Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to Chihaya, the webmistress of gwdensetsu. I have had the privilege of archiving my stories at her site for the past four some years, and have just recently learned that she will be putting the site on permanent hiatus due to Real Life. Her site was the first place that ever archived my stories, and the fact that I can no longer do so makes me a little sad. However, I completely understand and respect her decision. Chihaya, congratulations on your impending graduation, and I wish you all the best for your future endeavors! This one's for you!

Chapter 47

It was hot, ridiculously hot. Combined with the flashing lights of cameras, and the shouts of reporters, it was enough to drive anyone insane. And yet, none of this seemed to faze the object of the scrutiny, a poised young woman standing at the podium.

Riko showed no sign of feeling the heat, seeing the lights, or hearing the reporters. "That will be all for today. I thank you for coming," she said calmly, ignoring the protests and questions. Turning gracefully, she exited the stage which had been set up in the center of a vast courtyard. It would soon be the third anniversary celebrating the reformation of the ESUN, and Riko was performing her requisite duties of running press conferences and ensuring the event received the publicity that was its due.

And it was indeed a performance, Riko thought to herself, as she settled herself in her air conditioned limousine, her bodyguards at her side. She stared straight ahead, the picture of demure composure, ignoring the gorgeous landscape of the Cinq Kingdom as it sped past her. As the site where three of the four most prominent heads of the ESUN held roots, it had been deemed as the appropriate place for a celebration of freedom.

Riko glanced down at her feet, with her expensive heels. She longed to kick them off, as she had in the past. She longed to lean forward and throw her arms around the passenger seat, chatting up a storm with her driver. Pagan had died a few years before she was old enough to start accompanying her mother on business, but she had enjoyed the company of her driver Roger, a friend of Pagan's who had taken his place.

She longed for many things, but none of her desires were visible on her face. She longed to scream, telling the world the truth behind what had happened three years ago, about the hypocrisy and lies she was being forced to spew. She longed for her family and friends, who had become victims of the true evil and tyranny that controlled the world today. But the time for longing, for wishing for the past, was long gone. The bright and happy Riko was long gone. In her place was this perfect doll, a puppet, who danced to the tune of those who had murdered her family and robbed her of her freedom. The only sign of the girl who had once been was evident in her short cropped hair, a testimony of both love and defiance. Otherwise, there was nothing.

As the limousine arrived at the Cinq Palace, the place of her mother's birth, Riko could only absently wonder what she would wear to that night's ball.

…………………

Usually, ESUN Congressional Sessions were held in Geneva, where the headquarters were located. Due to the celebration, however, today the Congress had convened in the vast halls that had once housed the former Cinq Kingdom's Parliament.

Rayan was not usually present at these sessions. As head of the Winner Corporation, which provided most of the financial resources the ESUN needed, he was still not an actual legislator for the government. That job belonged to Yuri, who now served as the President. Today, however, was different. The Speaker for the Congress, Charles Nicolae, was proposing increased spending towards the development of defense, and Rayan had come to voice his support. It was all for show, but he knew he was helpless to do otherwise. Every time he signed the papers authorizing increased spending for the development of weapons/hunting down of "insurgents," he wished he could shoot himself. But suicide, he knew, was definitely no longer an option.

The pale young man stood. "What the Speaker has proposed is necessary," he announced. "As I'm sure you are all aware, radical resistance groups may be poised to strike during this key moment in our history. While the Preventers are on full alert, it is absolutely vital that we remain vigilant. We have made much progress in these three short years, and are on the final stretch towards absolute peace and prosperity. With your approval, ladies and gentlemen, the Winner Corporation will gladly use any and all means we have available to aid you in the task. We are all working towards the same goal, and I ask that you accept our help."

