Author's Notes: Okies, time for a new chapter. the fic is complete and
we're already working on the sequel (and a side story ^^ ). REVIEW!
~*~*~*~*~ Tainted Dream
Chapter Eleven ~*~*~*~*~ The halls of the large building were long, and empty. Every sound echoed loudly. The quiet tapping of shoes against the floor, the steady breathing of the three people who marched so silently towards cell number six. The silence left Musha's head clear of any distractions, allowing her anger to rise on top of every other thought in her head. Anger at what, was the question. It was more confusion than anything. She had had plenty of time to replay the events of the last few years in her head. Memories of loneliness, pain, then friendship, glorious friendship that surpassed all uncertainty and assured her that no matter what, she would never be alone. Those happy memories soon changed into memories of confusion, and soon after, great loss and grief. Grief turned to acceptance, and love helped her to cope. After that, things were fine - until Tensei came back from the dead. She barely registered the obnoxious buzzing sound that signaled the door open. Musha raised her eyes and saw that they had finally come to cell number six. The guard stepped aside and let them in. "Five minutes is the limit for this one." He shook his head, "Be careful, okay?" Wufei nodded silently and absentmindedly took Musha's hand into his own as they entered. He could sense her confusion and wanted to reassure her that he would be there. The buzz rang once again and the door shut behind them. Musha turned her attention to the opposite direction, trying to fix her eyes on the man in the corner, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. "You've returned." His voice was not strong or confident like the last time that they visited but broken and tired. "I suppose that you suspect me of committing some sort of crime?" Musha fixed her eyes on the man but let Wufei ask all the questions. This was, after all his idea. She would just observe, which was all that she could muster the energy for anyway. "Mr. Foster, I assume that you are aware of why we are investigating you." Wufei began, eyes focused on the man in the corner. Wufei had this certain air about him, strong, firm and unmovable. Whenever Musha felt even the slightest bit uncomfortable, she could rely on Wufei to be there. Just looking at him would set her soul at ease. But right now, though Wufei stood strong, Musha still felt a weak and foreboding presence envelop her soul, threatening to swallow her whole. Colin merely nodded in response to Wufei's question, his face remaining impassive. He seemed calm, almost as if asleep, yet he was sitting up, and his eyes remained open, focused. Musha just stared, her eyes fixed on Colin's as Wufei rattled off question after question. Each was answered with a full, seemingly coherent and attentive, but his eyes would not leave Musha's. Samantha. Musha blinked, trying to snap out of her trance. She suddenly felt cold, alone. 'I'm hallucinating.' she thought, shaking her head slightly. Are you? ~*~*~*~*~
Digging deep, I feel my conscience burn
I need to know who and what I am
This hunger jolts me from complacency
It rocks me, makes me meet myself
~*~*~*~*~ I feel. a certain peace. Like the thousands of voices that were screaming inside my head all suddenly died down to one soft, soothing whispered lullaby. This lullaby, one of simple happiness and contentment flows through my very soul as I write this right now. To this day I still don't know exactly what caused me to leave my life in Sanq and venture out to America. I left, and from that decision was born a new woman. No, not just another version of me with a new perspective on things, this was an actual different woman. She looked different, acted different, and went by a different name. Renee Williams did not just come into being and suddenly take over. No, she began as a tiny voice in the back of my head, calling to me. I tried not to listen to her, but there was something so soothing in her voice. She reminded me a bit of my mother; of course, the only memory that I have of my mother is her voice. When I heard about the plane crash, I made up my mind. To the world, Tensei Jiaino was dead, so instead of coming out and letting everyone know that I was, in fact all right, I let myself die, and let Renee take over. I can't help but wonder if Renee had anything to do with the plane crash. She knew that it would have been a major factor in my decision. But that's silly. She was nothing but a voice. For two years Renee ruled my body, my mind. She always assured me that Tensei was dead, but I always knew that she wasn't dead, but sleeping. I was fine with that. I didn't want to be Tensei anymore. For those two years I lived my life as Renee Williams. She was a quiet, shy, successful software developer, great at her job, and devoted. She seemed to give too much time to her work, but she didn't mind. She had no desire to make friend she even avoided them. Of course, Elizabeth was an exception, but Elizabeth was also very. assertive. Ok, so relentless is a better word. She jumped right