The show was spectacular. He applauded and laughed at everything. Part of him knew he should’ve taken Divinity to see, but he could ask her when he went back to work. Thinking of the dreaded word, he forcefully pushed it from his mind, not wanting to know it existed on his rare time off.

Just before the crowd dissipated, he left his seat to go and congratulate Trowa and Catherine on a grand performance. Winding his way through some people, he found the back entrance to the main tent. He was just glad there was no one guarding it, not wanting to worry about ‘no visitors allowed’...even if he owned the colony.

He left and circled around, figuring that the best way to go about it. A soft roar gained his attention and deterred him from his path. Curious, he walked toward the source and found the raven-haired girl walking side by side with a small group of lions from the show. All were unchained, their leashes and a whip in her hand.

He stood there baffled. Wasn’t she worried in the least about getting mauled? Or of any passerby SEEING her? His head shook. She was a smart girl, he knew that much. She wouldn’t be so careless as to let someone see her.

She was able to avoid him, even in his own home. But that wasn’t hard, considering the size of the place and number of attendants inside. He tried to find her a few times and apologize, try and mend any broken bridges, but she was never to be found.

He quickly stepped aside, hiding in the shadows of the tent. All his old skills from the war rushed back, making it easier to stay out of sight and watch her. Rarely did he gain an opportunity to actually see her; this was one of the first. She seemed to act a lot more natural than their first meeting.

“Shhh.” Lips pursed behind her finger. “Tireen, you’re going to get me in trouble.” She said in a hushed voice.

‘So, she KNOWS what she’s doing is dangerous, ne?’ He figured, inquiringly narrowing his eyes. He wondered why she took such chances with such dangerous animals, if she was well aware of such hazards.

“What is it girl?”

He mentally cursed the superiority of the lions. They knew he was around, even if Washu didn’t. Which was saying a lot for his skills if the girl acted a lot like Trowa. He knew Trowa was very aware of other people nearby, not even needing to see them. Knowing he was busted, he slowly started over.

“Who’s there?”

He poked his head out from his hiding place. He didn’t really want to spy, but he was enthralled with the way she handled the animals. Both species seemed extremely at ease somehow. He was at a loss for words at how easily the two seemed to understand each other.

“I’m sorry.” He softly apologized. All leashes were applied to their collars and the lions eyed him cautiously. He could understand why; he was a stranger to them, even though they were brought to his home.

“Stay back, these lions are dangerous.” Washu warned. She tugged on the leash lightly and one roared softly.

He slowly edged his way forward till he was almost a hand width away. His eyes never left sight with the lion’s amber eyes. Eyes were windows the soul, and if he could show them he meant no harm, they wouldn’t perceive him as a threat anymore.

“Such majestic creatures.” He softly appraised, feeling humbled by them. Even though wearing collars and tugging on their leashes, they stood proudly. He had to admire them for that. “How can they be dangerous?”

Slowly, his hand rose and held out for the animal to smell. He knew this was the only way for the lions to tell whether he was friend or foe. The youngest took the initiative and smelled the edge of his fingers. Shortly after, he nuzzled his nose underneath the outstretched palm.

He smiled and softly scratched his nose, his heart feeling love from the large creature. The other lions smelled his clothes and moved closer to him when they seemed satisfied he was ok. He kneeled and one lion licked his face. He chuckled, playfully patting the beast’s side.

He looked up when he felt eyes other than those of his new feline friends. Somehow he forgot about anything other than the enchanting creatures next to him. It was such a powerful notion to stand by such a ‘menacing’ creature, petting it like it was a household cat. Just knowing the powerful carnivores had the ability to slash or bite him to shreds, but didn’t, was amazing beyond thought.

Black eyes hit blue and he marveled at the color she possessed. No iris or pupil, it all blended together. Only light could tell the difference when shone on.

He blinked, breaking the moment. “They aren’t all that dangerous.” He commented again, feeling her stare through him.

“They can tell who’s perilous and who’s not. I didn’t want to take a chance is all.” Washu commented evenly.

He almost saw the ice radiating from her body, at a loss as to WHY. He was never mean to her in any way, just wanting to help. ‘Is THIS how she treats the workers?’ Remembering Trowa’s earlier words, he tried fitting her behavior toward him with her past. Some of it seemed to fit, if she despised men as he heard.

“Well they trust YOU don’t they? I know you’re not dangerous.” He stood up and dusted his pants briefly. He looked back into her eyes.

His senses flared as he got a good look at the black depths, almost sucked in. She was like an emotional black hole, with a mysterious pull that lured in newcomers. But something about those eyes were more kind than cold. He couldn’t explain it, as he often couldn’t, he just KNEW. Even though he only knew her a few days, he could tell she was a very compassionate and funny person. He could see all that by just looking into the windows to her soul. That soul was torn, but not beyond repair.

 “You’re not dangerous.” He concluded softly, mostly to himself. He wondered if she knew that though. She blinked slowly, as if hypnotized somehow. He looked down at the lions, suddenly remembering them when one brushed against his leg lightly.

“Why don’t you get these guys put away before you get in trouble?” He looked at Washu again. “I can help you if you want.”

Washu openly bristled. “I don’t need ANYONE’S help.” She let the leashes slacken and the lions took the advantage to move. She walked past to their cage, leaving him confused at her change in personality. He thought she was as he’d seen, but then she went and changed to someone entirely different. In a way, she reminded him of Duo.

He quickly shook his head, clearing his ever-clouded brain. He would have to ask Trowa about her behavior later. The youth spent more time with her than him, there had to be more he could learn about Washu.

He looked at the tent and remembered his original reason for leaving his seat. His eyes strayed to where Washu walked off and he slowly ambled in that direction. He wanted to get to the bottom of her sudden mood swings first. Trowa and Cathy would wait. Besides, they LIVED with him.

“Good show guys.”

He quickly ducked behind the tent flap upon hearing her voice. It was so different from what he heard earlier. He wondered how many faces she had.

“I liked that jump you did Tireen. You almost hit the trainer. I thought that was funny.”

He could tell she was smiling by the sound of her voice. She apparently cared for the animals more than the people she was around.

‘Curious.’ He mused.

“Do they understand you?” He abruptly asked, wanting to know. She had some sort of gift that he hadn’t seen in her eyes, couldn’t sense.

She jumped and whirled around. His head tilted to one side, hands casually resting in his pockets as he awaited her answer. He stepped forward a little, hoping not to unnerve her.

