Masks
By: Starlight-x
Chapter 5

There wasn't a loud clutter in her head anymore. That was the first thing Relena noticed when she drowsed back to consciousness. It was muted, like very faint background noise. If she concentrated on it she could discern individual memories instead of a constant barrage running rampant through her head. Plus if she wanted she could also very easily ignore it. She opened her eyes, blinking sleepily. The second thing she noticed was the strangeness of the room she was lying in.

"You're awake."

Relena turned her head, feeling like she was moving through molasses. A slender girl with short black hair and the deepest blue eyes she'd ever seen in her life was staring curiously at her; and she'd seen a lot of blue eyes. Relena frowned, no, that thought hadn't been hers. She'd never particularly noticed anybody's eye color before.

"Hey, you okay?"

She turned back to the strange girl. "Who are you?" Her gaze moved over the room as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. "Where am I?"

"Me? I'm Hilde and right now you're in the house of my guardian Quatre Winner." She leaned forward, eyeing Relena thoroughly. "So, where did he pick you up from?"

"He didn't pick me up anywhere, at least, I don't think he did." Relena could feel her forehead crease as she struggled to remember how exactly she'd managed to get in this situation. The last few days were a complete haze. "I can't seem to remember. How long have I been here?"

"It's been about a day and a half since Quatre brought you here. You've been sleeping the entire time." Hilde leaned forward, elbows on her knees, propping her chin on her hands. "Don't worry about it. Quatre's a really nice guy. I think rescuing people is kinda a hobby for him. He took me in when I was around seven."

"How old are you now?"

"Eighteen." Hilde gave a sigh. "I've been with him for eleven years. I was really lucky that he found me."

Relena frowned, a vague flash of blonde hair, baby blue eyes and an extraordinarily young visage drifted across her memory. "How old is he?"

"Dunno." Hilde shrugged. "Don't really care either. He's been better to me than most people and he didn't have any reason to be."

"Interrogating our guest, Hilde?"

Both girls turned to see a man enter the room. "Of course not Asher." Hilde stood and stretched. "Just making conversation."

Relena quietly assessed the newcomer. The word average seemed made for him. A slender figure, sandy brown hair that was thinning slightly, hazel eyes half hidden behind a pair of glasses. He met her stare easily and smiled. That simple lifting of his lips transformed his entire face from average to something else entirely.

"Good to see you're awake Miss." He moved closer. "I had a feeling you would be up soon and I thought you might be hungry."

Relena's gaze dropped to the tray he was carrying. At the same time a delicious smell wafted tantalizingly over to her. In response her stomach rumbled.

Asher's smile widened. "It appears I was right." He set the tray down on a table to the side and pulled out a small wooden bed tray that he settled over Relena's legs before fetching the food and arranging it in front of her. "Be careful, it might still be a bit hot."

Relena was already absorbed in filling her stomach.

"Should I tell Quatre she's awake?" Hilde asked.

"He's a little busy right now." Asher gave a wry smile. "I brought your lunch too. Why don't you keep Miss Relena company for just a little longer."

0000

"I don't think so."

"It is our right."

Quatre shook his head, his lips thinning in exasperation. "She still has much to learn before she is ready to be exposed to you. She's like a newborn fledgling, very delicate and confused. I refuse to allow you to frighten her more then she already is."

"Has she not accepted the gift?" Rashid's mouth twisted on the last word.

"No, she has not." Quatre didn't budge. "But then I haven't had time to explain to her what has been happening to her. She's not ready. Until she is mentally stable I won't allow anyone to cause her stress."

"Uh…"

Both men paused, glancing at the third member to their conversation.

"Hell if I know what's going on, but I don't exactly feel right just standing out here. It's giving me the heebie jeebies." Duo shifted uncomfortably.

"You're right." Quatre sighed before turning back to Rashid. "I will grant you all the rights accorded to your clan when she has become acclimated to what has been given her. I will of course also grant her the right to refuse if she so desires."

"I will be back." Rashid turned away without another glance at either of the men.

"Well Duo, you might as well come in." Quatre gave a wan smile. "Can't say I was really expecting you so soon. I thought you'd be stubborn for at least a few more weeks."

"Why doesn't that sound complimentary?" Duo muttered, following Quatre into the building.

"Because it's not. Your stubbornness is most distressing at times Duo." A new voice interjected.

"Ah Asher," Quatre smiled at the man. "I didn't even have to call."

"The girls are bonding."

"Should I be worried?"

"Probably." Asher turned toward Duo. "And you, if I weren't under strict orders not to cause Master Quatre anymore stress I would hit you so hard you'd see stars into next week."

"Asher!"

"Beg pardon Master." Asher gave a slight bow and glared again at Duo. "If you've come back with more trouble I will give you a sound thrashing, promise or no promise."

Quatre glanced over at Duo to see him staring at Asher, slack-jawed.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to him again."

"Again, yes again." Asher shook his head. "Well, come along young troublemaker, I'll reintroduce you to your old quarters."

"Old quarters, but…" Duo gestured toward Quatre. "I wanted to talk to him."