in and befriended me. I didn't object though. She made a real effort. So, for two years, all I did was work, and fight my way out of Elizabeth's crazy blind dates. She'd always find some local guy who at least seemed interested. That was all well and good except for one thing: I wasn't interested. Not one bit. But now, I guess that her crazy blind date thing wasn't such a bad idea. In the end, I got to see Quatre again. Mind you, from the moment I saw him that time in the restaurant, I felt something inside me awaken. Soon, I found that it wasn't merely something inside me, but me, myself. Tensei was trying to come back, but Renee fought her with everything that she had. The next few weeks were nothing but an inner battle for me. I could feel these two wills fighting each other, struggling for dominance. And the winner was declared tonight. Quatre was not only firm in his words, but determined. He would not let me go, he made that clear. He simply announced his dominance over me, ordered me to marry him, and kissed me. Just like that. The funny thing is that it's already been two hours since his "request" and I still haven't given him an answer. I couldn't have at that moment. The battle within had grown so fierce that I probably wouldn't have been able to manage a clear answer anyway. But none of that mattered. The kiss grew only more passionate and I need not go into detail about what happened next. But I do know that in the end, it was Quatre that saved Tensei. The moment that we became one, I could see it on his face. He finally understood exactly what I was going through, as if he were just now experiencing it himself. When it was all over, I felt a new peace inside. He just smiled at me and kissed me gently. He didn't even say anything and soon, we fell asleep. For the last two years, I have recorded my thoughts and inner pains in this book, but I feel that I will no longer have a use for you anymore. I don't need a pencil and paper to cry to anymore. I have Quatre. Tensei smiled faintly as she ran her fingers across the pages of her book. Perhaps she would use it once more, if ever her pain was too much, went too deep for Quatre to understand. But she knew that she would always have him. Tensei set her book on the nightstand and leaned over to give Quatre a quick peck on the cheek before settling under the covers. She had fulfilled her obligation to her journal and now, she felt peace. ~*~*~*~*~
Jacob walked a limp to remind him
Of the greater gift of the greater one
But when I fell, I fell to my own resources
How can I carry a truth if I can't crawl to you?
~*~*~*~*~ Wufei rubbed a bit of sleep from his eyes and focused once more on his notepad. Colin's voice almost reminded him of Hiiro's, low and monotonous. He felt as if he could fall asleep right then and there. He stole a glance at Musha, noticing that her eyes were still glued to the other man's. She had been like that through the entire interview and he was starting to wonder if she was alright. Musha didn't even take note of Wufei's curious gaze. She just watched Colin now, with a feeling like pure hatred flowing through her veins. She had just learned the truth of his telepathic abilities the hard way. 'Stop taunting me!' she knew that he could hear her thoughts, there was no point in dragging Wufei into this. But I have something to tell you. Will you listen? 'Tell Wufei! He's the one who's asking you questions!' Oh, but what I have to tell you has nothing to do with his questions, Samantha. 'Stop calling me that! Who are you?!' When his answer finally came, Musha felt her lungs tie themselves into one big knot. And he didn't stop there, no. He told her everything. everything. And she didn't even know why. "You bastard!!!" Musha let out a cry of pure rage as she launched herself at the man. Wufei was the first to react, abandoning the notebook to the floor and securing his arms around her waist, pulling her back. "Musha! What's wrong?!" "Kill him! Kill him now!!!" "Musha! Get a grip on yourself! What are you doing?" She didn't answer, just continued to struggle. Wufei shook his head and reached down with one hand to pick up the notes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Foster. We'll come back another time." It took him a moment to wrestle Musha out of the room, and Colin didn't so much as move. Something wasn't right. It took Wufei a few minutes to get Musha outside and down the hall to a generally secluded area. He actually had to force her up against the wall and hold her there with his own body. "What are you doing, Musha?" He demanded. "He's guilty, Wufei! Guilty of everything!!!" "What do you mean, Musha? Explain. I don't understand. How do you know this?" Musha shook her head. "You. you won't believe me." "Can you at least try?" Musha shook her head. "I. Wufei, give me a bit of time, please? I have to go see Quatre." Wufei blinked. "Quatre? But what does he have to do with all of this? He isn't even working on this case." "Wufei, please. This has everything to do with him. I'll explain later!" She ducked under his arms and ran down the hall. ~*~*~*~*~
I wanna feel something sweeter than this sin