“The lions, do they understand you?” He repeated, feeling a little uncomfortable. She stared at him and kept silent, those black eyes piercing him. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologized, fiercely wondering what he’d done wrong...

She looked around the tent to avoid his eyes, which slightly hurt him. “Have I offended you somewhere since we met?” He asked, desperately wanting to know. He really DID want to know what he did wrong, so he could correct it and get to know this silent stone wall. But when he looked at her he didn’t see that. He saw a poorly hidden pain, something only he and Trowa saw. No one else seemed to want to see past her exterior.

“No.” She said evenly. He locked eyes, almost seeing protective walls around her. “You didn’t offend me.” She walked past him to the opening in the tent, ending the conversation.

He quickly grabbed her arm, not wanting her to leave. They weren’t finished yet. Even though he was uneased at touching her, she was a GUEST in his home. He wouldn’t allow guests to treat him such.

Her face whirled to his, slightly glaring.

“Then what did I do WRONG? Please tell me. I don’t know why you’re mad at me when you clearly have no need to be.” He didn’t want to yell, since she seemed more than pissed that he just touched her.

Her jaw clenched and jerked her arm away. He felt like fidgeting, but kept his exterior up. “Don’t touch me again.” She backed away a step. “I don’t need to tell you anything. I would advise you to get out of the tent before someone sees you.” She said and walked out.

He looked at her exit, feeling confused. She apparently didn’t know who he was, since she figured him a trespasser. He could’ve laughed, if not for the occurrence that had yet to be ‘dealt’ with. She was a strange girl, friendly to animals yet cold to people. He would have to ask Trowa and Catherine, since they seemed to know her the best.

~*~*~

Once he left the tent, he noticed the loads of people milling around. The show was finally finished. He was mildly startled, not realizing their small ‘conversation’ had taken that long.

He headed for the back entrance and walked around the backstage area, looking around avidly. He spotted Catherine, but no Trowa, the one person he wanted to talk to. Aside from being able to see his friend again, he wanted to talk to Trowa, since the youth seemed more aware of Washu than Catherine. “Hey Catherine.” He called.

Cathy turned and waved with a smile. “Did you like the show Quatre?”

He nodded with a smile. “Very much so. You should’ve come to space much sooner. I could’ve used the break.” Which was true. Having so much time off, even the weekend, made him see just how hard he overworked himself. Somehow, he had to CHANGE that.

Cathy grinned at his joke and put her costume in the trunk.

“Do you know where Trowa is? I need to ask him something.”

She shook her head and stood up. “As soon as he changed to normal clothes, he walked out the back entrance.”

“When was this?”

Cathy fingered her chin. “Just a few minutes ago I think. I wasn’t keeping track.” She smiled sheepishly.

He nodded. “Well if he comes back here before I see him, can you let him know I was looking for him?” She nodded and he left the way he came. His walk slow, blue eyes darted around his surroundings to find the tall lanky man.

He circled the entire main tent, coming up empty-handed. It was funny since there were less people around than when he first started out back. He rested both hands in his pockets and leaned against a stout pole.

‘Where ARE you Trowa?’ He wondered, looking around. He didn’t want to wait for his good friend to come to him, not knowing when that’d be. Looking would do no good if Trowa came back this way for some reason. He leaned near the exit poles, having taken a broad circle.

Fingers touched the bridge of his nose, feeling stress build. As if he needed MORE on his only days off. Work barely left his system and he figured with Trowa around, the stress would melt away. But now that Washu was around, he felt the inane desire to help her, which didn’t help period since she was so cold to him. Trying to find a way in wasn’t helping but build pressure for a headache!

He sighed quietly. ‘Nothing to do but plod onward.’ He figured, looking up. His lips pursed sarcastically. ‘But WHERE?’ The place was big and there were many tents to search. Trowa was never one to stay put for too long; one reason he joined the circus.

Still caught up in his thoughts, he spotted Trowa slowly ambling around the corner a little later. Still leaning against the pole to rest, he was running through all the possible places to go look before he started off again. He also hoped if he stayed in one spot long enough, Trowa would come by and he would catch him. That seemed to have worked.

He smiled and started forward, stopping when he noticed the intense concentration that embraced his friend. “Trowa?” He asked tentatively. No answer. “Hey Trowa.” Still no answer.

He walked toward his friend slowly, trying to read the emotions on his face. It was closed off, as usual. It mildly frustrated him, since he knew his friend was capable of feeling anything he wanted.

Stopping in front of him, STILL not being recognized, he rested a hand over Trowa’s arm, hoping not to scare him. He didn’t want to take Trowa from his thoughts, but he wasn’t searching for him for no reason.

Trowa was jerked from his thoughts, blinking. “Oh hey.” He muttered.

He noticed something was going on in that head by the clouded look in those eyes. He looked at Trowa in concern, wishing there was something he could do to help. Talking things over always helped for HIM...

“Something wrong Trowa?” The man just stared, as if not really seeing him. He knew Trowa went right back into his thoughts again; his eyes showed it clear as a bell.

“Just have a lot on my mind is all.” Trowa muttered, looking away. “Where is everyone?”

He looked around, seeing the lack of people for the first time. “I’m assuming they’re packing up to get back to the house.” He commented. “But I’m glad I found you Trowa, I wanted to ask you something about Washu before I forgot.”

Trowa nodded absently. “What about?”

“Well I tried talking to her earlier, but she wouldn’t talk to me.” He rubbed his chin. He THOUGHT he had her pegged, but she went and proved him wrong. “I was wondering if you know why she’s cold one minute and friendly the next. She wouldn’t give me a chance. I even apologized, thinking I’d offended her somehow.” He shook his head, not able to understand her. He didn’t think he’d understand women PERIOD.

Trowa’s lips pursed. “I’m not too sure myself. Like you said, it has to do with her past. You just have to wear her down I guess. Catherine and I seem to be the only ones she’s let in.”

Trowa closed the conversation by walking through the main entrance, leaving him baffled at his exit, but also wondering. The look in his eyes said he KNEW more than he let on. His stance also told that he’d gone right back into those thoughts he wouldn’t give away.

His brow creased, wondering what kept his good friend so occupied that he hardly talked. Not that Trowa talked a lot, even to HIM, but lately it’d been more than usual.