The chamber echoed with applause, and Rayan sat back down. Tuning out the political rhetoric around him, he glanced up towards the front of the chamber where Yuri was sitting, decked out in all the regalia befitting the President of the ESUN. At his side was Aelis. As First Lady, she did not need to be present at the sessions, but Rayan knew that keeping up appearances was necessary, especially now. Yuri and Aelis had been married three years ago, at the grand unveiling of the new and improved ESUN. It had been a farce of a wedding. No expense had been spared, but Rayan knew all that glitter was needed to mask the loveless union it was celebrating. Aelis had fought, bitten, and screamed as she was being forced into her wedding dress, and as a result had been heavily sedated, staring blankly out at the cheering audience on her wedding day. Rayan had served as Best Man, and Riko as Maid of Honor, and they could both see what the conveniently distantly placed masses could not: Aelis' glazed eyes, Yuri's clenched fists, the awkward way Yuri had kissed the mindless Aelis. Rayan remembered how, once upon a time, Yuri and Aelis had truly loved each other. He could distantly remember Yuri being a heroic deserter, who had thrown away all he had known for love of Aelis (and maybe a little revenge, but that was another story). But the tragedy of her family's death had shattered Aelis, and she had blindly directed her rage at Yuri, the only target available. In the end, even the mild mannered Yuri had lost his patience, and the two existed as man and wife in name only, bound by a piece of paper. Rayan knew for a fact the marriage had not been consummated, and that the two had not touched each other since that day.

Rayan's musings were brought to an end as Yuri stood. "This ends today's Congressional Session. I would like to thank all of you for making the trip here, and I look forward to seeing you ladies and gentlemen tonight at the ball," Yuri announced, formally ending the meeting. Beside him, Aelis rose stiffly as the Congress applauded the President and his wife before they made their exit, Yuri offering Aelis his arm, which she coldly accepted. Once they were in the hallway and out of sight, Aelis abruptly removed her hand and started walking away. Yuri looked dispassionately at her retreating form, then called after her. "Where are you going?"

Aelis didn't turn around. "The maids need to do my hair and makeup," she said frostily. While Riko, Rayan, and Yuri had long resigned themselves to their imprisonment and no longer protested even in private, Aelis still made her resentment known, hurling abuse at Yuri behind closed doors. It was abuse Yuri silently took, as he realized it was the only way she was retaining her sanity. Deep down, Yuri still loved her, and even though each insult was like a dagger to his heart, he refused to let any sign of his anger or pain show. It was the only way he could protect her, to hide her dissension from TJ and Nicolae. Unfortunately, it made for a miserable existence.

Yuri felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned around. Rayan gave him a sympathetic look, and Yuri shrugged and could only smile wryly. "She has to get ready for the ball," he said formally. Rayan nodded, then opened his mouth uncertainly to speak, but Yuri cut him off quickly with a sharp look in his eyes.

Rayan understood. He gave out a small sigh, but nodded and removed his hand. "Thank you for inviting me to today's Congressional Session," he said, as formally as Yuri had been. "You will always have the Winner Corporation's support, Mr. President."

Yuri nodded tightly, playing along. Rayan gave a little bow, then turned to leave, "If you will excuse me, I have an important meeting to attend…" and he trailed off. But Yuri understood, and shook Rayan's hand, taking the opportunity to give the younger man a comforting squeeze as he saw Rayan's hand tremble. "Yes, please go. I know you have…very important business elsewhere," he said quietly as Rayan walked quickly away.

…………………

The official research headquarters of the ESUN housed the world's most advanced technology. It was located underground, in the same place where, many years ago, Treize Khrushrenada had built the monstrous Gundam Epyon. The facility had since expanded, and though there were now many more people than just the lone Treize working there, another individual of equal, and perhaps greater brilliance, had taken his place as its mastermind.

"It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the deaths of-"

Click.

"Reporting live, from the Cinq Kingdom, where just now, Yuri Weyridge and Aelis Merquise have been united in the holy-"

Click.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I am pleased to be making this announcement to you all as the first elected President of the new-"

Click.

"Reliving the past?"

Eva glanced up at TJ, who had just entered the room, and shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Why not?" she asked mildly, turning back to the computer screen which had been playing old videos from the past three years. TJ chuckled, his voice grating her ears, and walked over to pat her on the head. "Yes dear, why not indeed. Have you seen today's press conference yet?"

Eva pressed another button, and Riko's face appeared on the screen. "I have now," she said neutrally. TJ smiled a deformed smile. "What a good girl you are," he praised her. "So quiet and obedient…It's a good thing we found you while you were young, isn't it? Unlike some people," and he glanced out through the glass window into the lab.

