Disclaimers: Gundam Wing and anything having to do with Gundam Wing are property to those nice people at Bandai and Sunrise and all those people that actually get paid for being cool.
Notes: Just to get this out of the way, some of the charactersÉ namely, the ones that arenÕt normally in the series, are my creations. I donÕt mind if you use them but you need my permission to do that, otherwise DEATH IS IMMINENT!!!
So anyway. IÕm hoping this time the font works and those stupid little circles donÕt appear where the quotation marks should be. I was so aggravated with that. If this works, then IÕll go back and change the other one. If it doesnÕtÉ may god have mercy on my soul.
Also, please note that the content of this is beginning to fit the PG-13 rating, and it might possibly change to R, if I decide to be a fan-whore and give everybody what they want. And we know what that is, donÕt we? Mee-ow.
New Moon Chapter XI: innocence lostQuatre chewed on his fingernails nervously as he watched the rain pour down outside. It fell at a slant Ð big, fat droplets that thudded against the windowpane Ð and left even those with thick protective coats soaked to the bone. It was the rain that had driven the three of them inside seeking shelter, and they sat there still, waiting for it to subside. So far, things were not exactly going to plan.
ÒQuatreÉ are you alright?Ó
The blonde blinked, glancing back to a pair of concerned green eyes before smiling a little. ÒYes, thank you. Just anxious, I suppose. I hope the others are having more luck than we are.Ó
Trowa nodded, settling down next to him at the table. ÒYeah.Ó He didnÕt have to voice the fact that the rain could easily wash away SanaÕs trail Ð they were both thinking about it. The continually growing number of dire possibilities that seemed to spread out before their feet was beginning to weigh down on them, though it effected Quatre the most, and Trowa silently wished that the smaller boy didnÕt have to go through all this. It just seemed wrong to hurt such a gentle, caring person.
Pausing, shaking his head free of those lingering thoughts, the taller one just sighed. ÒPerhaps we should just go out in the rain anyway. I donÕt think we can wait for it to stop much longer.Ó
Wufei, who had been coming back from the bar with some warm drinks for all of them, dropped into the corner chair with his own resounding sigh and burning eyes. ÒAfter we drink, maybe.Ó
Looking back to the ninja, raising his eyebrows before pulling the steaming mug towards him, Quatre sniffed it delicately. ÒDo you know what it is?Ó He asked, peering into the thick liquid pensively.
The black-haired boy was silent, his finger mixing his own drink while he stared blankly at the table.
Trowa arched an eyebrow, and received the same bewildered look from Quatre. They both decided to test the stuff themselves and after a few tentative sips, agreed that whatever it was, it was quite good. ÒYou know,Ó Trowa began, pulling the dirty parchment with SanaÕs likeness on it a little closer so that he might inspect it again, ÒIf we find the woman who was handing these out, weÕre going to give Sana away.Ó
Quatre nodded, putting his chin on his hand. ÒBut we wonÕt really know anything unless we try. And if it comes to it,Ó he murmured, much quieter, ÒIÕll just use my status to help Sana, and to keep her with us. SheÕs just as much a part of this now as we all are.Ó
Wufei glanced over at him at this, his finger dripping dry onto the wooden table. ÒThe paper says Meiran. TheyÕll be looking for someone named Meiran, not Sana,Ó he reminded them, his tone flat.
Licking his lips as he thought, Trowa tilted his head to the side. ÒWhat if she is Meiran, and not Sana? She could have easily been lying to us.Ó
The ninja suddenly stiffened, his back straight. ÒShe is not Meiran.Ó
Trowa just stared at him, while Quatre was slightly taken back. ÒÉis something wrong, Wufei?Ó The blonde asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
ÒNo.Ó Resigned once again, as if his earlier discomfort had never really happened at all, Wufei brought the mug to his lips and drank, his eyes closed.
It seemed as though sheÕd been in the dark forever. Nothing but blackness had stood before her, and the vague feeling that if it should change, it would be no better than the emptiness before her. But gradually the darkness began to fade, giving way to a hazy light that flickered across her features. When her senses decided to come to, she recognized the flickering light as coming from a candle. Many candles, actually. Hesitantly, she opened her eyes.
She found things not to her liking.
The room was large, shadowed, covered in expensive fabrics and paintings. She recognized it to be a bedroom; to her left was the bed, a monster of a thing, covered with velvet and silk. The room itself was painted black Ð everything was as dark as the night sky, despite the warm flickering of the candles (which she realized now were scented), though they only created more shadows. The place gave her a queasy feeling in her stomach and she suddenly wished that she had never wandered off in the first place.
