Chapter Five:
Soaking wet, Duo stood in the center of the large bedroom. He
shivered involuntarily, chilled to the bone. Across the room,
Heero knelt beside the ornately carved fireplace trying to
create a spark.
Lightning crashed outside the stained glass windows. For a split
second Duo thought he could see the owl viciously beating its
wings. As thunder rumbled and shook the ancient foundations of
the great house, he returned his attention to the man he longed
to touch.
Water dripping from his hair, Heero tried to strike a match
without his hand shaking. It proved to be a challenge. Finding
Duo under attack outside had sent a surge of adrenalin through
his body; seeing his one desire in mortal danger.
In that instant, the fireplace roared into life. Heero stood up
and asserted his normal cool calm. It wasn't easy with Duo
Maxwell standing in the same room. Heero grabbed the chair he'd
fallen asleep in earlier and pulled it close to the fire.
"Come on and warm up," he called over to Duo.
Near the door Duo nodded and strode across toward him, limping a
little along the way. Almost immediately Heero reached out a
helping hand. Duo hesitantly took it. He was still shaken up by
the events outside and torn by the overwhelming feelings for
Heero.
Heero gently sat Duo down in the chair. He grimaced from the
pain in his foot. "Thanks," he said through gritted teeth.
He watched as Heero turned and quickly hefted a quilt from the
bed. With surprising ease, he wrapped the warm covering over
Duo's shoulders.
"You'd better let me take a look at that," Heero suggested.
For an instant, Duo half hoped he meant something entirely
different. Kneeling down, Heero slowly lifted Duo's leg. Duo
started to protest but the soft touch he received from Heero
stopped him. He held onto the arms of the chair while Heero
expertly removed his sodden hiking boot and sock. Duo steadied
his increased breathing. Was he being that obvious? No one had
ever stirred up the kind of emotions he was experiencing.
Heero held Duo's foot in his hand. Tracing his fingers
delicately up the ankle, he discovered that touching Duo's flesh
had dispersed the chill from his body. A thousand questions
flashed through his mind. What was Duo doing here? How had he
tracked me down? What was the connection between Jamison Du Prés
and Duo? How did he know the owl meant Duo harm? What was Duo
doing here?
Duo couldn't tear his eyes away from Heero. How many times had
he imagined finding Heero again? More often than not, he
fantasized about taking him into his arms. The conflicting
feelings had waged a war within him for so long.
His thoughts were distracted by the tingling sensation running
up his leg, creating a warm fire in his groin. His eyes fell on
Heero's body. The rain had plastered the T-shirt he wore to his
skin. Duo could make out every muscular detail, right down to
the hard nipples. His mouth watered and he swallowed.
"What's the verdict, doc?" he finally asked.
Heero didn't want to let go of Duo. Heart pounding against his
chest, he felt his crotch begin to bulge. He finally had Duo
within his grasp, but those old memories cruelly shattered the
illusion.
"The muscles are just strained," Heero answered. He gently set
Duo's naked foot back down. "Should be alright."
"Is first aid a hidden talent of yours?" Duo wondered.
Staring up into those eyes, glittering by the light of the
flames, Heero could almost believe that all the animosity he'd
caused had faded away. 'You have no idea of the talents I'd love
to show you,' he thought. "You need some dry clothes," he told
Duo, diverting his thoughts.
Duo eased back into the soft chair. "My bags are down in the
car," he replied.
Heero stood up and moved toward the bed. Beside it on the floor
sat his duffle bag. He took out an extra T-shirt and a pair of
sweat pants. Bringing them over to Duo, he grinned.
"Here, you can wear these. That is if you don't mind wearing my
clothes."
Duo gingerly accepted the clothing. They were way to big for
him, but it was better than wet clothes or nothing. Heero pulled
his wet shirt over his head. Laying it over the screen to dry,
he turned back to Duo and was taken aback by the look on his
face.
"Duo, are you okay?"
"What? Yes, I'm just..." He looked up at the ceiling, tearing
his eyes away from Heero's glistening chest.
"Just what?" Heero pressed.
"Just wondering why that spirit familiar attacked me," he half-
lied. "The way you spoke to it... The first thing we need to do
is find out why it happened."
Heero didn't know how to answer him. He still didn't understand
what had drawn him to Collinwood in the first place, or the
strange familiarity that invaded his senses.
"The supernatural is your expertise," he replied. Heero drew
closer to inspect the bloody gashes Duo sustained during the
attack.
"Not too deep," he observed. "You're lucky."
Duo squirmed a little, unable to resist pressing closer into
him. It was then that Duo's eyes fell on the strange skull
sitting on the fireplace mantle.
"Woah, now that's what I call Gothic decor!"
Heero looked up and snorted. "Duo I'd like for you to meet Old
Lucy, a servant who loved this place so much that she wanted her
head to stay in it."
Duo's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"Supposedly the skull screams if it's taken out of the house,"
he continued. "I immediately thought of you."
"I still can't believe it's really Collinwood," Duo said in awe
of his surroundings.
"You used to come up here a lot?" Heero prompted, sitting back
down.
Duo gave him a playful grin. "How do you know that?"
Heero tapped his wet nose three times and smiled. "I have my
ways."
"This is the first time I've actually made it to the estate,"
Duo began to explain. "I tried several times, but something
always held me back."
Heero looked up at him, almost speaking from a distance. "I
don't know why, but I almost feel like I've come home."
"What do you mean?"
"A funny thing about this place... I keep imagining things."
Duo stood up, testing his weight on his ankle. Heero was by his
side in an instant.
"What are you doing?" Heero questioned, full of concern.
"I think we both need a hot bath and a good night's sleep before
we catch pneumonia," he replied. "Is there an extra room?"
Heero felt his heart sink. For a moment he thought Duo was
suggesting... Then he realized his motivation for trying to run
from the man he loved was justified.
"There's a room across the hall," Heero told him. "Ginny said it
used to belong to a governess."
Duo nodded. "Tomorrow, I'll see what's wrong with the car then
book a room at the inn."
"No!" Heero said forcefully. Duo looked at him, surprised. "I
mean you've waited so long to come here. There's plenty of room.
Besides," suddenly his voice affected a perfect New England
accent, "they don't like strangers in these parts."
Duo couldn't help but laugh, despite the pain in his shoulder
and foot. "Is Virginia still here?"
Heero nodded as he helped Duo toward the door. "Yeah, she's been
very nice. Just watch out for her nephew though."
"Nephew?" Duo's curiosity sparked. "I never knew she had a
nephew."
Out in the darkened hallway, Heero lead him across to a similar
oak door. Opening it they found a room decorated in shades of
blue and white. A large canopy bed took up most of the area
while an exquisite dressing table and a wardrobe stood in the
corners. Long silk curtains framed the stained glass windows as
the wind moaned outside.
Heero helped Duo to sit on the comfy bed. Turning to the bedside
table, he lit a candle.
"There should be a bathroom through there," he said, indicating
another door. "The tubs are enormous. Big enough for two."
