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AN: Hulloooo! Well, my concussion is healed. ACK! No more toasters & rusty sticks & voodoo curses, PLEASE! The attempt to hypnotize me was creative, but still didn’t wor…{zzzzzzzzzzz}…Huh?… Ahem. Anyway. I have Support Services & if you have me on Author Alert you will continue to receive updates on my stories regardless of whether or not you have Support Services. So don’t freak out & think they’re charging you for anything. Also, there is a teeny twist of implied citrus in the first part (I had to explain Marimeia somehow, but it’s still PG-13). If it’s corny or just plain bad, please tell me now before I write another such scene. I’m always afraid those will turn out silly & there is nothing worse than a badly written love scene. On a personal note, I’ve had major computer problems the past couple of days & with all that drama, I haven’t had a chance to respond to your e-mails (sorry again!), but I’m working on it. Can you be arrested for computercide? No? Goody…P.S. Titian (pronounced tish-an) is a shade of red. That’ll make sense in a minute.
THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING!!!! I know I say that a lot, but I really mean it. To all the new readers: welcome to the land of incredibly long author’s notes & wacky disclaimers! To my faithful readers: I appreciate your patience & continued support!
Umm, what else….hmm…..Oh yeah the ever-annoying disclaimer: Don’t own, don’t sue or I’ll sic my sick computer on you. Believe me you don’t want to deal with a recently serviced & very cranky Mr. Computer, especially when he hasn’t been defragged in a while.
Still Grows the Lilac
The Lilac Princess, Book II
By Lady Dante
Chapter 3: Tomorrow
"Is there anything you can tell me about it?"
"I really think you should see it for yourself, Treize." Johnny raised an eyebrow, a sign to Treize that the communications line was not secure enough in his brother’s opinion and the report would have to wait. What ever it was Johnny found, it must be extraordinary to warrant such paranoia.
"Very well. I’ll listen to the rest of your report when I return."
Johnny saluted. "Yes, Oh Caped One."
"And here I thought we might have an entire conversation without sarcasm."
"You’re such a dreamer. When you get back, I’ll treat you to a belated birthday bash."
"At one of the finer drinking establishments, I assume."
"Where else? Get well, big brother."
"Thank you, Johnny…and Johnny?"
"Yeah?"
"The mansion had better be in tact when I return."
"Why, Treize, what ever do you mean?"
"I mean do not use the south wing for mobile suit target practice."
"Who me?"
Johnny smirked evilly as Treize flicked off the vidphone. The young colonel shook his head, wondering what mayhem his brother had inflicted upon the household and how many servants would quit this time. Zechs was assured of a little fun. Treize just hoped he could return before his high-spirited brother completely reversed all of Zechs’ training. Then there was the matter of the wine cellar. When Johnny was around, Treize’s precious stock of fine wines and brandy was in mortal peril. There was nothing he could do about that for the moment, so Treize let the thought pass from his mind and replaced it with one far more pleasant.
"Good Morning, Treize. How did you sleep?"
Leia. His Excellency was astounded by the woman’s timing. The young nurse always seemed to appear just as the young duke’s thoughts turned in her direction. Treize smiled and chatted amiably, watching Leia glide about his hospital room. She opened the curtains, allowing the morning light to flood the dreary gray room. The vision of Leia’s slender form outlined in the sunshine was almost too exquisite for words, far surpassing any flower, painting or lovingly rendered sculpture. Treize noted the way the light lit up her titian hair, creating something of a halo effect around her angelic face. God was indeed an artist and women seemed to be his specialty.
The young duke was a man who appreciated beauty in all of its forms, from masterworks of the Renaissance to the simple elegance of a perfect rose in bloom. He found beauty in the oddest places. It existed in the cold blanket of snow that covered a winter battlefield as well as the graceful cruelty of a tiger chasing its prey. There was even a kind of beauty to the aftermath of war, before the smoke cleared to reveal the carnage, when the flames of destruction still lit the sky. A moment of peace in the devastation and ruin. Leia was that moment of peace for him. One perfect moment of splendor before the bloodshed continued.
It wasn’t simply that Treize found the woman attractive. Stunning women were a common fixture in his world, but Leia Barton was so much more. She had a lovely face and perfect figure, to be sure, but more importantly, Leia possessed a beautiful soul. The rare combination of compassion, wit and energy illuminated the young woman in a way that mere physical beauty could not. She glowed with warmth and emotion. Treize had come to treasure each moment spent with the remarkable young woman who tended his wounds. It was selfish, he knew, but he placated his often-ignored conscience with the idea that Leia only saw a patient to heal. Her noble calling and compassion were all that drew the nurse to His Excellency and he would not allow himself to think otherwise. Therefore, it would not hurt to indulge in a bit of flirting with the fascinating woman. Treize’s time here would be short and he was determined not to deny himself such a small luxury.