Especially when she found that her wrists and ankles were bound to a rather high chair, her normal clothes Ð including undergarments - gone and replaced by something sheÕd never even dreamed of wearing. The fabric was thin, thinner than silk, and held the same glossy shine to it despite the lack of light. The long dress glowed white, though the innocence of the color was drowned out by the tightly tied laces that left most of her back exposed and her curves outlined. Upon further search she realized that the material was nearly sheer Ð any sort of light would show more than just the dress.
She suddenly felt very, very alone, and knew that if she didnÕt gain control of her fear it would overwhelm her. Breathing very deep but shaky breaths, she squeezed her eyes shut and told herself over and over that she needed to stay strong. The key was to stay strong!
The door opened sometime later and a tall, slender man stalked in, the dirty scowl on his face changing to a slow, broad smirk as he caught sight of her. ÒWell, donÕt you clean up nice?Ó
Keeping her gaze hard and her face blank, Sana turned her nose up at him. ÒLet me go at once.Ó
He just chuckled, crossing his muscled arms over his chest lightly. ÒIÕm afraid IÕm not at liberty to do that, love. Besides, I believe youÕve already taken advantage of my hospitality and put on one very lovely dress.Ó
ÒHospitality?Ó She repeated, arching an eyebrow. ÒI hardly call being stripped of my clothes, forced to don this despicable excuse for a dress, and tied to a chair hospitality.Ó
ÒYouÕll soon find that the situation I have you in is quite favorable to the one my employer wished,Ó he stated clearly, his voice arrogant as he eyed her.
She tensed slightly as he began to approach her, her fear beginning to grow as she caught the gleam in his dark eyes. ÒAnd that would be?Ó
He smiled secretively, running his fingers up along the slit of the gown until they met her hips. ÒI think most would agree that a life of servitude is somewhat better than a horrible death.Ó
Flinching as he continued to trace his cold hand over her thighs, her hope fading fast as his words sunk in, she managed to choke out, ÒWho is trying to kill me?Ó
ÒBecause I like you, I will tell you.Ó He smiled again, his fingers slipping under the fabric of her dress. ÒThe one who wants you dead and broken is Lord Treize Kushrenada. I only plan on fulfilling half of that request.Ó
She struggled against her bindings, trying desperately to get away from his hands. His touch revolted her, and she wanted nothing more than to run from this horrible place. ÒIÕd rather die!Ó
Another amused chuckle escaped his lips and he leaned in, his free hand tightening around her throat. ÒMy maids tell me you are still a virgin, little girl. Is this true?Ó
The tears slipped down her cheeks as she tilted her head back, trying to open up her air passages as his hand half-choked her. She didnÕt want to believe this was happeningÉ she didnÕt want to think about any of this Ð she just wanted to die. A muffled sob was the only response the man received.
ÒThis shall be a fine treat, indeed.Ó He let his hands drop to his sides, stepping back and smirking at her before crossing to the door that he had just come in. He opened it and muttered something to the guards, who then entered the room and proceeded to release Sana from the chair. The man just watched as the bonds were broken and she was flung from the chair and onto the bed. ÒCareful, now,Ó he said, ÒI want to be the one to break her.Ó
Sana struggled against all of this, but they simply overpowered her. She screamed, kicking her legs as hard as she could, using her nails to claw at anything, but she found that her attempts to break free were just hopeless. And once she was on the bed, they pulled the curtains shut, so that the only light was from the chandelier high above. Desperate to stop what had already started, she hit the curtains, only to find that they would not budge. Pure horror ran like ice through her veins and she froze as the reality of the nightmare dawned on her.
He opened the curtain again, just enough to slide in, before it was shut behind him and she was trapped in the veritable prison with him. Moments later she heard the door to the room shut and she knew that she couldnÕt win.
ÒWho are you?Ó She asked, her voice just as lifeless as her body as he pushed her down against the silk sheets.