Cover me in leaves and roll me over again
I've been everybody else now I wanna be something
Closer to myself
~*~*~*~*~ He didn't know why he was there, not even what possessed him to entertain such a thought in the first place, but here he was, standing a good few feet away from Kashoku's cell. Trowa wasn't the first to speak. What could be said? He just watched her with his one visible green orb. "I have a hearing tomorrow morning." Kashoku finally broke the silence, eyes still not leaving their comfortable place on her lap. Trowa had never seen her so down, so defeated. Did she honestly believe that he wouldn't turn her in? "I see." Was all that he could offer. He didn't move. Didn't fidget or shift nervously from one foot to another. He just stood there, face stoic and impassive. Kashoku sighed and lifted her gaze to the man on the outside of the cell. She seemed to be debating with herself as she stared at him so thoughtfully. 'There's so much to this that he just doesn't know.' It was then that Kashoku's conscience made one of its rare appearances. She did feel a bit guilty for what she had done, not so much for taking the baby - he would be fine, but she had recently learned the true intentions of her boss' plans. She had the chance now to do something right, so why not take it? Perhaps she would receive forgiveness from the Divine one day? "Trowa, I have to tell you something." He didn't make a sound, just gave her his full attention as an eyebrow raised slightly upward. She knew that she would get in trouble for what she was about to do, but she was already in jail, and it wasn't like she would get out anytime soon. She would be safe from him in here. "You asked me why I did it. why I took Odin." He still did not move, and Kashoku felt like a five year old trying to fess up to breaking a window. "I was working for someone, Trowa. I didn't know at first just why he wanted me to take Odin, he just told me to grab the kid and hide him for a while. It wasn't until right before I called you that he told me his deal." She shook her head, feeling her heart beat faster. "That was WHY I called you. This guy is dangerous, Trowa, and I didn't want to be involved in this anymore. He was crying, and he wouldn't shut up! And I was scared. Damnit, I was scared. So I turned myself in. Trowa, everything isn't all better. That guy is still out there." The more she said, the faster her heart would beat. "He's still planning something. Odin was just part of the plan." Trowa still remained silent. He just watched her both in shock and concern. As she went on, her skin grew pale and perspiration poured down her face. Was she so consumed with guilt that she was making herself sick?
"Trowa, it's that guy in New York! Colin Foster! The one that Musha and Wufei are going to see! You can't let them meet him, he's dangerous!" "Kashoku, what are you talking about? What does he have to do with this???" Trowa was worried now. Kashoku's hands were now shaking, along with her voice. Gossip isn't nice, Kashoku. The woman's eyes went wide with fear as she clutched both sides of her head. "Leave me alone! I don't work for you anymore!" That's true, and you've worn out your usefulness. You were good, Kashoku, but you slipped. My work has no room for mistakes. "What about you?! You failed!!! Odin has been found and your sister still hasn't come back!" Trowa just watched in silent shock as Kashoku seemed to battle with an invisible monster. She shook her head vigorously, falling onto her knees. "YOU FAILED!!!" Those were her last words before her body began to convulse. Trowa could do nothing but watch as her body fell limp onto the cold cell floor. It only took a few moments for the guard to rush in. He didn't even acknowledge Trowa as he unlocked the cell and pushed his way inside. A quick check of her pulse confirmed what was already so painfully obvious. Kashoku was dead. ~*~*~*~*~ Elizabeth stared blankly at a piece of paper that she held tightly in her hands. It was a letter from her boss requesting that she return right away. Ever since they'd joined with the Winner Corporation, business had picked up. There were projects stacked miles high and he needed her back.
She shook her head almost in disbelief as she read on. Had she actually thought that she would never have to go back? She had been working for Peterson Developing for the last five years and enjoyed it very much, but now, she couldn't go back. She couldn't face her past.
Things were going just great until he started to influence her. She found herself befriending the new employee, Renee Williams. When she first started, she was very insecure and paranoid of everything. Colin told her to help her to adjust to her new life. At first, she just thought that he meant to help her adjust to life in a new country, but it wasn't until a month later that she found out the truth behind his intentions.
He was the one who told her. He just casually explained to her one day all of Renee's past as Tensei Jiaino. It was funny, she never would have recognized her from the images that she'd seen on the news back when all that crazy stuff was happening over in Sanq.
