Official Quote : They don't have Gundams, they have wings.

A/N : I just want to say sorry.

It really has been too long, and so I can only apologize to you, dear readers, hoping that somehow you can find the heart to forgive this poor excuse of an author. I try to make amends in this one chapter, meaning it to be an apology offering. Especially for these wonderful people who have given me support : dearest Illico (I'm sorry it took so long), dear talkstoangels77 (*bows deeply*, just… sorry!), dear ArticTwilight (thank you for adding this story to your story alert), dear JasLine (dear… are you still there…?), dear XxHaku-Spirited-Away-RoseXxXx and dear PyscoticBladeKitty (thanks for adding Wings to your favourite story list), dear Hitsugaya's GreenEyes (…sorry I'm so slow, hope you also like this one), dear Storms-winter (my latest reviewer, you encouraged me to continue… thank you!). This chapter may not be good enough, but I hope you can have little joy in reading it. Here we go!

Wings

-a Gundam Wing Fanfiction-

Chapter Eight : Barrier

~o~

barrier n 1 obstruction, hindrance, impediment 2 a limit or boundary of any kind 3 something that separates or holds apart.

~" Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people."~

"Lady! M'lady!" a shouting voice, followed by rushing steps echoing through the stone hall.

The elegantly-dressed lady who was sitting in the salon threw a pointedly disapproving look across her desk. The page squirmed under her gaze, immediately squared his shoulder and bowed to amend his manner.

"I'm sorry to disturb your work, M'lady," he said, "I have news."

She put down the papers in her hands, which were mostly the letters from the lords and other noblemen, all reprimanding similar topic : the newly-found princess of Sanq. The lady held the urge to sigh, dully wishing that it wasn't about the Dermail again.

"Go on," she said, thinking about a way to deal with the short-tempered duke.

"It is His Excellency, M'Lady," the unexpected sentences got her full attention instantly, "We've got a message that he is arriving this noon."

"…he is?" she whispered to herself, her burden suddenly lifting.

The page stood uncomfortably at his spot, waiting for Her Ladyship's reply. It was after some awkward silence he initiated to ask. "…Lady?"

The lady regained her composure quickly, giving the man a nod, before ordering to prepare all the needed preparation for His Lordship's arrival. Then, after the page withdrew, she stared out her window, quite impatient in waiting.

His Lordship, Treize Kushrenada, was finally returning to the capital.

-.-.-

It was a clear day, the beginning of their journey.

The sun was bright and daring, its rays touching wispy clouds as they sped along. Relena stayed on her saddle, quiet and almost unmoving, as the cavalry brought her farther and farther from the castle.

Turning from one last look of the land behind, she blinked against the strong wind, trying to focus on the view ahead. The expanse of sky, and nothing else but the light orange clouds : in wisps, clumps, and wads.

Flying away, drifting on the wind… what it felt like?

The feeling of flying, for all she had experienced, was amazing. The sense of wind touching bare skin, the changing glimpses of scenery that could only be seen as one passed along, gaining speed, sliding cross the air. The feeling was liberating, exciting, joyful.

Living in a world of many restrictions, despite of having her own set of wings, she had no freedom to fly. And she had thought happily, that in spite of anything, this travel was the chance she never had, the actualization of what she always longed to try.

To soar. To fly.

No matter whether nothing else came out of this.

Pushing down the uncertainty which is building in the back of her mind, she grasped onto her only sheer thought. And she held on.

-.-.-

The scowl on Duke Dermail's face fell in the end of the explanation of the plan.

The bearded duke opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again in his failing attempt to speak. Even she had to admit that his gaping looked peculiarly out of place on the duke's usually vicious countenance. Carefully maintaining her impassive expression, Lady Une took a glance to her side.

Her lord, Treize Kushrenada, sat calmly behind the desk, a confident smile plastered on his handsome face.

"I would like to hear your opinion, duke," he said, leaning slightly toward the conference table, "What do you think about this plan?"

The older man coughed deeply, covering up his shock, before answered. "It is… an interesting suggestion."

"It is, isn't it?" folding his arm, he touched his chin thoughtfully, "But there is one problem."

The duke threw him a curious stare. "What kind of problem?"