Duo whipped his head up at this. Was his imagination working
overtime or was it the sight of Heero shirtless?
Shuffling his tired feet, Heero quickly covered. "When you pull
out the plug, don't let the vortex drag you down."
"From what I've heard about Collinwood, anything's possible in
this house."
Suddenly, the sound of a dog howling pierced the storm outside.
Duo let the quilt fall from his shoulders. Limping toward the
window he pulled back the curtains to stare at the woods
surrounding the estate. Through the rain a gentle fog rolled its
way down the hills.
"Legend says that when the moon is full and the wolf bane
blooms, strange creatures walk the night."
Heero watched Duo in fascination. It never ceased to amaze him
how the call of the supernatural affected him. A sudden
lightning flash illuminated the forest several stories below.
Duo's eyes widened in surprise.
"Someone's standing out there!"
Heero hurried over to stand close to him. Peering out of the
window he searched the trees. If Duo tracked him down, could a
Consortium assassin have followed? He sighed with relief.
"Nothing's there. I think this place is already getting to you."
Duo shrugged, sitting on the cushioned window seat. "Maybe, but
I know the stories about Collinwood all too well to take
anything lightly."
Heero rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I've heard a few just
on the way up here."
"I was just sure I saw someone."
"Duo come on, you need rest."
"You're right."
"Do you need any help?"
"I'm fine... no need to fuss."
"Stubborn as always." Heero shook his head and headed for the
door.
"Hey Heero," called Duo.
Heero turned in the doorway. Instead of the malice he'd grown to
expect, there was genuine happiness in Duo's eyes.
"Thanks," he finished.
~oo0oo~
Back in his bedroom, Heero stripped out of his pants and hung
them over the fireplace next to his already drying shirt. He was
too exhausted to slip into the bathtub. Pulling down the covers
on his bed he felt his heart racing. Duo was here... in the very
next room. Sliding beneath the warm sheets something told him
that this time things would be different.
~oo0oo~
Across the hallway, Duo lit another candle and carried it inside
the spacious bathroom. His eyes fell on the centerpiece of the
room. Heero had been right; the tubs were huge. He mentally
kicked himself for not allowing Heero to help him... The
conflicting feelings he'd dealt with didn't seem terrible now
that he'd found Heero again.
Turning on the taps, Duo watched the tub begin to fill with
water. Carefully easing out of his torn shirt he winced as the
wet fabric rubbed against his fresh wounds. Removing his sodden
slacks and underwear, Duo clicked over the strange events.
Somehow Heero had known he was in danger, he'd known the spirit
familiar was after him. Sucking on his bottom lip, he decided to
add this to the score of mysteries he hoped to solve. At the
moment, they were only vague shadows in his mind.
Easing himself into the water, he breathed deeply and let the
steam wash over him.
~oo0oo~
Hunger. The familiar aching sensation that haunted his every
thought awakened him. Red eyes sheared through the black void.
He sensed that the two men were now apart. There were no words
to describe the need he felt to taste the life force of the
luscious bodies residing within those walls.
Even after all this time, he could still hear her words after
he'd been turned.
"I have lost him, but I WILL have him again. Cristoff McTeer,
you will help me. You will know when the time is right."
Centuries had passed and he could still remember the first time
he'd tasted human blood. The ecstasy of taking someone so
totally. But never had he desired anyone as much as the two new
arrivals at Collinwood. He imagined how sweet they must be.
Relena desired the large blue-eyed man, certain that it was he.
But the smaller stranger also exhibited a world of delights.
Somehow he would have them both. The coffin's lid creaked open
revealing a pale hand. As if in response to the need within, a
dog howled in the distance.
~oo0oo~
Swatting away another pinch Rose Harridge turned angrily on the
drunken sailor.
"We'll have no more of that Jon Harker!"
The man just laughed and returned to his waiting beer. Rose
sighed, she ought to be used to it but she would be so glad when
this night was over. Placing her empty tray on the bar, she
smiled up at Bob.
"Remind me again why I work here?"
Bob chuckled. "Don't let 'em bother 'ya, Rose."
"Could be worse, Rosie," Charlie Blair said from his regular
corner stool. "You could be working at Collinwood."
"No thanks," she replied. The mention of the old Collins estate
set her curiosity in motion. "Bob, is it true there's a new
caretaker?"
The bartender leaned in close. "It's true. A young buck
swaggered in here looking for a job."
"I heard tell that a car was seen heading up the hill before the
storm," Charlie added.
Rose shook her head in disbelief. "Strangers in Collinwood?
There's one born every minute."
~oo0oo~
Sweat glistened on Heero's forehead as his naked body thrashed
wildly against the sheets. Taking in deep lungfuls of air, his
eyes danced in a maelstrom of fury behind their lids. From
somewhere in the distance, he heard a woman's voice echo, "Come
to me."
Heero became very still. In his mind's eye an image began to
form...
*****
Frosty air covered the cemetery. There in the first rays of the
morning sun she stood waiting for him. Her white gown billowing
in the chilly breeze, arms outstretched. He was unable to resist
the lure as she enveloped him.
Far in the distance, a man watched the events. His sadness
radiating through the windows of Collinwood.
*****
In a flash the scene changed. Heero saw himself and Duo walking
together through the great estate's forest. A full moon and a
million twinkling stars illuminated their path. Duo looked up at
him and smiled a smile that sent electric tentacles racing
through his body. A childlike laugh escaped his lips and he
began to run across the sparkling grass.
Heero stood still, unable to move. A cold fear slapped into him.
He watched helplessly while his love ran further away.
"No." His whispered word was carried away in the approaching
storm.
"NO! Duo, don't go there!" He shouted desperately. Heero found
himself racing after Duo... No, not Duo. The figure before him
was crying, wearing eighteenth-century clothing. Although it
seemed as if he was running in slow motion, Heero could not
catch him.
"Stop! No!" Heero cried.
The small figure's movements continued like a film that had been
slowed down. A violent wind nearly toppled him over as he turned
back tearfully.
"No, Spencer! No!"
"Please, Jamison! Stop!" Heero ran faster. But the man who
resembled Duo Maxwell did not stop. He carried on frantically
running through the trees.
Then, there was nowhere else to run. A despairing wail glided
through the storm lashed wind. In a single movement Jamison
leapt from the edge of the cliff.
"NO!" Heero screamed. Standing at the edge, he could only watch
as the mournful waves crashed against the jagged rocks below
Widows' Hill.
From far away he could hear his own voice, full of rage, "You
killed him! You killed Jamison!"
Then a pistol fired.
*****
"Duo!" Heero cried, sitting up in his sweat soaked bed. His eyes
frantically searched the darkened room, only finding the dying
embers of the fireplace. His heart hammering against his chest,
Heero threw off the sheets and dashed from the room.
~oo0oo~
A dark shadow passed silently through the bedroom. Exhausted
from the night's events, Duo slept peacefully. A cursed soul
stood towering over him beside the bed. Hungry eyes latched onto
the pulsing vein in Duo's exposed neck.