Elizabeth wasn't a bad person. No, far from it actually, so why didn't she stop raising Renee when she knew that Tensei was trapped inside? She wasn't sure. She got to the point where she would find herself setting Renee up on all sorts of blind dates. Renee was too shy to introduce herself to other men, so Elizabeth took it upon herself to make sure that she would find a man. A boyfriend would be just the anchor that Renee would need to stay in New York. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Renee rejected every single man that she went out with, which in the end turned out to be a relief to Elizabeth. She was fighting herself on her feelings about this. Her true self cried out for her to stop ruining this woman and help her rediscover her past, but Colin's power over her was too strong.
It was two whole years until Elizabeth finally found something that might work. She was too weak against Colin to help Renee herself, but she knew someone who could help, and she had connections. That was why she called Duo and set up a date for Renee and Quatre Winner. That was the last desperate attempt of her conscience to right the wrongs that she had committed.
Well, here she was now in Sanq. Through this fiasco, she got back together with Duo, and from what she had heard, Renee has seen Quatre at least a couple times by now. All she could do was hope that he would be the strength that Renee needed to change back to her normal self. Perhaps Renee's normal self would forgive her? She could only hope.
For now, she had a letter of resignation to write, addressed to Mark Peterson. She just couldn't go back. New York was now a dark place of her past.
~*~*~*~*~ Paint me in a different light Shed me yet another coat of skin Mark me with ash until I'm clean again Cause I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired I know I can love you, I know that I can ~*~*~*~*~
Knock knock knock!
Quatre groaned and glanced at the clock. It was five in the morning! Who could that be? He sat up and slid out of bed, careful not to wake Tensei, then trudged over to the door. When he saw who was on the other side, he immediately frowned. "What are you doing here?"
Musha sighed. "I'm sorry to come so early, but I have something urgent to tell you."
"You still haven't apologized, you know." Quatre replied dryly, showing no particular interest in what Musha had to say.
She just clenched her fists and ignored that comment. She was not going to apologize, not anytime soon. "Listen, Quatre. I need to talk to you. It's about Tensei."
"Oh, really?" Quatre looked sarcastically shocked, "I didn't think that you'd care."
Doing her best to conceal her anger, Musha grabbed Quatre by the arm and dragged him into the hall. "This is important, Quatre. Listen to me, please?"
Quatre sighed and rubbed a bit of sleep from one eye. "Fine. What is it?"
~*~*~*~*~ I wanna feel something sweeter than this sin Cover me in leaves and roll me over again I've been everybody else now I wanna be Something closer to myself
~*~*~*~*~ Tainted Dream
Chapter Eleven ~*~*~*~*~ The halls of the large building were long, and empty. Every sound echoed loudly. The quiet tapping of shoes against the floor, the steady breathing of the three people who marched so silently towards cell number six. The silence left Musha's head clear of any distractions, allowing her anger to rise on top of every other thought in her head. Anger at what, was the question. It was more confusion than anything. She had had plenty of time to replay the events of the last few years in her head. Memories of loneliness, pain, then friendship, glorious friendship that surpassed all uncertainty and assured her that no matter what, she would never be alone. Those happy memories soon changed into memories of confusion, and soon after, great loss and grief. Grief turned to acceptance, and love helped her to cope. After that, things were fine - until Tensei came back from the dead. She barely registered the obnoxious buzzing sound that signaled the door open. Musha raised her eyes and saw that they had finally come to cell number six. The guard stepped aside and let them in. "Five minutes is the limit for this one." He shook his head, "Be careful, okay?" Wufei nodded silently and absentmindedly took Musha's hand into his own as they entered. He could sense her confusion and wanted to reassure her that he would be there. The buzz rang once again and the door shut behind them. Musha turned her attention to the opposite direction, trying to fix her eyes on the man in the corner, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. "You've returned." His voice was not strong or confident like the last time that they visited but broken and tired. "I suppose that you suspect me of committing some sort of crime?" Musha fixed her eyes on the man but let Wufei ask all the questions. This was, after all his idea. She would just observe, which was all that she could muster the energy for anyway. "Mr. Foster, I assume that you are aware of why we are investigating you." Wufei began, eyes focused on the man in the corner. Wufei had this certain air about him, strong, firm and unmovable. Whenever Musha felt even the slightest bit uncomfortable, she could rely on Wufei to be there. Just looking at him would set her soul at ease. But right now, though Wufei stood strong, Musha still felt a weak and foreboding presence envelop her soul, threatening to swallow her whole. Colin merely nodded in response to Wufei's question, his face remaining impassive. He seemed calm, almost as if asleep, yet he was sitting up, and his eyes remained open, focused. Musha just stared, her eyes fixed on Colin's as Wufei rattled off question after question. Each was answered with a full, seemingly coherent and attentive, but his eyes would not leave Musha's. Samantha. Musha blinked, trying to snap out of her trance. She suddenly felt cold, alone. 'I'm hallucinating.' she thought, shaking her head slightly. Are you? ~*~*~*~*~