"It'll wait." Asher was implacable. "Right now the Master has more to deal with then just you. Besides, you might want to clean up a bit before Hilde sees you."

"Oh, yeah, that girl." Duo muttered.

Asher paused and turned to face him, shaking his head slightly. "I really am going to have to hit you when you get your memory back."

"After I get my memory back?"

"That way you would at least know why I was hitting you."

"Oh." Duo was quiet for a moment. "If I get my memory back I just might let you."

Quatre watched them disappear the rest of the way down the hall before heading upstairs to Relena's room.

0000

Trieze headed up the elevator to his private apartment. It was separate from both the residence he had with his wife and the townhouse his mistress lived in. It was simply his, secure and private. Nonetheless he wasn't surprised when he flicked on the light to find Dorothy sitting in his favorite chair sipping nonchalantly from a glass of wine, the open bottle and another glass on a small table next to her. "Hello cousin." She lifted her glass in a salute. "Time for a glass of wine?"

Trieze set his briefcase down, keeping it a safe distance from Dorothy. He slipped out of his coat and loosened his tie. "Making yourself at home I see." He picked up the bottle, glancing at the year and shook his head before pouring himself a glass. He moved to the couch taking the bottle with him and slumped down onto it, exhaling a loud sigh. "What do you want?"

"Someone's grumpy." Dorothy swirled her glass, keeping her gaze on the liquid inside. "Did your wife find out about your mistress and bastard at last?" She glanced at him coyly through her eyelashes.

"Don't be crude." Trieze chided lightly, taking a sip from his glass. "And you know she hasn't, just as I haven't found out about her little dalliances."

"You've got to be joking." Dorothy gave a laugh. "Une would never cheat on you."

"She is extraordinarily devoted." Trieze agreed. "But that really doesn't mean anything." He sighed and stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing them at the ankles. "Why are you here Dorothy?"

"I have to have a reason to visit my favorite cousin?" Dorothy uncurled, reaching out one bare foot to run her big toe over the edge of Trieze's briefcase. "How do you know this isn't simply a visit because I miss seeing you?"

"We both know that's a lot of BS." Trieze watched her movements while swallowing the last of his wine.

"Now who's being crude?" Dorothy sat up abruptly, sloshing the wine nearly over the rim of her glass. She set it down on the table next to her. "Very well, I'm here to see about an information exchange."

"I see." Treize set his empty glass down and stretched his arms out along the back of the couch. "Am I to assume you opened that bottle of wine simply to annoy me then?"

"You are good." Dorothy complemented him. "Is it any wonder that you're the only relative besides Grandfather that I even manage to get along with?"

"Dorothy." Trieze lifted one eyebrow at her.

"All right, all right." Dorothy huffed. "You are unusually impatient tonight."

"Might have something to do with the fact I wasn't expecting company and I have a lot of work to complete." Trieze leaned forward, collected the wine bottle and poured himself another glass. "Now, what's on your mind?"

Dorothy glanced curiously at his briefcase.

Trieze chuckled. "You know better little cousin." He wagged a forefinger in her direction, shaking his head slightly.

Dorothy shrugged slightly. "Can't blame a girl for trying."

"I'm not about to change the rules for you cousin." Trieze ran his thumb lazily around the rim of his glass.

"Even though you've been investigating me?"

"Investigating?" Trieze let loose a full blown laugh. "Don't insult me Dorothy. I simply looked to see who your next target was. You've been causing a minor upheaval in the family with all your running around. Une even complained."

"I know, Grandfather took me aside and ordered me to go to her next dinner party." Dorothy flicked her middle finger idly against her glass.

"So, Quatre Winner. Quite a large fish you're attempting to hook this time."

"Ah-ah." This time it was Dorothy's turn to shake her forefinger at her cousin. "You know I can't change the rules for you cousin."

Trieze smirked at her. "I'll be most interested to read what you come up with."

"I know." Dorothy smiled contentedly. She rose and stretched luxuriously. "I suppose I shouldn't outstay my welcome."

"What about your information exchange?"

Dorothy stepped easily into her shoes. "I think we both learned what we needed to." She bent down and planted a light kiss on Trieze's cheek. "Don't let Une find out about your affair. I think she'd kill you."

"Let me worry about that. You watch out for yourself. Try not to rock the boat too hard for a bit." Trieze smiled easily at her.

"Ta-ta." Dorothy gave a wave as she left.

0000

"So, I don't have to accept it."

"No," Quatre glanced back to where Relena sat still in the bed, her hands were folded and she watched him.

"What happens to all the-the memories if I refuse them?"

"They'll disappear. You won't remember anything other then personal remembrances. Anything that has to do with immortals will vanish."

"I see."

"Take as much time to think over your decision as you need." Quatre kept his voice gentle. "We will honor your decision, whatever you decide."

"We?"

"All immortals."

"Will I have to bear all these memories by myself if I choose to keep them?"

"When you become used to the entirety of them it won't seem so bad, but you will be able to find your guardian. They'll help suppress your memories as well as protect you when needed."

"I see." Relena glanced down at her folded hands.