His life was dedicated to something just as worthy as Leia’s calling but, ultimately, Treize knew a great sacrifice would be expected. It was this knowledge that kept the young man from forming any real romantic attachments. He had his diversions, though not as many as some might suspect. Short-lived trysts with noblewomen who cared nothing for him other than the evening’s pleasure he could provide. Any thought that he could have something more was quickly dismissed as irrelevant. It was not in his destiny to have such a life. Wife, children, home. These were not meant for men such as Treize Kushrenada. His purpose was higher, harsher, but necessary. He was born to lead the world to a new future, destined to show humanity the error of its ways. In realizing his dream and his destiny, Treize would make the world safe for people like Leia. Pure, beautiful souls who deserved the world he was determined to create for them. Leia deserved everything good and decent…
"Treize…"
"Hmm?"
"You’re staring again…I thought we discussed that."
"Not exactly…you discussed, I stared."
Leia smiled in spite of herself. The young man was far too charming for his own good…or hers. "Treize, I don’t flirt with patients."
Treize just smiled at her, eyebrow raised slightly. Clearly he was not about to accept that answer. Leia had to admit, she enjoyed the past few weeks caring for the attractive young man. He continued to stare, reclining in his blue silk pajamas…quite an elegant picture really. Incredibly handsome, charismatic, just vain enough to be cute…in another time and place, Leia would have considered herself a goner.
Treize Kushrenada was an incorrigible flirt, just the type of man Leia had dated in her teens, but she was twenty-two now and too mature to date flirts. Not that dating was an option any more. She was engaged. Leia looked down at her left hand, specifically at her empty ring finger. She never wore the gaudy bauble to work on the pretext that it was impractical. Truth be told, she hated being reminded of her upcoming nuptials. Marrying the son of the colony’s administrator was not her idea. Her father—her dear father Dekim—arranged the match. She had railed against the mere suggestion, refusing to allow herself to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, but in the end, Dekim won. He always won, by blackmail or emotional coercion or force. His method or reasoning didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she once again acquiesced to her tyrannical father’s wishes.
Leia felt like the beleaguered heroine of a gothic novel. The daughter of a commoner being wooed by a duke, but forced to marry another. She barely spoke to her father now, only acknowledging him when it was necessary. Her time with Treize had helped ease some of that tension. She found herself making up excuses to visit the young colonel during the day. Leia told herself there was no harm in visiting Treize, that she had taken up the role of a big sister to the nineteen year old. Deep down, she knew there was more going on, yet could not bring herself to stop.
While Leia was musing over the cruel ironies of her life, Treize managed to get out of the hospital bed and walk up behind, unnoticed. The woman jumped when the young man put his hand on her shoulder and asked what was troubling her. The pretty nurse smiled and made some inane excuse, but did not sound convincing. Treize swayed a bit and Leia wrapped her arms around the patient’s waist to steady him. Alarmed by his sudden weakness, she attempted to move him back to his bed, but the young man resisted, instead wrapping his arms around her in playful triumph. Leia looked up, annoyed by the ruse. She did not need this right now. It was difficult enough to restrict her emotions, she didn’t need to deal with Treize making a pass…though it was a pretty good pass, she had to admit.
Treize smiled wryly at Leia as he leaned down to give her a quick kiss. He pulled back slightly, then seemed to change his mind and kissed her again. It was a lingering kiss, soft but insistent. The young man drew Leia closer and deepened the kiss with increasing fervor. As his lips finally left hers, Leia nuzzled against Treize’s chest, listening to the beat of his heart and the light panting as the young man tried to catch his breath. Leia closed her eyes, trying her best to ignore the wrongness of the whole situation, but she could not ignore the little voice in her head reminding her that the duke was her patient and could be nothing more. Just as she might have given in to her sense of propriety, Treize tightened the embrace and buried his face in Leia’s hair, murmuring her name in an ardent whisper. His pajama top was unbuttoned, revealing a smooth span of tanned skin marred only by faded bruises. Leia gave in to her rising need and began to gently kiss the faint marks, slowly making her way to his neck, his chin, his mouth.
Treize put his hand to Leia’s cheek and gently tilted her face up. The couple gazed at each other intently, frozen in a moment and unwilling to make light of their feelings any longer. Leia searched the young man’s eyes for any hint of flirtatious amusement. Instead, she saw only warmth and tenderness radiating from the depths of his marvelous blue eyes. Caring tinged with a bit of uncertainty. It wasn’t mere lust, he wasn’t trying to seduce her. Treize’s eyes spoke only of true, deep affection.
Maybe she read too much into his expression, Leia didn’t honestly care. She wanted this, she wanted him. She was a prisoner to her duty, but at that moment, she was free. She deserved this one day with a man she cared for and who cared for her in return. It wasn’t love, she had no illusions about that. They had not known each other long enough to fall in love, but they did care for each other deeply and that was sufficient. It was more, in fact, than any of the Barton children had been taught to expect. Leia ran her fingers through Treize’s golden hair and pulled him down into a passionate kiss, delving into his mouth with bold eagerness. She wanted to remember every moment, memorize everything about him… his taste, his scent, the touch of his gentle hands. Tomorrow he would leave. Treize would return to his life as the darling of Romefeller and Leia would once again play the bride-to-be of a promising young politician. Life would continue, as it should. Tomorrow. For the next few hours, they had each other and nothing else mattered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noin felt a sharp jolt as the troop transport landed and quickly decelerated. When the shuttle came to a complete stop, cadets and officers hurriedly spilled into the isle, eager to be free of the confines of the craft for a few hours. Noin remained in her seat and gazed out the small window, still trying to figure out exactly how His Excellency had managed to talk her into joining the Specials. She had intended to run away when her space training ended. She had it all worked out. Stow away on an outgoing shuttle, make her way to another colony, find a job, establish a life and wait until she could safely return for Zechs. Armed with new technical skills, Noin had been certain she could find work and support herself, even at her young age, but here she sat in that silly, uncomfortable uniform, on her way to one of the most prestigious military schools in the world, Lake Victoria Academy. Breeding ground for the most respected Specials members, repository for His Excellency’s handpicked officer candidates and she was one of them. Noin could hardly believe that she was back on Earth and preparing to make a commitment to the military. Granted, the Specials were not just any military organization. In a war-weary world, fearful of anyone in uniforms, civilians looked upon Specials members as heroes. Treize maintained a strict code of honor among his officers, any infringement was met with swift and ruthless punishment. They were, His Excellency insisted, better than anyone else and were expected to behave as such.