He looked at the top of the colony and sighed. ‘Wear her down? She’s not going to BE here long enough to DO so.’ He thought dejected. A person who acted that cold to someone she didn’t even know coveted a thick shell. He knew because it was a lot like Trowa.

He sighed again. A shame, he liked her. She DID seem a lot like Trowa. One reason he found a small bond toward her. Any friend of Trowa’s was a friend of his as well.

Turning, he went into the tent to see what he could do to help. The night was coming on all too quick and there was another day after this one. If he was lucky, he could get to bed before midnight tonight.

~*~*~

The night finally wore down for the circus crew. Everything was safely and quickly transported back to the mansion with little problems. The only one was Washu’s unexplained disappearance. Trowa commented that he was the last to see her, but she ran off.

He wondered if that was why he was unable to find his friend, but shrugged off the new information. At least explained some of Trowa’s thoughtful behavior earlier.

He and Cathy were worried, but everyone else just said she’d find her way back to the mansion. That uncaring statement irked him, but he figured if SHE didn’t harbor any allied feelings to the others, thet wouldn’t either. It wasn’t right or even FAIR, but it made sense.

The ringmaster was slightly irritated and didn’t bother hiding it. He didn’t want to take a whole lot of time to look for the girl when she disappeared constantly. He was starting to feel SORRY for Washu, seeing so many people around her that cared so little for her. But she didn’t seem affected by it, and probably WANTED the hostile reactions from others. That way, she wouldn’t have to run OR explain herself.

Night was almost turning to morning, but Trowa felt that Washu was at the mansion somewhere. They both took time to comb the gardens and the forest to try and find her. He took Trowa’s word on that, since his friend knew the girl better than anyone.

He yawned for the third time since starting on the expedition. He was tired, but he had to help his friend. He knew it was going to be another long night. But Trowa helped enough in the past, it was the LEAST he could do. Missing sleep was a small price to pay if they could find the missing person.

He could tell something happened between the two by just looking into his friend’s eyes. Trowa wasn’t attracted to Washu; he DID like her. He knew now by the way he was worried about her whereabouts. It all made sense in a way. He didn’t know if Trowa would recognize the fact, but in due time he might.

“Washu?” He called. Part of him wondered why he was doing this since the girl apparently didn’t trust him. Trowa should’ve enlisted Catherine’s help instead of his. He TRIED to make amends, even when there were none between them. She purposely put them there to push him away.

She reminded him somewhat of Divinity in their similar way of thinking. “Washu!” He almost wondered if she would come to him if he found her, or run again.

He combed probably half the forest, yet she was still nowhere to be found. His eyes scanned the area, head quickly turning to each side. This was getting him nowhere. They couldn’t search such a large area in the cover of darkness. Morning would allow for a more pristine search, but he doubted Trowa would wait that long. And she could be ANYWHERE by then, not something he wanted his friend to worry about. He did enough as it was.

A crunch sounded and he jumped, not expecting it in the quiet. He stopped and shifted his weight, wondering what he stepped on. The entire place was kept clean, even for a forest. There was no trash on his grounds; that was one rule he stressed above all others. The night was a hindrance, since all he saw was a dark square.

Kneeling down provided light through the trees and cast reflections to aid him. He picked up part of the object that surrounded what looked like a picture and held it near his face.

Glass...he could see his fingers on the other side, giving him a clearer indication of what he broke. He looked down and saw more pieces around the frame. His other hand slowly moved and carefully picked it up. Dropping the glass, a hand carefully cleaned out the rest, seeing no need now that it was scattered around.

He stood and walked to a light post, thankfully nearby. The area seemed extremely déjà vu, but a LOT of the garden was designed the same. Now under the light, he held the picture up to see. Two out of three he didn’t recognize. The one in front, he knew.

It was Washu, a young Washu anyway. And she was...smiling. Such a happy face nearly knocked him for a loop. ‘Those have to be her parents.’ He concluded.

She looked young in this shot. It finally hit him that he was holding a broken family photo from the past. ‘But why would she break it though?’ He wondered. If he ever owned something as such, he would keep it locked away to keep safe.

Slowly, he wandered back to the tree he found it under, a thought in his head. Stopping under the branches, he looked up and found her carefully huddled over a couple limbs, sleeping. He looked back down at the photo perplexed, also amazed she could sleep like that. ‘What happened?’

The glass would have to be cleaned up in the morning when one of the staff could see it all. For now, his foot brushed as much off the path that he could find. Lightly clutching the photo, he took off to try and find Trowa. “Trowa?”

Small rustling sounded far off and he changed his direction. “Trowa.” The rustling was closer and a figure could be seen. “I found something.” He called, holding the picture frame up.

Trowa stopped and looked down. “What’s that?”

He handed it over and Trowa brought it close to his face to see. Their meeting brought them to nearly the middle of the forest, or somewhere near. All he knew was, they were in pitch black and he couldn’t see any lanterns.

“Why don’t we go find a light post so you can see it clearer. I think you’ll find it rather interesting.” The two cut through the forest to one near the mansion and stopped under it. “I found it among a pile of glass under a tree she’s in.” He softly explained. “She’s still there.”

Trowa looked up. His head shook. “I’m not too sure there’s anything we can do right now.” A hand came up and rested over his shoulder. “You said so yourself, she’s not the type who wants to be consoled. Whatever’s happened to her is something she’s most likely not ready to talk about yet.” He smiled slightly. “Tomorrow’s another day and if you need to talk to her then you’ll have plenty of time to. We should go get some rest, it’s late.”

Trowa nodded. Silently, the two started back to the large house that loomed before them. He hid a yawn, not wanting to show the lack of sleep their search caused.

He wished he was able to stop time at night and get as much sleep as he wished. That way, he would be able to wake with the sun rises, but stay up as late as need be and talk with his visitors. It was an ironic situation that he did both and still able to get enough sleep sometimes.

‘But I can’t keep this UP.’ He thought, feeling both eyes close by themselves. He figured since he was in the war so long, his sleep patterns changed to allow him more wakefulness.

He walked Trowa to his door and bid him goodnight before shuffling for the stairs. His mind was a blur with this new situation, but he hardly thought about it. He was too tired, even MORE worn out than when he worked all week and weekend. At least then, he could stick to his schedule! This new person kept throwing curveballs, careening him off-balance. And being a man of order, he didn’t like it a whole lot!

