The Hell Which Binds Me @--;-
By: CrimsonDaybreak 2003 (aka. Shukujo Une. or Cat) Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, is characters, the plot, or any of the rights to mess with Une's mind. I do not control the powers of the supernatural. Dedicated to: My friends from the SCDSB Enrichment Program!!
Note: Sorry for any mistakes concerning Mariemaia's age. She was actually 8 during the time of Endless Waltz, but she appears 10 in this fic. Let's not get into what Treize was doing THAT time. hehehe. Sorry.
*******************************************************************
Two years after Treize's death, Lady's dreams still haunt her. As fate decreed, it would soon be her turn to join him, but she would not allow it. Her will fights against fate itself so that she may live, but fate tests her sanity, forcing her to the edge and beyond. Will she survive, or will she too, like all the others, fall into the binding hell that looms just on the other side? - The conclusion will shock and bewilder you. Citrus/Lemon warning; grim plot.
*******************************************************************
Rating: PG-13 [for language, death, and sexual reference] Author's notes: Ok, one warning-this plot is THE most confusing piece of writing I
have EVER done. so far. Let's see if anyone can make out the
difference when Une is awake and when she's only dreaming.
Remember: not all is as it seems. hehehe ^___^
My apologies for the following:
- Random, unnecessary death
- References to Hell [called "the shadows"]
- Graphic supernatural encounters
- Reference to murder and suicide
*******************************************************************
CHAPTER ONE: THE TEMPEST GROWS STRONGER STILL
"Mr. Treize?" she whispered quietly, his reply came as a soft sigh. "Mr. Treize, oh, thank goodness you're alright."
"Was there a reason you thought I was not?" His voice played like a melody, easing Lady's nerves, but still, he sat in his leather chair, facing out the window. His voice began again before Lady could dismiss her concern. "Is there something troubling you, Lady?" he asked. Lady's heart leaped at the way he addressed her, as if it had waited an eternity for him to call her name.
"No, no Sir. It's nothing of real concern."
"But it is troubling you. What is it?" He spun his chair around to face her, those sapphire eyes glowing with a gentleness she knew her life had been missing, but from where, she hadn't the slightest idea. Lady did not know what to say. What would he think of her if she told him such foolish things, like the dream that had plagued her sleep for nights? Would he think her a madwoman, because she, for even just a moment, almost believed in them? Treize saw a distant, concealing look in her eyes, and rose from his seat, his quick footsteps closing the space between them. He could see the distress reflecting in her eyes.
"It's really nothing, Excellency. Nothing you should waste your time on. I am sorry to have bothered you." she said again, taking a timid step back. Suddenly feeling awkward with his proximity, she let her gaze drop to the floor. He felt her discomfort and smiled. Slowly, gently, he placed his hand beneath her chin, tilting her head upwards to face his own.
"Something has been bothering you. I can see it in your eyes. You know that I cannot help you if you do not confide in me, Lady. What is wrong?"
"It is nothing, I assure you, that you should have to trouble yourself over. It was merely a foolish sense of premonition I thought was real."
Treize smiled at her, knowing she had slipped, and now he would not let her keep the rest hidden. "Premonition, my Lady?" He arched an eyebrow, and laughed slightly. He enjoyed the way she flushed the same scarlet colour as her uniform, at his touch or at his words, it did not matter.
"I just dreamt something. I prayed it was not real. You'd think me mad to believe such things, but again, last night, I saw your... your death." she said, tears glazing her eyes at the memory of her dream. Treize gave her bewildered look.
"My death?" he chuckled softly. "So, my Lady, tell me, how exactly did I die?"
Lady gasped, looking him curiously in the eye. Why would he want to know such a thing? He is teasing me, I know it. He does think me to be mad, she told herself. Treize interpreted the confused look she gave.
"Well, maybe if I knew, I could assure you that it would never happen." he whispered, brushing the backs of his fingers across her cheek.
"Mr. Treize," Lady protested, taking but another step back, away from the impropriety of such an intimate touch. But soon enough, Treize had followed her with another step forward.
"Lady," he sighed, her name like a caress. Unable to resist his chance to tease her, discomforting her further, he spoke on. "Never would I have imagined that my death, of all others, would have such a negative impact on you." He grinned satisfied when she flushed a deeper scarlet.
"Your Excellency, it was merely a concern, like all others who serve you would have-"
"Oh, really?" he interjected. Treize knew she was lying. She never said anything about it, and she may have kept a distance between them, but he knew. He could feel it. Wanting so badly to prove her wrong, and, unable to resist, he bent over, closing the distance even more, until he pressed his lips lightly but firmly to hers. Lady gasped as he closed his arms around her tightly, imprisoning her, holding her captive so she could not withdraw. Excellency... I... I-I don't... she thought to herself. Finally, pulling away, he let his breath float gently over her ear. "I assure you, Lady, my death is something you shall never hear of. never for a long time to come." She closed her eyes against his chest as he held her.
