Jaid: Hey every body! I just wanted to say that I am deeply touched by all the nice reviews! Not one flame! I'm thrilled. I just wanted to say thanks for all the nice comments; I honestly did not know that I was a good writer, but you all have given me some much needed confidence! Thank you!
Just a couple of notes. Found out that Midii is really spelt Middie, but I like Midii better, don't you? And also found out that Mieran is really Mielan. Heh, heh, don't I feel stupid. Oh well…And what do you guys think of Traycsant, the bad guy? Personally, he creeps me out (which is weird since I created him. I just want to strangle the guy at times…). Just wanted to know since nobody's mentioned him. And what do you guys think of my characterization? Please let me know!
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Chapter Twenty – One
Midii stumbled through the brush, several trees tearing at her hair and clothes, but she didn't care. Tears filled her gray eyes as she ran, blocking her view. She tripped over a tree root and fell on the ground. Midii didn't bother to get up. She simply laid there and sobbed.
Her thoughts where in a whirl. Trowa couldn't die! He couldn't! an irrational, childish part of her screamed.
But he might. Nobody's immortal. The other part of her said. Midii's sobs were coming hard and fast now, so hard that she could barely breath. Over and over she saw Trowa slumped over Jimmy's saddle, green eyes glazed over and blood soaking his entire coat and shirt.
"It's not fair." Midii stuttered to nobody in particular. "It's not fair. I can't lose him, I can't!"
She stayed there several hours, allowing sobs to shake her slender body.
* * *
Quatre entered the house, feeling sick and exhausted. His hands and face were dirty; he had had to resort to using his hands mostly to bury the bodies that had been there. He moved slowly towards the staircase, not aware of what was going on. He distantly heard Relena and someone in the kitchen; was aware that somebody was upstairs.
Quatre dazedly climbed the staircase and made his way to his room. Zechs and Dorothy were there, Quatre realized, but he didn't care. He didn't care about anything at the moment.
"Quatre!" Dorothy said, standing up. She looked at him worriedly. "What's wrong?"
Zechs walked up behind her, concern on his face.
"I went to go get the Maguanacs." Quatre said.
"Yes?" Dorothy prodded.
"They weren't there." Quatre could feel tears begin to well up in his eyes. "Nothing was there. It was all gone, burned up! And there…there were bodies. Children and women and…" he broke off, unable to speak.
Dorothy and Zechs stared at him. Zechs quietly left the room and Dorothy came forward and put her arms around Quatre, shushing him quietly. He returned the hug, holding her so tightly she almost gasped. Dorothy could feel him shaking. Gently, she led him to the bed and they both sat down, Quatre still sobbing and Dorothy holding him. Still speaking meaningless words of comfort, she gently stroked his hair.
* * *
Zechs made his way to the kitchen and opened the door. "Lena, I-" he broke off as Heero and Relena stood. For a minute, there was silence as Heero and Zechs glared at each other, while Relena nervously eyed the both of them.
Finally, Zechs found his voice. "Relena," he said, using a very controlled tone. "What is Yuy doing here?"
"Uh…" Relena began.
"I dropped by for visit." Heero cut in brusquely. Zechs raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really?" he asked. "How nice of you."
"Zechs." whispered Relena.
"Relena, I need to talk to you." Zechs said stiffly. "Privately."
Heero sat back down at the table while Relena walked out with Zechs.
"Look, Zechs, I know you and Heero-"
"I'm not here to talk about Yuy." Zechs sighed wearily. "Quatre's upstairs with Dorothy. He's rather…upset. I don't think he'll eat tonight. I need to go and talk to Chang, okay?"
"Okay. Are you going to eat?" Relena asked as Zechs shrugged on his coat and grabbed his hat.
"Maybe later, if I have time." He said walking out the door.
Relena rolled her eyes. Right, if you have time.
* * *
"Hello Mary." Sally said cheerfully as she entered through the back door. "I'm here to see Une."
"She's in the sitting room, Miss." Mary said politely. Sally nodded and made her way there. Upon entering the room, she smiled slightly to see Une slumped over her desk, obviously asleep. Walking over, Sally was about to wake her when a document on the table caught her eye. Carefully picking it up, she read it's contents.
