Of Brick and Stone (open)

Aaly had been quite nervous about all the 'getting her eye back on' thing, but she did her best to cope with it. It had felt like an eternity for her but at some point she had just gotten disconnected from the man in front of her and the thing he was doing to her. Nevertheless, when she heard "My best work yet" She was snapped back to reality. Just then she could fully understand the magnitude of the procedure. She had been without her eye for 5 long years, by now she had gotten used to just use her left eye and even thought it was exactly the same thing to have one and to have both of them. She couldn't be more wrong.


Aaly had not really had troubles with her sight before, she was even able to see and notice other things that others wouldn't, maybe because her senses were really sharp. But now.. Now it was different. Her whole field of view had changed. It had expanded, it was a lot better. She was now allowed to see things she normally couldn't reach with her sight before, things were even more defined. It was as if all her visual system had been enhanced. However, the charm wore off soon, when she started to feel the uncomfortable feeling her.. new eye gave her. It was not painful, for now, she felt as if she had got something attached to her that was not supposed to be there, as if she had gotten a third eye or something like that, it felt so unnatural, so out of place, besides it was also.. "It's kinda itchy" Aaly complained suppressing a frown.
 
"It is?" Derrick asked. "Well that should go away with the swelling. It it doesn't, come see me."


"So, how does it feel to have both eyes again?" Shotgun asked coming over to her.
 
"Ugh.. Just weird" She admitted as she sat up slowly, her right eye closed, somehow it felt uncomfortable for her to have it open. It made her senses better, sure. But it also kind of unbalanced the harmony between them which she had built for the past years. If she was to open her right eye everything got just so.. enhanced.. So much that it didn't feel right.


Relena, who had gotten out of the lab to get some things she needed, stepped into the lab soon after with an excited smile on her face as she saw Derrick was done "Cool. I'm just in time" She walked over to Aaly and grabbed her by the arm "I'll be taking you for a couple of minutes. Thank you Derrick. We'll be right back" Her smile turned somehow mischievous as her gaze fell upon Aaly.


"Hey.. I don't like the way you're looking at me. Stop looking at me like that. Wait where are we going?" Her face, who had not even showed panic during the procedure or before, now showed genuine anguish. She mouthed 'Help me' To Shotgun as she was being practically dragged by Relena to another door that was at the other side of the lab before the two of them disappeared behind it.
 
Shotgun just smiled and waved goodbye as Relena pulled Aaly away.


"Do you ever get tired of staring out that window?" Sebastian Arc asked his prince. The young solider was sitting on Jonathan's over sized bed, his back leaned against the bedpost.


"Do you ever get tired of coming up here to avoid your chores and slack off?" Prince Jonathan asked not moving his eyes from the window.


Sebastian let out a laugh. "Why would I ever get tired of listening and your grumpy moods?"


Jonathan turned to face his friend, a small smile crossing his lips. A rare expression for the young prince. "Grumpy moods?"


"Yeah, you need to lighten up Jonathan. You're a prince, what are you so worked up about?"


Jonathan felt a ping of happiness when Sebastian called him by his first name. It took him a long time to get him to stop calling him by his title, it made him feel like they were really friends. Of course, he only did it when they were alone.


"I'm just getting fed up with all the fuss swarming around the ball. My mother stopped sleeping because she wants everything to be perfect. And that includes Lux and myself."


Just then there was a knock on the door. Sebastian and Jonathan exchanged a look.


"Expecting someone?" Sebastian asked getting up to open the bedroom door. The second he did a young red headed girl in a flowing white dress ran through the door and locked Jonathan in a hug. It to a moment for the surprise to leave Jonathan and him to realize who it was that was hugging him.


"Obsidian," he said warmly, hugging her back. "It's been a while."


"Over a year," she exclaimed. When she pulled back she a smile took up her face. "Have you missed me?"


"How could I not?" Jonathan answered.


"And you?" the District 5 princess asked Sebastian over her shoulder.


"I'm indifferent," he said with a shrug.


"How rude!"


Sebastian laughed. "Of course I missed you."


"That is what I like to hear," Obsidian cheered. "It is just like old times."
 
