Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, etc.

AN: Okay… this is my first AU, so please don't hate me for it, okay? The main pairing is TBxRP. K?

Broken Wings and Battle Scars…

Relena hastily closed the book in front of her, letting out a sigh, as she rubbed her temples. Her head hurt from having to read such a heartbreaking book about mission trips by missionaries to the darkest spots in Africa, and most remote areas of China. All of the people that had died in their arms, the children that were slaves, and malnourished and starving, beaten and abused… What kind of person could cause such cruelty, and what kind of person could live through it? She stopped, looking down at her soaking wet handkerchief, and again sighing. The only thing that she could do for those people would be to cry for them, and pray that their misery be ended. She looked around, her life was nothing like those in the books she read; she was pampered, looked after, and her every whim seen to. This was the life of those who were born fortunate and into wealth. She pushed the thoughts of the children from the book to the back of her mind, it wasn't fitting to be gloomy when one's life was as splendid as hers. With servants waiting on her hand and foot, obeying her every command. But they weren't slaves, no. There was a big difference between slavery and servant hood. Servants were paid, fed, clothed, and taken care of; slaves were not. And Relena didn't really view her servants as "Servants", they were more than that, some were actually her friends. There was Catherine and Sylvia. Though Catherine was her best friends, Sylvia was still a friend too. Though Relena didn't confide in her nearly as much as the other girl because Sylvia was different from Catherine; she was more interested in romance, men, money, and the hope of becoming wealthy by marriage one day, and there really wasn't much that the two had in common, but she was always kind, and willing to try and help. But there was a world of difference between Relena and Sylvia.

"Miss Relena? It's time for tea. Would you like it in here, or would you prefer it in the parlor?" Catherine's voice called as she quietly entered the silent room, seeing Relena she gasped, "Why Miss Relena! Whatever is wrong?! You've been crying!" Relena forced a smile,

"It's nothing for you to fret about Catherine. I was just reading about those people of Africa that are less fortunate than ourselves." Catherine's expression relaxed some, though some sadness shown through her eyes,

"Yes, I've read some about those people, but you really mustn't dwell on the thought of them, it's much too depressing. We must pray, and believe that their suffering will be rewarded and soon end, and do what we can to help others avoid it." she smiled, "Now, would you like your tea now?"

"Yes. I'll have it in here, Catherine." She nodded curtly,

"Yes ma'am." Relena, sat her book on the stand next to her chair, sighing quietly. She just couldn't forget the children from the book though, she could almost she there small faces in her mind, and the pain in their eyes. She could almost hear their cries, and see their tears. She could almost feel the same pain that they were going through…

"Miss Relena, you are very fortunate. You possess the power and ability to make a difference in the world we live in. You can help change peoples lives, you are able to help prevent that kind of tragedy from happening here. But it is up to you to use that power to the fullest." Catherine whispered quietly as she poured a cup of steaming tea.

"You know Catherine, you are very correct. I should take advantage of the gift that I've be given. I can do a great deal to help those people."

"Well, if I may be so bold… you don't have to even help those people. There are people here that are suffering the same fate as those in the darkest regions of Africa and China. Start small, and get bigger. But that's only my personal opinion, Miss. The decision is really yours."

"Catherine, you amaze me! You are a very wise woman." Catherine shook her head,

"No ma'am. Not wise. Knowledgeable. I know what those people feel, and the pain in which they suffer daily as they fight to survive sickness and starvation, because I was once one of them. But I was one of the more fortunate ones, I met someone kind enough to see me as a human being and give me a chance, if it weren't for him, I'd most likely be another person to have died all alone, and never be missed…." her voice trailed off as she stared absently at the cup of tea on the tray. Her words surprised and saddened me, while at the same time gave me hope, if someone were to have helped her, maybe there were others out there besides myself that cared for these people.

