Note: The next few chapters will be more action than romance. You might have noticed I changed the rating to pg-13 because it gets a bit bloody. On with the fic!
2 days later...
Anne watched the preparation of Treize's shuttle from the window of her bedroom. Treize is leaving. Her work and his meetings with top officials had hardly left anytime for them to be alone together. Now, she doesn't know how long it would be until her comes back.
"What are you thinking about, my Lady?" Treize's voice came from behind her.
"Nothing sir."
Treize raised an eyebrow. "Nothing? You seem very gloomy lately. Is it because I am leaving?" Damn, he knows me too well. She turned around slowly. Treize placed a hand under her chin, tilting her face up so her eyes met his. You have only been back a week, Treize, and you are leaving again.
"I will miss you." Said Anne after a moment of silence.
"You know I will stay if you want me to."
"No." Anne turned her head away. "You have to go. I won't keep you here for my own selfish reasons."
Even I can't change her mind once she decides on something. She will go through with the plan no matter how much it hurts her. She is doing it for me.
Treize reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small box and handed it to her. "Open it." Anne looked puzzled, but did as she was told. Inside the box was a thin silver necklace. The ruby pendant attached to it was in the shape of a rose. Anne was stunned and speechless. Treize took the necklace from the box. "Let's see how it looks on you." He brushed aside her long hair and fastened the silver chain around her neck. "This pendant holds my spirit. You will never be lonely because I will always be with you."
"I will keep it with me, always."
Both of them leaned forward at the same time, their lips touching in a gentle, but sweet kiss.
A voice came from outside the door. "Sir, your shuttle is ready."
Reluctantly, Treize pulled away from Anne. She followed him outside to the shuttle. Maremeia was already waiting for him at the ramp.
"I will see you later Mari." Treize said, patting his daughter on the head. "Be good." She hugged him tightly before letting go. He turned and faced Anne. "Take care, my love." He said softly. She nodded and smiled. "I won't be sad. I promise." She raised her hand in a salute as he walked up the ramp.
"Treize Kushrenada has left for Moscow. Should we send someone to welcome him there, sir?"
"There is no point in doing that, Hans. It would be a waste of good men. Treize is expecting us. He will be on his guard. We've already lost our best assassin to him besides. We can't risk failing again. Our supporters in the aristocracy are cowards. We will lose their support if anything goes wrong. Besides, the Duke isn't going to Moscow."
Hans looked startled. "But he-"
The other man took a sip of his wine. "You don't understand Treize as well as I do. What he does is never as simple as it first appears. He wouldn't leave Brussels at this time for something as insignificant as a dispute over property. That woman didn't go with him either, which shows that this is no ordinary trip."
"So where would he be?"
"He is hiding. I will send some men to check out his old bases. He should be there."
"What should we do if we find him?"
The man leaned back in his chair and thought for a minute. An unpleasant smile slowly spread across his face. "I have an idea."
Wufei entered the Preventer's office. "Hey! Where's Lady Une?"
"In her office drowning herself in work." Noin's voice came from behind a giant stack of paperwork. Wufei knocked on the door of Anne's office before entering. "Wufei reporting!" Anne looked up from her work. "Did you find something?"
"I found an interesting piece of information while investigating the attempt on Treize's life. 3 influential members of the Romefelleur foundation has transferred large amounts of money into a bank account."
"Who owns the account?"
"Steve Speilger. However, we have reason to believe that the name is a fake one. It did not come up in a search of the population archive."
"What is the relationship between Treize and those 3 members?"
"Basic business relationship. They are not friends, but not enemies either. There are rumors that one of them, Lord Shelborn disliked Treize, but the rumors are unconfirmed."
"I suspect the rumors are true. Aristocrats never insult each other openly, they just do it behind their backs. This lead is worth investigating."
"I will send a team of Preventers to question Shelborn."
"No, that won't be necessary. The relationship between the aristocracy and the government is already strained. Any aggressive moves would hurt it beyond repair. I will go talk to him. Tell Maremeia I might be late going home today."
Anne grabbed her jacket and walked out to her car. She drove to the enormous estate where the Baron currently resides. Not bad for a Baron, but pretty pathetic compared to Treize's estates. She had just stepped out of the car when her soldier instincts told her that she was not alone. Her hand was already on her gun when she saw the first shadowy figure out of the corner of her eyes. "Who's there? Show yourself!" She ducked as a small dart flew over her head. Anne leaped behind some bushes and crouched down. She picked up the dart and carefully examined it. A stun dart. They are not trying to kill me, they are trying to capture me. She stood up and released a quick shot from her gun and was rewarded by a cry of pain. Anne threw herself onto the ground as a barrage of bullets shot over the top of the bush. I guess I made them mad. She crawled for a dozen feet before making a dash for a patch of trees. They will expect me to go back to the car. My only chance is to lose them in the woods and make a run for it. She backed up until her back hit a tree. She poked her head around the tree and drew back hastily when a bullet hit the trunk next to her head. Damn them. Anne thought as she brushed hot splinters of wood off her hand. She stepped out and fired two quick shots before dashing back behind the tree. It was impossible to tell how many of them are there and the trees cast too many shadows for her to see their faces. Anne checked her ammunition. 6 bullets left. I better make a run for it soon. She thought as she returned fire. Anne forgot to watch her back. The shadow that fell across her was her only warning before she felt an agonizing pain streak down her neck. Then everything blacked out.