"A blessing to hear that, Sir." But before either could say anything else, an explosion ruptured through the walls, through the windows, and she felt her body being torn from his grip and flung mercilessly against the heavy oak door. The sound of roaring thunder echoed around her, shaking the walls that enclosed Treize's office. Through the flames, she could see Treize's figure, standing, as if unhurt, those sapphire eyes glowing like never she had seen before. From the fire he stepped, and Lady nearly screamed as bile rose in her throat. The sight was unbearable.
This was not Treize, she thought desperately, but her eyes told her otherwise. His Persian blue overcoat glowed from the embers the fire had scattered upon him, his flesh was torn away from half of his face. Blood- blood oozed from his body beneath the clothing that was left upon him, his hands were burnt until all that was left was the bone. One claw-like hand outstretched towards her, and she could not help but scream.
"Lady," he hissed, his voice shot like ice from his breath. "Come; join the shadows with me. Come and you shall have what I could not give you before. Join me, and I will take care of you. We can be together again, as I know you desired for so long." Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth as he spoke. The hand reached out to take hers, but Lady screamed again.
"NO! NO! Leave me be! I won't come with you! You aren't Treize! This is a dream! LET ME GO!!" She tore away from his icy grip, but he grabbed her shoulder and spun her quickly to face him.
"Lady, please." She felt those bony fingers dig into her flesh. He was taking her with him, she thought, as her mind slipped away.
"NO!!!!!!"
*******************************************************************
Lady bolted upright, her hair matted to her skull with sweat. Slowly, reality began to sink in, and her heartbeat slowed, her breathing evened. "A dream," she whispered.
"Mother, are you alright?" A young girl stood in the doorway of her bedroom, her face filled with concern. Lady smiled weakly.
"Yes, Marie, it was just a dream. I'm sorry if I woke you.Go back to bed, love." She felt guilty. Had her scream awoke the girl? Still drowsy, she let herself fall back onto the pillows, but she could not sleep. She loved Treize with her entire soul, but now he was gone; just a memory.A dream. She had dreamt it again, and again, and again. Treize needed her, wanted her, for some reason. Could he be beckoning her from the nether life beyond? Through her dreams? Shaking her head at such an irrational thought, she got up and went down into the kitchen.
*******************************************************************
January 15, 198 AC
"Mother, what is it?" Mariemaia's innocent voice asked as she watched Lady eye the paper in her hand. Tears began to cloud her vision, though she tried with all her strength to keep them from falling. The news that lie in Noin's simply written letter opened up a new wound just as much as it struck deeper into the one that had scarred over, but never really healed. "Mother?"
Lady Une refolded the paper and placed it back in its envelope. Drawing a deep but shaky breath, she turned to look at the girl whose concern shone deeply in her azure eyes. She was twelve, Lady thought with a poor attempt to smile. Treize's daughter was growing up so fast.No, her daughter now, she corrected herself, again. Mariemaia had grown up without her father, and now, it seemed, another child was soon to keep her company and share the same thoughts she did.
"Mother, why are you crying? What is it?" Again, the girl's voice brought Lady from her thoughts, more concern rising in Marie's throat as her mother was not responding. She looked Marie straight in the eye, wishing that she did not have to share this piece of news.
"Your Uncle Zechs has died," she said, the words coming out in a rush on her exhaling breath. She saw Marie's eyes widen with bewilderment.
"But when?" was all the girl could say.
"Three days ago. Saturday." Marie still couldn't believe it, the reluctance to accept this truth reflected in her eyes.
"How did he." her voice broke helplessly.
"It was an accident, Marie. His car." she broke off as well, silent for a moment before looking back into the girl's stunned eyes. "These things happen, dear..." Not knowing what else to say, Marie reached up to hug her mother. The two of them wept, for they had lost yet another of their dearest friends to the claim of fate. Still clinging together, Lady whispered softly into her daughter's ear. "Aunt Lucy and Leah are still alive but, you know-"
"They must be even more upset than we are," Marie's voice finished, as if she understood what her mother had meant to say.
"She asked us to come visit her up on the L5 Colony.I guess the two of them need some company before the funeral. Go on upstairs and pack your things. We leave in the morning." Mariemaia nodded slowly, but before she could leave, Lady added further, "And Marie, say a prayer for Uncle Zechs before you go to bed."
Marie left the room, another wave of tears threatening to overcome her. Uncle Zechs had always been so nice to her. Probably because she was his best friend's daughter, but still, he had always been so kind. and funny. She just couldn't bear to think that she'd never hear one of his silly remarks again. The jokes that made her mother swat him over the head with whatever she had in her hand...