Eva didn't follow his gaze, instead turning away and moving towards a console. "She's almost done with today's exercise. If you'll excuse me, I need to analyze the results." TJ laughed again, but moved away. "Always working so hard. Be sure to keep at it!" he called as he left. Eva gritted her teeth and finally allowed herself the luxury of looking worriedly through the window, where Giselle was grimly engaged in testing the newest mobile suit operating system. Once the Neo-Rommefeller had taken over the ESUN, TJ and Nicolae had promptly relegated the fiery Giselle to the role of lab rat in order to keep her under control. It killed two birds with one stone: They could utilize the talented Giselle's skills for testing, but even more importantly, holding her hostage guaranteed Rayan's compliance.

At that moment, she heard the door open once again behind her, and an anxious Rayan hurried into the room. "How is she?" he asked, staring through the glass.

"Almost done, don't worry," Eva tried reassuring him, even though she knew he wasn't listening. In order to pacify the two, who were still as much in love with each other as they had been before the takeover, they were allowed a limited number of visits each month. It wasn't much, but it was all they had, and they desperately looked forward to the small amount of time they had together.

Eva pressed the intercom button. "Testing complete," she announced, her voice echoing through the lab. Giselle relaxed, exhausted. Technicians hurried over to unstrap her, and Giselle slumped over weakly. Eva could feel Rayan tense beside her. "They really want this new OS to be completed in time for the anniversary," she explained, her voice begging for forgiveness. "I've done all I can to de-bug it, remove all the potential stressors…"

Rayan's lips were pressed tightly together. "But of course," he said stiffly. "As long as the OS is done in time," he forced out. Eva knew he understood. Even though it had been three years, they were all still closely monitored, and they all knew they had to watch what they said. Especially since Aelis didn't seem to be cooperating, the others could only desperately try to compensate for her behavior in hopes of placating their superiors.

The door opened, and Giselle stumbled into the room. Rayan rushed over to hold her. "Giselle," he murmured, burying his face in her hair. Giselle slumped against him, "Hey…you," she muttered, obviously drained. Rayan quickly led her over to a chair and sat her down, pulling up another chair to sit down next to her. "Are you all right?"

Giselle glanced up at both Rayan and Eva. There were dark rings under her eyes, her body was covered with sweat, and her hair was dull and listless. But they all knew what she would say. "Of course I am," she said, mustering as much sweetness and perkiness as she could. "This is tough, but I'm sure it's nothing compared to either ZERO or XERO."

Rayan looked at Eva. "Have you managed to recreate either system yet?" he asked tensely. Despite keeping up appearances, he knew that the last thing they needed was for the Neo-Rommefeller to get their hands on either system. First off, it was doubtful the Neo-Rommefeller could find anyone strong enough to handle either system. Not even the Gundam pilots' children had ever used it, but Rayan knew that wouldn't stop the Neo-Rommefeller from trying it on Giselle. And at this point, three years later and worn thin, he wasn't sure she would be able to handle it.

To his relief, Eva laughed sarcastically. "ZERO and XERO are the stuff of legends, products of a team of ridiculously smart and equally insane scientists and our late parents, respectively. Little old me is going to have a very hard time coming up with an OS even close to that caliber."

"Oh," Rayan said, feigning disappointment, then abruptly turning his attention back to Giselle as she leaned weakly against him. "Are you alright? We don't have to go out and eat lunch if you don't want to; we can stay inside and I'll feed you-"

"I'm fine, really," Giselle reassured him, struggling to sit up but still swaying slightly. Smiling thinly, she put on her best puppy face. "Please…let's go out. I need to see the sun," she said softly, begging him with her eyes. Rayan looked at her, heartbroken, but nodded. The two stood up, holding hands. "We'll see you later, then?" Rayan called over his shoulder to Eva. She nodded, and turned back to her work. "Have fun…I'll see you guys in sixty minutes," she finished sadly, placing emphasis on the time. So many hours of torture, just for sixty minutes of freedom…

…………………

The sixty precious minutes came and went. Hours later, as he and Riko danced together at the celebratory ball, he was still going over the details of the day…How she could barely keep her food down, and even though they were outside, he really had resorted to feeding her despite her protests. How he'd held her close, realizing painfully just how thin she was, and how finally, when it was all over, he'd led her back to the lab, back to her cage, where she'd trembled in his arms and he knew she didn't want to go back, but they had no choice. They had no choice in anything anymore, and he could only kiss her tenderly before sending her back inside, the doors closing behind her. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he accidentally stepped on Riko's foot.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" he stammered, mortified.