Dear sir, it read. I regret to inform you that I have no knowledge of the subject Trowa Barton. I have never heard of such a man, nor have I seen anyone adhering to his likeness. The man I had, until recently, running the saloon, was Triton Bloom. He is not only younger than the man you are looking for, but has different coloring as well as being slightly shorter and thinner than the man you described. If he was using the name "Trowa Barton", I was completely unaware of it.
I am sorry that you're son has been missing for so long and I regret that I am unable to help you further. In regards to your daughter, Leia Barton Khushrenada, I also regret to inform you that she passed away several months ago from a sudden illness. I am deeply distressed to have to notify you of such a tragic event, but am confused to as why you have not heard of it. Surely a telegram was sent off to you.
Once again, my regrets and condolences to your family. Sincerely, Anne Une.
Sally quickly put down the letter, feeling she had trespassed. But she couldn't help it. Who was Trowa Barton? She wondered. An envelope was on the table. Sally knew it was snooping, but she looked anyway. Two letters were in it. The first addressed to Trieze, then second addressed to Une herself. Biting her lip, Sally read them both.
Trieze, the first read. I have received a very interesting letter, that I think you ought to read as soon as you return. I apologize for not having given it to you sooner, but my illness…well, you know. Once again, my deepest apologies for losing your daughter. I pray that you find her safe and sound. I really feel it is my fault that she is missing in the first place, thought to tell the truth, I can't see what I could've done about it.
Well, for something that was to be a quick note, this has dragged on. I cannot wait to see you again; it seems like it's been forever since I heard you voice. Anne.
Sally quickly put it away, blushing a little and feeling a little sorry for Une. She obviously loved Treize very much. Opening the second message, she read.
My Dearest Madame, I have recently been informed that a young man who answers to the name "Trowa Barton" is in your employment. You may wonder what interest I could possibly have in him, but to tell the truth, my son Trowa Barton is missing, and has been for several months. I would appreciate it if you could tell me if your employee answers to the following: Hieght six feet, two inches, broad-shouldered with dark eyes and blonde hair. He also, if I may say so, has been attributed to having a charming and easy way about him, as well as an engaging smile.
If the man in your employment does not answer to this, please forgive my impertinence and put it down to a father who is worried for his son. But, if the man in your employment does answer to this, would you please tell him to send me a telegraph as soon as possible? Also, my daughter Leia Barton Khushrenada may be able to help you. Thank you for your time and again, apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, Jonathan Barton.
Something big is up. Sally thought replacing the envelope. She sat down on the settee, still feeling guilty for having pried into Une's private affairs. What had possessed her…Sally jumped as the door opened and Zechs Marquise walked in.
"Dr. Po." He said. "I just dropped by to check on Une." Sally smiled and nodded towards the desk. Zechs smiled slightly at the sight of a sleeping Une.
"I'm going to wake her in a minute." Sally told him.
"Well, I'll be going then." Zechs said. "Good-bye."
"bye." Sally answered.
* * *
Midii re-entered the cabin, exhausted with mental anguish and tears still streaming down her cheeks. Iria and Jim looked up, then Iria stood.
"Midii, I have to get back to town, but I'll be back tomorrow, okay?" Iria said gently. Midii nodded.
"Make sure that he doesn't move to much and make sure he gets plenty to eat and drink."
Midii nodded again. Quietly, Iria and Jim made their exit, but as they left, Iria looked at Midii again, her face full of sympathy and pain for the young girl.
Midii stared at Trowa's sleeping figure. She placed her head next to his hand, too tired to speak and out of tears to cry.
"Please." she whispered. "Please try to survive." She looked up. "For me, Trowa. I…I love you."
* * *
Quatre was asleep. Dorothy was still there, watching him. Finally she stood up and walked out. Going down the stairs, she entered the kitchen. Heero and Relena looked at her in surprise.
"I didn't know you were here, Dorothy!" Relena said in surprise.
"I was with Quatre." Dorothy told her. "He was really upset."
"That's what Zechs said." Relena stood. "Want something to eat?"