Digging deep, I feel my conscience burn
I need to know who and what I am
This hunger jolts me from complacency
It rocks me, makes me meet myself
~*~*~*~*~ I feel. a certain peace. Like the thousands of voices that were screaming inside my head all suddenly died down to one soft, soothing whispered lullaby. This lullaby, one of simple happiness and contentment flows through my very soul as I write this right now. To this day I still don't know exactly what caused me to leave my life in Sanq and venture out to America. I left, and from that decision was born a new woman. No, not just another version of me with a new perspective on things, this was an actual different woman. She looked different, acted different, and went by a different name. Renee Williams did not just come into being and suddenly take over. No, she began as a tiny voice in the back of my head, calling to me. I tried not to listen to her, but there was something so soothing in her voice. She reminded me a bit of my mother; of course, the only memory that I have of my mother is her voice. When I heard about the plane crash, I made up my mind. To the world, Tensei Jiaino was dead, so instead of coming out and letting everyone know that I was, in fact all right, I let myself die, and let Renee take over. I can't help but wonder if Renee had anything to do with the plane crash. She knew that it would have been a major factor in my decision. But that's silly. She was nothing but a voice. For two years Renee ruled my body, my mind. She always assured me that Tensei was dead, but I always knew that she wasn't dead, but sleeping. I was fine with that. I didn't want to be Tensei anymore. For those two years I lived my life as Renee Williams. She was a quiet, shy, successful software developer, great at her job, and devoted. She seemed to give too much time to her work, but she didn't mind. She had no desire to make friend she even avoided them. Of course, Elizabeth was an exception, but Elizabeth was also very. assertive. Ok, so relentless is a better word. She jumped right in and befriended me. I didn't object though. She made a real effort. So, for two years, all I did was work, and fight my way out of Elizabeth's crazy blind dates. She'd always find some local guy who at least seemed interested. That was all well and good except for one thing: I wasn't interested. Not one bit. But now, I guess that her crazy blind date thing wasn't such a bad idea. In the end, I got to see Quatre again. Mind you, from the moment I saw him that time in the restaurant, I felt something inside me awaken. Soon, I found that it wasn't merely something inside me, but me, myself. Tensei was trying to come back, but Renee fought her with everything that she had. The next few weeks were nothing but an inner battle for me. I could feel these two wills fighting each other, struggling for dominance. And the winner was declared tonight. Quatre was not only firm in his words, but determined. He would not let me go, he made that clear. He simply announced his dominance over me, ordered me to marry him, and kissed me. Just like that. The funny thing is that it's already been two hours since his "request" and I still haven't given him an answer. I couldn't have at that moment. The battle within had grown so fierce that I probably wouldn't have been able to manage a clear answer anyway. But none of that mattered. The kiss grew only more passionate and I need not go into detail about what happened next. But I do know that in the end, it was Quatre that saved Tensei. The moment that we became one, I could see it on his face. He finally understood exactly what I was going through, as if he were just now experiencing it himself. When it was all over, I felt a new peace inside. He just smiled at me and kissed me gently. He didn't even say anything and soon, we fell asleep. For the last two years, I have recorded my thoughts and inner pains in this book, but I feel that I will no longer have a use for you anymore. I don't need a pencil and paper to cry to anymore. I have Quatre. Tensei smiled faintly as she ran her fingers across the pages of her book. Perhaps she would use it once more, if ever her pain was too much, went too deep for Quatre to understand. But she knew that she would always have him. Tensei set her book on the nightstand and leaned over to give Quatre a quick peck on the cheek before settling under the covers. She had fulfilled her obligation to her journal and now, she felt peace. ~*~*~*~*~
Jacob walked a limp to remind him
Of the greater gift of the greater one
But when I fell, I fell to my own resources
How can I carry a truth if I can't crawl to you?