Riko smiled sadly at him. "Today was one of the days, right?" she said quietly. In the sea of people, with music blasting, they knew they could safely have a few moments of real conversation.

Rayan nodded painfully. "She's so thin," he whispered brokenly, head slumping. Riko's clenching hand quickly brought him back to his senses, and he abruptly lifted his head again, a fixed smile on his face. Riko nodded in approval, worry evident in her eyes.

"Is the system ready yet?"

"No, not yet," Rayan said, prompting a small relieved sigh. "Eva said she doesn't think she's even capable of recreating something like ZERO/XERO. But I don't know how they'll take that."

"She'll make something good enough," Riko murmured. "Not as devastating as the other two, but she'll make something. She has to," Riko finished grimly. She glanced over at Yuri and Aelis, who were sitting above in a balcony looking down at the dancers, then turned her attention back to Rayan. "And those two-"

Rayan's lips twitched into a mirthless smile. "As happy as ever," he said sarcastically. Riko looked worried. "That's not good."

Rayan glanced at her sharply, eyes questioning her statement. "It's the third anniversary. If Aelis is still acting like that, they'll do something. Can you feel it?" she asked, her worries confirmed when Rayan clenched his hands.

"I…I've shut off myself for the most part. Ever since…that day," he stammered, not able to say it. "But even I can feel it," he said, looking up at them. "They're plotting something, and it won't be pretty. But," and he shrugged helplessly, turning back to Riko, "It's not like we can do anything about it."

Riko nodded, turning her focus back to the music and the dance stops. "No…it's not like we can do anything," she said softly.

…………………

Hours later, the once full ballroom was completely empty save for the workers cleaning up. In her lavish living quarters, Aelis lay on her bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling. She used to appreciate such art, and she could remember being walked through the palace when she was young, staring wide-eyed at the architectural genius that surrounded her. Her father had chuckled at her amazement, tenderly tweaking her pigtails and pointing out all the history behind the rooms…Here was where the King and Queen had lived, here was his room, here was the room where he'd secretly carved his initials into the wall…Oh, and here was the room where he and her mother conceived her and her sister, but she didn't need to know what 'conceived' meant yet…

Aelis shut her eyes at the memory. It'd been a long time since she'd thought of her family, and she didn't want to start now. It was much too painful, and she knew her grasp on sanity was tenuous at best. Yes, she knew she should control herself: She saw the worried looks Riko and Rayan gave her, eyes begging her to behave herself more. But she just couldn't. She didn't want to, dammit! She'd tried being the responsible mature one all her life, and look at where it got her now-

Before she could rant any further, the door suddenly opened. She sat up, but then flopped back down when she saw it was Yuri. "I'm tired," she announced, ignoring him and closing her eyes. The two of them slept in separate rooms, and had done so ever since they had gotten married. It was late, and in Aelis' mind, he had no business poking around her bedroom at this hour. Even as she heard him walk closer, she continued to keep her eyes shut and feign exhaustion, until she felt him grab her roughly and pull her close to him.

Her eyes snapped open. "What're you-" she snarled, trying to pull away, only to realize he was actually seriously holding her. Eyes wide, she stared at him. "What…what's…" she stammered.

Yuri's eyes were hard, and he was breathing heavily. "Aelis," he choked out. "Come to my room."

Aelis' eyes blazed. "Like hell," she spat, trying to free herself, then yelping in pain and surprise as he tightened his grip. "Yuri! Let me go!"

Yuri squeezed his eyes shut. Don't do this, a voice shouted inside his head. But it was drowned out by the memory of the conversation that took place earlier that night.

(flashback)

Yuri stood by the door, a smile firmly plastered on his face as he shook the hand of every leaving guest. Aelis had already left for her private quarters. A steady cycle of thank you for coming's, it was a pleasure seeing you's, and I hope you enjoyed the ball's played on repeat as he bid each guest farewell. Next to him stood Nicolae, who was doing the same thing. When the last guest had finally left, the two men stood in silence, one man scrutinizing the other carefully, and the other resolutely staring at anything but his observer.