An explosion of noise distracted Cristoff from his intended
prey. Shocked awake, Duo's blurred senses failed to recognize
the angry hiss as Cristoff retreated. He blinked several times
trying to remember where he was. Lightning flashed outside, but
the shadow that had infiltrated the room was gone. The bedroom
door burst inwards revealing a breathlessly terrified Heero Yuy.
"Heero? What is it? What's happened?" asked Duo hoarsely.
Without a word, Heero rushed over to the bed and his arms were
around Duo.
"I tried to save you!" he exclaimed, still mesmerized by the
dream.
Duo felt Heero's body tremble against his own. He'd never known
that anything could frighten the perfect soldier. Duo wrapped
his slender arms around him, holding his strong body in a tight
embrace.
"It's alright, Heero. I'm fine," he reassured him. The dim light
of the bedside candle revealed Heero in all of his naked beauty.
Duo gasped, he was absolutely breathtaking.
Heero sat back and held Duo's arms. He stared deep into his
eyes. "Duo, do you know how much I need you?"
Duo listened in amazement. All of his fantasies had never
prepared him for this moment. Heero pulled him closer, his lips
on Duo's soft chestnut hair. Duo raised his head and nestled it
against his neck, his hands lightly stroking his face.
"I'm here," Duo said tenderly. "I'm right here."
He squeezed Heero's body against his own. Heero's lips traced
down from his hair to his eyes then to his cheeks, and as the
fear changed into an erotic need, he kissed Duo's neck,
forgetting the risk of being rebuffed. Slowly, he kissed him,
massaging Duo's neck with his lips. The taste of his skin was
unlike anything Heero could have imagined.
Duo moaned to himself in pleasure while Heero's tongue glided
across the front of his neck. He did not want this moment to
ever end. Duo slid closer to him, whispering Heero's name
huskily. In response his lips moved up to Duo's face and then,
finally, to his mouth.
A wave of ecstasy washed over them as they kissed deeply. Duo
pressed his mouth onto his, embracing him warmly. Holding Heero
felt better than anything had in a very long time. Consumed with
sexual energy, he pulled Heero down on top of him and held his
face in his hands.
Heero ran his fingers sensually down Duo's chest, taking great
care to avoid his wounded shoulder. Soon he replaced his hand
with his wet mouth, using the tip of his tongue to explore Duo's
delectable body. He slowly kissed his way down Duo's chest, one
hand firmly rubbing the hard bulge straining for release.
Duo writhed below him, kicking off the sheets. Heero pulled at
his waistband, quickly discarding the sweat pants. In the
candlelight he gasped at the sight of Duo's beautiful, perfectly
formed manhood. Unable to resist, he ran his tongue up the
length of Duo's hard shaft. Opening his lips, he slowly, inch by
inch, took it fully inside of his mouth.
Heero wrapped his tongue around it as his lips slid up and down.
Duo exhaled deeply, holding Heero's head, as he pumped deeper
into his mouth. Fingers playfully found their way up Duo's
chest. He groaned, throwing his head back on the pillow, his
mouth opening as his breathing increased.
Shifting his weight, Heero maneuvered himself to where his own
hardness was directly over Duo's face. Instantly, he greedily
enveloped the throbbing member between his full lips. Now it was
Heero's turn to moan. The feel of Duo's mouth sent fireworks
exploding in Heero's mind. Duo held onto his hips and pulled him
in deeper.
Running his hands beneath his sweet Duo, Heero pulled his legs
up and ran his hands across the firm flesh of his cheeks.
Caressing them open, his tongue found its way inside the
inviting space within.
Reluctantly, he released himself from Duo's mouth. Duo sat up,
not wanting to let go. Heero pushed him back onto the bed,
hoisting his legs over his powerful shoulders. Heero looked down
directly into his eyes. Duo smiled, twining his arms around his
neck, and pushing himself up under him. Slowly, Heero worked his
way inside, relishing the exquisite warmth. Duo closed his eyes
and let the sensations sweep over him. Heero began to grind his
hips, slowly at first, then with increasing force.
Duo leaned forward and planted his mouth over Heero's, his
tongue sliding in as he was penetrated below. Drops of sweat
trickle down Heero's face and onto Duo's heaving chest. In
unison, Heero's breath became gasps. He slid his hand between
Duo's legs and began to stroke; soon they were moaning together,
louder and louder. Duo held tightly to his shoulders as Heero
pounded further, rubbing against his prostate, sending him to
the point of no return.
Finally Duo cried out as Heero's hand brought him to the best
orgasm of his life. Heero felt it too, the tight hold grabbing
at his cock, squeezing it to orgasm. He thrust hard against him,
pinning Duo's small body to the bed. His body shuddered, and he
leaned down to kiss him as a new warmth spread through Duo's
body. Heero collapsed on top of him, waves of euphoria taking
hold. Feeling their heartbeats matching rhythmically, they
kissed deeply again.
Heero held him close, sliding his tongue into Duo's mouth in a
passionate kiss full of promises.
~oo0oo~
Turning the lock on The Blue Whale, Rose Harridge headed away
from the bar. Luckily the typical Maine storm had been carried
back out to sea. She was grateful, as she had not fancied a wet
walk to her cherry red VW. There was a distinct chill in the air
and Rose tightened the grip on her coat.
Moving down the dock she could just make out the distant homes.
She felt a bit envious that Collinsport had been asleep for
hours and here she was just getting off work. Her aching feet
protesting, Rose stepped from the dock and walked on down the
sidewalk.
She paused. A chill passed through her like a knife. Staring
backwards she couldn't see a thing, but there was definitely
something. Quickening her pace, the car was a mere few feet
ahead.
Rose's heart jumped. Someone was following her! Bolting past a
white picket fence she hurled the driver's door opened. Slamming
down the lock, she turned to the passenger side. The door
wrenched open and a hand grasped her around the neck.
"NO!" Rose screamed in terror.
~oo0oo~
Everything was prepared. Virginia surveyed the lavish breakfast
she had prepared. She gripped the serving tray so hard that her
knuckles were stark white. The kitchen door opened and she
turned to watch Cristoff stagger through.
"I know what you did last night," she told him angrily.
Cristoff shrugged, a smirk flooding his face. "I wouldn't have
had to if..."
"You must be patient."
"Patient?" He repeated, almost spitting out the word.
"Yes," she nodded. "You must be careful." Behind him she could
see the first rays of morning peeking through the forest. "You'd
better go."
He grunted and turned to leave. Virginia stared past him, a
smile spreading across her features. "Relena loves us. She
always has and always will."
~oo0oo~
Heero and Duo had spent most of the morning together in bed.
Strangely enough, Virginia had not been the least surprised to
find them in the room once occupied by Victoria Winters. Nor was
she surprised by Duo's arrival. In fact, he puzzled over her
aloof manner toward him. Sure, it had been ten years since he
last saw her, but he'd never given her any reason to act... dare
he say the word? ...hostile. These thoughts were quickly
diminished when Heero wrapped his large arms around him once
more.