He shut the door quietly and flopped down on his bed, not bothering to change his clothes. ‘There’s GOT to be a way to break her shell.’ He tiredly thought, burying his head in a pillow. ‘I don’t want her leaving this colony without her knowing I won’t cause her harm.’

He didn’t like the idea of Washu not liking him. He knew he was easy to get along with and kept it that way. Finding a person who was so hard to deal with was somewhat of a challenge.

He was suddenly awake, new thoughts coming to him. He quietly groaned into the pillow, trying to will them away. “Just ONCE,” He spat out, “I’d like to SLEEP!”

But the idea to gain her friendship continued, and intrigued him enough to stay awake long enough and finish it. A lazy smile crossed his lips, figuring that was the best way to break her shell. “I’ll wait until tomorrow to do it.” He sleepily vowed, even if it already was tomorrow.

His eyes quickly closed; sleep claiming him almost in an instant. There really was nothing he could do until then anyway. And in that stagnate time, he was going to get as much sleep as allowed. He just wished the idea came to him a little earlier, so he could get someone to wake him up.

~*~*~

Somewhere in the depths of blissful sleep, his mind cleared. His eyes fluttered open and he absently stared at the clock before realizing what he was looking at...and the TIME.

With a mixed whine and groan, he covered a pillow over his head, trying to fall back asleep. His fogged mind was trying to remember WHY he woke in the first place, since dawn was an hour away.

He gave a muted sigh, rolling onto his back. The pillow still comically covering his face, both arms spread at his sides. He realized he probably looked silly, but was too tired to care.

Slowly sitting up, he yawned heavily and stretched, trying to wake up. “Well,” He muttered softly, “since I can’t get back to sleep, I might as well wake UP.” He almost weepingly got out of bed, unable to dredge from his mind the specific reason he was awake. He figured it to’ve only been four or five hours since his head hit the pillow. Not enough in his opinion.

He sunk onto the window ledge and opened the curtains, seeing the first rays of a new creation come. He looked out the window contentedly; glad to at least witness this.

He looked around the forest underneath absently, staring for minutes. Something in his mind ticked, teasing his brain with the reason for waking. Aimlessly scratching his head around another yawn, he blinked sleepy eyes. “Allah this sucks.” He muttered. He KNEW the forest had something to do with his mild insomnia, but couldn’t put it together.

Sprawling over the sill, he finally realized he was still wearing last night’s clothes. He jerkily sat up, his muscles not ready for such quick movements. It all came back to him and he almost slapped himself for not remembering.

Quickly sliding from the makeshift seat, he went to the bathroom, grabbing his robe. He honestly didn’t care if anyone saw him in old clothes or an open robe. There was hardly anyone up right now, though he hoped the chef was up.

‘If he makes as much food as I saw yesterday, he should be up by now.’ He figured, rubbing a finger over his chin. One hand grabbed the banister as he hurriedly took the stairs to the kitchen.

Smells of breakfast wafted as he opened the doors, hitting him full force. If he was the slightest bit hungry, he would’ve snagged something, but nothing was awake, not even his stomach.

Rubbing his eyes, he found a beginning spread on warming burners. Smiling slightly, he almost tiptoed into the room, not wanting to scare the elderly man. Stopping next to the counters, he rapt on them lightly. “Knock, knock.” He softly announced. The man startled anyway, whirling around. He smiled slightly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Master Quatre? What’re YOU doing up? I figured you would still be asleep till at least DAWN!” The chef turned and grabbed his bowl, the spoon going back into it.

He took a few more steps into the room, eyes checking out the goodies. “I WAS, but there’s something I need to do for a friend.” He vaguely answered, wondering where the plates were kept.

The chef smiled. “That’s kind of you Master Quatre. Is there anyway I can help you?”

He smiled, despite the small irritation of such formal manners. “Where’re the plates? And I’ll need utensils, a few covering lids-“ He paused, wondering what Washu ATE. He didn’t know if she was a vegetarian, and there was a lot on the burners that weren’t animal friendly. But, he hardly saw her at the table, or even near the kitchen. He was assuming she would eat about ANYTHING by now.

Together, the chef helped him prepare something mildly suitable. He covered the hot food and carefully balanced the tray with both hands, not feeling comfortable enough to try just one. When the chef opened the back doors, he felt a blast of chilled air hit him. Now glad he wore the robe for an extra layer, he left the warm house and went for the tall stairs.

He carefully descended, making sure not to trip. One wrong step and he was liable to tumble all the way to the ground floor, maybe even break his neck. ‘At least then I could SLEEP.’ He inanely joked, shaking his head.

Not needing to wander too much into the gardens, he stopped beneath the appointed tree, some of the glass still in sight. He looked at it and tried sweeping up what he could with his foot. Most of it went into an easily noticed pile to clean up later, the smaller shards needing to be swept up.

He looked high into the tree, finding her scrunched up figure still as it was last night. He was amazed she could sleep like that and not fall out. Her makeshift bed was a very dangerous one, and had to be uncomfortable! But she didn’t think it to be, as she slumbered on, oblivious that he was even around.

‘All the better for ME.’ She needed to eat, not because she was so thin, but because he hardly saw a morsel of food near her mouth.

Carefully placing the tray in a safe spot by the tree so she wouldn’t hit it when she landed, he backed away quietly. He didn’t want to disturb her, even though she unconsciously disturbed his. But it was for a good deed, so the ends justified the means.

‘I can always nap later.’ He thought, staring at her peaceful form. He doubted she felt much peace, but didn’t want to dwell on her problems more than he DID. He already encompassed enough of them, trying to help his friends out. Turning, he started back up the path.

He discarded the robe at an end of the large bed, not caring if he made a small mess. Although he knew the bathroom wasn’t far off and it would be more responsible to put it away, sleep beckoned even more so than manners. And he wanted to get as much as possible.

~*~*~

When the morning rays of sun shone through the window he forgot to block, he groaned again and immediately placed a pillow over his tousled head. ‘Not AGAIN...’ He miserably thought.

The darkness was utter bliss, but blocking out all light also blocked his AIR. With a frustrated sigh, he rolled onto his back, quickly resting a hand over his eyes at the light. After a minute, his hand slowly moved away, allowing him to peek those blue depths open. He stared at the high ceiling momentarily before his earlier actions hit him.

He smiled slightly and sat up, stretching to help wake up. Seeing it was a little after seven, he tossed the covers away and grabbed the robe at the edge of his bed. After discarding yesterday’s clothes into a hamper, he locked the bathroom after him. Maybe a hot shower to help wake him up, and block the morning chill that encircled the floor.