When she heard Marie clamber into bed, Lady went up to her own room, but she found that she could not sleep. Now Zechs was dead, too.What if her dreams. Lady pushed the thought out of her head before it had a chance to fully form. With a sigh of despair she had only felt the night after Treize died, she reached into the armoire and pulled out an old academy yearbook she had so cleverly stashed away. Fumbling with a pen for a moment, she searched the pages of the graduates pictures and found Zechs, right next to Treize, and under his name, etched in the words "Died: January 12, 198 AC". Tears flooded her eyes like an oncoming wave as she glanced over to the picture of a young Treize, her Treize. Under his picture she had so painstakingly written "Died: December 25, 195 AC". Another one they had to bury, she thought grimly, before putting the book in the place she had assigned it. Still unable to sleep, she went downstairs into the kitchen.
Marie was awake when she heard her mother go back downstairs. She, too, could not manage to fall asleep. "These things happen," she repeated softly, as her despair grew into fear. Zechs had died by accident. Her father had, as her mother told her, died by accident, after he failed to react in time to the Chinese Gundam pilot's attack. Would Lady, the woman she saw as her true and only mother, have such an accident happen to her, as well? And what if she was to die the same way? "These things happen." She shivered, despite the warmth of her winter comforters. Could it be possible that she wake up dead on the morrow, by accident? What a stupid thought. You can't wake up dead. You wouldn't wake up at all. Finally, swarmed by all the thoughts in her head, she drifted into a restless sleep.
Downstairs, Lady's eyes were closing from fatigue as well. She fought it desperately, knowing the terrifying images that would fill her head if for but a moment, she gave in to sleep. But it was no use. "No," she whispered, as her eyelids fluttered and she fell into a dreaming sleep.
*******************************************************************
Two men sat at a table, laughing good-naturedly at each others remarks, as Lady watched them from the shadows of the doorway. Again, she could not understand why she was there, for she knew she was sleeping only a few moments ago. The two sat bathed in the soft light of the fireplace, the room itself glowing with the bold mahogany furniture. Again, Lady was distressed, unable to come to reason with why she was there, standing half in the hallway, clad in only her nightgown and robe. Lady took another step into the room, realizing now, that she was in His Excellency's apartments. Shame flooded her for making a visit this late at night, especially when he seemed to have company. Before she could silence it, she gasped, quickly sorry for making her presence known.
Mr. Treize's head shot up at the sound. "Who's there?" he demanded, and slowly, Lady stepped into the light to reveal herself.
"I'm sorry, Excellency. I didn't know you had other business to attend to. And I should have thought at this hour that."
Treize smiled and lifted his hand, a gesture to silence her, before he spoke. "No matter. There is nothing much of useful business going on here anyway, right Zechs?" He raised an eyebrow and Zechs turned into the light to see Lady. He grinned as a sly remark danced at the tip of his tongue. He knew, he silently thought, that Treize would not appreciate a comment about his Lady that was so improper, but then again. He chuckled before speaking his mind.
"Well, well," he smothered a grin, disguising it as surprise, quite poorly, one might add. "Do you often make these nocturnal visits to His Excellency's quarters, Lady Une?" Though the darkness still covered her, he knew there was a flush creeping across her cheeks. She opened her mouth to protest, but Zechs went on. "And dressed like that, I dare say, this is no mere military business." She could have wrung his neck had she the courage to step from the shadows, but she didn't want them to see how red she had turned at the remark. Turning to his friend, still seated in the chair next to him, Zechs continued, eyeing the displeasure on Treize's face.
"And I am sure you welcome these non-business type visits, my friend. I never thought you'd take to this sport.But your reputation with women has always been." Treize's glare cut him off in mid-sentence. It was that kind of glare that said 'say another word and I'll have my rapier down your throat; blade, sheath, and all.' Zechs shook his head. "Very well, but still, I must state that it is an obvious fact that Lady is not here on some kind of military obligation. I shall not push the subject farther," he said, grinning, knowing now that they could not deny his statement. "And I shall leave you to whatever liaison you have planned for this night."
He gave Lady a mischievous wink as he dismissed himself. "Oh, and Lady," he said, lowering his voice, "I do wish you all the pleasantries Treize is willing to offer. I assure you, this secret is safe with me." Zechs flipped the lock and shut the door as he left, and Lady had reached to unlock it again when she heard Treize's soft chuckle.
"So, Lady, now that we are relieved of Zechs's crude mouth, what exactly brought you here tonight?" His smile could have melted her like candle wax, had she dared to look at him. She fiddled with no luck at the lock that was hidden by darkness. "Lady, is there something bothering you? Surely your intent was not what our friend Zechs had assumed?" He laughed kindly as he stood, gliding towards the door where she was. He took her hands off the handle, and she could do nothing else but look up at him, with just a little quiet scorn.
"Mr. Treize, I would not think to do such a-"
Treize looked at her, and there, in his sapphire eyes, she saw the same mischievous glint she'd seen in Zechs's. "Oh, are you completely sure?" he whispered slyly. "We wouldn't want to disappoint our good friend, Zechs... now would we?" He slid his arms around her waist, drawing her close against the curve of his own body, but again, Lady began to protest.