Now it was nearing lunchtime and the newfound lovers were
strolling across the grounds of Collinwood. Although his
shoulder still stung, Duo found that his ankle was much better.
Heero was being particularly mischievous about a surprise. No
matter how hard he tried, Duo could not pry it out of him. His
body still tingled from his passionate night of lovemaking with
Heero.
All around them lay the damage from the storm; large limbs and
water standing. It was as if nature had mirrored the hurricane
of passion between the two men. Heero commented that after his
surprise, he'd have to check the outside of the mansion. This
would give Duo all the time he needed to delve into the
mysteries he sought to unravel.
Pressing on through the trees, Duo gasped in surprise at the
sight before him. Overgrown and eroded by the passage of time,
the building stood majestically in the middle of the forest.
"It's the Old House," he breathed.
"I found it yesterday afternoon, just before the storm," Heero
explained.
Duo was well aware of the Old House. The legends of Collinsport
all began here, at the family's first house.
Unseen, a lone figure watched their progress in the shadows of
the trees. Everything remained still around the young girl. She
clutched her hands together worriedly as the two men walked past
the ivy covered stone columns and inside the house.
~oo0oo~
"Heero, this is amazing," Duo gushed.
Although no one had live here in ages, the grandness of the
house was unmistakable. A spider skittered up the dusty
chandelier as Duo looked up. Standing at the bottom of a rickety
staircase, Heero held out his hand. "There's something you have
to see."
Making their way carefully up to the third floor, Heero paused
outside of a door. "You're going to be very surprised when you
see this. I know I was."
Opening the door, he ushered Duo inside. The room beyond could
have been frozen in time. The eighteenth-century furnishings
were perfectly preserved. Nothing had disturbed the bedroom in
centuries; even the dust had not soiled its beauty.
"You found it like this?" whispered Duo.
"Yes," Heero replied. He watched Duo move deeper inside.
Suddenly he stopped and stared in amazement at a portrait
hanging above the dormant fireplace. The image looking back at
him was simply unbelievable.
"It's incredible," he breathed.
Heero slowly moved up behind him. "You do see the resemblance,
don't you?"
Duo nodded, unable to speak. The man in the portrait looked
exactly like him. His hair was longer, to his knees instead of
just past his hips as is now, and he was dressed in eighteen
century clothing, but to all intents and purposes he was staring
up at a portrait of himself.
"His name was Jamison Du Prés," Heero explained, breaking the
silence.
"Jamison?" Duo wondered aloud.
"Do you know the story?"
"He and his father traveled here from the West Indies in the
1700s."
"And he died on Widows' Hill. It broke my..." The deep sadness
radiating from Heero's voice trailed off. "I haven't been able
to get Jamison out of mind since coming here," he continued.
Duo shivered. After all the things he'd seen and done in his
life, seeing his face immortalized in a painting sent chills
down his spine.
"I think we should be getting back," he suggested.
"Duo, I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay," Duo smiled. "I'm glad you brought me here."
Heero lead him out of the room, closing the shrine to Jamison Du
Prés.
~oo0oo~
The drawing room of Collinwood seemed to be the best place to
read, or so Duo thought. He'd discovered the Collins family
history book on a nearby podium and had dived straight in.
Unfortunately, the illustrious family had chosen to omit or
write a different version of history from the infamous legends.
His mind wandered back to the painting of Jamison. There was no
mention of him in the family history, but he had obviously been
very important to someone. The room had been built with such
love. From what he understood, the Old House belonged to Spencer
Collins and Relena Peacecraft for a short time. It only
confirmed what he'd always suspected.
A distant hammering brought him out of is reverie. Standing, he
walked toward the window and saw Heero atop the stable roof
placing in a few loose boards. Duo had offered to help, but
Heero wouldn't hear of it. He grabbed the end of his braid and
started chewing on it, thinking how fast his life had changed in
the space of one night.
Heero was being mysteriously tight-lipped about the spirit
familiar. There were many questions that Duo needed answers to.
Abandoning the drawing room, Duo headed upstairs. Unseen by a
living soul, the eyes of Relena's portrait blazed with fury.
~oo0oo~
Striking home the last nail, Heero wiped his sweaty brow and
shimmied down from the stable roof. Within he heard two of the
horses whinnying. Now that the weather damage had been repaired,
maybe he and Duo could take a ride across the estate's 200
acres? He felt guilty for showing him the portrait in the Old
House. Yesterday he thought it was all a mirage during his
discovery. He chalked his nightmare up to that and the attack on
Duo. He would have to keep a close eye on him tonight.
Hefting the toolbox he strode back toward the house. Out of the
corner of his eye, he glimpsed a figure in white walking out of
the derelict gazebo.
"Hey!" he called.
~oo0oo~
Duo emerged onto the landing and turned several times to get his
bearings; it would be easy to lose yourself within Collinwood's
labyrinthine hallways. A sound from nearby drew his attention.
Moving toward the first door, he could distinctly make out an
argument.
He jumped back as the door opened. Virginia caught her breath in
surprise, shutting off the room firmly behind her. "Oh, you
frightened me," she frowned.
"Was there someone in there with you?" Duo asked.
"No," she laughed. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm used to
talking to myself."
Duo didn't believe her for a second. He was positive that two
female voices were talking in that room.
"I've done everything I can to make your room comfortable,"
Virginia said. "How long will you be staying with us?"
"I'm not sure," Duo replied.
Virginia nodded curtly and started to leave. "Just a minute," he
called. "What's up there?"
She turned and looked at the stairway at the end of the hall.
"Nothing you would be interested in."
"Is that the tower I saw from last night?"
"Yes, but the west wing hasn't been used in years," she
countered. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Duo watched her go, still baffled by her strange behavior. As
soon as she turned the corner he opened the bedroom door. He was
disappointed to find it completely empty. Leaning against the
doorframe, he felt a familiar exhilaration. The search for the
unexplained.
All of a sudden his flesh began to tingle. He felt a presence
close by. Slowly turning on his heel, he found a figure standing
at the end of the hall. The light from a window shone straight
through the apparition. Duo took a few steps closer and found
that it was a ghost of a man, a man who looked almost exactly
like his partner Quatre!
"Quatre?" he whispered.
In slow motion he gestured for him to follow, then he
disappeared up the stairs. Catching his breath, Duo ran after
him. The staircase led him to yet another hallway. He searched
frantically for his guide and found him standing before another
door waiting for him. Amazingly, he turned and faded away.
Without hesitation, Duo ran down the length of the hall. His
hand grasped the door handle and twisted, only to find it
locked. He turned in frustration, not knowing how to proceed.
Maybe he could find a key downstairs? The sound of tumblers
turning caused him to whirl back around. Trying the door again,
it opened with ease.
The door pulled open, stretching a thick coating of cobwebs
along with it. Duo tore his hands through and headed up a
twisting staircase. From somewhere up ahead he could see light.
The stone walls finally opened out into a large circular room
filled with shelf upon shelf of books. But what took Duo's
breath away was a sight in the center of the room.