"I'll be back later to hear your decision." Quatre touched her lightly on the shoulder.

"Mm-hmm."

Quatre moved toward the door.

"Um, Quatre?"

"Yes?"Quatre paused, turning back to look at her.

"Thank you. You've been very kind to me." Relena shifted under the covers. "And thank your friend for me too. It was wonderful being able to sleep again."

"No problem." Quatre smiled again. "You take your time and let me know whatever you decide." He shut the door behind him and turned to see Hilde standing a little ways down the hall.

Quatre folded his arms as he considered her. "Something you need?"

Hilde shook her head silently. "Who is she?"

"Someone who needed my help." Quatre smiled then, crossing the distance between them in a few strides. "I haven't forgotten about Duo. I wanted to give things time to settle around here before I told you. He actually brought himself home."

"He remembers?" Her eyes lit up.

"No, I'm sorry Hilde." Quatre reached out and gripped her upper arms reassuringly. "I think you may have to help him with that part. Asher took him to his room." He pulled her close for a quick hug, carefully ignoring the way she blinked her eyes against an onslaught of tears. "Why don't you go see him. He won't hurt you, he's already been warned."

"Hope you didn't scare him too bad." Hilde wiped unobtrusively at her eyes, erasing any evidence of her near cry.

"Me? Scare him? Hilde you should know better." Quatre leaned forward and kissed her fondly on the forehead. "Nothing scares that boy, although at times I wish I could. Go on sweetheart and knock some sense into that thick skulled boyfriend of yours. If you need any help I'm sure Asher would be more than happy to oblige."

"I think I can manage."

"Very well." Quatre released her and took a step back. "Go on then."

He watched as she hurried off.

0000

Duo lay on his back, his hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. He was in, as Asher put it, "Your old room." He'd explored of course, opening drawers and rummaging through the closet. None of the clothes or other personal effects jogged any type of memory. It was all so hazy, almost as if they were hidden behind a thick curtain and if he could only find the opening he would be alright.

A timid knock on the door captured his attention. He pushed himself up onto his elbows.

"It's open."

The door crept open and then she was peering hesitantly into the room. Her gaze drifted about before coming to rest on him. The girl from the projector. Hilde, his mind supplied firmly.

"If I'm disturbing you I can go away."

"Nah, it's okay." Duo frowned as she cautiously entered the room before he remembered he'd threatened to kill her the last time he'd seen her. He fought an urge to apologize, instead watching as Hilde sat down gingerly on the edge of the bed, keeping some distance between them.

"So, um, does any of this look familiar?" Hilde gestured at the room.

"Not really." Duo returned to his original position, laying back on the bed. He glanced at her through lowered lashes. She was biting her lip, staring down at her hands. Her presence agitated him, like an itch in his mind he couldn't scratch.

"So, why did you come back?"

The question startled him somewhat. He considered, staring up at the ceiling.

"I mean, if you didn't remember anything there really wasn't any reason for you to come back here." Hilde continued when he didn't speak.

"Yeah." He agreed. The truth seemed a little harsh and he found himself not wanting to tell her. The words came out anyway. "It was getting too dangerous around me. I didn't want my friends in the Lower side to get hurt."

"I see."

Duo glanced over at her again. She was looking away from him. She took a deep breath, glancing briefly at him, a smile trembling on her lips.

"That's just like you, always looking out for those around you, just like Quatre."

"Quatre?" Duo shot upright. "What the-? I'm nothing like him. He's an Upper and I'm…." His voice trailed off as the blankness of his memory came into play.

"Like me." Hilde nodded once at him and stood up. "He found you just like he found me. 'Course you were a lot older than I was and rather set in your ways." She smiled again, reaching out to tug gently at his braid.

Duo let her, stunned at her words.

"Don't believe me do you?" Hilde moved to the closet and stretched, feeling around on the top shelf before coming back with a small locked box. "This may help. You always kept this secret, wouldn't let anyone see what you kept in it. Not even me." She shook her head at Duo's suspicious look. "No, I haven't looked, I don't know what's in here. But maybe it'll help you to remember who you were originally."

She set it in his lap. Duo felt her lips brush his cheek lightly. "Hurry up and remember Duo. I'm still waiting for you to come back home."

Duo clutched the box, watching as Hilde silently left his room, closing the door gently behind her. She was upset. Whenever something was wrong instead of slamming the door shut Hilde would always shut the door as if it was made of glass-

Duo grimaced as the rest of his thought fled. Glancing down at the box in his lap he lifted it up and shook it.

Nothing rattled inside.

"Probably empty." Unimpressed he set it aside and flopped back onto the bed again. He needed a smoke. With all that had gone on he hadn't even really had an opportunity to speak with the one person he came to see, Quatre.

"Well, lying in here isn't going to get me anywhere. If I haven't remembered anything yet I doubt the contents of that box are going to help." Standing up he set the box carefully back on the top shelf of the closet. Maybe later he would drag up enough curiosity to open it and see what his former self treasured so dearly. For now he was going to find that elusive Upper. He shut the door firmly behind him as he left.