"Mr. Treize!" she cried, surprised at his sudden movement; she was certain of the warmth that crept into her cheeks.
"Yes, Lady?" he said, meeting and holding her gaze with his, as he slipped his hands down to her hips, then back up to her waist, his clever hands quickly untying the robe. Lady was aware of his intent now, and though it frightened her, just a bit, she wondered if maybe that had been her intent as well, when she so boldly intruded into his apartments.
She flashed him a wicked smile as her robe littered the floor, leaving only the sheer material of her nightgown, which glowed softly in the fire's light. This was how it was going to end up.so be it, she thought as Treize guided her to his bed. When he touched her again, his fingers beginning to undo the laces at her gown's neck, she had lost. It mattered no more whether this was her intent or not, whatever became of this moment was already half done.
She had closed her eyes for only a moment, and then she felt the heat. It was like fire, brushing its flames against her skin, and it prompted her to open her eyes again. It was normal.well, almost normal. Treize was there, at the bed side, just beginning to dismiss his own clothing, and he gave her a gentle smile before he turned away to finish doing so.
She, herself, smiled in anticipation, but a sudden glimpse of Treize's hands once he had removed the white uniform gloves caused her to gasp, and she shut her eyes to reason with logic. Her mind was acting up again, just like it had the last time. But the thought of those fleshless, ivory-bone hands sent a shiver up her spine.
"Is there something wrong, Lady? Do you me to stop?" he asked, not wishing to force himself upon her. Never that. He had never taken a woman by force; he wouldn't, especially not Lady. "I shall not continue should you not wish this to happen."
Lady opened her eyes and smiled so sweetly, with such invitation, that she had no reason to give an answer with words. Her arms outstretched towards him. She closed her eyes again as he pressed a kiss to her lips. What a foolish mind, she thought, but somehow, she could not relinquish the lurking truth in what she had seen. That uneasy feeling drifted over her again and her smile disappeared.
"Lady, open your eyes." It was that voice. That icy, hoarse whisper struck her cold. This was not Treize, she thought, but her eyes opened and her gaze shot straight to his. He was not Treize, she thought again, as she saw those bony claws reach out to her. The mangled flesh and oozing blood.It was happening again. "Lady, again I ask you to come with me to the shadows. Come, and we will be able to finish what we started here tonight." His words tore at her flesh, and for one unbearable moment, she found herself thinking that it would not be so bad if she went with him.
"NO!!" she screamed, jumping up as if to bolt for the door, not caring that only her sheer undergarments remain on her body.
"No?" a voice echoed. It was Zechs. "No what?" Lady felt a wave of relief.
"Zechs! Thank God you're here!" But before she could say more, Zechs stepped into the doorway, the light revealing him, the broken, bloody mess he too had become. Lady choked back a cry. Both of them were here. Both of them wanted her to go into the shadows. He blocked the doorway easily, and Lady found she had no escape.
"Come, now, Lady," Zechs whispered, "Treize has awaited you long enough. Do you want to break his heart so?" Lady dared to look back at Treize, sitting tentatively on the edge of the bed; she could not help but recoil further. His voice, cold and icy, took on a new, gentler nature, but his toothed grin frightened her beyond all known. The blood still oozed from his mouth as he spoke.
"My Lady, please," he whispered, patting a spot on the bed beside him. "It won't be so bad." Lady whirled around in panic, searching the room for another way out, but there was none. "Lady."
"NO!!!" she screamed again, but Zechs was walking forward, backing her up until she fell onto the bed.
"I wish you all the pleasantries," he laughed, and melted, literally melted, into the floor. Lady was frozen, and could do nothing as Treize took hold of her shoulders, pinning her to the soft linen sheets beneath them. She felt his weight bearing down on top of her, making it impossible to move. She wept, but Treize still held his grasp, until finally, with one last attempt to escape this hell, this fate that threatened to take her in, she screamed.
*******************************************************************
"Mother! Mother, wake up!" Mariemaia had rushed downstairs, grabbed Lady's shoulders and was shaking her awake, just after she had heard her mother's agonized cry. "Mother!" Lady opened her eyes, dazed and disoriented.
"Marie, what -?"
"You were dreaming," Marie said quietly. "You screamed, and I came to wake you..." Lady smiled with relief. It had just been a dream.again. She was about to turn to Marie when she spoke again. "It's ok, Mom. I couldn't sleep anyway." Lady gave her another weak smile, and getting up, the two went into the living room. Realizing how late the hour was, and how thankful they were for each other's presence, they fell asleep on the couch.
"Just a dream," Lady whispered before closing her eyes.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Okay. that was extremely uncalled for. ZECHS DIED!!! *sniffle* Sorry to all
his wild bishoujo fangirls!! . I miss him too! ^o^;; Oh well, he's
gone to a better place. if that's any consolation. and if you think
"the shadows" is a good place to end up. hehehe.