Nicolae finally broke the silence. "Been having trouble with your woman?"

Yuri continued staring at the chandelier that was hanging over the door. "Everything is as expected, given the circumstances," he responded shortly.

Nicolae snorted. "If you're not sleeping with your own wife, then there's obviously something wrong," he sneered.

Yuri finally shifted his gaze to Nicolae. "In case you've forgotten, the marriage was your convenient set-up. The two of us are bound by a piece of paper, and no more," he shot back, turning to walk away.

"There needs to be an heir."

That stopped Yuri. Whirling around, he grabbed Nicolae by the collar and shoved him against the wall. "What…what the HELL are you thinking!" he shouted.

Nicolae showed no signs of fear. "Let me go…'Mr. President,'" he said coldly. Yuri only tightened his grip. "She won't agree," he spat. "If you want an heir, go grab someone off the streets."

Nicolae laughed derisively. "The inheritance needs to stay within the bloodline. You could, I suppose, go sleep with some whore, but then how will you explain the ensuing scandal? No, the child must be carried by your legal wife, and it must be genetically both of yours." Despite still being pinned against the wall, Nicolae looked nonchalantly at his watch. "We have been watching her closely. She should be fertile tonight. Just one night," he taunted. "It's not like you two haven't done it before."

Yuri clenched his teeth. "I told you! She won't agree! And I refuse to force myself on her-"

"Do you?"

At the sound of his voice, Yuri slowly released his grip. Nicolae's eyes had lost all trace of mirth. Speaking in a deadly voice, he said, "I told you. An heir needs to be produced, and soon. Preferably more than one. And if your woman's not cooperating, make her cooperate. Otherwise, she will meet a very convenient end, and we will find you a more cooperative replacement. Your choice, Weyridge. Don't forget what kind of position you're in."

(present)

Yuri opened his eyes. Aelis was glaring at him with a mixture of hatred, repulsion, and definitely fear. "I'm not going to tell you again…Let go of me!" she cried shrilly. Yuri stared at her, then slowly started to laugh. "And what will you do if I don't?" he asked mockingly, painfully, before gathering his resolve and finally desperately pushing her down on the bed.

It was over within moments. Aelis had struggled at first, but soon became still, deathly still. For his part, Yuri finished as quickly as he could, then promptly got off the bed. Aelis remained on the bed, unmoving, as he wearily straightened his clothes and got ready to leave.

"I hope you burn in hell."

Yuri paused in the doorway, not turning around. He smiled mirthlessly. "I hope so too," he replied, leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.

…………………

The next day found Riko and Rayan sitting in Nicolae's office, Riko with her hands neatly folded in her lap and Rayan absentmindedly staring out the window. Nicolae sat at his desk and shuffled through some papers, occasionally glancing up at the two before him but not saying anything. The three of them sat in silence until Yuri finally came into the room.

Rayan snapped to attention. "No Aelis?" he queried, glancing at Nicolae. Riko also looked at him questioningly. "Usually all four of us are present," she stated politely, using rhetoric to disguise her confusion and worry.

Nicolae ignored them and instead addressed Yuri. "Congratulations. I've just been told," and he gestured to some of the papers, "that your wife is expecting."

"WHAT!" Rayan and Riko shouted at the same time, all dignity and protocol gone. They composed themselves quickly, Riko stammering, "Con…congratulations! That's…wonderful news," and Rayan sputtering, "I'm…I'm sure that you will make excellent parents," while both shot confused looks at Yuri.

"There is nothing wonderful about it," Yuri said flatly, glaring at Nicolae and ignoring the frantic looks Rayan and Riko were throwing at him. Rayan nervously attempted to play it off. "Ah…a little hung over from last night?" he forced out, choking out a laugh and praying that Yuri would take a hint.

"Yes, yes!" Riko added, nodding vigorously. "Expecting a child is a beautiful thing-"

"I did what you told me to," Yuri cut them off, focusing burning eyes on Nicolae. "And that is all." Nicolae raised an eyebrow. "I told you to? You did have other options-"

"You would've killed her!" Yuri shouted, slamming his hands down on Nicolae's desk. Rayan and Riko were aghast. "What's…going on?" Riko asked nervously, all of her poise gone.

