Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Sangue e Morte ❯ Chapter 2

Part 2

An ornate carriage traveled down the cobblestone avenue, its occupant unaware of the death that lurked within the city streets of Paris. The young man, intense and silent, stared out of the window and took in the sights of Paris. He was of average height, messy brown hair that refused to cooperate. His piercing ice-cold blue eyes stared out into the streets, never missing a thing. His carriage was that of a nobleman, but his clothes spoke otherwise.

The young man in question was of Japanese descent. The intensity of his visage was common in the warrior clans of that race. Sitting in the carriage silently, the young man stared out of the window as the carriage came to a halt in front of the Versailles. As the carriage moved forward, the young man watched as a couple stood at the steps, attired in the finest current French fashion. His blue eyes took in the pair silently, never saying a word.

Coming to a halt in front of the pair, the footman stepped from the carriage and opened the door. He placed a footstool at the edge of the door, allowing the silent young man to exit the carriage. He was attired in a long black silk kimono. A grey sash encircling his waist. Exiting the carriage, he gazed at the two before him.

A man and a woman stood, both dashing in their finery. The man, long platinum blonde hair cascading down his back, bowed before the young man humbly. His crystal blue eyes took in the simple attire of the younger man, noting the threadbare clothing.

The woman, honey-blonde hair crowning the top of her head in an intricate braid, gazed with admiration at the youth. She was certainly no older than the young Japanese boy, but she carried herself as if she were a woman many years older. Her blue eyes spoke volumes, wisdom evident in her carriage. Yet there was brashness to her, especially as she gazed at the young man before her. She curtseyed, never taking her eyes from his.

The young man bowed in return to the man and woman. He stared indifferently at them, already hating this place. He missed his home. His family…

He snorted to himself silently. What family? After his disgrace, he had been disinherited from his family. His father wanted nothing to do with him. Had effectively stricken him from all family records.

"Ah. Monsieur Yuy. I am pleased to see that you have arrived."

The blonde man bowed once more, as the woman curtseyed, parting a path for the newcomer. This man, tall and dashing in the latest French court regalia, approached. Short reddish blonde hair was styled daringly and the blue eyes took in all that was near him.

He bowed formally, his arm sweeping to take in their surroundings. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I am Treize Khushrenada, Advisor to Their Majesties. Behind me are two dear friends that agreed to meet you. His Highness, Prince Milliard Peacecraft and his sister, Princess Relena Peacecraft."

The young Japanese youth turned his face to the two, then bowed low at the waist. "I am honored that you would have me here, Treize-sama."

"Please. Treize will be fine. And I believe you should introduce yourself." Treize remarked curtly. His eyes took in the young man, gauging his reaction.

The boy stiffened, offense dripping from him. He swallowed his initial reaction and bowed. "Of course. One must abide by local customs at all times." He turned to Milliard and Relena. "Forgive me. My culture does not have…introductions. My name is Heero Yuy."

Relena smiled. She finally had a name for the handsome young man. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Heero…"

His face darkened. Treize shook his head. "Please Relena. We do not wish to offend our guest. Only those of close kin can call him by his first name. I think for right now Yuy-san would be sufficient?" Heero nodded. "Good. I have requested their Highnesses to show you around. Get you settled. We will discuss your…business later."

Heero gritted his teeth. He knew this was just a way to get him under control. Having these two show him around would insure he didn't stumble upon anything of interest. Keeping his true feelings hidden, he bowed once again. "Thank you, Treize-sama. I am…honored."

Treize hid a smile. The boy was anything but honored. Inclining his head in acknowledgement, he turned on his heel and left.

For a long moment, Heero stood, saying nothing. His Prussian blue eyes took in the two before him. He would have dismissed them as servants, if not for the titles Treize had bestowed on them.

Relena watched the young man with great interest. He was certainly like no one she had ever met. Her upbringing, however, prevented her from striking up a conversation. Not that she expected him to answer her, if she did. She looked to her brother, noticing for the first time the look on his face.

Milliard was not pleased. Not in the least. It was painfully obvious he did not like this boy. Relena sighed to herself. That would make things difficult.

Gazing at the boy coldly, Milliard indicated to the left. "If you will follow us, we will show you to your quarters."