Relena came out over an 1 hour later, smiling happily. She then stopped when she realized Aaly was not following her and huffed "Come on, you're no little girl for me to also drag you out of there. Come out"


Aaly stepped out with a sigh. Relena had taken her back there for her to 'try out' her appearance for the next day and she didn't like it one bit. Funny thing was that before she used to dress a lot like that, to get make up like that and to get her hair done like that. Now.. It was just annoying.


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"I still can't understand why are you making me wear these today. Wouldn't it be better to get ready tomorrow?" She crossed her arms and then she frowned when her gaze turned to Shotgun "You traitor" She couldn't believe he didn't help her back there, well actually she could, but still... "Can I go and change already?"


Relena sighed as she sat down on her leather chair "Seriously Aaly, looking pretty and feminine for once will do you no harm. Don't you think so?" She turned to Shotgun and Derrick


"I don't care, I feel uncomfortable in this outfit" She raised her long sleeves as she looked at her dress with a frown.
 
Shotgun was shocked by the girl standing before him. He had never, ever, seen her in a dress, let alone her hair and face all done up. He was amazed, she looked like a stranger. Someone that lived in one of the rich districts but not here. Also, she looked beautiful.


"Wow," Shotgun said, and then quickly added, "You look like a girl." The rebel grinned. Standing, he walked full circle around Aaly, taking in the whole look. "Aaly is that you in there? I can't tell."


Obsidian, Jonathan, and Sebastian had been friends for most of their lives. So when Jonathan told his servant not to bother him as the three friends caught up on the past year. After a while of talking and laughing, the matter of the raid came up.


"I have not seen any of the people who were charged of trying to sneak into my district," Obsidian said. "I was told that they will be released back to District 2 within a weeks time because they cooperated with the officers, so that is good."


"If it was my district, they would never be released. They shouldn't try to come somewhere where they do not belong." Jonathan said simply.


"They just wanted to better their lives," Obsidian said. "Sure there is a better way to do it, but what is wrong with that?"


"What is wrong with members of a rebel district sneaking into District 5?"


"You are making it sound worse then it is," Obsidian said giving Jonathan a look.


"Am I?"


"Stop trying to convince him Sid. You're words wont get through his thick head." Sebastian said earning himself a glare from Jonathan.
 
Aaly gave him a light glare as she shook her head, exasperated "Oh, shut up" She crossed her arms with a frown on her face.


"Well I think you look pretty and I'm sure both Derrick and Shotgun think so too" She looked at them reproachingly before shaking her head "How about you stay like this for today?" Relena smiled cheerfully at the suggestion.


"No way. And let others see me in this ridiculous outfit? I would rather swallow that friggin pill before letting myself be humiliated in such a way" She rolled her eyes before stomping back to the other room of the lab.


Relena sighed and followed her to the room.


This time she came out a few minutes earlier than before. She had casual clothes on, which she had picked at the other room and her short hair had returned to her original size. Her red eye was still there though, which she felt as off as before. "I'll see you in the morning then" She turned back to Relena who had quite a sulky look on her face.


"Yes, yes" Relena sighed before sitting back on her chair. She laid her cheek on her fist before blinking "Ah, I almost forgot, if someone asks you about your red eye just tell them you've got heterochromia"


"Hetero--- what?"


"Heterochromia. It's just a difference in coloration of the iris" Relena explained


" 'Kay, will say that. So till tomorrow"
 
**Skipping to the next day**


It was the day of the ball and the District 1 palace was buzzing with busy servants obeying Queen Lucinda's every word. Her mind was on overdrive trying to make every detail perfect for tonight. And if anyone failed to make her vision come to life, may god help them. This meant the Jonathan was doing everything in his power to avoid her, which wasn't easy considering that she had already sent three servants to find him. Jonathan sighed, Obsidian had gone off to hair and make up, and Sebastian was going over the details of the ball with the rest of the soldiers, so Jonathan was left alone to wonder his home.


"Jonathan!"


The angry sound rang through the hall of which the prince walked. Servants passed, their faces reveling that they were glad not to be him. Jonathan narrowed his eyes at them.