By: CrimsonDaybreak 2003 (aka. Shukujo Une. or Cat) Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, is characters, the plot, or any of the rights to mess with Une's mind. I do not control the powers of the supernatural. Dedicated to: My friends from the SCDSB Enrichment Program!!
Note: Sorry for any mistakes concerning Mariemaia's age. She was actually 8 during the time of Endless Waltz, but she appears 10 in this fic. Let's not get into what Treize was doing THAT time. hehehe. Sorry.
*******************************************************************
Two years after Treize's death, Lady's dreams still haunt her. As fate decreed, it would soon be her turn to join him, but she would not allow it. Her will fights against fate itself so that she may live, but fate tests her sanity, forcing her to the edge and beyond. Will she survive, or will she too, like all the others, fall into the binding hell that looms just on the other side? - The conclusion will shock and bewilder you. Citrus/Lemon warning; grim plot.
*******************************************************************
Rating: PG-13 [for language, death, and sexual reference] Author's notes: Ok, one warning-this plot is THE most confusing piece of writing I
have EVER done. so far. Let's see if anyone can make out the
difference when Une is awake and when she's only dreaming.
Remember: not all is as it seems. hehehe ^___^
My apologies for the following:
- Random, unnecessary death
- References to Hell [called "the shadows"]
- Graphic supernatural encounters
- Reference to murder and suicide
*******************************************************************
CHAPTER ONE: THE TEMPEST GROWS STRONGER STILL
"Mr. Treize?" she whispered quietly, his reply came as a soft sigh. "Mr. Treize, oh, thank goodness you're alright."
"Was there a reason you thought I was not?" His voice played like a melody, easing Lady's nerves, but still, he sat in his leather chair, facing out the window. His voice began again before Lady could dismiss her concern. "Is there something troubling you, Lady?" he asked. Lady's heart leaped at the way he addressed her, as if it had waited an eternity for him to call her name.
"No, no Sir. It's nothing of real concern."
"But it is troubling you. What is it?" He spun his chair around to face her, those sapphire eyes glowing with a gentleness she knew her life had been missing, but from where, she hadn't the slightest idea. Lady did not know what to say. What would he think of her if she told him such foolish things, like the dream that had plagued her sleep for nights? Would he think her a madwoman, because she, for even just a moment, almost believed in them? Treize saw a distant, concealing look in her eyes, and rose from his seat, his quick footsteps closing the space between them. He could see the distress reflecting in her eyes.
"It's really nothing, Excellency. Nothing you should waste your time on. I am sorry to have bothered you." she said again, taking a timid step back. Suddenly feeling awkward with his proximity, she let her gaze drop to the floor. He felt her discomfort and smiled. Slowly, gently, he placed his hand beneath her chin, tilting her head upwards to face his own.
"Something has been bothering you. I can see it in your eyes. You know that I cannot help you if you do not confide in me, Lady. What is wrong?"
"It is nothing, I assure you, that you should have to trouble yourself over. It was merely a foolish sense of premonition I thought was real."
Treize smiled at her, knowing she had slipped, and now he would not let her keep the rest hidden. "Premonition, my Lady?" He arched an eyebrow, and laughed slightly. He enjoyed the way she flushed the same scarlet colour as her uniform, at his touch or at his words, it did not matter.
"I just dreamt something. I prayed it was not real. You'd think me mad to believe such things, but again, last night, I saw your... your death." she said, tears glazing her eyes at the memory of her dream. Treize gave her bewildered look.
"My death?" he chuckled softly. "So, my Lady, tell me, how exactly did I die?"
Lady gasped, looking him curiously in the eye. Why would he want to know such a thing? He is teasing me, I know it. He does think me to be mad, she told herself. Treize interpreted the confused look she gave.
"Well, maybe if I knew, I could assure you that it would never happen." he whispered, brushing the backs of his fingers across her cheek.
"Mr. Treize," Lady protested, taking but another step back, away from the impropriety of such an intimate touch. But soon enough, Treize had followed her with another step forward.
"Lady," he sighed, her name like a caress. Unable to resist his chance to tease her, discomforting her further, he spoke on. "Never would I have imagined that my death, of all others, would have such a negative impact on you." He grinned satisfied when she flushed a deeper scarlet.
"Your Excellency, it was merely a concern, like all others who serve you would have-"
"Oh, really?" he interjected. Treize knew she was lying. She never said anything about it, and she may have kept a distance between them, but he knew. He could feel it. Wanting so badly to prove her wrong, and, unable to resist, he bent over, closing the distance even more, until he pressed his lips lightly but firmly to hers. Lady gasped as he closed his arms around her tightly, imprisoning her, holding her captive so she could not withdraw. Excellency... I... I-I don't... she thought to herself. Finally, pulling away, he let his breath float gently over her ear. "I assure you, Lady, my death is something you shall never hear of. never for a long time to come." She closed her eyes against his chest as he held her.