As she watched the crowd of Specials candidates and their keepers enter the private airport, Noin took a deep breath. Their first stop upon arrival on Earth was a short layover in Rome. It was difficult, but the girl didn’t disembark the transport but instead forced herself to stay on board and wait. She didn’t want to stay cooped up in that flying crate, but could not bring herself to once again walk the streets of Rome. It was too painful. There were too many horrible memories. There was also the likelihood of experiencing another one of her bizarre headaches and she had endured enough of those back on colony x-18999…thanks to that odd little boy with the cold blue eyes and messy brown hair.
Noin told herself repeatedly that little Odin’s resemblance to the other boy was just a coincidence, that the old man was indeed his grandfather and would take care of him. Noin couldn’t seem to shake the sick feeling that the little boy was in danger and that she should have done something. The dreams and half-remembered voices increased in frequency over the three months she was in space. Her only reprieve occurred on the journey from the colony to Earth. Those few weightless days calmed her, just as floating in the bath had calmed her in childhood, though her memories of the other boy seemed oddly enhanced. The girl began to rub her temples and concentrated on banishing all thoughts of the boy, Rome or anything else that might trigger a painful flash of memory. She had to sit still and wait for the transport to take off once again, one more stop to pickup the remainder of the new recruits and on to Africa. She couldn’t afford to get bogged down in memories now.
Noin knew, too, that the moment her feet touched the ground, she would run to Sister Marguerite. That was the most difficult part…knowing that Sister was only a few miles away and not being able to see her. The girl knew better than to take the chance. It was still too dangerous. Granted the Alliance hadn’t seemed to take any special interest in her now and she was currently part of an entirely different group, but Noin would not risk endangering Marguerite or the other nuns ever again.
It was as great a sorrow as a relief when the large transport finally started down the runway, slowly at first, speed increasing quickly until Noin felt the familiar push at lift off. She was pleased with herself and her strength. It would have been so easy to give up and run back to the comfort of Sister, to hide in the nun’s arms for as long as possible, but Noin resisted. Her life was elsewhere, at least for the moment. One day things would be different and she would be free to visit her friends. She would be free to go back to all the places she loved as a little girl, revisit the all-too-brief childhood she had been forced to leave behind. She could pursue her dreams, become the person she felt God intended. Teach or explore space, perhaps both. One day she would feel safe again. Safe and loved. Upon some distant tomorrow, she could live a real life. Today, Noin contented herself with the respect of her fellow soldiers and the challenge of a new school.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If he still believed in such things as Heaven and Hell, Zechs would say he was damned. A person who is damned has nothing to lose. Risk big to win big. The boy had taken Johnny’s advice to heart, or tried to in any case. He found, much to his annoyance, that there were still lingering fears just strong enough to hold him back. He was working on that. One day, he would be able to fight boldly, regardless of the risk. Every day Zechs fought an instinct for self-preservation and his own kind nature. Every day he grew stronger, sharper, colder. On days such as this, however, the boy found it incredibly difficult to maintain the unwavering devotion to revenge he had worked so diligently to achieve. On a day like today, in a place he visited only in dreams.
Livorno.
Zechs was back home, if only for a few hours. He was, at last, on his way to fulfill his destiny. A day in the village by the sea and he would continue his journey to Africa. A day trying not to drown in the memories, to be consumed by the sorrow. The boy had not intended to wander the city, to reminisce, but his weakness got the better of him. So, here he was again, walking the streets of the small town he had loved once, brooding over how far he had come in the last two years…and how far he had fallen away from the boy who once lived in this peaceful town. Still Zechs found himself walking toward the small graveyard behind the church he attended with his foster family. It was the last time he ever attended a church service, the last time he deigned to believe in the possibility of a God.