"I will not call your name again."


Jonathan thought about just walking away, but then thought better of it. Turning on his heels, he walked into the room he just passed.


"I've been calling for you all day," Queen Lucinda said, her voice dripping with irritation.


"I was just on my way to find you now," Jonathan replied.


"Spare me from your lies." The District 1 queen walked to the large couch the took up most of the room and picked up a freshly pressed suit for Jonathan to take."I expect nothing less than perfect behavior from you," Lucinda said as her youngest son took the suit from her. "The both of you," she added looking to the closed door that led to the dressing room. And as if on cue out stepped Lux.


Automatically, and almost subconsciously, Jonathan straightened. For as long as he could remember, Jonathan had been intimidated by his older brother. And although he would never admit it out loud, he sort of feared him.


"You will get nothing less mother," Lux said, a sweet smile on his face. "Right Jonathan?"


Jonathan nodded. "Right."
 
Aaly was waiting for the hovercar to come on the garden behind the base. She had gone and seen Marthe the day before and judging by her appearance, all sparkling and.. flashy, she had certainly gone and saw Relena. She'd got an irritated look on her face as she had her arms crossed, her whole self irradiated irritation.. Although to be honest maybe she was just nervous about everything.


"Why does it take so long?" She complained, frowning.
 
"Nice to see that you're in your usual good mood this morning," Shotgun said walking up to Aaly. His brown hair had been dyed blonde and his steel gray eyes were now a bright blue. As usual, the rebel wore a grin on his lips. "You must be excited about going back to you're home district. All you're old friends and such." he teased.
 
"Delighted actually" She turned to him and gave him those bright and shallow smiles she used to wear back on her childhood days. "Oh, my. What if I get to see prince Jonathan? I love him" She added, however, this time her tone was loaded with sarcasm. Her smile withered before being replaced by her usual grin "You should be the one feeling excited about going to District 1, you may be able to find yourself one of those rich girls you love so much" She shook her head with a somewhat relieved smile on her face, somehow her nervousness gone and the knot on her stomach gone.


Soon the hovercar arrived and thought the knot came back again she felt much more calm as she stepped inside it. Her now long hair brushing against her arms and falling to her waist.
 
"You are so lucky," Soli gushed. "I wish I could go to the ball!"


"And how may balls have you been to already?" Milo, Soli's boyfriend, asked.


"I want to go to this ball," Soli complained.


"I know what you mean," Zerah said. "First you get a three day pass, now this? Crisis, I envy you"


Crisis was sitting in the cafe of her school listening to her friend go on and on about how they wish they were her. Yes, it was good to be back in her original district where she didn't feel like an outsider and no one was giving her a dirty look.


"Yeah it is good to be me," Crisis joked. "But I'm really only going because of my parents. And trust me, they have been on me to be the perfect lady while I'm on the Upper Lands. It's getting annoying."


"Hey, at least you're going to District 1," Milo said as the hoverbot came to their table to scan their right eye and take their attendance.


"That's true," Crisis said gleefully.


"Hey is that new?" Soli asked pointing to Crisis's wrist.


Crisis glanced down at the bracelet she had gotten from District 2. At first she just wanted it as a souvenir of the district. But to her surprise she actually liked it.


"Do you like it?" Crisis asked. "It's vintage."


The morning bell rang for the students to go to class.


"Lets go."


"A rich girl huh?" Shotgun pondered that over as he followed Aaly into the car. "Now a guy like me could get use to that. Then I could quit this gig." Shotgun sat beside Aaly, it was a bit cramped in there as the other rebels got in. "Is Tydus and Trent going to ride with us?"
 
Aaly sat down, crossing one of her legs on top of the other as she tried her best, really her best to not beat the crap out of the rebels that threw glances at her and she was sure, mocked her. "Yeah, right. Maybe I can introduce you some of my old friends" She suggested, talking with him would get her mind distracted until they arrived. She then raised her brow at his question and looked around. There, right at the very end of the hovercar, at the other side, were Trent and Tydus, though strangely enough what was around them didn't seem to be as cramped as what was around Shotgun and herself, maybe because most of the rebels that were around the two of those guys tried to push themselves aside to give them space "They're right there" She signaled them as she moved her jaw to their direction.
 