"Sure." Dorothy sank into a chair. She noticed Heero glanced pointedly at her blouse and raise an eyebrow. Frowning, Dorothy looked down and then grimaced. When she had embraced Quatre, the dirt and ash that was on him and his clothing had come off on her white blouse. Looking up, she glared at Heero.
"No need to stare, Yuy." she growled. Heero shrugged and turned his attention back to Relena. Dorothy sighed.
"So." Relena said, placing a bowl in front of Dorothy. "What were you and Zechs doing up there?"
"A project." Dorothy answered.
"A project?" Heero asked. Dorothy glared at him.
"Yes, got a problem with that?"
Heero smirked, which made Dorothy even madder.
"Was the project in Quatre's room?" he asked. Dorothy stood, slamming her spoon on the table, while at the same time Relena gasped "Heero!" in shock.
"What is it to you, Yuy?" She demanded. "Never mind, I don't want to know." Walking to the door she turned. "I'm going home. Thanks for the soup, Relena, I'll see you in a couple of days." With that she exited.
Relena glared at Heero. "You didn't have to be so rude!"
Heero shrugged. "Got rid of her, didn't I?"
Relena's mouth dropped. "What?"
Heero stared at his bowl. "I wanted to be alone with you." he admitted. Relena smiled slightly.
"Well, you still didn't have to be so rude." she reminded him, then stood.
"Where are you going?" Heero asked.
"To check on Quatre." Relena said. "I'll be right back."
* * *
Quatre, struggling with being half-awake half-asleep, managed to realize that someone was in his room, and that that someone wasn't Dorothy. Slowly opening his eyes halfway, he cautiously reached for his gun. Carefully, he brought it out of the holster, and was about to bring it up when –
"Quatre?" The door opened and Relena stood there looking in. Who ever it was in the room stood stalk still, though it was doubtful that Relena even realized they were there. Quatre closed his eyes, hoping that if he pretended to be asleep, Relena would go away.
She didn't. She walked over and brushed away some of his bangs in sisterly fashion and kissed him on top of the forehead. Reaching over, she grabbed the extra quilt at the foot of his bed and covered him, then she left the room.
Damn! Quatre thought. She would have to go and put a blanket on him! Quatre knew she had done it because she cared about him and didn't want him to be cold, especially with winter coming on, but it was a damn nuisance.
The figure walked so that it was standing over him. Quatre forced himself to keep his eyes closed and his breathing steady. He could hear the heavy breathing of the other person, and then heard, with alarm, the words spoken in a foreign tongue, as the familiar click of a hammer on a pistol being drawn back sounded.
* * *
Relena was just opening the kitchen door, when CRACK! the sound of a pistol being shot off upstairs. Heero burst through the kitchen door, taking only a second to assure himself that she was fine. He ran up the stairs, Relena following, as they heard a second CRACK! They both ran to Quatre's door, but it was locked.
"Damn." Heero whispered. "Move!" Relena got out of the way as Heero gave a high quick that made the door bend slightly. It was almost rhythmic, the BOOM of Heero's kick at the door, followed by the CRACK of a pistol. Finally the door came down and Heero pointed his gun at the opening.
"Don't move or I'll shoot." Heero ordered in his low monotone.
"Don't shoot." a strangled voice said. "Don't." There was a cry of pain. Relena gasped, her eyes wide and frightened.
"We're coming out." the same voice said. Relena recognized that it was Quatre's. Heero backed up slowly as Quatre came out. A tall man had Quatre's arm twisted behind his back and a pistol buried hard in his neck. Quatre was grimacing in pain, blood spilling down the side of his head and down his left arm, both had been grazed with a bullet in the dark.
"Let him go." Heero demanded.
"No." the man said in perfect English. "You come any closer and I'll kill him. I swear to that. You'll let us go."
"I'll let you go." Heero said. "If you let him free."
"No, he comes with me." The man said. Heero shifted slightly and the man twisted Quatre's arm harder. A low moan of pain escaped his lips. Heero clenched his teeth. He could have risked shooting the man, but the pain and shock of being hit with a bullet would cause the stranger to pull the trigger on his gun and therefore killing Quatre. The two of them backed away, down the stairs. Heero and Relena waited till they heard the front door open and close.
"What'd we do!?" cried Relena. She looked close to tears.