"A blessing to hear that, Sir." But before either could say anything else, an explosion ruptured through the walls, through the windows, and she felt her body being torn from his grip and flung mercilessly against the heavy oak door. The sound of roaring thunder echoed around her, shaking the walls that enclosed Treize's office. Through the flames, she could see Treize's figure, standing, as if unhurt, those sapphire eyes glowing like never she had seen before. From the fire he stepped, and Lady nearly screamed as bile rose in her throat. The sight was unbearable.
This was not Treize, she thought desperately, but her eyes told her otherwise. His Persian blue overcoat glowed from the embers the fire had scattered upon him, his flesh was torn away from half of his face. Blood- blood oozed from his body beneath the clothing that was left upon him, his hands were burnt until all that was left was the bone. One claw-like hand outstretched towards her, and she could not help but scream.
"Lady," he hissed, his voice shot like ice from his breath. "Come; join the shadows with me. Come and you shall have what I could not give you before. Join me, and I will take care of you. We can be together again, as I know you desired for so long." Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth as he spoke. The hand reached out to take hers, but Lady screamed again.
"NO! NO! Leave me be! I won't come with you! You aren't Treize! This is a dream! LET ME GO!!" She tore away from his icy grip, but he grabbed her shoulder and spun her quickly to face him.
"Lady, please." She felt those bony fingers dig into her flesh. He was taking her with him, she thought, as her mind slipped away.
"NO!!!!!!"
*******************************************************************
Lady bolted upright, her hair matted to her skull with sweat. Slowly, reality began to sink in, and her heartbeat slowed, her breathing evened. "A dream," she whispered.
"Mother, are you alright?" A young girl stood in the doorway of her bedroom, her face filled with concern. Lady smiled weakly.
"Yes, Marie, it was just a dream. I'm sorry if I woke you.Go back to bed, love." She felt guilty. Had her scream awoke the girl? Still drowsy, she let herself fall back onto the pillows, but she could not sleep. She loved Treize with her entire soul, but now he was gone; just a memory.A dream. She had dreamt it again, and again, and again. Treize needed her, wanted her, for some reason. Could he be beckoning her from the nether life beyond? Through her dreams? Shaking her head at such an irrational thought, she got up and went down into the kitchen.
*******************************************************************
January 15, 198 AC
"Mother, what is it?" Mariemaia's innocent voice asked as she watched Lady eye the paper in her hand. Tears began to cloud her vision, though she tried with all her strength to keep them from falling. The news that lie in Noin's simply written letter opened up a new wound just as much as it struck deeper into the one that had scarred over, but never really healed. "Mother?"
Lady Une refolded the paper and placed it back in its envelope. Drawing a deep but shaky breath, she turned to look at the girl whose concern shone deeply in her azure eyes. She was twelve, Lady thought with a poor attempt to smile. Treize's daughter was growing up so fast.No, her daughter now, she corrected herself, again. Mariemaia had grown up without her father, and now, it seemed, another child was soon to keep her company and share the same thoughts she did.
"Mother, why are you crying? What is it?" Again, the girl's voice brought Lady from her thoughts, more concern rising in Marie's throat as her mother was not responding. She looked Marie straight in the eye, wishing that she did not have to share this piece of news.
"Your Uncle Zechs has died," she said, the words coming out in a rush on her exhaling breath. She saw Marie's eyes widen with bewilderment.
"But when?" was all the girl could say.
"Three days ago. Saturday." Marie still couldn't believe it, the reluctance to accept this truth reflected in her eyes.
"How did he." her voice broke helplessly.
"It was an accident, Marie. His car." she broke off as well, silent for a moment before looking back into the girl's stunned eyes. "These things happen, dear..." Not knowing what else to say, Marie reached up to hug her mother. The two of them wept, for they had lost yet another of their dearest friends to the claim of fate. Still clinging together, Lady whispered softly into her daughter's ear. "Aunt Lucy and Leah are still alive but, you know-"
"They must be even more upset than we are," Marie's voice finished, as if she understood what her mother had meant to say.
"She asked us to come visit her up on the L5 Colony.I guess the two of them need some company before the funeral. Go on upstairs and pack your things. We leave in the morning." Mariemaia nodded slowly, but before she could leave, Lady added further, "And Marie, say a prayer for Uncle Zechs before you go to bed."
Marie left the room, another wave of tears threatening to overcome her. Uncle Zechs had always been so nice to her. Probably because she was his best friend's daughter, but still, he had always been so kind. and funny. She just couldn't bear to think that she'd never hear one of his silly remarks again. The jokes that made her mother swat him over the head with whatever she had in her hand...