At an old mahogany desk, reading a book, sat the young man who'd
led him here. Instead of the translucent form he'd first seen,
he seemed to be just as solid and real as him. Except for the
yellow suit and flowing velvet cape, he was the exact image of
Quatre.
He approached him with tentative steps, afraid he might vanish.
"Hello?" he called.
"Who are you?"
The young man looked up at last. "Daniel. I'm not supposed to be
here." His voice had a scared, sing-song quality.
Daniel? He'd just read about a Daniel in the family history
book. Then, the pieces clicked together. "Daniel Collins?
Spencer Collins' brother?"
A look of sadness passed over his pale face. With both hands he
lifted up the small book to Duo. "This is for you," he told him.
He gently took the ragged little book. It was so old that it
nearly fell apart in his hands. Opening to the first page, Duo's
eyes widened in shock.
THE JOURNAL OF SPENCER COLLINS 1797
He looked back up, but Daniel was gone.
-TBC-
Soaking wet, Duo stood in the center of the large bedroom. He
shivered involuntarily, chilled to the bone. Across the room,
Heero knelt beside the ornately carved fireplace trying to
create a spark.
Lightning crashed outside the stained glass windows. For a split
second Duo thought he could see the owl viciously beating its
wings. As thunder rumbled and shook the ancient foundations of
the great house, he returned his attention to the man he longed
to touch.
Water dripping from his hair, Heero tried to strike a match
without his hand shaking. It proved to be a challenge. Finding
Duo under attack outside had sent a surge of adrenalin through
his body; seeing his one desire in mortal danger.
In that instant, the fireplace roared into life. Heero stood up
and asserted his normal cool calm. It wasn't easy with Duo
Maxwell standing in the same room. Heero grabbed the chair he'd
fallen asleep in earlier and pulled it close to the fire.
"Come on and warm up," he called over to Duo.
Near the door Duo nodded and strode across toward him, limping a
little along the way. Almost immediately Heero reached out a
helping hand. Duo hesitantly took it. He was still shaken up by
the events outside and torn by the overwhelming feelings for
Heero.
Heero gently sat Duo down in the chair. He grimaced from the
pain in his foot. "Thanks," he said through gritted teeth.
He watched as Heero turned and quickly hefted a quilt from the
bed. With surprising ease, he wrapped the warm covering over
Duo's shoulders.
"You'd better let me take a look at that," Heero suggested.
For an instant, Duo half hoped he meant something entirely
different. Kneeling down, Heero slowly lifted Duo's leg. Duo
started to protest but the soft touch he received from Heero
stopped him. He held onto the arms of the chair while Heero
expertly removed his sodden hiking boot and sock. Duo steadied
his increased breathing. Was he being that obvious? No one had
ever stirred up the kind of emotions he was experiencing.
Heero held Duo's foot in his hand. Tracing his fingers
delicately up the ankle, he discovered that touching Duo's flesh
had dispersed the chill from his body. A thousand questions
flashed through his mind. What was Duo doing here? How had he
tracked me down? What was the connection between Jamison Du Prés
and Duo? How did he know the owl meant Duo harm? What was Duo
doing here?
Duo couldn't tear his eyes away from Heero. How many times had
he imagined finding Heero again? More often than not, he
fantasized about taking him into his arms. The conflicting
feelings had waged a war within him for so long.
His thoughts were distracted by the tingling sensation running
up his leg, creating a warm fire in his groin. His eyes fell on
Heero's body. The rain had plastered the T-shirt he wore to his
skin. Duo could make out every muscular detail, right down to
the hard nipples. His mouth watered and he swallowed.
"What's the verdict, doc?" he finally asked.
Heero didn't want to let go of Duo. Heart pounding against his
chest, he felt his crotch begin to bulge. He finally had Duo
within his grasp, but those old memories cruelly shattered the
illusion.
"The muscles are just strained," Heero answered. He gently set
Duo's naked foot back down. "Should be alright."
"Is first aid a hidden talent of yours?" Duo wondered.
Staring up into those eyes, glittering by the light of the
flames, Heero could almost believe that all the animosity he'd
caused had faded away. 'You have no idea of the talents I'd love
to show you,' he thought. "You need some dry clothes," he told
Duo, diverting his thoughts.
Duo eased back into the soft chair. "My bags are down in the
car," he replied.
Heero stood up and moved toward the bed. Beside it on the floor
sat his duffle bag. He took out an extra T-shirt and a pair of
sweat pants. Bringing them over to Duo, he grinned.
"Here, you can wear these. That is if you don't mind wearing my
clothes."
Duo gingerly accepted the clothing. They were way to big for
him, but it was better than wet clothes or nothing. Heero pulled
his wet shirt over his head. Laying it over the screen to dry,
he turned back to Duo and was taken aback by the look on his
face.
"Duo, are you okay?"
"What? Yes, I'm just..." He looked up at the ceiling, tearing
his eyes away from Heero's glistening chest.
"Just what?" Heero pressed.
"Just wondering why that spirit familiar attacked me," he half-
lied. "The way you spoke to it... The first thing we need to do
is find out why it happened."
Heero didn't know how to answer him. He still didn't understand
what had drawn him to Collinwood in the first place, or the
strange familiarity that invaded his senses.
"The supernatural is your expertise," he replied. Heero drew
closer to inspect the bloody gashes Duo sustained during the
attack.
"Not too deep," he observed. "You're lucky."
Duo squirmed a little, unable to resist pressing closer into
him. It was then that Duo's eyes fell on the strange skull
sitting on the fireplace mantle.
"Woah, now that's what I call Gothic decor!"
Heero looked up and snorted. "Duo I'd like for you to meet Old
Lucy, a servant who loved this place so much that she wanted her
head to stay in it."
Duo's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"Supposedly the skull screams if it's taken out of the house,"
he continued. "I immediately thought of you."
"I still can't believe it's really Collinwood," Duo said in awe
of his surroundings.
"You used to come up here a lot?" Heero prompted, sitting back
down.
Duo gave him a playful grin. "How do you know that?"
Heero tapped his wet nose three times and smiled. "I have my
ways."
"This is the first time I've actually made it to the estate,"
Duo began to explain. "I tried several times, but something
always held me back."
Heero looked up at him, almost speaking from a distance. "I
don't know why, but I almost feel like I've come home."
"What do you mean?"
"A funny thing about this place... I keep imagining things."
Duo stood up, testing his weight on his ankle. Heero was by his
side in an instant.
"What are you doing?" Heero questioned, full of concern.
"I think we both need a hot bath and a good night's sleep before
we catch pneumonia," he replied. "Is there an extra room?"
Heero felt his heart sink. For a moment he thought Duo was
suggesting... Then he realized his motivation for trying to run
from the man he loved was justified.
"There's a room across the hall," Heero told him. "Ginny said it
used to belong to a governess."
Duo nodded. "Tomorrow, I'll see what's wrong with the car then
book a room at the inn."
"No!" Heero said forcefully. Duo looked at him, surprised. "I
mean you've waited so long to come here. There's plenty of room.