He only smirked, holding her wrists above his head loosely. ÒYou may call me Lord Landau. Why?Ó
She spit on him then, yanking one arm from his grasp while she kicked at him with all her might. ÒI want to know what to call you when I kill you!Ó
Though her sharp movements caught him off guard, she only managed to hit and scratch him a few times before his strength forced her back again and her tears began to fall, her eyes still furious. He bit her shoulder, ripping the skin before licking up the small bit of blood that began to appear, before his lips grazed their way to her mouth. ÒIf you think this is terrible, you just wait, Cillian,Ó he hissed, forcing her to look at him with his free hand. ÒNot even a healer like yourself will be able to put the broken pieces back together.Ó
Duo pressed himself against the wall, listening for the quiet thud of boots against stone. He knew both Keru and Heero would hear the guardsÕ movement much easier than he would, but he couldnÕt help himself. A habit was a habit, after all. But the longer they waited, the more worried he became. He just couldnÕt shake the feeling that something terrible was happening. They had traveled after SanaÕs trail, though the rain made it hard (thankfully the forest canopy helped to catch much of the rain), and they had been fortunate enough to slip into the small, dark palace unnoticed.
But nowÉ Duo didnÕt understand the bleak feeling, but he did know that they needed to hurry. He whispered this to Keru, who jerked in agreement Ð it was obvious the cat woman wasnÕt exactly expecting a cheerful welcoming, either.
Heero returned not a minute later, fangs bared and dripping with blood, and gave them a nod. The coast was clear. The three of them hurried back around the corner and towards the large door, where two guards lay broken and bleeding from the neck. Duo could still hear the disgusting gurgling sound of one of them choking on his own blood as Keru carefully opened the door.
The sounds that met them were like a slap across the face. He could hear Sana struggling, the rip of fabric, and the sharp, cruel laughter of someone else. Balling his fists in sudden rage, Duo stalked across the room to the bed, the other two right behind him, and yanked open the curtain.
As Landau whipped around angrily to see who would dare to disturb his pleasures, Sana nearly cried at the sight of Duo. But instead, she kicked even harder and tried her best to bash the copper-haired manÕs head in with the heel of her foot. Her attempts, combined with the inhuman strength of one very scary-looking Heero brought the man off the bed and to the marble floor, where both Heero and Duo set to work on him. Keru, meanwhile, pushed the curtain open and helped the other girl out wordlessly, pulling her to the other side of the room. But Sana would stand for that. Instead, she caught the glint of steel in the cat-womanÕs belt and grabbed at it, before stumbling back over to the other three.
Her tears nearly blinded her as she thrust the knife into his stomach, screaming with rage. ÒYou fucking bastard!Ó She stabbed him again and again, before leaving the knife in his gut and began clawing at his eyes. A pair of sturdy arms stopped her, however, and pulled her away from the nearly dead man while Keru stepped forward and reached for LandauÕs neck. The cracking sound of his neck breaking was drowned out by SanaÕs sobs, though those soon died down as Heero took her face in his hands and forced her to look at him.
ÒSana. YouÕre safe, now, thereÕs no need for this.Ó He said quietly, surprisingly gentle. ÒFocus, now. We still need to get out of here.Ó He took off his cloak then and quickly slung it around her shoulders, tying it tightly before bringing her to her feet.
Duo watched in slight fascination, not at all ready for the abrupt change in HeeroÕs behavior. He went from Hunter to Killer to Helper, of all things. But he blinked and remembered what had to be done. Gesturing for Keru, Duo hurried back out into the hall and took a quick glance around before giving her the okay. ÒLetÕs blow this joint,Ó he muttered, flipping his braid over his shoulder.
Keru took her place behind Heero and Sana, the very latter of which had regained herself and was holding her cloak tightly about her body, covering the other flimsy material. The small train of people made their way back through the dark halls, pausing once or twice as Duo took out a number of guards. Though they made it out of the palace safely and started the trek back to the little village, Duo wasnÕt exactly sure how Sana would take this all in. Especially considering the missing person posters and the questions that awaited her once they did get back.
Soaked once again, Quatre only shook his head at the rain Ð he was sure that if the weather kept up the way it was, heÕd turn into a fish. Either way, he was quite used to it, even if it wasnÕt exactly good for him. But he didnÕt have time to worry about his health because at the moment, there were more pointed issues to tackle.
One of them was the absolute feeling of dread that had suddenly washed over him. Though it had passed again a few minutes later, it had scared him to no end Ð what was it that could create such horror in his soul?
The other pressing matter was the search for the woman who was handing out the fliers about Sana. So far they had not found muchÉ it seemed as though many people had seen the lady, but no one knew where she was now. Quatre could only hope that Trowa or Wufei had had more luck than he did. With a heavy heart he returned back to their original inn and waited in the tavern, asking those who came in and out if they had any leads.
Trowa came in some time after him, empty-handed. Though when Wufei entered the tavern, a cloaked woman followed him.