Hand drying his hair shortly after, bright eyes looked around the spacious room. ‘That SO helped!’ He thought, utterly awake by now. The twenty minutes in the steam and under the jets nuzzled his skin alert, tingled his brain to awareness.

Tossing the towel in the hamper, he quickly shook the mound of fine hair, spraying small droplets around the room. One hand floated to it, his mouth pursing. ‘Hmm, didn’t dry it enough.’ His hand ran through it a few times, trying to get the bangs away from his face. He finally got them to a point where they didn’t cling to his skin. ‘That’ll have to DO.’ He figured, almost hurrying to the door. In his process to look presentable, he almost forgot the guests around him. People who would most likely be awake by now, since they rose with the sun.

He greeted a few of the crew who milled around, going with them to the dining room. He quickly peeked his drying head in the kitchen, eyes scanning for the dinner plate he put outside earlier. Not seeing anything, he stepped inside. “Did the dinner plate come back?” He asked, walking to the chef.

“No Master Quatre, it hasn’t yet.”

Nodding a little dishearten, he walked back to the dining room and walked to his seat. Breakfast would be served in a few minutes, but until then, he was happy to speak with those around him. Catching up with Catherine and Trowa’s lives was a prime way to spend the morning.

~*~*~

The sun rose as the large group ate their fill. Some people waltzed in and took their chair, wakening a little later than others. He fully understood, since there wasn’t a show for a while. Everyone was allowed a small break from routine. Dozens of people, Maganacs and the circus, crowded the huge table.

His eyes caught sight of something stopping in the far doorway a little later. Being in the direction to see Washu, his eyes spotted her as soon as she stepped in the room. He saw the look in her eyes and turned to those around him as soon as she left. She was openly uncomfortable with such a crowd, a crowd of almost entirely men.

“Excuse me. There’s something I need to tend to.” A few nodded with a smile and went back to their breakfast. Having excused himself from the table, he pushed his chair back and forced a casual walk out the room. Hurrying would only prompt questioning, and he didn’t want to take anymore time out than he was by going after her.

His mind was telling himself to hurry before he lost her and had to spend a few minutes hunting her down. He didn’t know the girl well enough and it was a possibility.

Last night was more than he wanted to deal with, since she was able to hide herself well. She could go anywhere in the mansion and it would take him a great deal of time to locate her. He now knew why Trowa never bothered going after her a few days ago. He was quickly tiring of the task, wishing she’d stay around for more than five minutes!

Knowing which way she took helped him somewhat. He quietly followed her trail, hoping he was going in the right direction. There weren’t too many places she could go from the kitchen, unless she exited into the library.

He closed his eyes and tried to sense her presence. It led him straight ahead and he ended up in the kitchen. A breeze went through the room, more potent than normal. He looked around and found the doors open. Her back presented itself to him and he smiled slightly.

‘Found ya.’ His smile widened a little more and he slowly walked to the doors, hoping to not catch her attention. He didn’t want to scare her off and that seemed to be his specialty anymore.

Now at the doors, he leaned against one silently and crossed his arms. He stared at her posture and noticed something off in it. She didn’t give off that strong, cold personality.

His brows furrowed a degree. One hand rose from the comfort of its embrace and a finger extended to the glass. Softly, he rapt on it to get her attention. She jumped and whirled around. Her eyes went from thoughtful to nothing when they landed on his.

He immediately wondered what she was thinking about; also awed that she could change emotions so quickly. “I’m sorry if I scared you.” He apologized softly, feeling the breeze ruffle his hair.

She turned around again without a word. She leaned against the banister viewing the area again, staring at the morning. “You didn’t.” She evenly responded.

He stopped next to her and leaned on the banister as well. She wasn’t going to scare him off anymore, and she wasn’t going to run. There was something about her posture that told him she wouldn’t. She MUST have spied the breakfast he laid before her earlier.

His mind burned with the question; but knew he should never assume anything when it came to the small enigma next to him.

His hair ruffled in the phony breeze, eyes staring straight ahead at the morning. His attitude was casual and carefree. Being home HAD done him good; even if he did play host with a houseful of people. The more the merrier in his mind. The huge house was so lonely with only him and the workers around.

He felt her eyes and kept an even, but pleasant, outward demeanor. He mentally smirked. He’d been taking too many lessons from his fellow pilots. “Did you enjoy your breakfast?” He softly asked, fighting a knowing smile.

Her entire face swung to his, the long braid whipping around her. “Why do you want to know?” She asked, evading the question.

He looked at her, eyes kind. “Who do you think set it before your tree?”

He smiled slightly. He knew little of her and hoped it to be a dove of peace between them. He hadn’t done anything to upset her view of him, but she was prejudice without even knowing him. It wasn’t fair in his opinion, but he was reminded of Divinity’s way of treating him. She was different in the beginning, having a secret she kept to herself, just like Washu. After he learned it, she let him in. He wondered if, with a little kind prodding, that the protective girl would be the same way.

“YOU did that?” She whispered, stunned. “Why?” She asked confused, brow creasing.

“Because I don’t like people not liking me. Friends are easier to be near than enemies.” He smiled slightly. “Do I seem like an enemy to you?” Her eyes dropped to the marble and bashfully shook her head no. “Then why do you treat me as one?” He queried, mentally crossing his fingers. This HAD to work...

“I don’t know.” She whispered.

His head shook slowly, knowing she was lying. Why ELSE would she not meet his gaze? “You DO know. The only problem is, you know more than any of us. You carry the pain of your past within you and won’t let it out.”

His eyes dropped to the marble. He felt the pain of confiding in Divinity, ironically enough in the same place he was standing NOW. “I know what that’s like.” He softly admitted. “You shouldn’t carry all that inside you. It’ll eat you alive if you don’t change it.”

Just as he knew HIS pain would’ve, if he was unable to find Divinity and speak with her. She was like a knowing angel. They’d been a two-way ear; listening to each other and offering advice from their own lives. The same advice they could take to their heart, if they bothered to listen to it. Her eyes moved to his face, but he kept his trained on the banister. He could feel her questions burn through those dark depths.

“You can’t keep all that inside. There are people willing to listen to you.”

He looked at her when she was silent. His eyes took in her face. Uneasiness and insecurity resided in her eyes, something that looked so unlike her. She looked to be thinking of something other than their conversation. He lightly bit his lower lip, unsure if he should break into her thoughts and ask what she was thinking.