Besides," suddenly his voice affected a perfect New England
accent, "they don't like strangers in these parts."
Duo couldn't help but laugh, despite the pain in his shoulder
and foot. "Is Virginia still here?"
Heero nodded as he helped Duo toward the door. "Yeah, she's been
very nice. Just watch out for her nephew though."
"Nephew?" Duo's curiosity sparked. "I never knew she had a
nephew."
Out in the darkened hallway, Heero lead him across to a similar
oak door. Opening it they found a room decorated in shades of
blue and white. A large canopy bed took up most of the area
while an exquisite dressing table and a wardrobe stood in the
corners. Long silk curtains framed the stained glass windows as
the wind moaned outside.
Heero helped Duo to sit on the comfy bed. Turning to the bedside
table, he lit a candle.
"There should be a bathroom through there," he said, indicating
another door. "The tubs are enormous. Big enough for two."
Duo whipped his head up at this. Was his imagination working
overtime or was it the sight of Heero shirtless?
Shuffling his tired feet, Heero quickly covered. "When you pull
out the plug, don't let the vortex drag you down."
"From what I've heard about Collinwood, anything's possible in
this house."
Suddenly, the sound of a dog howling pierced the storm outside.
Duo let the quilt fall from his shoulders. Limping toward the
window he pulled back the curtains to stare at the woods
surrounding the estate. Through the rain a gentle fog rolled its
way down the hills.
"Legend says that when the moon is full and the wolf bane
blooms, strange creatures walk the night."
Heero watched Duo in fascination. It never ceased to amaze him
how the call of the supernatural affected him. A sudden
lightning flash illuminated the forest several stories below.
Duo's eyes widened in surprise.
"Someone's standing out there!"
Heero hurried over to stand close to him. Peering out of the
window he searched the trees. If Duo tracked him down, could a
Consortium assassin have followed? He sighed with relief.
"Nothing's there. I think this place is already getting to you."
Duo shrugged, sitting on the cushioned window seat. "Maybe, but
I know the stories about Collinwood all too well to take
anything lightly."
Heero rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I've heard a few just
on the way up here."
"I was just sure I saw someone."
"Duo come on, you need rest."
"You're right."
"Do you need any help?"
"I'm fine... no need to fuss."
"Stubborn as always." Heero shook his head and headed for the
door.
"Hey Heero," called Duo.
Heero turned in the doorway. Instead of the malice he'd grown to
expect, there was genuine happiness in Duo's eyes.
"Thanks," he finished.
~oo0oo~
Back in his bedroom, Heero stripped out of his pants and hung
them over the fireplace next to his already drying shirt. He was
too exhausted to slip into the bathtub. Pulling down the covers
on his bed he felt his heart racing. Duo was here... in the very
next room. Sliding beneath the warm sheets something told him
that this time things would be different.
~oo0oo~
Across the hallway, Duo lit another candle and carried it inside
the spacious bathroom. His eyes fell on the centerpiece of the
room. Heero had been right; the tubs were huge. He mentally
kicked himself for not allowing Heero to help him... The
conflicting feelings he'd dealt with didn't seem terrible now
that he'd found Heero again.
Turning on the taps, Duo watched the tub begin to fill with
water. Carefully easing out of his torn shirt he winced as the
wet fabric rubbed against his fresh wounds. Removing his sodden
slacks and underwear, Duo clicked over the strange events.
Somehow Heero had known he was in danger, he'd known the spirit
familiar was after him. Sucking on his bottom lip, he decided to
add this to the score of mysteries he hoped to solve. At the
moment, they were only vague shadows in his mind.
Easing himself into the water, he breathed deeply and let the
steam wash over him.
~oo0oo~
Hunger. The familiar aching sensation that haunted his every
thought awakened him. Red eyes sheared through the black void.
He sensed that the two men were now apart. There were no words
to describe the need he felt to taste the life force of the
luscious bodies residing within those walls.
Even after all this time, he could still hear her words after
he'd been turned.
"I have lost him, but I WILL have him again. Cristoff McTeer,
you will help me. You will know when the time is right."
Centuries had passed and he could still remember the first time
he'd tasted human blood. The ecstasy of taking someone so
totally. But never had he desired anyone as much as the two new
arrivals at Collinwood. He imagined how sweet they must be.
Relena desired the large blue-eyed man, certain that it was he.
But the smaller stranger also exhibited a world of delights.
Somehow he would have them both. The coffin's lid creaked open
revealing a pale hand. As if in response to the need within, a
dog howled in the distance.
~oo0oo~
Swatting away another pinch Rose Harridge turned angrily on the
drunken sailor.
"We'll have no more of that Jon Harker!"
The man just laughed and returned to his waiting beer. Rose
sighed, she ought to be used to it but she would be so glad when
this night was over. Placing her empty tray on the bar, she
smiled up at Bob.
"Remind me again why I work here?"
Bob chuckled. "Don't let 'em bother 'ya, Rose."
"Could be worse, Rosie," Charlie Blair said from his regular
corner stool. "You could be working at Collinwood."
"No thanks," she replied. The mention of the old Collins estate
set her curiosity in motion. "Bob, is it true there's a new
caretaker?"
The bartender leaned in close. "It's true. A young buck
swaggered in here looking for a job."
"I heard tell that a car was seen heading up the hill before the
storm," Charlie added.
Rose shook her head in disbelief. "Strangers in Collinwood?
There's one born every minute."
~oo0oo~
Sweat glistened on Heero's forehead as his naked body thrashed
wildly against the sheets. Taking in deep lungfuls of air, his
eyes danced in a maelstrom of fury behind their lids. From
somewhere in the distance, he heard a woman's voice echo, "Come
to me."
Heero became very still. In his mind's eye an image began to
form...
*****
Frosty air covered the cemetery. There in the first rays of the
morning sun she stood waiting for him. Her white gown billowing
in the chilly breeze, arms outstretched. He was unable to resist
the lure as she enveloped him.
Far in the distance, a man watched the events. His sadness
radiating through the windows of Collinwood.
*****
In a flash the scene changed. Heero saw himself and Duo walking
together through the great estate's forest. A full moon and a
million twinkling stars illuminated their path. Duo looked up at
him and smiled a smile that sent electric tentacles racing
through his body. A childlike laugh escaped his lips and he
began to run across the sparkling grass.
Heero stood still, unable to move. A cold fear slapped into him.
He watched helplessly while his love ran further away.
"No." His whispered word was carried away in the approaching
storm.
"NO! Duo, don't go there!" He shouted desperately. Heero found
himself racing after Duo... No, not Duo. The figure before him
was crying, wearing eighteenth-century clothing. Although it
seemed as if he was running in slow motion, Heero could not
catch him.
"Stop! No!" Heero cried.
The small figure's movements continued like a film that had been
slowed down. A violent wind nearly toppled him over as he turned
back tearfully.
"No, Spencer! No!"
"Please, Jamison! Stop!" Heero ran faster. But the man who
resembled Duo Maxwell did not stop. He carried on frantically
running through the trees.