Shotgun turned his head slightly. "Ah, there are our fearless leaders," he said, then turned his attention back on Aaly. He could see that she was tense. Maybe because of the others giving her the looks that they always did, or maybe it was about returning home. Whatever it was, Shotgun wasn't going to let it cloud her head.


"Shouldn't you guys be going over the plan?" Shotgun asked the other rebels who were giving Aaly looks. They adverted their eyed, some with an eye roll, and looked at something else.


Shotgun sighed, this was doing to be a long ride. "District 1 huh?" he muttered. "What could go wrong?"
 
Aaly gave Shotgun a grateful smile before loosening her grip on her arms. She laid back a little on her sit and let out a sigh. Exactly.. What could go wrong? She somehow still felt the knot on her stomach, but she thought about it as anxiousness either for the mission or for the fact she was returning.. 'home' once again after she swore she would never set foot on District 1 again, never she thought it was actually the bad feeling she had felt before the escaping plan two days before...


She closed her eyes slowly and leaned her head against her friend's shoulder, determined to sleep all the way to District 1 "Wake me up when we're there, Shotgun" She said before letting out a yawn and eventually falling asleep. Through her head important and basic information she had to remember flashed on her mind.


'Remember Aaliya once we arrive to District 1 we'll all separate. You'll go with Thanos, whom is supposed to be your godfather who has been taking care of you since your parents died. He will take you to his home until the time for the ball arrives. Shotgun will be going with you as he is supposed to be the servant recommended by you, an old friend of the royal family' Tydus explained that day early in the morning


'My word is not enough. I bet they won't even remember me nor my family' Strangely enough Aaly remembered she had felt quite bitter as she spoke those words as if she actually resented them for forgetting her family and her. Well she had, after all, gone to the castle plenty of times before her parents death and even hung out with the prince from time to time, which is probably why she had gotten to like him, though those memories were now fussy and blurry. And supposed to be unimportant for her for Lord's sake! She was not gonna give that second thoughts again, in fact, she just wanted to go in there, take the information and not get to see anyone unpleasant for her, which were.. practically everybody who would be there but her friends.


'And that's why he will be recommended by Thanos, an important business man from the District. Either way, we already have got all of that covered. Even if it was because of pure politeness the royal family had accepted Shotgun already either if it was because of you or because of Thanos. Anyway, you will arrive to the ball together, however, Shotgun will go with the other servants and you with the ball's guests' Trent added.


'And how are you guys going as?' Aaly had been curious about it all along.


Tydus and Trent exchanged a look before smiling 'That's classified information'
 
"Up," Shotgun said playfully nudging his friend off of his shoulder. "Oh great, you drooled all over my servant uniform. Now how am I going to pass inspection?"


The two and a half car flight took the car to the outskirts of District 5. The other rebels had gotten out of the car earlier and were taking a different route up to the Sky District. Shotgun, Aaly, Trent, and Tydus were to meet Thanos here and they would take his own personal Hover car the rest of the way.


"Let's go sleeping beauty," Shotgun said already out of the car. "We don't have all day."
 
Aaly blinked a little, disoriented. Nevertheless, she didn't even got the chance to say anything back at Shotgun as she was kinda rushed out of the hovercar, still as half asleep as she felt. She stretched, yawning


"And will that Thanos, take long?" She said as she rubbed the back of her neck, looking around.


"It's not 'that Thanos' it's your godfather. Get into the rol Aaliya, once we are inside his hovercar you'll have to act as his goddaughter" Trent told her as he sat down on a random rock, opening a closing his zippo, he'd got that bad habit since he stopped smoking.


"What? Why as soon as we get into that hovercar?" She frowned, though she already knew the answer, that bad habit was of hers, the one which she always had to complain about any order she was given if she got the chance to.


"In fact. It's as soon as you see him. We don't want to awaken suspicions and e don't know if we're being monitored even right now" Tydus said calmly


Aaly blew her bangs out of her face, which now were much longer as her hair.