"Him? Who is 'him'?" I inquired, placing my chin in my hand, Catherine blinked, awakening from her daydream. She quickly handed me my cup, and stood back, clasping her hands in front of her,

"He is the man that saved me. I don't know who he is, or where he came from, I just know that he appeared out of no where. I never got the chance to look at his face, it was hidden by the shadows, but I could see his eyes, glowing through the darkness. They were a deep green, like an emerald, beautiful, yet… sad. He gave me instructions to go to a shop, were I would meet an elderly lady, I gave her a note he had given me. She bathed, fed, and dressed me up, then sent me here. And that's how I have gotten to where I am today."

"And what of your family?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. Again, Catherine shook her head, her gaze averting to the ground,

"I haven't any." I smiled, taking a sip of my tea,

"Well then we are both indebted to this man. For I am very grateful to him for providing me with such a loyal servant and faithful friend." Catherine raised her head to look at me, and smiled.

~~*~~

"And how is my darling Black Knight today, Marcus?" Relena asked, reaching up to pet the horse's black nose. Hearing movement behind her, she turned to look back at the stable boy, barely thirteen, he was tall, yet thin. He nodded in the direction of the horse,

"Tis well. Itching for a good run, though. He has a wild spirit, and needs not be kept in a stable all day long, miss. Much like yourself." he blushed slightly as he spoke the last sentence. Marcus was smitten with Relena, it was easy to see. She often caught him watching her when he thought she wasn't aware. But he also knew it was impossible for him to do anything but admire her from afar, him a stable hand, and her, daughter to the wealthy Peacecraft's. Though Relena had no real desire to be courted by anyone, despite her mother's pleas, and the numerous request by men from town. Relena saw herself as a free spirit, one that longed to be able to fly away, to soar in the sky among the sun, moon, and stars… Relena sighed, that was impossible, she was too bound down by title, class, and duties. She would one day have to marry, she was almost sixteen, and if she didn't start showing interest in one man soon, she'd be forced to choose a husband.

She mounted her horse. But… until then, she could escape from it all with her horse, riding away into the wind, leaving all of her cares, obligations, and problems lost in the wind that whipped around her. She rode faster and faster, racing to get away, not caring where to, as long as she was away. She stopped, coming to a shimmering lake, surrounded by blossoming trees. She gazed in awe at it's beauty, as she allowed her horse to get a drink from the cool water. Her reflection was mirrored back up at her, she stared at it a moment, before an earth shattering crash caused her to jump. Looking up, she realized that a storm was brewing, the sky black with dark clouds. And all at once, the rain poured down, instantly soaking her through, she pulled the horse under the shelter of the trees. There was no way the rain would stop soon, it was coming down too hard. She looked around, from which direction had she come? It was dark and she could see very far out in front of her. It would be absurd to try and make it back home in these conditions, but she couldn't just stay here. She was all alone, wet, and unprotected! The sky lit up periodically with a brilliant and terrifying flash of light, as the thunder seemed to explode from the sky. Wait! What was that? A dim light… a lantern! Someone was out there!

"Hello?" she yelled, but the storm drowned out her voice. Tugging on the Black Knight's reins, she walked towards the lantern. Only to her dismay, it moved away from her. Quickening her pace, she trudged after it, but it only led her farther and farther away. Suddenly, it disappeared all together, and Relena found herself standing in front of a massive castle that loomed over her, drearily. She swallowed nervously. Maybe it was because of the storm and lightening that gave it such a haunting and eerie appearance, but just looking at the castle sent chills down Relena spin. Slowly, the tall iron gates opened with a long and bone chilling moan. Gathering all of her courage, Relena had no choice but to enter…

AN: THIS IS A TBxRP FIC! IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE THOUGHT OF TBxRP, DO NOT CONTINUE READING THIS FIC, BUT I PROMISE THAT IF YOU DO, IT WILL BE WELL WORTH YOUR TIME! ^^ AND PLEASE REVIEW SO THAT I KNOW SOMEONE LIKES THIS FIC SO THAT I'LL CONTINUE IT! THANX!