~*~*~*~*~ Wufei rubbed a bit of sleep from his eyes and focused once more on his notepad. Colin's voice almost reminded him of Hiiro's, low and monotonous. He felt as if he could fall asleep right then and there. He stole a glance at Musha, noticing that her eyes were still glued to the other man's. She had been like that through the entire interview and he was starting to wonder if she was alright. Musha didn't even take note of Wufei's curious gaze. She just watched Colin now, with a feeling like pure hatred flowing through her veins. She had just learned the truth of his telepathic abilities the hard way. 'Stop taunting me!' she knew that he could hear her thoughts, there was no point in dragging Wufei into this. But I have something to tell you. Will you listen? 'Tell Wufei! He's the one who's asking you questions!' Oh, but what I have to tell you has nothing to do with his questions, Samantha. 'Stop calling me that! Who are you?!' When his answer finally came, Musha felt her lungs tie themselves into one big knot. And he didn't stop there, no. He told her everything. everything. And she didn't even know why. "You bastard!!!" Musha let out a cry of pure rage as she launched herself at the man. Wufei was the first to react, abandoning the notebook to the floor and securing his arms around her waist, pulling her back. "Musha! What's wrong?!" "Kill him! Kill him now!!!" "Musha! Get a grip on yourself! What are you doing?" She didn't answer, just continued to struggle. Wufei shook his head and reached down with one hand to pick up the notes. "I'm sorry, Mr. Foster. We'll come back another time." It took him a moment to wrestle Musha out of the room, and Colin didn't so much as move. Something wasn't right. It took Wufei a few minutes to get Musha outside and down the hall to a generally secluded area. He actually had to force her up against the wall and hold her there with his own body. "What are you doing, Musha?" He demanded. "He's guilty, Wufei! Guilty of everything!!!" "What do you mean, Musha? Explain. I don't understand. How do you know this?" Musha shook her head. "You. you won't believe me." "Can you at least try?" Musha shook her head. "I. Wufei, give me a bit of time, please? I have to go see Quatre." Wufei blinked. "Quatre? But what does he have to do with all of this? He isn't even working on this case." "Wufei, please. This has everything to do with him. I'll explain later!" She ducked under his arms and ran down the hall. ~*~*~*~*~
I wanna feel something sweeter than this sin
Cover me in leaves and roll me over again
I've been everybody else now I wanna be something
Closer to myself
~*~*~*~*~ He didn't know why he was there, not even what possessed him to entertain such a thought in the first place, but here he was, standing a good few feet away from Kashoku's cell. Trowa wasn't the first to speak. What could be said? He just watched her with his one visible green orb. "I have a hearing tomorrow morning." Kashoku finally broke the silence, eyes still not leaving their comfortable place on her lap. Trowa had never seen her so down, so defeated. Did she honestly believe that he wouldn't turn her in? "I see." Was all that he could offer. He didn't move. Didn't fidget or shift nervously from one foot to another. He just stood there, face stoic and impassive. Kashoku sighed and lifted her gaze to the man on the outside of the cell. She seemed to be debating with herself as she stared at him so thoughtfully. 'There's so much to this that he just doesn't know.' It was then that Kashoku's conscience made one of its rare appearances. She did feel a bit guilty for what she had done, not so much for taking the baby - he would be fine, but she had recently learned the true intentions of her boss' plans. She had the chance now to do something right, so why not take it? Perhaps she would receive forgiveness from the Divine one day? "Trowa, I have to tell you something." He didn't make a sound, just gave her his full attention as an eyebrow raised slightly upward. She knew that she would get in trouble for what she was about to do, but she was already in jail, and it wasn't like she would get out anytime soon. She would be safe from him in here. "You asked me why I did it. why I took Odin." He still did not move, and Kashoku felt like a five year old trying to fess up to breaking a window. "I was working for someone, Trowa. I didn't know at first just why he wanted me to take Odin, he just told me to grab the kid and hide him for a while. It wasn't until right before I called you that he told me his deal." She shook her head, feeling her heart beat faster. "That was WHY I called you. This guy is dangerous, Trowa, and I didn't want to be involved in this anymore. He was crying, and he wouldn't shut up! And I was scared. Damnit, I was scared. So I turned myself in. Trowa, everything isn't all better. That guy is still out there." The more she said, the faster her heart would beat. "He's still planning something. Odin was just part of the plan." Trowa still remained silent. He just watched her both in shock and concern. As she went on, her skin grew pale and perspiration poured down her face. Was she so consumed with guilt that she was making herself sick?