His pace slowed as he neared the stone-walled cemetery and the boy suddenly regretted his decision to visit. It was selfish of him, not wanting to visit the grave, but Zechs knew being there would shake his faith in the correctness of his present course. She would not approve. She would have told him that revenge belongs to God, that hate breeds hate, but he was determined not to be swayed. Taking a deep breath, the boy walked through the wrought iron gate into the quaint courtyard. He had a rough idea where the old woman would have been buried, but did not know the exact location. Zechs made his way methodically through the rows of headstones, searching diligently for his target. At long last, he found the stone. Zechs stood at the foot of the grave frowning. It was a pitiful location, haphazardly placed in a back corner, and the stone was a mere brick with a name inscribed. Ingrid Pallidino. His beloved grandmother, if not by blood, certainly by a heart’s bond. She deserved better than this afterthought of a grave. Zechs was never able to properly bury the rest of his family--his parents, Captain Damon, Noin--but he could do this one last thing for the woman who raised him. He owed her that much. As the boy knelt to place a small bouquet at the marker, he vowed to find a better resting place for his Nana. Someplace with trees, where the sounds of children playing echoed over green grass and the air was perfumed with lilacs. He would place Ingrid in a garden where she could truly rest, just as soon as he was able…when he graduated the Academy. Zechs Marquise was about to join the ranks of OZ, to fulfill Fate’s purpose for him. In a few hours, he would be on his way to Lake Victoria Academy. Until then, the boy who had lived the life of a prince as well as a pauper roamed the picturesque streets of Livorno and remembered.
+++++++++++++++++
Noin stepped from the small bus onto a cobbled lane. She smoothed the shirt she was wearing, glad to be rid of the stifling Specials uniform for a few hours, and surveyed the street. There were hundreds of such streets in hundreds of such towns all over Italy, but this street made the girl uneasy. Not that it was a dangerous place warranting caution. It was a quiet lane leading down to the shore, winding past a small row of neat little cottages in a quiet neighborhood. What made her nervous was the location.
Livorno.
She had not been back since Nana Ingrid died and was unsure as to the wisdom of doing so now. Noin walked along the path, hesitantly at first but increasing her pace as she reached the small house at the end of the block. At length, the girl stood in front of the little house she once called home. She could not use that word now, what made it home was not there any longer. Home was a place for family but her family was gone.
"Lucretzia?"
Noin spun around, alarmed that someone had managed to walk up without her knowing, especially someone who knew her first name. No one ever called her that anymore. It was either "Noin" or "Cadet," nothing else. She turned and found herself staring straight at someone’s chest. Noin took a quick, wary step backwards and looked up. It was an older boy, about fourteen years old, with black hair. Noin craned her neck to look up at his face and gasped in recognition.
"Paolo?"
"I knew it was you!" Paolo exclaimed and impulsively threw his arms around the petite girl, lifting her off her feet in a friendly bear hug.
"Paolo, you…you grew…a lot!" Noin sputtered in mid air, still a bit stunned by the unexpected meeting.
"Well, I should hope so. It’s been over two years, Luie," the boy laughed as he set Noin on her feet.
Two years. Had it really been so long? And she couldn’t even remember the last time someone called her "Luie." Noin’s surprised expression faded into one of delight. She was glad she decided to sightsee while her group waited for the next flight to Africa, the last leg of their journey to Lake Victoria Academy. She almost stayed at the airport, but decided it couldn’t hurt to see her old neighborhood. Unlike Rome, there were few bad memories associated with Livorno and now the girl had the chance to catch up with an old friend. Friend. It felt good to meet someone who knew her as such, someone who remembered when she was a normal little girl and not a soldier. Paolo stood smiling down at her, reminding Noin of a world she had forced herself to forget, and for once, the girl didn’t try to push the memories away. It was good to be home.
"Look at you," Paolo said, gesturing with a flourish, "practically a lady now." He smiled delightfully and Noin felt her face grow warm.
"Not quite…at least I hope to grow a little more…"
They both laughed at her wry comment. The laughter sounded good to Noin…felt good, too. In an instant, Noin let go of her well-practiced soldier’s demeanor, the outer shell of duty and dignity, and suddenly she was just a thirteen-year-old girl talking to a nice boy. They began to chatter about what had been happening in Livorno over the past two years, enjoying the old camaraderie they once shared. After a few minutes, Noin found herself gazing at the small house and once again losing herself in the warm memories.
"Do you want to take a look inside?" Paolo asked, nodding towards the cottage.
"I just wanted to see the old house once more. I don’t want to bother anyone."
"Nonsense. The Lipari family lives there now. You remember Instructor Lipari?"
The older boy took Noin’s arm as he guided her to the front door of the cottage as they exchanged recollections of their old school. They were cheerfully greeted by their former teacher and ushered in to join the family for a hearty breakfast. They talked, laughed and ate, happy to see little Luie was safe and sound after all that time. If at any time the conversation seemed it might turn towards the question of Noin’s "brother," the girl managed to steer the discussion back to one of the others, asking Paolo how he liked his new position as captain of the soccer team or inquiring after Signora Lipari’s elderly mother. By the end of the meal, everyone felt as though they had a nice visit yet no one seemed to know anymore about Noin’s time away than they had when she sat down…much to Noin’s relief. She was having a very nice time. The last thing she wanted was to be reminded of her failure to help Zechs.
+++++++++++++++++
Zechs exited the small cemetery and continued down the cobbled lane, no particular destination in mind. He strolled past the school and the small row of markets he had frequented with Noin and Nana Ingrid, barely looking up as he passed for fear of being recognized. The boy didn’t fear for his safety, he feared for his heart. Zechs spent the previous two years carefully creating a wall around his heart, numbing himself to emotional concerns. He was afraid that being remembered in this place would bring that precariously constructed wall crumbling down, releasing every pent up and ignored feeling he possessed. He was not yet strong enough to trust his own ability to control those emotions and tried to avoid any situation that might threaten to crack his frozen façade.