The hovercar arrived some minutes later, only that it was not a hovercar, it was actually a hovercraft! Clearly, different from the old and rusty hovercar they had arrived in. Thanos, the white haired man with light grey eyes stepped out of the hovercraft with a kind smile on his face before walking directly to Aaly and hugging her


"My dear Aaliya, it has been ages since I last saw you. Look at you all grown, I regret not being able to go and see you so often, even though I've promised your dad to take care of you. But you know, time is never enough and I must sacrifice my precious time by your side to work, you know that deathly thing that gives us food and education" Thanos smiled at her brightly before pulling back to look at her.


Aaly didn't know how to react at first, the hug catching her off guard. She fought her impulse to shake him off and make a clearly displeased face and instead made herself hug him and smile warmly "My dear, Uncle Thanos. I've missed you so much as well and I'm really happy to see you again. I know you're trying your best at taking care of me. Don't worry about work, after all you're paying my education fees with what you get"


"You're such a good girl" He pinched her cheek playfully "Just like your mother" He added before turning to Shotgun "So is this the guy you've so kindly recommended to the Royal Family? I expect the best of you young man. And you.." He turned to Trent and Tydus "Thank you so much for bringing my goddaughter sound and safe. Come, please come" He guided them to his hovercraft entrance "After you" He aded politely before stepping inside after them as the doors closed behind him.
 
When acknowledged, Shotgun took a short bow but said nothing. He was suppressing the urge to explode into laughter. Shotgun followed behind Aaly and her 'uncle' as they entered into the hovercraft. Aaly and Thanos made small talk on the way up to District 1. Trent and Tydus added in their two cents every now and then but Shotgun never spoke, just listened. When the hovercraft finally made it to District 1 a servant came over and opened the door of the craft.They were quickly swamped with a dozen more servants.


"Welcome," the servant said cheerfully. "You have been expected."


The servant helped everyone out of the hovercraft and told them how they hope they enjoyed their stay.


"If you will follow me," a servant told Shotgun. He gave Aaly a quick smile before leaving her side.


"Come with me," another servant told the remaining four. "Queen Penelope has offered to help you get settled in."
 
Aaly did her best not to reveal a confused look on her face. Queen Penelope? Why had she done that? Without Shotgun by her side, suddenly, the knot seemed to become bigger and she froze for a moment. Nevertheless, it was in time that Thanos gave her a light nudge on her side, silently telling her to walk forward.


"Oh, did she? Queen Penelope is so kind" Thanos smiled seemingly pleased and slid his arm around Aaly's back. "Come on, my dear. I know you must be delighted to come back home after five years at District 9 but you'll have plenty of time to walk around your District afterwards" He then turned to Tydus and Trent "Gentleman" He said as if telling them to followed them and dragged Aaly out of the hovercraft to follow the servant.
 
Aaly and the others were taken to the palace where the royals stayed whenever they visited the district.


"My oh my is that really you Aaliya?" the District 5 queen asked when the servant brought Aaly to her. A bright smile sat on her face that met her eyes. Queen Penelope tapped her lower lip with her finger as she looked the girl over. "You look so... I was under the impression that--" The queen stopped herself short. "Oh never mind what I thought it's good to see you darling."


Penelope leaned in and kissed both Aaly's cheeks. "I don't know if you remember me, we didn't spend much time together, but I did know both of your parents." A sad look crossed the queen's face. "I don't know if I ever told you how sorry I am for your lost."


"Sweetheart," a man's voice called. Moments later the man entered the room. King Kannin took Penelope by the waist and kissed her on the cheek. "Aw Thanos, it is good to see you. And you must be Aaliya. How have you two been? "
 
Aaly had been taken aback by the whole meeting thing. Did she used to know her? She made a confused face at the sight as she glanced back at Tydus and Trent. They were probably as confused as her but didn't show it at all. She then looked back at the woman and couldn't help it but sadden when she mentioned her parents, for once in several years meeting someone who used to know them. She shook off those feelings though, however, she felt anxious because of the unexpected turn of events, even more that Queen Penelope was District 5 queen! And if she met Crisis by chance there, they wouldn't expect them to stay with there for a long time, right? But how could she ask something like that? Aaly forced herself to snap out of it.


