine days to work."
"Alright then." Dorothy turned to go. "Call me when it's finished."
"Go or I'll design you a dress made out of a burlap sack."
"I'm sure it would be the talk of the town." Dorothy laughed. "Ciao darling."
"You're incorrigible." Cala shook her head in despair as the bell jingled behind her departing friend. "Might as well get to it. As they used to say, time waits for no man or woman and I have a lot to do."
0000
Otto shifted uncomfortably, resisting the urge to check the time again. He was nervous and when he got nervous he had the embarrassing tendency to talk out loud to himself. "I really hate dealing with this guy. I don't know why Mr. Kushrenada even bothers with him."
"Sorry I'm such a bother."
Otto visibly jumped, spinning around to see the man he'd been waiting for standing behind him.
"Didn't mean to be late. Traffic was unbelievable." The other man continued, stepping out of the shadows. He wore a hoodie pulled forward and hid his eyes behind a pair of sunglasses.
Otto suppressed a shudder. The man moved with a loose, easy grace, reminiscent of a large hunting cat. Every time he was around him he came away grateful to be alive. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have…" He paused, cleared his throat while falling back onto procedure. "Mr. Kushrenada regrets he was unable to meet with you. He sent the payment with me." He pulled out a briefcase and slid it onto the table, lifting the lid to expose the contents. Direct depositing the money would be easier but this contact always insisted on cash. Damned old fashioned.
The man moved closer and gave the money a cursory glance. He dropped a set of keys on the table. "Your goods are in the truck outside." He shut the briefcase lid with a snap, picking it up easily.
Otto palmed the keys and followed the man outside to the truck, an old tractor trailer model. He checked the contents and nodded to show the other man they were done.
"Tell Mr. Kushrenada he knows where to contact me should he want to do business again. Oh, just a tip, but next time make sure you're alone before you complain, it's a bit more professional."
Otto let out a shaking breath as the man disappeared. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest and he sank back against the truck. "Damn I really hate that man."