He often sabotaged himself in such situations. Today, for instance, he made a point of visiting every hideout, playground and retreat he frequented with Noin. The tree in the schoolyard they claimed as their "base of operations," the stone retaining wall near the old fortress, the cave where they hid just before running away…and now he found himself standing in front of the very house they lived in so peacefully with Ingrid. It was his last real experience as a member of a family. His life now was tolerable, occasionally even pleasant, but it wasn’t happy or peaceful. Treize and Johnny were good friends and guardians, but they were not his family.
As he stood across the street from the quaint old cottage, Zechs began to grow edgy. It was obvious from the state of the neat yard and the bicycles in the drive that the house was occupied by a new family. One, he was sure, who loved the cozy little house as much as he had once. He wondered if the children played in the cellar as he and Noin had or if the mother marked their height on the kitchen door alongside the small gouges left by Ingrid to testify to another birthday for her grandchildren. Did they sit on the roof in the summer and dream about exploring space and learning to fly? Did the kitchen window still leak when it rained too hard? He wanted so badly to knock on that door and ask for permission to look around, to see the remaining evidence of a long-lost family, to allow himself to remember a comfortable life lived in peace and love. Zechs looked at his hands and began rubbing his palm with a thumb. He couldn’t invade that house now, it wouldn’t be right. Not anymore. He turned and walked away, determined to allow the dead to rest in peace.
+++++++++++++++++
Paolo and Noin bid farewell to the Lipari family and continued on their journey through the town. At Noin’s request, the pair visited the school, soccer field and other places she once played. The walk along the seashore was especially welcomed as it gave the girl the opportunity to shed her hated shoes and walk barefoot through the warm, damp sand. They found a sunny spot on an outcropping of rock and sat down, silently watching the waves advance and retreat in the steady rhythm of nature. Noin watched as one hypnotized, losing herself in the restlessness that invariably welled up inside her soul when she gazed at the ocean. It was all suddenly too much for the girl and she felt the unwanted sting of tears in her eyes. She fought them valiantly, but to no avail. Noin turned her head from Paolo, hoping he hadn’t noticed, and fished her handkerchief from her pocket. She discreetly wiped her eyes, smiling sadly at the embroidered initials in the corner of the linen square. It was Nana Ingrid’s handkerchief, one of the few mementos Noin was able to keep.
When she managed to regain control of her tears, Noin turned back to her companion and asked to leave. Paolo nodded, smiling kindly, and suggested they might walk to the cemetery to visit Ingrid’s grave. Noin smiled back, grateful that he hadn’t mentioned her crying, though it was obvious he had noticed. He seemed to know exactly what was needed to make her feel better, something Noin had not experienced since her separation from Zechs. She had willingly isolated herself from the possibility of friendship for two years, never achieving more than a polite level of acquaintance with anyone. Noin did not realize how lonely she had been all that time until Paolo reminded her what it was like to be in the company of friends, to be with people who cared about her feelings and who were interested in her dreams.
As they walked solemnly to the church cemetery, Paolo paused at a flower stand and bought a bouquet to place on Ingrid’s grave. When Noin wasn’t looking, the old flower vendor winked at Paolo and held up a single carnation, inclining his head in Noin’s direction. Paolo blushed a bit, but purchased the flower. As they walked away, the boy handed his companion the cluster of wildflowers.
"For your nona." At Noin’s smile of gratitude, Paolo also presented the carnation. "For you."
"Thanks, Paolo." Noin smiled up at the older boy fondly, "It’s lovely."
The pair passed through the ornate iron gates of the church grounds and made their way through the well-kept plots. Paolo led Noin to a back corner and stopped in front of a tiny marker stone near the wall. Noin knelt and placed her bouquet gently at the base of the small marker, noting another bundle of flowers on the other side. Paolo indicated that several members of the church often cleaned the grave and placed fresh flowers on it in memory of Ingrid, a fact that pleased Noin greatly. She had not felt comfortable with the idea of her nana all alone in the secluded plot, but knowing the community still thought of Ingrid eased the girl’s uneasiness. She gazed at the marker and leaned forward to trace the brief inscription.
"I’m home Nana. I was in space for a while. It was so beautiful, Nana…more than I ever imagined…"
Noin began to tell of her life, of the beauty of space and her new assignment to Lake Victoria Academy. She began to speak of her time in Rome with Zechs and suddenly every trauma of the past two years came pouring out in a torrent of repressed sorrow. She began to cry, for once unashamed of the release. She did not even mind that Paolo was standing nearby and heard every word. Noin needed to let it out, all of it. The loneliness of her new life, the grief of losing Zechs, the lingering fear after her first battle. Every thought, fear and dream she could not share with her fellow soldiers. She ended her catharsis with a well-deserved cry, her soft sobs eventually fading into light sniffs and eventually a whispered goodbye to her beloved nana.