She kept her sight trained on the horizon. “Thank you...for the food.” She whispered. He eyed her in mild shock. She didn’t turn his way, exhaling a deep breath through the quiet. “So...you know what pain and suffering is like? You know what it’s like to live in fear every waking moment of your life, wondering if you’ll ever wake up again?”

“Yes.” He seriously answered. She pinpointed it exactly. Even Relena, who knowingly had a gift for words, couldn’t have put it any clearer.

She swung melancholy eyes to his. He was taken aback slightly, but managed a small nod.

“How do you know?” She asked softly.

He offered a small encouraging smile. “I was in the war. I felt exactly what you’re going through. Others like me have felt exactly what you’re going through.” He felt hollow again, bringing up all the painful memories of killing innocent people. Even though many died courageously or for their own cause, it was still a waste of life.

“Trowa?”

He nodded absently. “Yes, he was in the war with me. That’s where I met him from.” He smiled wistfully, remembering those days. Times seemed almost simpler then, they had a reason to live, to fight. Though he abhorred fighting, it was necessary to bring about peace. A strange irony.

He turned back to Washu. “That’s why I knew you were going through something. I can sense those in pain somehow. It’s hard to explain.” He shook his head slightly. He looked down at his open hands. Some part of him wished people would stop asking him to explain what he sensed from others. There wasn’t an easy way to explain his gift, and trying to find a way was frustrating.

“Why did the war have to come about?” She asked softly.

He looked at her, wondering that himself. He shook his head, never having an actual answer, even if he personally knew why Oz fought.

“I don’t know. War is the worst way to change ideas.” He looked to the horizon with her. “I hate fighting, but did it to protect the ones I loved and cared about. I fought so others didn’t have to. If I did, they would be able to live their lives without knowing the true horrors of war.”

Déjà vu at his similar words came to him. He spoke a portion of that speech to Divinity. Maybe gaining Washu’s trust would be as easy as opening his horrific past, letting her know she wasn’t the only one with dark hidden secrets.

“But your life was changed itself. You never got to see your family the entire time. You missed their growing up, you never got to show them you loved them.”

He looked at her from the corner of his vision. She was talking about her family, not just his. Her words held double meanings. He could still relate to what she was talking about though. She accurately detailed his household problems without gaining a detailed explanation.

“One reason I fought. So others wouldn’t know what I experienced. They wouldn’t have to feel the loss I did when I saw my father killed.”

Wide eyes swung over to him in surprise. His head bowed with closed eyes, feeling misery again. He hated the fact and thought he put it from his mind, if not forgetting his father. Living in the same house allowed for many memories of his earlier life, some of those undesirable. He was so different now than in the past.

“He was killed to keep the Winner satellite from being used to make mobile dolls.” He looked at Washu with sad eyes and noted her tears. He smiled sadly, knowing his pain would bring about her change. If only it wouldn’t hurt so much, he wouldn’t mind sharing more...

“War changed everybody, even the bystanders. It’s a curse that’s brought on because people are too stubborn to accept that what they think is wrong.”

“I know.” It was her turn to look at her hands. “I’ve carried my hate inside for so long.” She vaguely whispered.

He quickly gave her his full attention.

Pulling the tail end of her braid forward, she fiddled with the free strands. “I was always afraid for my life, and my mother’s. My grandparents taught me so much about life and my lessons to carry on. I hardly saw my mother whenever my father was around after the war. It wasn’t that she didn’t want me around, but she feared for my safety.”

Her eyes sadly closed. “I missed out on a lot that we could’ve done together. The only times I have are before the war when my father was a caring man.” Midnight opened again, hate and hurt residing. “He came back such a different man. So different...”

He felt the pain she radiated, the anger. A hand slowly moved to cover hers, something he wondered if she would tolerate. Last night, when he grabbed her arm, she almost jerked it from his grasp.

He hoped now was different; he just wanted to comfort her. Someone should never have to experience that from family. Every relative he had would never instill fear or drive him away. None of his sisters had, and he knew the ones he hadn’t met would still be as kind as the ones he knew.

Although her eyes lowered sheepishly, he could see tears in them. He knew she was coming to grips with something she put in the back of her mind to forget. He almost marveled at how similar Washu and Diva acted.

“I always ignored the ramblings whenever he was around. I knew they weren’t true, and if I listened I would feel worthless.” She suddenly turned from his view, giving him the back of her head.

His hand squeezed hers slightly, letting her know he was there to listen. He would always listen when someone needed an ear. They were alike on so many points. He believed she was as kind as he, but was afraid to show it. Her true self was driven to slumber by her father’s ways and she was forced to become silent and emotionless to survive. That wasn’t right and he was determined to help her in any way possible.

“But you ran away. What will they think? Doesn’t your mother worry where you are?” He asked softly. He ran away for all the wrong reasons as well, and had he known what would’ve happened later, he would’ve turned the ship around.

“There’s no need.” She whispered. “My father killed my mother in a fit one night.” Her head bowed heavily.

He was stunned speechless, a shocked look unavoidable. How could such a person be able to commit such a horrible act? He could tell she was suffering. He now understood why she hated a select few. He’d seen the way she acted around the workers that stayed in his home, acted toward him.

It also made sense why she quickly left the dining room. Almost all were men. She hated them all because she grew up FEARING them. Now that she was free of the fear, anger was her new companion. It all made sense, even though some of the pieces were missing. Where was her father? Would he try to find her? Why didn’t she go to the police?

His hand slowly kneaded the skin over her palm, trying to find the right words to say. He didn’t want to say he was sorry because it was a universal sign of sorrow. He knew she was not sorrowful about what happened; she was angry.

“How did you manage to survive?” He asked. Diverting the topic to her better ways might be easier to handle. Showing her how strong she was would help. She was extremely vulnerable right now and she needed to think positive.

“I learned what my grandfather taught me. He taught me martial arts to help me in case my father attacked me. He inadvertently taught me to face fear, instead of cringing from it. I shoved emotions aside to be strong. I didn’t show weakness in front of my father. I never gave him a reason to put me down or try and hit me. I ran away with a few items of clothing to start a new life. I used basic instinct to keep me level-headed.”

He could tell that having her think of all the ways she stayed alive would help her. Her eyes hardened and any sorrow drained from her body. She was able to get out the pain without the want to be consoled.