Then, there was nowhere else to run. A despairing wail glided
through the storm lashed wind. In a single movement Jamison
leapt from the edge of the cliff.
"NO!" Heero screamed. Standing at the edge, he could only watch
as the mournful waves crashed against the jagged rocks below
Widows' Hill.
From far away he could hear his own voice, full of rage, "You
killed him! You killed Jamison!"
Then a pistol fired.
*****
"Duo!" Heero cried, sitting up in his sweat soaked bed. His eyes
frantically searched the darkened room, only finding the dying
embers of the fireplace. His heart hammering against his chest,
Heero threw off the sheets and dashed from the room.
~oo0oo~
A dark shadow passed silently through the bedroom. Exhausted
from the night's events, Duo slept peacefully. A cursed soul
stood towering over him beside the bed. Hungry eyes latched onto
the pulsing vein in Duo's exposed neck.
An explosion of noise distracted Cristoff from his intended
prey. Shocked awake, Duo's blurred senses failed to recognize
the angry hiss as Cristoff retreated. He blinked several times
trying to remember where he was. Lightning flashed outside, but
the shadow that had infiltrated the room was gone. The bedroom
door burst inwards revealing a breathlessly terrified Heero Yuy.
"Heero? What is it? What's happened?" asked Duo hoarsely.
Without a word, Heero rushed over to the bed and his arms were
around Duo.
"I tried to save you!" he exclaimed, still mesmerized by the
dream.
Duo felt Heero's body tremble against his own. He'd never known
that anything could frighten the perfect soldier. Duo wrapped
his slender arms around him, holding his strong body in a tight
embrace.
"It's alright, Heero. I'm fine," he reassured him. The dim light
of the bedside candle revealed Heero in all of his naked beauty.
Duo gasped, he was absolutely breathtaking.
Heero sat back and held Duo's arms. He stared deep into his
eyes. "Duo, do you know how much I need you?"
Duo listened in amazement. All of his fantasies had never
prepared him for this moment. Heero pulled him closer, his lips
on Duo's soft chestnut hair. Duo raised his head and nestled it
against his neck, his hands lightly stroking his face.
"I'm here," Duo said tenderly. "I'm right here."
He squeezed Heero's body against his own. Heero's lips traced
down from his hair to his eyes then to his cheeks, and as the
fear changed into an erotic need, he kissed Duo's neck,
forgetting the risk of being rebuffed. Slowly, he kissed him,
massaging Duo's neck with his lips. The taste of his skin was
unlike anything Heero could have imagined.
Duo moaned to himself in pleasure while Heero's tongue glided
across the front of his neck. He did not want this moment to
ever end. Duo slid closer to him, whispering Heero's name
huskily. In response his lips moved up to Duo's face and then,
finally, to his mouth.
A wave of ecstasy washed over them as they kissed deeply. Duo
pressed his mouth onto his, embracing him warmly. Holding Heero
felt better than anything had in a very long time. Consumed with
sexual energy, he pulled Heero down on top of him and held his
face in his hands.
Heero ran his fingers sensually down Duo's chest, taking great
care to avoid his wounded shoulder. Soon he replaced his hand
with his wet mouth, using the tip of his tongue to explore Duo's
delectable body. He slowly kissed his way down Duo's chest, one
hand firmly rubbing the hard bulge straining for release.
Duo writhed below him, kicking off the sheets. Heero pulled at
his waistband, quickly discarding the sweat pants. In the
candlelight he gasped at the sight of Duo's beautiful, perfectly
formed manhood. Unable to resist, he ran his tongue up the
length of Duo's hard shaft. Opening his lips, he slowly, inch by
inch, took it fully inside of his mouth.
Heero wrapped his tongue around it as his lips slid up and down.
Duo exhaled deeply, holding Heero's head, as he pumped deeper
into his mouth. Fingers playfully found their way up Duo's
chest. He groaned, throwing his head back on the pillow, his
mouth opening as his breathing increased.
Shifting his weight, Heero maneuvered himself to where his own
hardness was directly over Duo's face. Instantly, he greedily
enveloped the throbbing member between his full lips. Now it was
Heero's turn to moan. The feel of Duo's mouth sent fireworks
exploding in Heero's mind. Duo held onto his hips and pulled him
in deeper.
Running his hands beneath his sweet Duo, Heero pulled his legs
up and ran his hands across the firm flesh of his cheeks.
Caressing them open, his tongue found its way inside the
inviting space within.
Reluctantly, he released himself from Duo's mouth. Duo sat up,
not wanting to let go. Heero pushed him back onto the bed,
hoisting his legs over his powerful shoulders. Heero looked down
directly into his eyes. Duo smiled, twining his arms around his
neck, and pushing himself up under him. Slowly, Heero worked his
way inside, relishing the exquisite warmth. Duo closed his eyes
and let the sensations sweep over him. Heero began to grind his
hips, slowly at first, then with increasing force.
Duo leaned forward and planted his mouth over Heero's, his
tongue sliding in as he was penetrated below. Drops of sweat
trickle down Heero's face and onto Duo's heaving chest. In
unison, Heero's breath became gasps. He slid his hand between
Duo's legs and began to stroke; soon they were moaning together,
louder and louder. Duo held tightly to his shoulders as Heero
pounded further, rubbing against his prostate, sending him to
the point of no return.
Finally Duo cried out as Heero's hand brought him to the best
orgasm of his life. Heero felt it too, the tight hold grabbing
at his cock, squeezing it to orgasm. He thrust hard against him,
pinning Duo's small body to the bed. His body shuddered, and he
leaned down to kiss him as a new warmth spread through Duo's
body. Heero collapsed on top of him, waves of euphoria taking
hold. Feeling their heartbeats matching rhythmically, they
kissed deeply again.
Heero held him close, sliding his tongue into Duo's mouth in a
passionate kiss full of promises.
~oo0oo~
Turning the lock on The Blue Whale, Rose Harridge headed away
from the bar. Luckily the typical Maine storm had been carried
back out to sea. She was grateful, as she had not fancied a wet
walk to her cherry red VW. There was a distinct chill in the air
and Rose tightened the grip on her coat.
Moving down the dock she could just make out the distant homes.
She felt a bit envious that Collinsport had been asleep for
hours and here she was just getting off work. Her aching feet
protesting, Rose stepped from the dock and walked on down the
sidewalk.
She paused. A chill passed through her like a knife. Staring
backwards she couldn't see a thing, but there was definitely
something. Quickening her pace, the car was a mere few feet
ahead.
Rose's heart jumped. Someone was following her! Bolting past a
white picket fence she hurled the driver's door opened. Slamming
down the lock, she turned to the passenger side. The door
wrenched open and a hand grasped her around the neck.
"NO!" Rose screamed in terror.
~oo0oo~
Everything was prepared. Virginia surveyed the lavish breakfast
she had prepared. She gripped the serving tray so hard that her
knuckles were stark white. The kitchen door opened and she
turned to watch Cristoff stagger through.
"I know what you did last night," she told him angrily.