"Oh not that big of problem actually," he assured with a casual wave, "I'm just not quite sure how to present our plan to the rest of Romefeller members. It is too… unsafe to be relayed indirectly, don't you think so?"

Noting the intentional use of the word "our" in her lord's persuasive voice, she wondered whether Duke Dermail was aware of it.

"We can arrange a meeting. Secretly of course."

From his nod and the serious expression on the duke's face, apparently he didn't notice it. Nor did he notice a flash of contented smirk which crossed the corner of her lord's lips.

"Precisely as you say," the young lord agreed, "With OZ's current position in Alliance, we can't afford to raise suspicion."

She listened the two noblemen conversed, watching how her lord pleasantly winning the difficult duke over, admiring his political brilliance.

And she was, once again, awed by him. Was there any other man who could take matters into his hands so smoothly?

-.-.-

She was sorry for ever wishing for the chance.

Relena had stopped trying to keep her hood at place, since the wind would persistently disclose the hood again as soon as she put it on her head. Instead she sat still, sparks of evening sunlight caught in her uncovered gold hair, illuminating her fair skin with a glow that warmed her. Twirling gaily, her long coat whirling in a graceful arc, caught in the breeze.

It was unfortunate that, unlike the appearance, the princess didn't feel very well.

Her mouth felt bitter, her head was spinning, and her stomach was flipping. Despite her best effort not to, she felt like she was about to throw up.

She experienced the longest record of flying in her life, yes, and definitely the worst air-sickness ever. And for the umpteenth time that day, she was sorry for ever wishing for the chance.

-.-.-

The sun was beginning to set when Lucrezia Noin caught a sight of the only girl in their military group. She was with two men, presumably had just come from filling their water containers at the nearest river bank. Noin watched the soldiers awkwardly took the containers from her hands, mumbling quick thanks, and then showed her a place to sit at the center of their camp.

She simpered. Her subordinates was clearly unused to a lass's presence in their journey, moreover one with such high nobility, who apparently had a tendency to try to help.

Noin had just turned around when a gust of cold wind blew down the campsite and a tiny sneezing sound was heard from her back. The princess, who was now standing near the campfire, shivered a bit before sitting down, quietly resuming her interested observation at the rest of the group.

Delicate and refined and unused to hardship. Going to fetch a blanket, she pulled down an amused smile which was threatening to come out. Yet not even one single uttering of complaint.

An unusual princess, definitely.

-.-.-

A fit of unfathomable worry seized her heart. Relena sighed, dropping her stare from the working soldiers around, feeling out of place.

She scooted closer to the fire, warming herself from the cold night. Trying to wear on nonchalant face, she contemplated all things which had happened these few days, and the possibilities which would happen the days ahead. What would happen after she arrived there? What should she do? Would she be welcomed, or be rejected, or even worse... be neglected?

Was she really not able to come home...?

Another shiver ran down her back, this time not because of the cold, but of fear. She prayed that all things would, by any chance, turn out well. She had to be strong. This journey was her decision after all.

Gleam of the fire reflected in her eyes as she took another minute to steel herself. She broke her muse however, when a call came from her side, and she found Miss Noin stood with a warm smile, offering her a cloth of blanket. "Cold?"

"A little," she answered, embarrassed for having been caught out.

She stood up, taking the cloth from Miss Noin's hand, thanking her. The corner of her eyes saw a sheave of twig hold by the lieutenant's other hand, and she unthinkingly asked, "May I help with that?"

The older woman went quiet, obviously didn't expect her question. Then she broke out a small grin and replied, "Sure. I don't see why not."

Inhaling a relief breath, a smile crossed her lips. She understood well that she didn't have a place here. For that reason, she felt that she had to find one.

-.-.-

One and a half day more from the kingdom of Sanq.

The only information he could get was about the destination of their journey, and in fact, he wanted to spy out more. But someone might notice his trail, he considered as he threw another look around, dragging his eyes from the cloaked figures. In order to maintain his safe hound, the proper procedure was to cop out.

So he withdrew to a further distance, watching the cavalry getting ready for the night. Until the darkness came to end the day.

He ensured the safety of his hiding spot, and closed his eyes.

A glimpse of a certain golden haired girl crossed his mind, though he purposely cleared it out.

He wouldn't dream tonight. Dreams of her were but a cold comfort when the flesh and the blood was but a few steps away.