"Thank you, Queen Penelope" She said with a sweet smile at the display of genuine sadness about her parents death.


Thanos gave King Kannin a good-natured smile before speaking "It's good to see you too" He turned to the Queen "Both of you. We've been perfectly fine, my dear goddaughter has just arrived from District 9, where she has been living since Reid and Celest lamentable death" He hugged her agains him "I'm just happy to have her back. It did took me by surprise that you brought as here though, how have both of you been? How's everything at District 5?"


Up until now Trent and Tydus all the time, not wanting to catch their attention. Tyuds was calm abou the whole thing, however, Trent was starting to get uncomfortable.
 
"We're both doing well," King Kannin said, the added. "Despite our latest run in with the Rebel District, District 5 has never been better.


Penelope looked uncomfortable for a split second when her husband mentioned the event of two nights before. But she quickly composed herself.


"District 9 you say?" Penelope piped in cheerfully. "I had no idea. You know, King Vergil and Queen Isis are both here. So is their daughter Princess Sahara. You should say hi when you get the chance. Oh that reminds me, Queen Lucinda wanted to meet you once you arrived but with all the planning for the ball, she just had no time. Same with King Julian. But they are both very excited to meet you at the ball."


"Yes," Kannin said. "When they found out you were attending the ball, they were very pleased."


The king shifted his eyes to the two men at the back as if he had just noticed them for the first time.


"I'm sorry, you two are?" he asked.
 
Aaly stood there with her usual, kind smile as she heard them. Inside.. Well inside she felt horrible. God Damn it, it had been a bad idea for her to had come back with her same identity as before. Besides, what was with the all the royals know you thing? They were supposed to have forgotten the family Aashan a long time ago. Now she didn't have to avoid just Crisis and Halo but also the royals from District 5, 9 and 1. She needed to talk to both Tydus and Trent in private and was actually dying to get the heck out of there.


"Were they?" Aaly asked with a cheerful tone that matched the Queen's "I actually feared that they had forgotten about me. I'm so happy they didn't, 'cause I haven't, not one single day" That part she meant it "It even gets me anxious"


Tydus was the one to talk and before he did he and Trent gave them a light bow "Your highness, I'm one of Miss. Aaliya Blythe Aashan personal servant, as well as this man by my side" He turned to Aaly and bowed to her, which actually surprised her a lot, she had never excepted the day would come when she would see Tydus bow before her "Forgive my rudeness, we just didn't want to interrupt"
 
"You are forgiven," The king said. "Just remember to check in with the servants quarters before leaving this palace. But," Kinnin said turning to his queen. "We must be going, if we're late Lucinda will have our heads."


"That she will," Penelope giggled. "Obsidian Dearest!" the queen called over her shoulder. Then to Aaly. "My daughter, I don't know if you remember her. She's Jonathan's fiance. Anyhoo, I will have her show you around."


Obsidian came into the room. "Yes mother?"


"Sweetheart. show Aaliya here around. And be mindful of her in our absents," she said


"Yes mother."


And with that the king and queen left.
 
Aaly blinked as she was left with the ginger haired girl. Damn! She looked back at her leaders once again but as before the didn't even tell her anything with their sights. She then looked at Thanos, who had the look of someone who couldn't really come up with anything right now. She suppressed a sigh and turned to the princess, before giving her a light bow


"It's nice to see you, Princess" She said with a smile that did not match her mood at all.


Thanos was at a loss as well but then he figured it was better for him not to stay there. He was supposed to be a bussy man and couldn't stay there just following his 'goddaughter' around. He glanced at Trent from the corner of his eye and miraculously that was enough for him to understand the main idea of what he was thinking. He then straightened and cleared his throat to het Aaly's attention


"Aaliya, honey. I think it's better for me to get going while you enjoy this young lady's company. I'll go and prepare your room as I expect to see you soon" He turned to Obsidian "It's always a pleasure, Princess. If you will excuse me" He bowed before leaving the room and with that a much more confused Aaly that had a calm and friendly look on her face.
 
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