He understood why she didn’t want that now too. It was hard for someone to accept help when you forced yourself to depend solely on yourself. He saw her in a new light, recognizing her reasons that were much like his own as the war started. Although he was never drained of emotion as Heero or Trowa were, he did learn when to be merciful and not.

“I thank you for listening.” She said softly. He faced her and nodded with a small smile. It was the first compliment he received from her. It warmed his heart incredibly. His pain lessened as their talk subsided. He was most glad to help. “Is there a place where I can bathe? My muscles need to unwind.”

He nodded with a small smile. Unwind didn’t exactly cover the utterly painful position she held.

“There are plenty of bathrooms open. I can have a hot bath drawn up if you want to go get your things.”

She nodded and turned to the banister. Both palms pressed against it as her weight suddenly shifted. She vaulted over the railing and down a story.

He quickly leaned over and looked down in alarm as she fell. She landed in a crouched position and stood unharmed. He shook his head in small wonder as she started for the forest. He couldn’t believe she just jumped without THINKING.

He smiled softly. She was a lot like Trowa, taking risks that could be avoided. There was a STAIRCASE not far off! He smirked slightly.

‘Trowa would’ve probably jumped from HIGHER though.’ He mused. Turning, he went to find a servant to fulfill his new friend’s request. His step seemed lighter, matching the beat to his heart. He broke through and all it took was an irresistible breakfast. He chuckled and walked into the dining room, waving to a few people. Not bothering to stay, he silently walked past.

~*~*~

After stopping the water, he looked around the cheery bathroom with a smile. He always loved the design and colors in the place. It was almost a shame he didn’t have a bathroom with a window, but discarded the thought.

‘As if I have time to soak in a tub.’ He sarcastically thought. He stood with a sigh, reminded of all the work he had yet to do. ‘Might as well get it over with as soon as possible.’ He sullenly figured. ‘All play and no work makes Quatre very, VERY behind.’ He joked, grinning.

Stepping from the bathroom, having drawn the bath himself to save time, he walked into the bedroom. Part of his mind wished he waited for Washu to return, since he didn’t tell her which room would be open. But he could empathize sore muscles after a hard day and didn’t want to waste her time.

He grimaced slightly and opened the available bedroom door. Leaving it cracked open, he sighed slowly. “Guess I get to go find her, again.” He muttered under his breath. If it was going to become a habit, he was going to insist she wear a bell around her neck!

Imagining the picture, he smiled and strode off, going for the kitchen. It seemed the most logical choice, since she left there. He didn’t figure she would be rational enough to walk around and use the front door. If he was a betting man, he could almost assume she wouldn’t take the steps.

His trip was cut extremely close when he spotted both Washu and Trowa walking to the main stairs. He looked at the cute picture they made, smiling. “Washu? Trowa?” Both pairs of eyes swung to him. He waved once as he walked up. “I have your bath ready. It’s on the third floor, six rooms down, on the right. You can use the bedroom, that’s empty.”

Washu nodded and took off without a word.

Once she was out of sight, Trowa turned to him. “So you talked to her? She spoke to you?”

He nodded, the good mood gone. Hands rested in his pockets as he relived the eye-opening conversation.

“What did she say to you?”

He swallowed harshly and looked at the polished floor seriously. Slowly, his shoe moved against the floorboards. He didn’t really know where to begin, but Trowa needed to hear this. He needed to know what happened to Washu so he wouldn’t worry over her anymore than he did. It would help him to understand WHY she acted the way she did, and just how to deal with her in the future.

“Well...I hold new respect for her is what I can start at.” He stuttered, unable to really find the words.

“What do you mean?”

He looked at a lost Trowa and sighed. He shook his head slowly, not wanting anyone else to hear. They didn’t know anything else about her and might hold the information AGAINST her. He didn’t want anyone eavesdropping and shun her for trying to survive, since hardly anyone liked her.

“Take a walk with me Trowa. Let’s go to my office for the privacy. There’re a few things I need to tell you.”

They stopped in front of the closed door. He opened it quietly, Trowa shutting it the same way. He habitually sat behind his desk, hardly realizing it until his folded hands rested over the polished wood.

Smiling at his behavior, he slowly got from the plush chair and walked to the window. Hands clasped behind his back as he concentrated on the most correct way to explain things.

‘Best to start at the beginning of how I gained the inside.’ He figured. Doing so, he told his curious friend the idea that came to him just after he entered the bedroom last night. He gave details of taking the full plate down to the tree. He also explained his reason for leaving breakfast earlier, apologizing in the meantime. Trowa just waved it off.

He swallowed harshly as it came down to the ‘nitty gritty’. He turned and looked at the floor, unable to meet his friend’s eyes. How could he explain her reasons? Some of them mirrored his before and during the war. He didn’t want Trowa feeling sorry for him, when this was about Washu. He didn’t want to side-track anything, knowing the situation would throw Trowa back to their circumstances.

He looked at Trowa’s patient gaze and smiled slightly, glad his friend held a good supply. He knew he was going to falter in spots, trying to either word his next sentence, or gain the courage to speak again,

Able to both, he told Trowa almost every detail of Washu’s background and her reason for leaving home. Blue never left green, giving him a good view of the emotions that passed through those depths. The most prominent emotion was concern, along with the attraction Quatre knew was there. Trowa’s emotions affected how he thought, even if he didn’t know it.

After finishing, he slowly walked to the edge of his desk, sitting on it as if it were a lifeline. He used the sturdy wood to hold up his tired body. He was both emotionally and physically exhausted. Delving through his problems again was bad enough, but hearing the torment that Washu went through was worse. No one should EVER have to go through that, yet she did...and survived.

~*~*~

The two exited the room some time later, the silence getting to him. He planned on coming back to the same room, but now, he didn’t want to stay in any longer than he HAD to. And like him, Trowa had work to get to.

He ambled down to the room he knew Washu was in, wondering how she was fairing. He wondered if she was still the same, still going through her unchangeable past. He was able to put his troubles in the depths of his mind, but hers still plagued him. She was stronger than he thought, with a good reason to be.

Stopping in front of her door, he knocked. A strange feeling swept over him. For some reason, it was weird to stand in front of her door when he owned the whole house. Shaking his head with a smile, he cast it aside.

“Yes?”

“It’s Quatre. Is it okay to come in?” He asked loudly, hoping she was dressed. He realized that was the reason for his discomfort.