Paolo bent down and helped Noin to her feet, keeping her hand in his as they slowly made their way back across the cemetery. Noin did not wriggle free as was her first instinct, but instead gave Paolo’s hand a little squeeze of appreciation. Today had been very nice and for those few hours Noin was able to be Luie Pallidino again, just a girl having a good time with a friend. It had been a very long time since she walked hand-in-hand with anyone and she missed the simple gesture. She missed everything about the place, the day-to-day tribulations and triumphs, the simplicity of childhood…all of the things her life in the military would not allow. Her heart felt lighter than it had in ages and Noin was grateful for the small vacation from the bitter realities of her life.
As dusk approached, the pair strolled towards the bus stop and waited, talking about the fun they had that day and promising to keep in touch. Noin had a pang of regret at the suggestion, knowing that it would be safer for everyone if she had no further contact with her old life, but she did not want to spoil an otherwise perfect day. So, she promised to write and tell Paolo all about her life in the Specials. The boy in turn promised to keep Noin informed of all the local news and about his experiences in high school. At some point, the boy had taken hold of Noin’s free hand without her noticing and they stood holding hands and chatting until the bus arrived. Paolo gripped Noin’s hands tighter as the girl bid good bye and thanked him for escorting her around the little town. Noin noted that he seemed a bit nervous, as though he wanted to say something. She was about to ask what was troubling him when Paolo muttered, "Oh, what the heck," and proceeded to plant a quick but firm kiss on her cheek.
"Arrivederci, Lucretzia. Please, take care of yourself."
Speechless, Noin simply nodded as she stepped onto the bus, turning to wave once more as the vehicle started. She watched Paolo grow gradually smaller as the bus picked up speed until he was completely out of site. The girl placed a small hand delicately to her cheek, covering the spot where Paolo kissed her. Her brow furrowed as she tried to comprehend why he did that…and why she was so pleased. Paolo, after all, was just a nice boy she once attended school with…a nice boy with lovely dark eyes and wavy hair. She finally sat down, twirling her carnation between her fingers, and was embarrassed to see just about everyone on the bus staring at her. Some simply smiled, others chuckled, one elderly woman winked and said, "Nice catch, cara."
Noin didn’t need a mirror to know her face was turning twelve shades of red.
+++++++++++++++++
"Your Excellency." Johnny, mindful of the scores of subordinates scurrying around, formally saluted his older brother, Treize Kushrenada. "Good to have you back, sir. You seem to be recovering well."
The duke returned the salute. "Thank you, Lieutenant and, yes, I am recovering quite well."
The young men continued to make small talk as they walked across the tarmac to a large hanger on the opposite end. As they entered the relative privacy of the large warehouse-like structure, the two dropped all formalities and took up the familiar banter of brothers.
"What is so very important, Johnny, that you had to interrupt my comfortable convalescing?"
"Found yourself a pretty nurse, huh?" Johnny had meant it as a joke, but a fleeting look of sorrow grazed his older brother’s elegant features and the younger man wisely decided not to pursue the matter. "I think when you see what I found, you’ll be very glad I interrupted your nap."
They walked to a colossal doorway at the end of the hanger and Johnny keyed in his code at the security panel. The door slid open with a metallic wail, revealing the cause of all the secrecy and paranoia. Inside, almost filling the enormous chamber, was a mobile suit, but quite obviously no ordinary mobile suit. Its appearance alone set it light-years apart from any model currently in use. The exterior was designed bring forth the image of a fearful dragon from fairytales. Large, spiked wings protruded from the back, a segmented whip lay neatly aligned with the suit’s body. The armaments seemed comparable to current military standards, but overall, the blood-red suit was far from standard issue. According to Johnny, there was an odd program installed in the system, one that no one seemed to be able to understand quite yet. Treize walked around the suit slowly, examining the remarkable design of the ominous machine.
"Well, whoever created this certainly had an interesting aesthetic."
"Ya think?" Johnny replied sarcastically. Only Treize could be impressed with such an evil-looking device. "So what do we do with it?"
"First, brother, we figure out how it works," Treize gazed up at the menacing mobile suit looming before him, "then we use it."
+++++++++++++++++
Zechs had been at Lake Victoria for three months before he started noticing the initials. The incoming class had been divided into two groups, alphabetically A-M and N-Z. Each section attended separate classes, ate at different times, generally had little contact. It was a reasonable command on Treize’s part, considering the huge number of cadets who entered that term, but it had the annoying side effect of creating two separate "camps" of cadets vying for top status. Normally, Zechs found little competition among the other students. Not that he felt superior to his fellow cadets, just that he had been training much longer than the rest and had honed his skills. Gradually, as the class standings shifted and settled, he found himself consistently at the top of the lists whenever scores were posted. His initials and student code were almost invariably first. Almost. Zechs began to note another set of initials, LN, hovering just below his, occasionally and with increasing frequency nudging his out of the top spot.
"MS sims scores have been posted in the cafeteria. Current standings apply through exams."
Zechs followed the crowd of scurrying cadets to the cafeteria, calmly standing aside until the mass of excitement dispersed. He found his name on the list and scowled, one of the few expressions he allowed to grace his countenance these days. His initials were at number one, as expected, but right along side were the initials "LN." Whoever that guy was, he was getting better. They tied this time. After exams, there would be another trial and Zechs was determined not to share top billing again. He was hard pressed to understand how it had happened to begin with. To his knowledge, he was the only cadet who had ever operated an actual mobile suit. The sim chamber was nothing compared to that, so how had this LN person managed to get so good?