Hurrying to his feet, Quatre offered his chair to her immediately. ÒPlease, madam, sit and rest.Ó
She gave him a sweet smile, one that looked oddly familiar, and took the seat offered, adjusting her cloak and dress as she sat. ÒYouÕre too kind, sir.Ó
Wufei dropped his own cloak over a chair and kicked it back against the wall, his body language not quite as polite as the woman was being. ÒLetÕs just get to the questions.Ó
Trowa glanced at him briefly, sitting back into his chair as he tried to make sense of the ninjaÕs sudden bad mood. Had it been the old woman and her prophesy? It certainly seemed to be that, but so many things had happenedÉ it was too hard to keep track of it all. He resigned himself to watching for now, gathering as much as he could before heÕd try to figure it out again.
QuatreÕs smile faltered for a second but he regained his princely composure and sat down next to the woman, clasping his hands on the table in front of him. ÒCan I ask your name, madam?Ó
ÒOf course. I am Cyanai Viskare. I believe you have some information concerning my fliers?Ó The woman looked hopeful, and Quatre hated to be vague because of this. But there were things he had to know.
ÒI hope so. But there are some things I should ask you first. Her name is Meiran, correct?Ó
At this Wufei glanced up, but no noise was made. Trowa noted it, and waited.
Cyanai paused, nodding slowly. ÒYesÉ though I doubt she would answer to it. It is her first given name, but not many people know this. IÕm afraid,Ó she hesitated, Òmy search has to beÉ rather secretÉÓ
Now all three men stilled, and Quatre managed to ask, ÒÉHer nameÉ Would it be Sana?Ó
She blinked at him, before standing in excitement. ÒYou know my daughter? Where is she?!Ó
ÒSheÕs your daughter?Ó Quatre repeated, immediately realizing why he thought she looked familiar. He was seeing Sana in her Ð the same pitch black hair, the same eyes and smileÉ
Trowa was the first to bring a little bit of order back to the small group, and he did by stating quietly, ÒSana is safe, do not worry. But there are things we have to ask you, maÕam, and we would all appreciate your assistance.Ó
She paused before sitting again, bowing her head in understanding. ÒYes, of course. I will do my best to answer your questions.Ó
Except at that moment the door to the tavern opened and Duo led in the other group, huddled together for warmth and for safety. And in the middle was Sana.
ÒShit.Ó Wufei stood first, before Trowa and Quatre did the same. CyanaiÕs hand flew to her mouth and she sat frozen in her chair with shock.
The chestnut-haired man gave them all a tired smile and a mock salute. ÒLooks like we both did rather well.Ó
Sana just stared at her mother, before looking to Quatre. She was shivering with cold, her hair matted against her forehead, cloak soaked through and through. Under that the glowing white dress was limp, having long lost itÕs prestige, having been covered in blood and ripped in numerous places, but thankfully the cloak covered it entirely.
Her mother stood, before hurrying to her daughter, throwing her arms around her. ÒSana! YouÕre alright! Oh, my little Meiran, IÕve missed you so! IÕm so glad youÕre alright!Ó
Somehow she managed to return the hug. ÒÉyes, IÕm alright. More or less,Ó she murmured, faltering slightly. The slip was caught by all of them, but her mother just ignored it while the others fought concern and kept quiet.
Heero stepped forward then, touching CyanaiÕs shoulder gently. ÒI donÕt mean to interrupt, but we should all clean up first, and get some rest.Ó
Duo glanced to the vampire briefly, recognizing that same strange gentleness in his tone, before agreeing with him. ÒYeah, we all should change into something a little drier, and then meet back down here for a bite to eat and a few rousing stories,Ó He suggested, and all of them but Cyanai understood what he meant.
Keru took Sana then and the two of them went upstairs, followed by Heero to make sure that no one tried to bother her. Duo, meanwhile, gestured for Quatre to follow him so he could fill the blonde in on the happenings of the night. Which left Trowa, Wufei, and Cyanai, the latter of whom decided right away to check in with the inn owner about renting out a room. Trowa knew there was no better chance, and so as Wufei made a move to go upstairs, Trowa followed him.
ÒWufei.Ó
The ninja turned and looked at him expectantly, though the faint glimmer in his eyes betrayed the frustration in them. ÒWhat?Ó
ÒWhy is Meiran so important to you?Ó He asked quietly, his own eyes still searching.
Wufei narrowed his eyes for a moment, before turning away and heading back up the stairs. ÒThe prophesy.Ó
To be continued, g-dawgsÉ