"Trowa, it's that guy in New York! Colin Foster! The one that Musha and Wufei are going to see! You can't let them meet him, he's dangerous!" "Kashoku, what are you talking about? What does he have to do with this???" Trowa was worried now. Kashoku's hands were now shaking, along with her voice. Gossip isn't nice, Kashoku. The woman's eyes went wide with fear as she clutched both sides of her head. "Leave me alone! I don't work for you anymore!" That's true, and you've worn out your usefulness. You were good, Kashoku, but you slipped. My work has no room for mistakes. "What about you?! You failed!!! Odin has been found and your sister still hasn't come back!" Trowa just watched in silent shock as Kashoku seemed to battle with an invisible monster. She shook her head vigorously, falling onto her knees. "YOU FAILED!!!" Those were her last words before her body began to convulse. Trowa could do nothing but watch as her body fell limp onto the cold cell floor. It only took a few moments for the guard to rush in. He didn't even acknowledge Trowa as he unlocked the cell and pushed his way inside. A quick check of her pulse confirmed what was already so painfully obvious. Kashoku was dead. ~*~*~*~*~ Elizabeth stared blankly at a piece of paper that she held tightly in her hands. It was a letter from her boss requesting that she return right away. Ever since they'd joined with the Winner Corporation, business had picked up. There were projects stacked miles high and he needed her back.
She shook her head almost in disbelief as she read on. Had she actually thought that she would never have to go back? She had been working for Peterson Developing for the last five years and enjoyed it very much, but now, she couldn't go back. She couldn't face her past.
Things were going just great until he started to influence her. She found herself befriending the new employee, Renee Williams. When she first started, she was very insecure and paranoid of everything. Colin told her to help her to adjust to her new life. At first, she just thought that he meant to help her adjust to life in a new country, but it wasn't until a month later that she found out the truth behind his intentions.
He was the one who told her. He just casually explained to her one day all of Renee's past as Tensei Jiaino. It was funny, she never would have recognized her from the images that she'd seen on the news back when all that crazy stuff was happening over in Sanq.
Elizabeth wasn't a bad person. No, far from it actually, so why didn't she stop raising Renee when she knew that Tensei was trapped inside? She wasn't sure. She got to the point where she would find herself setting Renee up on all sorts of blind dates. Renee was too shy to introduce herself to other men, so Elizabeth took it upon herself to make sure that she would find a man. A boyfriend would be just the anchor that Renee would need to stay in New York. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Renee rejected every single man that she went out with, which in the end turned out to be a relief to Elizabeth. She was fighting herself on her feelings about this. Her true self cried out for her to stop ruining this woman and help her rediscover her past, but Colin's power over her was too strong.
It was two whole years until Elizabeth finally found something that might work. She was too weak against Colin to help Renee herself, but she knew someone who could help, and she had connections. That was why she called Duo and set up a date for Renee and Quatre Winner. That was the last desperate attempt of her conscience to right the wrongs that she had committed.
Well, here she was now in Sanq. Through this fiasco, she got back together with Duo, and from what she had heard, Renee has seen Quatre at least a couple times by now. All she could do was hope that he would be the strength that Renee needed to change back to her normal self. Perhaps Renee's normal self would forgive her? She could only hope.
For now, she had a letter of resignation to write, addressed to Mark Peterson. She just couldn't go back. New York was now a dark place of her past.
~*~*~*~*~ Paint me in a different light Shed me yet another coat of skin Mark me with ash until I'm clean again Cause I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired I know I can love you, I know that I can ~*~*~*~*~
Knock knock knock!
Quatre groaned and glanced at the clock. It was five in the morning! Who could that be? He sat up and slid out of bed, careful not to wake Tensei, then trudged over to the door. When he saw who was on the other side, he immediately frowned. "What are you doing here?"
Musha sighed. "I'm sorry to come so early, but I have something urgent to tell you."
"You still haven't apologized, you know." Quatre replied dryly, showing no particular interest in what Musha had to say.
She just clenched her fists and ignored that comment. She was not going to apologize, not anytime soon. "Listen, Quatre. I need to talk to you. It's about Tensei."
"Oh, really?" Quatre looked sarcastically shocked, "I didn't think that you'd care."
Doing her best to conceal her anger, Musha grabbed Quatre by the arm and dragged him into the hall. "This is important, Quatre. Listen to me, please?"
Quatre sighed and rubbed a bit of sleep from one eye. "Fine. What is it?"
~*~*~*~*~ I wanna feel something sweeter than this sin Cover me in leaves and roll me over again I've been everybody else now I wanna be Something closer to myself