When she heard Marie clamber into bed, Lady went up to her own room, but she found that she could not sleep. Now Zechs was dead, too.What if her dreams. Lady pushed the thought out of her head before it had a chance to fully form. With a sigh of despair she had only felt the night after Treize died, she reached into the armoire and pulled out an old academy yearbook she had so cleverly stashed away. Fumbling with a pen for a moment, she searched the pages of the graduates pictures and found Zechs, right next to Treize, and under his name, etched in the words "Died: January 12, 198 AC". Tears flooded her eyes like an oncoming wave as she glanced over to the picture of a young Treize, her Treize. Under his picture she had so painstakingly written "Died: December 25, 195 AC". Another one they had to bury, she thought grimly, before putting the book in the place she had assigned it. Still unable to sleep, she went downstairs into the kitchen.
Marie was awake when she heard her mother go back downstairs. She, too, could not manage to fall asleep. "These things happen," she repeated softly, as her despair grew into fear. Zechs had died by accident. Her father had, as her mother told her, died by accident, after he failed to react in time to the Chinese Gundam pilot's attack. Would Lady, the woman she saw as her true and only mother, have such an accident happen to her, as well? And what if she was to die the same way? "These things happen." She shivered, despite the warmth of her winter comforters. Could it be possible that she wake up dead on the morrow, by accident? What a stupid thought. You can't wake up dead. You wouldn't wake up at all. Finally, swarmed by all the thoughts in her head, she drifted into a restless sleep.
Downstairs, Lady's eyes were closing from fatigue as well. She fought it desperately, knowing the terrifying images that would fill her head if for but a moment, she gave in to sleep. But it was no use. "No," she whispered, as her eyelids fluttered and she fell into a dreaming sleep.
*******************************************************************
Two men sat at a table, laughing good-naturedly at each others remarks, as Lady watched them from the shadows of the doorway. Again, she could not understand why she was there, for she knew she was sleeping only a few moments ago. The two sat bathed in the soft light of the fireplace, the room itself glowing with the bold mahogany furniture. Again, Lady was distressed, unable to come to reason with why she was there, standing half in the hallway, clad in only her nightgown and robe. Lady took another step into the room, realizing now, that she was in His Excellency's apartments. Shame flooded her for making a visit this late at night, especially when he seemed to have company. Before she could silence it, she gasped, quickly sorry for making her presence known.
Mr. Treize's head shot up at the sound. "Who's there?" he demanded, and slowly, Lady stepped into the light to reveal herself.
"I'm sorry, Excellency. I didn't know you had other business to attend to. And I should have thought at this hour that."
Treize smiled and lifted his hand, a gesture to silence her, before he spoke. "No matter. There is nothing much of useful business going on here anyway, right Zechs?" He raised an eyebrow and Zechs turned into the light to see Lady. He grinned as a sly remark danced at the tip of his tongue. He knew, he silently thought, that Treize would not appreciate a comment about his Lady that was so improper, but then again. He chuckled before speaking his mind.
"Well, well," he smothered a grin, disguising it as surprise, quite poorly, one might add. "Do you often make these nocturnal visits to His Excellency's quarters, Lady Une?" Though the darkness still covered her, he knew there was a flush creeping across her cheeks. She opened her mouth to protest, but Zechs went on. "And dressed like that, I dare say, this is no mere military business." She could have wrung his neck had she the courage to step from the shadows, but she didn't want them to see how red she had turned at the remark. Turning to his friend, still seated in the chair next to him, Zechs continued, eyeing the displeasure on Treize's face.
"And I am sure you welcome these non-business type visits, my friend. I never thought you'd take to this sport.But your reputation with women has always been." Treize's glare cut him off in mid-sentence. It was that kind of glare that said 'say another word and I'll have my rapier down your throat; blade, sheath, and all.' Zechs shook his head. "Very well, but still, I must state that it is an obvious fact that Lady is not here on some kind of military obligation. I shall not push the subject farther," he said, grinning, knowing now that they could not deny his statement. "And I shall leave you to whatever liaison you have planned for this night."
He gave Lady a mischievous wink as he dismissed himself. "Oh, and Lady," he said, lowering his voice, "I do wish you all the pleasantries Treize is willing to offer. I assure you, this secret is safe with me." Zechs flipped the lock and shut the door as he left, and Lady had reached to unlock it again when she heard Treize's soft chuckle.
"So, Lady, now that we are relieved of Zechs's crude mouth, what exactly brought you here tonight?" His smile could have melted her like candle wax, had she dared to look at him. She fiddled with no luck at the lock that was hidden by darkness. "Lady, is there something bothering you? Surely your intent was not what our friend Zechs had assumed?" He laughed kindly as he stood, gliding towards the door where she was. He took her hands off the handle, and she could do nothing else but look up at him, with just a little quiet scorn.
"Mr. Treize, I would not think to do such a-"
Treize looked at her, and there, in his sapphire eyes, she saw the same mischievous glint she'd seen in Zechs's. "Oh, are you completely sure?" he whispered slyly. "We wouldn't want to disappoint our good friend, Zechs... now would we?" He slid his arms around her waist, drawing her close against the curve of his own body, but again, Lady began to protest.