"Aelis was being uncooperative in playing her role, and so that problem has been fixed," Nicolae said unmercifully. "She will produce an heir, and she will continue to do so until otherwise notified."

Realization slowly dawned on the other two, and they stared at Yuri, horrified. Rayan finally broke the silence. Looking straight at Nicolae, he said flatly, "You are a sick, sadistic bastard."

"I'm glad you're finally being honest, Mr. Winner," Nicolae replied unemotionally. Swiveling his chair around and picking up some papers, he said, "Here're your scripts for today's press conference. The two of you will be announcing your engagement and impending wedding-"

Nicolae was cut off by a roar, as Rayan pounced on him. Guards rushed in and pulled a struggling Rayan off, forcing him to the ground. "You monster!" he shouted. "This goes against everything we agreed to!"

Riko was staring at Nicolae in horror and disgust. "This…this is too much!" she shouted, standing up so quickly that she knocked her chair over. Three years of suppressed pain and rage finally exploded, as she ran over and grabbed Nicolae by the arm. "No! I refuse! Don't you see what this will do to Giselle? To us? Don't you!" she screamed. Nicolae angrily pushed her away. "What I am doing," he seethed, "Is righting the mistakes of the past. And I don't care how I do it, or who pays." He threw the papers on the ground. "You will be married within a week," he barked, "on the same day as the three year anniversary. And you," and he gestured to Yuri, "will be announcing that you and wife are expecting a child today. Now take them away, and keep them locked up until the designated time!" he snapped at the guards before storming out.

…………………

It was quiet, almost too quiet. Giselle frowned at the clock, noting that it was well into the afternoon. No one had come to get her from her room yet, which was strange. She was pretty sure today was a weekday, not that it mattered in lab: She worked any hours and all hours. Shrugging her shoulders, she decided to make the most of this unexpected break by grabbing an apple and walking over to the couch, throwing herself down with a relaxed sigh. Munching on her apple and staring at her ceiling, she glanced over at her TV. "Why not," she muttered. Turning it on, she was surprised to see Yuri, Rayan, and Riko, all on the screen. Some quick channel surfing revealed that every channel was broadcasting the same thing, meaning this was an announcement from the government.

"-our child will be born within the next year…"

Giselle nearly rolled off her couch. "Aelis is pregnant!" she muttered confusedly, regaining her balance and sitting up. Reaching over, she switched on her vidphone. Eva's face popped up. "Did you hear!" both girls said simultaneously.

"I…I had no idea!" Eva said, shaking her head slowly. "It makes no sense," she remarked darkly.

Giselle nodded, worried, then asked suddenly, "By the way, Eva, do you know why no one's come to get me yet?"

Eva stared at her questioningly. "No…I have no clue. I called to ask what was going on, but I was only told to 'wait for orders,'" she grumbled. "I thought you would know…" she trailed off, realizing Giselle was no longer listening.

Giselle was fixated on the TV. Blood had drained from her face, and the half eaten apple dropped from her senseless hand. Eva watched as she fell to her knees, eyes still staring at the TV. "No…" she whimpered, hands at her mouth. "It's…it's a mistake. It has to be!" she cried, tears springing from her eyes.

Eva stared at her, alarmed, then quickly turned back to her computer in the lab which she was using to watch the press conference. She saw that Yuri had stepped back, and Rayan and Riko were at the front.

"-the wedding will be held in the Cinq Palace this Friday at noon, and we invite everyone to come celebrate in our joyous union…"

"NO!" Giselle screamed, beating her fists on the ground as the doorbell rang in the background, signaling the presence of the guards who had come to retrieve her. As she listened to Giselle sob, Eva grimly realized the significance of the timing. She turned back to her vidphone, saw the guards struggling with Giselle, who seemed to have gone limp, heard them calling for a doctor. Finally, she shut it off, then turned back to look at the monitor. She saw the grim, forced expressions on her friends' faces, she heard Giselle's anguished cries echoing in her mind. She closed her eyes for a moment.

"It's time," she whispered, and she opened her eyes, eyes she had inherited from her mother that now held the deadly glint often seen in her father's. "It's definitely time."

Shinigami's daughter, goddess of death, was making her move.