"You idiot! You weren't suppose to hit her that hard. His Lordship said to bring her to him unharmed!"
"Don't blame me! You were the ones shooting at her."
Hans sighed in disgust. "Nevermind. Let's just her back to headquarters."
He picked up the unconscious Anne and carried her towards the waiting limo.
Something was wrong. Treize could feel it in his bones. It was late at night, but he couldn't sleep. He had spent the last 2 days in Luxembourg going over old Preventer reports and his own information. He could guess who was after him. I hope I am wrong. His return will only lead to a new period of bloodshed. I will have to plan carefully if I am to defeat him. . He also missed Anne and Maremeia terribly. But those things were not the problem. He only had this bad feeling once before, when Tuboruov shot Anne. Treize paced back and forth across the room. Contacting her would be risky, someone might intercept the transmission. People will know he is at Luxembourg. If nothing was wrong, Anne would be pretty mad at him. Anne is a woman, not a girl, she can take care of herself. Don't treat her like a child, Kushrenada. His rational mind agreed, but his heart disagreed. What if she is in danger? Would you just abandon her? Finally, he decided to return to Brussels tomorrow. I will die of loneliness here anyway. She might be angry, but she will be glad to have me back. He looked at the clock. 3:00 A.M. I will tell Turner of my plans tomorrow morning.
"Turner, have my shuttle prepared. I am leaving."
Turner gaped at his commander. "Leaving, sir?"
"Yes."
"But you haven't even been here for a week!"
"Just do it."
"Yes sir."
The vid-com beeped. Treize frowned. Who could be calling me? This is my private line. He buttoned up his uniform and slid into the chair. "Treize here." For a moment, his screen was covered with static and the only sound was a low hiss. "Good morning, Treize." The voice addressed him in perfect German. A voice he knew too well. The screen cleared, revealing a handsome man in his late twenties. Treize's face was pale, but his voice was remarkably steady. "Hello, Brother."
2 days later...
Anne watched the preparation of Treize's shuttle from the window of her bedroom. Treize is leaving. Her work and his meetings with top officials had hardly left anytime for them to be alone together. Now, she doesn't know how long it would be until her comes back.
"What are you thinking about, my Lady?" Treize's voice came from behind her.
"Nothing sir."
Treize raised an eyebrow. "Nothing? You seem very gloomy lately. Is it because I am leaving?" Damn, he knows me too well. She turned around slowly. Treize placed a hand under her chin, tilting her face up so her eyes met his. You have only been back a week, Treize, and you are leaving again.
"I will miss you." Said Anne after a moment of silence.
"You know I will stay if you want me to."
"No." Anne turned her head away. "You have to go. I won't keep you here for my own selfish reasons."
Even I can't change her mind once she decides on something. She will go through with the plan no matter how much it hurts her. She is doing it for me.
Treize reached inside his jacket and pulled out a small box and handed it to her. "Open it." Anne looked puzzled, but did as she was told. Inside the box was a thin silver necklace. The ruby pendant attached to it was in the shape of a rose. Anne was stunned and speechless. Treize took the necklace from the box. "Let's see how it looks on you." He brushed aside her long hair and fastened the silver chain around her neck. "This pendant holds my spirit. You will never be lonely because I will always be with you."
"I will keep it with me, always."
Both of them leaned forward at the same time, their lips touching in a gentle, but sweet kiss.
A voice came from outside the door. "Sir, your shuttle is ready."
Reluctantly, Treize pulled away from Anne. She followed him outside to the shuttle. Maremeia was already waiting for him at the ramp.
"I will see you later Mari." Treize said, patting his daughter on the head. "Be good." She hugged him tightly before letting go. He turned and faced Anne. "Take care, my love." He said softly. She nodded and smiled. "I won't be sad. I promise." She raised her hand in a salute as he walked up the ramp.
"Treize Kushrenada has left for Moscow. Should we send someone to welcome him there, sir?"
"There is no point in doing that, Hans. It would be a waste of good men. Treize is expecting us. He will be on his guard. We've already lost our best assassin to him besides. We can't risk failing again. Our supporters in the aristocracy are cowards. We will lose their support if anything goes wrong. Besides, the Duke isn't going to Moscow."