"You go find your brother." he ordered, walking towards the stairs.
"What about you?" she asked. He turned. She walked over to the top of the staircase. He took her hand.
"I'll find him." he said. "I promise."
"Be careful." she whispered. Heero gave her a slight smile and then turned and left. Relena followed quickly.
* * *
The man tied Quatre's hands behind his back and threw him over the front of the horse like a sack before mounting himself. Spurring his horse, they fell into a gallop.
"Where are you taking me?" Quatre demanded.
"You'll see." the man said.
"Are you going to kill me?" Quatre asked.
"Not me." The man told him, rather cheerfully. Quatre, on his part, didn't see anything to be cheerful about.
* * *
Dorothy tiredly stumbled up the steps and opened her door. Taking off her shawl, she hung it up and was about to turn, when a pair of strong hands grabbed her from behind. She struggled, but whoever it was, was too strong for her. Her last thought before she blacked out was, I should've stayed with Relena!
* * *
"Daddy?" Mariemeia blinked. "Where am I?"
Trieze stirred then opened his eyes. "What? Marie!"
"Hi." Mariemeia said faintly. "What happened?"
"Don't you remember?" Trieze asked softly.
"Sort of." Mariemiea answered, then hissed slightly in pain.
"Don't move." Trieze told her. "It's not good for you Princess."
Mariemeia looked at her father. "Don't cry, Daddy." she whispered. "It'll be all right. I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have gone out to the mine-"
"It's okay." Trieze shushed her. "I don't care." He bit his tongue, trying to get a hold of himself. "You're here and you're all right. That's all I care about." He gently embraced her. "Now," he said. "Go to sleep."
"Yes, sir." Mariemeia whispered, closing her eyes. Trieze placed his face in his hands and thanked God that his little daughter had made it through.
* * *
"I see." WuFei leaned against the back of his chair and took of his glasses. "I didn't know he would go this far."
"You're sure it was Traycsant?" Zechs asked. WuFei gave him a look.
"Who else would it be?" he said. Zechs grimaced, feeling slightly like an idiot.
"Okay, point made. But-"
Relena suddenly burst in, startling all of them.
"Zechs, you have got to come quick. Some guy has just kidnapped Quatre and Heero's gone after him but he might need help!"
Relena had no sooner finished talking than Zechs had strode out the door. WuFei got up to follow, but not before squeezing Mieran's hand in farewell.
* * *
Catherine sighed, looking out her window. Wondering about Trowa. Suddenly, something caught her attention. Getting up, she quickly grabbed a shawl and quickly exited the boarding house.
* * *
"What are we going to do now?" Charles asked.
"Find the crown jewels." Armond said. "That's what we'll concentrate on now. Marquise and his sister can wait. Besides," he smiled in a rather chilling way. "I have a feeling that this hunt for the jewels will be a particularly amusing one."
* * *
A few hours later, Quatre was unceremoniously dumped on the ground of a small room and left there, arms and legs still tied. He groaned slightly, trying to shift his weight off of his wounded arm.
The door opened and another limp figure was placed there. A chill went through Quatre. It was Dorothy, and her face was as pale as death…
* * *
Armond and Charles looked up as a man entered the room, dragging the very uncooperative Catherine Bloom.
"Found around Catalonia's." The man explained.
"What are you doing now, Traycsant?" Catherine demanded.
"Why, my dear Miss Bloom. How nice to see you again." Armond said smiling. "Especially, as we have some unfinished business to attend too."
Catherine looked at him, smothered fear showing in her eyes.
"What are you going to do?" she demanded.
"That is up to you, Ms. Bloom" Armond answered, fingering a sharp, slender knife that was used for opening letters. Catherine swallowed hard, and met Armond's hard gaze. She would not give in this time, she promised herself. She would die before that happened.
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Jaid: I know, I know another cliff hanger. *cringes* I can't help it! I promise that chapter 22 will be out really quickly, okay? And I also know that Sally probably wouldn't snoop, but somebody had too…
Jad: You could've done it.
Jaid: I'm not in the story, lame brain! And besides, I do not snoop.
Naga: *snorts* Riiiight.
Jaid: *death glare*
Jad: Remember! Read and Review!