"Hn."

Milliard's eyebrow shot upwards, his fingers clenched in a fist. He gazed at the boy for a moment, expecting trouble. When nothing occurred, he snorted and turned, leading the way into the palace.

* * * *

Quatre Raberba Winner looked out the window of his couch as they traveled through the streets of Paris. His father sat across from him, watching his every move. Ever since Quatre had slipped away to join a local carnival, his father had been angry beyond reason. Dr. Winner had one of his loyal retainers, Rashid, go and recover his son.

When Quatre returned, Dr. Winner was fit to be tied. He had raged on and on for what seemed like days about Quatre's responsibilities. Even now, he could still here his father's rantings.

"How could you abandon your family…abandon me! And for what?! Some circus performers!"

"They weren't circus performers! They were artists! I don't want to run the company! I want to perform my music!"

"You have no choice! You will do as you're told!"

Which led him here…Paris. His father didn't know it, but this is where he had always wanted to visit. Paris…the city of lights. Romance on every corner. Where artists were free to express themselves. Where he hoped to continue his music lessons.

Of course, his father knew nothing of this. All that Dr. Winner knew, was his son was to attend the University. What Dr. Winner didn't know was that Quatre had rearranged his classes. He was now only taking the bare minimum required to remain. The rest of his time would be at music lessons…lessons he hoped would give him enough experience to where he could get a job as a musician. That was his goal. He didn't care if he made any money. He just wanted a chance to play his music for others.

Music was his passion. Nothing in the entire world could drive him like music. He had learned many different instruments, including the harpsichord. But his true love was the violin. It could take him places he had never thought possible on a harpsichord or any other instrument. The only other instrument he had found to equal it was the flute.

Quatre came out of his thoughts abruptly as the carriage stopped. He looked out, swallowing. He hadn't expected the University to be so large! 'What did you expect?! This isn't Egypt. This is Paris!' Filled with excitement, he quickly followed his father out of the carriage. He listened absently as his father spoke with the headmaster. It was so hard to contain his excitement and joy. This was like a dream come true for him.

"…and I want to make sure he has NO music courses…"

At those words, Quatre began to pay attention to his father's words. No music courses?!

"But sir. Music is part of the curriculum here. As are all the arts…"

"NO. No music. No art. Nothing but business courses. I'm paying you enough to follow my request."

"Yes sir. As you wish."

Quatre groaned silently. He was doomed.

Dr. Winner and the headmaster spoke for a few more minutes, then Dr. Winner turned to his son. "I expect to hear from you regularly. Stay out of trouble, my son."

"I will Father."

"Good." Turning on his heel, Dr. Winner re-entered the carriage and it set off for the docks. Quatre sighed, turning back to the headmaster.

He grinned at the discontented young man. "Don't worry son. Your father may be paying for this, but he can't dictate your curriculum. Only the board can do that. Besides, I believe you have…enough courses." He grinned, winking.

Quatre blinked. He hadn't expected this. "Uhhh…yes sir."

"Good, good." The headmaster handed Quatre a piece of paper. "That has your classes and your dorm assignment. You may wish to take an apartment off campus of course. That is your prerogative."

"Yes sir. I will. Thank you!"

"You're quite welcome, young man. I completely understand where you're coming from. Enjoy yourself here, but do continue your education. So many young ones don't and they end up regretting it later."

"Oh, no sir! I will! Thank you so much!"

"No trouble. Now off with you. I have more important things to attend to. Your classes won't start for another week so that should give you time to get settled." He gave Quatre another wink, then turned and left.

Quatre stared after the man, unable to believe his good fortune. His father had already informed him of his allowance. It would be enough for him to live off of and pay rent on an apartment off campus. Just barely.

Smiling, Quatre finally allowed himself to take in his surroundings. The La Sorbonné stood prominently, offering knowledge and camaraderie. The granite spires of the university seemed to stretch out into the sky, offering knowledge to any who would enter its walls. Stone pillars, etched with carvings of biblical scenes decorated the walls.

Pleased, Quatre turned from the large complex. He was free to do, as he wanted for the first time in his life. Clutching the money purse to him, he strode into the depths of Paris. He had much to do before the school term began.