-.-.-

"We shall separate here."

Three other figures in the shadow nodded in agreement.

"I'll take the House of Lords."

"Chateau du Brume Gris. I'm going to follow the duke."

"Guess the Alliance Base is my part then, hope I can find somethin' there," the long haired boy commented as he stood, "What about you?"

"I shall stay here," the last guy replied, his ever kind blue eyes darkened uncharacteristically, "I have a feeling that there is something more in Treize Kushrenada's plan."

-.-.-

...

The calling, the calling.

Don't you hear the call?

She has arrived, our dearest one, the princess has returned to us.

...

-.-.-

After another full day of flying, she was happier than ever when the cavalry finally dove towards the ground.

Relena stared down expectantly as they gradually losing height, trying to get a clearer sight of the view of the land. She braced herself against the shock of their landing, taking Miss Noin's hand to get her down her mount.

Looking onward, she held her breath and asked, "Have we arrived?"

Miss Noin lowered her head a little and gave her a small smile. And she just stared.

It was a lonely place. A quiet field which was covered by thin mist, looking intimidating in its own way, raising worry in people' hearts. She couldn't believe that it was her homeland.

"There are still a few yards from the more populated region," the explanation snapped her attention back to Miss Noin, "We could spend the night here before heading there tomorrow, if you like."

She gazed afar, noticing the sunlight getting dimmer, darkening the land before her. In all truth, she was exhausted by their flight before, and the prospect of travelling in the dark night didn't sound much appealing. "I would prefer that."

The dark haired lieutenant nodded slightly, directing her troops towards a more closed area. And the princess stared out a little bit more, as if enchanted by the view, before turning to follow them.

-.-.-

Noin was surprised to find the princess staring idly at her when she walked into their shared tent. She was sitting on her mattress, her blanket wrapped around her shoulders, half hugging her knees.

"Miss Noin," she greeted, lifting her head.

She examined her, the girl was now continuing her seemingly blank stare at the tent's entrance. Following her eyes, she stared too, trying to find something different outside. She didn't find it though. For all she saw with her eyes, there were only empty field covered in slight mist and a group of trees at the furthermost.

Wondering what had caught her attention so much, she questioned, "What are you staring at?"

She squinted a little, "...nothing," giving up her stare, she added with a smile, "Just my feeling."

Noin gave her a confused look, then smiled back. She walked to the center of their tent to dim the lantern and the princess lied back on her mattress. She just pulled off her boots when she was called again, "...miss Noin?"

Putting her military boots aside, she saw her tilting her neck to her, "Yes?"

"Do you...," she hesitated, "...hear something?"

She listened curiously for a while, "No. Just sound of wind. Why?"

Her face fell then, and she shook her head before waving her off with a funny smile, "Oh well, don't mind me."

Failing to comprehend her conduct, Noin just wondered what was wrong with the girl.

-.-.-

After tomorrow, his mission of trailing her would be accomplished.

He couldn't understand why he felt discomforted by the thought. He should be happy. This job was, although important in its own way, too mundane. In simpler words, it was more or less... boring. He had a better mission.

The elders had informed him of the development in the Capital. He would send his final report of this journey, asking for a new job. They would assign him to a different place, predictably joining his comrades in the Capital, he would have to set off immediately.

And he would never see her again.

Why..., he jerked with a start, What am I thinking about?

Annoyed with his thought, he jumped off the tree he had been sitting these past hours. He'd better clear his mind. Consciously pulling his gaze from the tent, Heero walked to the opposite direction from the campsite. He would come back later.

She was still going to be there tomorrow anyway.

-.-.-

She curled on her mattress, telling herself to sleep.

Laying down with half closed lids, she idly estimated how many minutes had passed. Almost an hour, at the most. From the silence of their tent, she guessed Miss Noin had been asleep. It was no wonder actually, they both had a tiring day.

Why she hadn't fallen asleep yet?

Wrapping her blanket tighter, Relena tried to blank her mind. As Miss Noin had said, there was nothing. The sound and the light had to be her imagination. She had to rest.

Satisfied with her resolution, Relena closed her eyes and willed her exhaustion bring her to sleep.

-.-.-

The most impossible fantasy it was, what he had stumbled upon. His very one reverie.