"Cadet Marquise!"
Zechs snapped to and was about to salute until he realized it was Johnny barking at him.
"Oh how I adore making you jump, Zechs-boy." Johnny chuckled at the grim look he was receiving and delivered the message entrusted to him. "His Blondness want to see you in his office."
"When?"
"Nowish would be good."
Zechs started for Treize’s office immediately, wondering what might be important enough to the day’s schedule.
+++++++++++++++++
"MS sims scores have been posted in the cafeteria. Current standings apply through exams."
Noin fidgeted in her seat, anxious to be done with the boring class and be on her way to the cafeteria. She might have liked the class, if she didn’t already know half of what the instructor lectured. Noin had been fascinated with astrophysics since she was a small child, studying material adults would have found incomprehensible. Her knowledge was at college level, at least, if not at graduate level. Noin tried her best not to seem bored in the class for fear of appearing arrogant, but on days like this, the girl found it particularly difficult to sit still. It was worse than all those days spent in elementary school, waiting for recess.
Finally, the instructor dismissed class and Noin dashed toward the cafeteria. She knew there would be an impossible crush of people huddled around the bulletin board and she was determined to be first in line. The young cadet made it to the cafeteria in record time, panting as she flung herself at the list. Scanning quickly, Noin found her name in the first slot…right next to that annoying ZM she kept seeing. Darn it. Since being admitted three months ago, Noin had made it her personal mission to displace that cadet from the top spot. It was, however proving to be very difficult. Noin easily made it to the top in all areas of study, only to find ZM one point ahead, one centimeter closer to the target, always a fraction ahead of her best effort. It was beginning to get on her nerves.
"Cadet Noin!"
Noin snapped to as an upperclassman approached. "Yes, sir?"
"His Excellency requests your presence in the fencing hall, A.S.A.P."
Noin turned and headed for the practice hall, wondering what was so important that she had to skip lunch.
+++++++++++++++++
"Hello, Zechs. Come in." Treize waved his young friend over to a chair in front of the large desk. Treize smiled to himself. Three months at Lake Victoria and still the children had not met. This was mostly due to Treize’s own careful separation of the freshman class. He had no desire for the two to meet quite so soon, certainly not by accident, so he made certain they would not. It had taken him some time to formulate an appropriate plan, one that seemed like a coincidental meeting, yet with the preferred impact. Treize finally hit upon an idea after observing one of the lower-classmen’s fencing classes.
"You wanted to see me, sir?"
"I’ve been reviewing your scores…very impressive, even for someone with your advanced skill."
"Thank you sir."
"I have noticed that another cadet seems to be rivaling you quite a bit," Treize continued, glancing up to catch his friend’s reaction. "Also very impressive. You two seem to be trading first place ranking on a regular basis."
"Not by choice, sir…" Zechs frowned as he paused, then asked, "Sir? Do you…do you happen to know that cadet?"
Treize successfully managed to avoid smirking. "We’ve met, yes."
"What is he like?" Zechs shifted in his chair and leaned forward. "I mean, what kind of fighter is he?"
"Perhaps you would like to judge for yourself?"
"How?"
"That is actually why I called you in, Zechs. I’m planning a school-wide fencing tournament. You and the cadet in question are both quite skilled and I see no reason for either of you to participate until the semi-finals. Your names will be added to the schedule when I think it is appropriate. I feel confident that you will, eventually, have the opportunity to face the cadet. Interested?
"Yes sir."
"Very well. Dismissed."
Zechs saluted and returned to classes as Treize left to meet Cadet Noin. When he arrived at the fencing hall, he noted the girl pacing nervously, obviously fearing she was in some sort of trouble. Treize smiled, imagining the look of shocked delight that would grace Lucretzia’s face when she saw her prince once again. Zechs’ reaction was more difficult to visualize. He had become an expert at restraint, or as Johnny often put it, the boy had a perfect poker face. This was one reason Treize expended so much thought on the perfect method of reintroducing the two. He was anxious to see the young count’s emotional mask crack, even just a bit.
"Cadet Noin."
Noin pulled herself to attention and saluted crisply. "Your Excellency. You wanted to see me sir?"
"Yes, cadet. I was wondering if you might be interested in a little duel…"
+++++++++++++++++++++
Zechs paced in the men’s locker room. Three weeks of duels, eliminating each opponent in turn until no one was left…no one except the elusive LN. He waited impatiently for the match to be called. He had few real challenges among the assembly of cadets at LVA and the idea of fighting someone who might actually defeat him made Zechs unexpectedly nervous. He mentally replayed previous matches in his mind, noting mistakes, reminding himself of successful moves. He was excited to finally face someone of the same fighting caliber, who would challenge his abilities and push him to his limits. Regardless of the outcome, it would be a marvelous match.
"You’re up, kid." Johnny stuck his head in the door and nodded at the younger boy. "Good luck. Wish I could stay and watch you win."
"Thanks Johnny."