Unlocking the door, she leisurely opened it. He smiled as she swung the towel over a shoulder. Her lengthy hair was unbound and hung down her back, almost plastered to the back of her shirt.

“Your bathroom is very beautiful.” Washu softly commented. She smiled softly.

He grinned, figuring she would find such common beauty wonderful if she stayed outside all day long. “There’re more beautifully designed places I’m sure.” He slightly joked. She looked down, smiling a little wider. “Did you like the bath?”

“VERY much so. My body thanks me.” She looked into his eyes, hers shining with mirth.

He realized she made a small joke and chuckled softly. She blushed lightly. “Well I just came up to check on you. You were actually in there for quite a while.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “How long? I didn’t miss anything did I?” She bit her lower lip.

“About an hour, but nothing major. Everyone was just checking the equipment. Catherine offered to feed the animals since you needed to relax.”

Washu’s mouth opened, but he stuck a hand to quiet her. “She offered because she KNEW you needed to relax.” He crossed his arms lightly. “I’m betting you don’t often?” He raised an eyebrow slightly with a smile. She lowered her head slightly and shook it. “Then it was a warranted slip. Trust me, we ALL need those from time to time.” He joked lightly.

He was referring to the mass amounts of paperwork that would greet him when he got back to the office in a few days. Right now, this was his time off to spend with those he didn’t get to see very often. Even if he had some work to do later.

Washu stepped back into the room, grabbing the towel. “As long as I wasn’t needed all that much.”

He slowly stepped into the room, feeling like he was invading her privacy somehow. She sat down on the bed and continued to hand dry her hair, not seeming to have a problem as he was. He slowly walked to the center of the room and watched her.

“Why don’t you leave your hair down?” He suddenly said. She looked up, head tilted to shift the mass amount. It spilled on one side, part of it laying limp on the bed.

“What?” She asked, not paying attention.

“Your hair. Leave it down. It looks better that way.” He said again.

She went back to briskly drying it again with a denying shake of her head. “It gets in my way. I can’t have it roaming free. A braid is much more manageable.”

“But you don’t have a show for a few hours. You can braid it later. Besides, it’s gotta dry somehow.” He smiled and walked over to the bed. One hand came out and picked up a good sized chunk of damp hair.

“Something with this much mass needs a lot of air. I know; one of my employees has thick hair like you do.” He let the hair drop and it fell heavily onto the bed. The length reminded him of Divinity’s hair, even if Washu’s didn’t curl. It didn’t look that thick, but was the same mass of softness.

He suddenly looked to the door as if facing his oncoming doom. In a way, that was true. He was having such a good time not having to think of work all day, bringing the dreaded topic back up was like a dagger into his leisure time.

“Well I’d better go get some documents read.” He slightly grimaced. “Keep in mind what I said okay? As the old saying goes: ‘Let your hair down once in a while’.” He smiled and closed the door behind him.

~*~*~

Just knowing the circus was lounging in the area of his house, along with Trowa and his newest friend, was not allowing him to effectively get things done. He was forced to reread a few documents in order for everything to stick, but that was saying too much. He really DIDN’T want to work, and that frame of mind wasn’t helping him any.

One hand rubbed his forehead, the elbow resting on his desk. ‘I need to get this DONE!’ He meekly vowed. The paper he held was just one out of three in the set he needed to learn. After THAT small task, there was still six other sheets resting nearby.

He glowered at the small stack, feeling as if he was fighting an enemy of Oz. ‘Not true,’ He denied, ‘fighting Oz was NEVER this bad!’ He sighed with a small smile and leaned back in the chair, resolved to finish before the show.

Some time later, the door opened without any prompting. He looked up when Trowa entered; a paper in his hands. His head shook slightly to clear the cobwebs. Seeing his friend was like a drink of water after a long march in the desert. It also hardened part of his resolve to get out of the chair and take a break.

“Is there something you needed Trowa?” He asked, quickly changing the mental subject. Thinking of a break wouldn’t do him any good in the long run.

A hand went up to rub his temple softly. The complexity of the laws specified in the contract was starting to hurt his brain. He almost welcomed Trowa’s intrusion, if he didn’t need to get it looked over so badly. He needed to make sure the rough draft was perfect for the chairman to sign when he returned. NOTHING could go wrong with the upcoming meeting!

Trowa walked into the room, an impatient look on his face. It was a rare look for the lanky youth, since he seemed impatient about nothing. “Come with me.” He ordered evenly.

He blinked as he met Trowa’s eyes, still holding the paper. Both of Trowa’s hands rested on the desk, supporting his weight as he leaned over them.

“Now.”

“Can’t it wait until after I get this read?” He meekly pleaded. “I need to make sure there’re no errors that make this deal null and void when I get back to the office.” He argued.

Trowa didn’t blink. “Now.” He sternly repeated, the tone giving no room for any more argument.

He tossed the paper onto his desk, letting it flutter down onto the mahogany table. He KNEW better than to continue arguing when Trowa used that tone. He heard it before from his father, and going against that tone of voice usually meant trouble.

“If you say so Trowa.” He muttered. Pushing his leather chair back, his body protested the sudden movement and he stretched to waken his muscles. He’d been in the office for long enough anyway, a break was in order.

After he was comfortable on his feet again, the two left the office. They slowly walked to the main stairs, down to the ground floor. They ambled around silently until he stopped them. “Was there something you wanted to show me Trowa?” Although the company was silent, it was nice, and a good change from what he’d been facing for some time.

“No. I just needed you to get out of the office for a little while so you could relax. You were developing a headache.” Trowa reported evenly.

He nodded slightly, not surprised at his friend’s ability to read his body language. But he did feel better; the headache that threatened to start was gone.

He smiled slightly. “Well it’s gone now. Thanks Trowa.” Trowa smiled slightly and nodded. The two returned to their walk, enjoying each other’s company.

He stopped when he heard nearby strings being plucked. It was soft, but confident. The two looked at each other and He noticed the pleasant wonder on his friend’s face. Silently, the two followed the music.

The search ended at the music room, one door closed with the other gaping open a crack. It was just enough for the two to peak inside and see who was in.

He saw Washu on the jut in the window, strumming a guitar. Her head bent down to look at the strings as she played a nonsense melody. He smiled gently. Her hair was free of any restrictions and part of it rested over her shoulder. He was glad she listened to him. The beautiful ebony mass shone in the sun.