Stopping dead in his track, he froze in his stare. It was dark, for it had been long since the sun set, and sound of the wind was the only sound heard in the silent night. He was certain that the group in his watch was sleeping. They had to be.

He had, apparently, dreamed too much.

I can't let myself have these weird delusions.

Shaking his head, Heero tried to reprimand the supposedly imaginative figurine out of his sight.

Not when I know that it is no longer true.

-.-.-

She thought she was dreaming again that night.

Heavy mist covered her senses, and she barely acknowledged her surroundings. Vaguely she managed to make out the outlines of the trees from the darkness behind. She felt she recognized the view somehow.

Was it a light glowing in the midst of the trees?

She touched the path of light with her toes, surprised to find herself floating, not touching the ground below. And again, she tried to decipher the overwhelming familiar feeling which was pining at her heart.

Something was calling out to her…

-.-.-

Awakened from her sleep, Noin blinked in the dim lightning of her canvas tent. Waiting her eyes adjust to the darkness, she spared a glance to the messy bundle of cloth at her side.

Then she let out a gasp.

"…princess?"

-.-.-

By the time he realized that it was not one of his illusions, she had been far into the night.

Heero ran, laboring his lungs in attempt to catch glimpse of her shadow, which almost lost in the exuberance of the forest. The one in his trail just went farther, slipping effortlessly through the maze of wood, seemed unaffected by the diminishing light.

Giving all his might not to let her lost from his sight, he groused in his dismay, at the girl, at the indolent guards in duty, and at himself.

-.-.-

Holding her step, she realized that she was no longer stand among the trees.

Before her was an open field, starless sky above clouds of heavy mist. There was no place to stand on, no ground to place her footing. And when she stared, slight glow came from under the mist, flickering in a rhythmic pattern. A glow which she thought looked brighter by each gleam.

It was like standing on the edge of the world, like being called into heaven.

A zephyr brought wisp of the white mist to touch her face, and she shuddered from its coldness.

And somewhere in her entranced mind, Relena thought this one dream felt more realistic than ever.

-.-.-

Heero Yuy didn't scream.

He might have done it though, if only his breath didn't catch in his throat, seeing the golden haired girl in front of him walk onto the mist. And disappear into the depths below.

It felt like the world froze, the time stood still…

Then one second later his logical mind returned, and the strong, numbing sensation of unbelievable fear ebbed away. He was foolish for being scared.

Hurriedly he ran over, peering over the cliff, searching for a sight of white wings. Just to be stunned again by the sight he saw.

She didn't fall. Correction, she did float down. Yet it seemed that the land below her moved up towards her, accommodating her fall. Relief washed through him when she landed safely on the ground, before quickly being replaced by mesmerization.

It was not ground on her feet. It was an illuminating path of crystal, formed by streaks of sparkling dust – tiny fragments of stone which was rising to live, buoying through the mist. Faint light spread throughout the field, and the magical dust drawn together, blithely twirling around their princess.

He watched her shone in the absolute darkness, like a fictitious living being which never existed in any world. And the boy, who was standing on the shadowy edge of the shining ground, felt that he had been left out.

-.-.-

There were other people at the other side of the field, who shared the same view. An entire castle was rebuilding in front of their own eyes.

The cavalry, in search of the princess, had entered the debris of palatial court. And they found her, exactly at that place, in her way to the very throne, the palace of Sanq.

The old, sacred land of magic was apparently welcoming her precious princess. They were struck by the display, dazed, amazed, too astounded to advance further.

The sight too, made any doubts left in Noin's heart cease to exist. Lord Treize, with his incomprehendable ways, had brought back the true princess. Her Royal Highness, Princess Relena Peacecraft of Sanq.

-.-.-

End of Chapter Eight

~o~

A/N : I revised this chapter! Around four thousand words now. Still shorter than before, though.

None the less, this is all I've got for the time being, and I will be grateful if you appreciate it. I also want to apologize that I can't promise immediate installment of the next chapter – for I soon will be busy again. But I've had imaginary, rough draft. And here it is.

It is the end of their journey. Will it also mean the end of their togetherness?

~"Both of them were haunted by strange encounters. It was him, who realized the need to withdraw."~

(Chapter Nine : Proxy)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for you all. Thank you for reading!