Treize had ordered that the fencing hall be completely empty during the tournament’s final duel, insisting on acting as referee personally. Zechs put on his mask and gripped the handle of his fencing foil. The boy took a deep breath and stepped out into the hall. Treize and the other cadet, also masked, were already on the mat, talking quietly. The duke greeted his young friend and called the cadets to attention.
"En garde."
The match began slowly, each cadet trying to get a feel for the other’s style and strategy. The pace quickened and each, in turn, advanced and retreated, moving with more boldness and skill as time passed. Soon, the two were dueling in a flurry of blades, the sound of clanking metal echoing through the empty hall. Parry, thrust. Advance, retreat. The match continued for what seemed like hours, the participants so perfectly matched that neither found a weakness to exploit. The frustration built steadily within each cadet, pushing them to the edge of anger. They fought their emotions, well aware of the danger of allowing the distraction. A duel should be fought with cold calculation, not passion. The infuriating equality between them eventually got the better of the cadets and each lunged forward, eager to take a chance and end the stalemate. One cadet ducked as the other sidestepped, both brought their blades up at the same moment, scoring a legal hit at precisely the same instant. An eerie silence fell over the room as the cadets stood unmoving, their blades pressed into each other. After a tense moment, Treize declared a tie and congratulated his young students.
"Well done, both of you." He glanced from one to the other. "I suppose it is time for introductions, yes?"
The cadets stepped away from each other and saluted just before Treize spoke again.
"Cadet Lucretzia Noin, I’d like to present Cadet Zechs Marquise."
A soft gasp drifted over from the girl’s direction and the boy visibly stiffened. The jerked their masks off in the same second, dropping the headgear and their foils to the ground with a violent clatter. Treize studied the two for a short time, pleased with the success of his plan. The prince and the songbird, reunited at last.
"Well, I shall leave you two to get acquainted." Treize bowed and made his way to the exit, barely acknowledged by the stunned cadets. "There are hundreds of cadets waiting to hear the outcome of this match. If you’ll excuse me."
Zechs stared in disbelief. It couldn’t be her…but it was. He watched as the girl’s stunned expression softened to one of pure delight. Large violet eyes sparkled as a shining smile spread her cherubic face. Noin. Bright, kind, giggling Noin was alive. A burst of pure elation blossomed in the young boy’s heart, only to be quickly marred by an equally sudden surge of self-loathing and shame. Oh God, why now? Why did he have to see her now? He couldn’t be her friend now. Not now. It was too late. He had fallen too far, committed the most heinous crime man is capable of…he killed. She couldn’t find out, he couldn’t allow her to know. Noin would hate him, he was certain of it. He could endure almost anything—but he could not bear her hatred. It was the one thing he was sure would destroy him. Without realizing it, the boy began to rub his palm roughly, unconsciously trying to erase an invisible stain that could never be removed.
Zechs continued to stare at the girl in shock as she approached, his shame building with her every step. Noin was the last link to a life he thought was gone forever. The physical reminder of a boy who died, even as he killed. Now here she was, smiling at him with such joy, peeking from beneath unruly locks of raven hair. The same shy look she gave him when they first met in that forest so long ago, when she first timidly used his secret name. The fairy princess who saved a little boy from loneliness. Noin stopped in front of him, offering her hand and, once again, her friendship…dressed in white, the picture of innocence. Zechs felt the knot in his stomach tighten, sickness rising in his throat threatening to choke him. He was a vile murderer. He couldn’t taint Noin with his weakness and anger. He couldn’t…
"Congratulations, Zechs."
Noin smiled at the boy, glowing with every ounce of happiness she felt. He was alive. She knew it all along, deep in her heart, but it didn’t lessen the shock. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon, but always knew it would happen. The boy had grown quite tall during their separation, now standing several inches above her. His cloud-white hair was a bit longer, floating about his face in messy layers to almost hide his sky-blue eyes. Zechs was home. She started towards him, half believing it was a dream that would burst at any moment. Noin had to make sure this was real. She stood in front of her dear friend, the first person she ever cared about. Zechs was alive…the boy who saved her from a lonely journey through a cold world, who risked his father’s wrath to be her friend, the Prince of the Clouds. Noin had to tilt her head up to look at his face. He was rubbing his palm idly and looked every bit as astounded as Noin felt. The girl smiled radiantly and held out her hand, congratulating Zechs on a good match. He hesitated for a long moment before accepting the gesture, barely enclosing her small hand before quickly releasing it.
"Good match, Cadet Noin," Zechs said coldly as he turned to stalk out of the practice hall.
Noin froze as Zechs left her standing alone on the mat. Her friend’s aloofness struck the girl with the force of a hand across the face but infinitely more painful. Noin was too stunned to move and could only stand there, watching her best friend walk away. Walk away as though she meant nothing to him. Noin’s brain screamed at her to go after him, to call after him, do something…anything…to keep him from leaving. She couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from Zechs again, but her body ignored the frantic pleas of her heart and the girl remained motionless, frozen in place like a statue. A single tear slid down her cheek as Zechs exited the fencing hall. The sharp crack of a door slamming echoed through the building, mocking the sound of a broken heart.
+++++++++++++++++ End Chapter 3 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
…[sound of crickets chirping]…