"Mr. Treize!" she cried, surprised at his sudden movement; she was certain of the warmth that crept into her cheeks.
"Yes, Lady?" he said, meeting and holding her gaze with his, as he slipped his hands down to her hips, then back up to her waist, his clever hands quickly untying the robe. Lady was aware of his intent now, and though it frightened her, just a bit, she wondered if maybe that had been her intent as well, when she so boldly intruded into his apartments.
She flashed him a wicked smile as her robe littered the floor, leaving only the sheer material of her nightgown, which glowed softly in the fire's light. This was how it was going to end up.so be it, she thought as Treize guided her to his bed. When he touched her again, his fingers beginning to undo the laces at her gown's neck, she had lost. It mattered no more whether this was her intent or not, whatever became of this moment was already half done.
She had closed her eyes for only a moment, and then she felt the heat. It was like fire, brushing its flames against her skin, and it prompted her to open her eyes again. It was normal.well, almost normal. Treize was there, at the bed side, just beginning to dismiss his own clothing, and he gave her a gentle smile before he turned away to finish doing so.
She, herself, smiled in anticipation, but a sudden glimpse of Treize's hands once he had removed the white uniform gloves caused her to gasp, and she shut her eyes to reason with logic. Her mind was acting up again, just like it had the last time. But the thought of those fleshless, ivory-bone hands sent a shiver up her spine.
"Is there something wrong, Lady? Do you me to stop?" he asked, not wishing to force himself upon her. Never that. He had never taken a woman by force; he wouldn't, especially not Lady. "I shall not continue should you not wish this to happen."
Lady opened her eyes and smiled so sweetly, with such invitation, that she had no reason to give an answer with words. Her arms outstretched towards him. She closed her eyes again as he pressed a kiss to her lips. What a foolish mind, she thought, but somehow, she could not relinquish the lurking truth in what she had seen. That uneasy feeling drifted over her again and her smile disappeared.
"Lady, open your eyes." It was that voice. That icy, hoarse whisper struck her cold. This was not Treize, she thought, but her eyes opened and her gaze shot straight to his. He was not Treize, she thought again, as she saw those bony claws reach out to her. The mangled flesh and oozing blood.It was happening again. "Lady, again I ask you to come with me to the shadows. Come, and we will be able to finish what we started here tonight." His words tore at her flesh, and for one unbearable moment, she found herself thinking that it would not be so bad if she went with him.
"NO!!" she screamed, jumping up as if to bolt for the door, not caring that only her sheer undergarments remain on her body.
"No?" a voice echoed. It was Zechs. "No what?" Lady felt a wave of relief.
"Zechs! Thank God you're here!" But before she could say more, Zechs stepped into the doorway, the light revealing him, the broken, bloody mess he too had become. Lady choked back a cry. Both of them were here. Both of them wanted her to go into the shadows. He blocked the doorway easily, and Lady found she had no escape.
"Come, now, Lady," Zechs whispered, "Treize has awaited you long enough. Do you want to break his heart so?" Lady dared to look back at Treize, sitting tentatively on the edge of the bed; she could not help but recoil further. His voice, cold and icy, took on a new, gentler nature, but his toothed grin frightened her beyond all known. The blood still oozed from his mouth as he spoke.
"My Lady, please," he whispered, patting a spot on the bed beside him. "It won't be so bad." Lady whirled around in panic, searching the room for another way out, but there was none. "Lady."
"NO!!!" she screamed again, but Zechs was walking forward, backing her up until she fell onto the bed.
"I wish you all the pleasantries," he laughed, and melted, literally melted, into the floor. Lady was frozen, and could do nothing as Treize took hold of her shoulders, pinning her to the soft linen sheets beneath them. She felt his weight bearing down on top of her, making it impossible to move. She wept, but Treize still held his grasp, until finally, with one last attempt to escape this hell, this fate that threatened to take her in, she screamed.
*******************************************************************
"Mother! Mother, wake up!" Mariemaia had rushed downstairs, grabbed Lady's shoulders and was shaking her awake, just after she had heard her mother's agonized cry. "Mother!" Lady opened her eyes, dazed and disoriented.
"Marie, what -?"
"You were dreaming," Marie said quietly. "You screamed, and I came to wake you..." Lady smiled with relief. It had just been a dream.again. She was about to turn to Marie when she spoke again. "It's ok, Mom. I couldn't sleep anyway." Lady gave her another weak smile, and getting up, the two went into the living room. Realizing how late the hour was, and how thankful they were for each other's presence, they fell asleep on the couch.
"Just a dream," Lady whispered before closing her eyes.
*******************************************************************
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Okay. that was extremely uncalled for. ZECHS DIED!!! *sniffle* Sorry to all
his wild bishoujo fangirls!! . I miss him too! ^o^;; Oh well, he's
gone to a better place. if that's any consolation. and if you think
"the shadows" is a good place to end up. hehehe.