Hans looked startled. "But he-"
The other man took a sip of his wine. "You don't understand Treize as well as I do. What he does is never as simple as it first appears. He wouldn't leave Brussels at this time for something as insignificant as a dispute over property. That woman didn't go with him either, which shows that this is no ordinary trip."
"So where would he be?"
"He is hiding. I will send some men to check out his old bases. He should be there."
"What should we do if we find him?"
The man leaned back in his chair and thought for a minute. An unpleasant smile slowly spread across his face. "I have an idea."
Wufei entered the Preventer's office. "Hey! Where's Lady Une?"
"In her office drowning herself in work." Noin's voice came from behind a giant stack of paperwork. Wufei knocked on the door of Anne's office before entering. "Wufei reporting!" Anne looked up from her work. "Did you find something?"
"I found an interesting piece of information while investigating the attempt on Treize's life. 3 influential members of the Romefelleur foundation has transferred large amounts of money into a bank account."
"Who owns the account?"
"Steve Speilger. However, we have reason to believe that the name is a fake one. It did not come up in a search of the population archive."
"What is the relationship between Treize and those 3 members?"
"Basic business relationship. They are not friends, but not enemies either. There are rumors that one of them, Lord Shelborn disliked Treize, but the rumors are unconfirmed."
"I suspect the rumors are true. Aristocrats never insult each other openly, they just do it behind their backs. This lead is worth investigating."
"I will send a team of Preventers to question Shelborn."
"No, that won't be necessary. The relationship between the aristocracy and the government is already strained. Any aggressive moves would hurt it beyond repair. I will go talk to him. Tell Maremeia I might be late going home today."
Anne grabbed her jacket and walked out to her car. She drove to the enormous estate where the Baron currently resides. Not bad for a Baron, but pretty pathetic compared to Treize's estates. She had just stepped out of the car when her soldier instincts told her that she was not alone. Her hand was already on her gun when she saw the first shadowy figure out of the corner of her eyes. "Who's there? Show yourself!" She ducked as a small dart flew over her head. Anne leaped behind some bushes and crouched down. She picked up the dart and carefully examined it. A stun dart. They are not trying to kill me, they are trying to capture me. She stood up and released a quick shot from her gun and was rewarded by a cry of pain. Anne threw herself onto the ground as a barrage of bullets shot over the top of the bush. I guess I made them mad. She crawled for a dozen feet before making a dash for a patch of trees. They will expect me to go back to the car. My only chance is to lose them in the woods and make a run for it. She backed up until her back hit a tree. She poked her head around the tree and drew back hastily when a bullet hit the trunk next to her head. Damn them. Anne thought as she brushed hot splinters of wood off her hand. She stepped out and fired two quick shots before dashing back behind the tree. It was impossible to tell how many of them are there and the trees cast too many shadows for her to see their faces. Anne checked her ammunition. 6 bullets left. I better make a run for it soon. She thought as she returned fire. Anne forgot to watch her back. The shadow that fell across her was her only warning before she felt an agonizing pain streak down her neck. Then everything blacked out.
"You idiot! You weren't suppose to hit her that hard. His Lordship said to bring her to him unharmed!"
"Don't blame me! You were the ones shooting at her."
Hans sighed in disgust. "Nevermind. Let's just her back to headquarters."
He picked up the unconscious Anne and carried her towards the waiting limo.
Something was wrong. Treize could feel it in his bones. It was late at night, but he couldn't sleep. He had spent the last 2 days in Luxembourg going over old Preventer reports and his own information. He could guess who was after him. I hope I am wrong. His return will only lead to a new period of bloodshed. I will have to plan carefully if I am to defeat him. . He also missed Anne and Maremeia terribly. But those things were not the problem. He only had this bad feeling once before, when Tuboruov shot Anne. Treize paced back and forth across the room. Contacting her would be risky, someone might intercept the transmission. People will know he is at Luxembourg. If nothing was wrong, Anne would be pretty mad at him. Anne is a woman, not a girl, she can take care of herself. Don't treat her like a child, Kushrenada. His rational mind agreed, but his heart disagreed. What if she is in danger? Would you just abandon her? Finally, he decided to return to Brussels tomorrow. I will die of loneliness here anyway. She might be angry, but she will be glad to have me back. He looked at the clock. 3:00 A.M. I will tell Turner of my plans tomorrow morning.
"Turner, have my shuttle prepared. I am leaving."
Turner gaped at his commander. "Leaving, sir?"
"Yes."
"But you haven't even been here for a week!"
"Just do it."
"Yes sir."
The vid-com beeped. Treize frowned. Who could be calling me? This is my private line. He buttoned up his uniform and slid into the chair. "Treize here." For a moment, his screen was covered with static and the only sound was a low hiss. "Good morning, Treize." The voice addressed him in perfect German. A voice he knew too well. The screen cleared, revealing a handsome man in his late twenties. Treize's face was pale, but his voice was remarkably steady. "Hello, Brother."