Cristoff shrugged, a smirk flooding his face. "I wouldn't have
had to if..."
"You must be patient."
"Patient?" He repeated, almost spitting out the word.
"Yes," she nodded. "You must be careful." Behind him she could
see the first rays of morning peeking through the forest. "You'd
better go."
He grunted and turned to leave. Virginia stared past him, a
smile spreading across her features. "Relena loves us. She
always has and always will."
~oo0oo~
Heero and Duo had spent most of the morning together in bed.
Strangely enough, Virginia had not been the least surprised to
find them in the room once occupied by Victoria Winters. Nor was
she surprised by Duo's arrival. In fact, he puzzled over her
aloof manner toward him. Sure, it had been ten years since he
last saw her, but he'd never given her any reason to act... dare
he say the word? ...hostile. These thoughts were quickly
diminished when Heero wrapped his large arms around him once
more.
Now it was nearing lunchtime and the newfound lovers were
strolling across the grounds of Collinwood. Although his
shoulder still stung, Duo found that his ankle was much better.
Heero was being particularly mischievous about a surprise. No
matter how hard he tried, Duo could not pry it out of him. His
body still tingled from his passionate night of lovemaking with
Heero.
All around them lay the damage from the storm; large limbs and
water standing. It was as if nature had mirrored the hurricane
of passion between the two men. Heero commented that after his
surprise, he'd have to check the outside of the mansion. This
would give Duo all the time he needed to delve into the
mysteries he sought to unravel.
Pressing on through the trees, Duo gasped in surprise at the
sight before him. Overgrown and eroded by the passage of time,
the building stood majestically in the middle of the forest.
"It's the Old House," he breathed.
"I found it yesterday afternoon, just before the storm," Heero
explained.
Duo was well aware of the Old House. The legends of Collinsport
all began here, at the family's first house.
Unseen, a lone figure watched their progress in the shadows of
the trees. Everything remained still around the young girl. She
clutched her hands together worriedly as the two men walked past
the ivy covered stone columns and inside the house.
~oo0oo~
"Heero, this is amazing," Duo gushed.
Although no one had live here in ages, the grandness of the
house was unmistakable. A spider skittered up the dusty
chandelier as Duo looked up. Standing at the bottom of a rickety
staircase, Heero held out his hand. "There's something you have
to see."
Making their way carefully up to the third floor, Heero paused
outside of a door. "You're going to be very surprised when you
see this. I know I was."
Opening the door, he ushered Duo inside. The room beyond could
have been frozen in time. The eighteenth-century furnishings
were perfectly preserved. Nothing had disturbed the bedroom in
centuries; even the dust had not soiled its beauty.
"You found it like this?" whispered Duo.
"Yes," Heero replied. He watched Duo move deeper inside.
Suddenly he stopped and stared in amazement at a portrait
hanging above the dormant fireplace. The image looking back at
him was simply unbelievable.
"It's incredible," he breathed.
Heero slowly moved up behind him. "You do see the resemblance,
don't you?"
Duo nodded, unable to speak. The man in the portrait looked
exactly like him. His hair was longer, to his knees instead of
just past his hips as is now, and he was dressed in eighteen
century clothing, but to all intents and purposes he was staring
up at a portrait of himself.
"His name was Jamison Du Prés," Heero explained, breaking the
silence.
"Jamison?" Duo wondered aloud.
"Do you know the story?"
"He and his father traveled here from the West Indies in the
1700s."
"And he died on Widows' Hill. It broke my..." The deep sadness
radiating from Heero's voice trailed off. "I haven't been able
to get Jamison out of mind since coming here," he continued.
Duo shivered. After all the things he'd seen and done in his
life, seeing his face immortalized in a painting sent chills
down his spine.
"I think we should be getting back," he suggested.
"Duo, I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay," Duo smiled. "I'm glad you brought me here."
Heero lead him out of the room, closing the shrine to Jamison Du
Prés.
~oo0oo~
The drawing room of Collinwood seemed to be the best place to
read, or so Duo thought. He'd discovered the Collins family
history book on a nearby podium and had dived straight in.
Unfortunately, the illustrious family had chosen to omit or
write a different version of history from the infamous legends.
His mind wandered back to the painting of Jamison. There was no
mention of him in the family history, but he had obviously been
very important to someone. The room had been built with such
love. From what he understood, the Old House belonged to Spencer
Collins and Relena Peacecraft for a short time. It only
confirmed what he'd always suspected.
A distant hammering brought him out of is reverie. Standing, he
walked toward the window and saw Heero atop the stable roof
placing in a few loose boards. Duo had offered to help, but
Heero wouldn't hear of it. He grabbed the end of his braid and
started chewing on it, thinking how fast his life had changed in
the space of one night.
Heero was being mysteriously tight-lipped about the spirit
familiar. There were many questions that Duo needed answers to.
Abandoning the drawing room, Duo headed upstairs. Unseen by a
living soul, the eyes of Relena's portrait blazed with fury.
~oo0oo~
Striking home the last nail, Heero wiped his sweaty brow and
shimmied down from the stable roof. Within he heard two of the
horses whinnying. Now that the weather damage had been repaired,
maybe he and Duo could take a ride across the estate's 200
acres? He felt guilty for showing him the portrait in the Old
House. Yesterday he thought it was all a mirage during his
discovery. He chalked his nightmare up to that and the attack on
Duo. He would have to keep a close eye on him tonight.
Hefting the toolbox he strode back toward the house. Out of the
corner of his eye, he glimpsed a figure in white walking out of
the derelict gazebo.
"Hey!" he called.
~oo0oo~
Duo emerged onto the landing and turned several times to get his
bearings; it would be easy to lose yourself within Collinwood's
labyrinthine hallways. A sound from nearby drew his attention.
Moving toward the first door, he could distinctly make out an
argument.
He jumped back as the door opened. Virginia caught her breath in
surprise, shutting off the room firmly behind her. "Oh, you
frightened me," she frowned.
"Was there someone in there with you?" Duo asked.
"No," she laughed. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm used to
talking to myself."
Duo didn't believe her for a second. He was positive that two
female voices were talking in that room.
"I've done everything I can to make your room comfortable,"
Virginia said. "How long will you be staying with us?"
"I'm not sure," Duo replied.
Virginia nodded curtly and started to leave. "Just a minute," he
called. "What's up there?"
She turned and looked at the stairway at the end of the hall.
"Nothing you would be interested in."
"Is that the tower I saw from last night?"
"Yes, but the west wing hasn't been used in years," she
countered. "If you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
Duo watched her go, still baffled by her strange behavior. As
soon as she turned the corner he opened the bedroom door. He was
disappointed to find it completely empty. Leaning against the
doorframe, he felt a familiar exhilaration. The search for the
unexplained.
All of a sudden his flesh began to tingle. He felt a presence
close by. Slowly turning on his heel, he found a figure standing
at the end of the hall. The light from a window shone straight
through the apparition. Duo took a few steps closer and found
that it was a ghost of a man, a man who looked almost exactly
like his partner Quatre!
"Quatre?" he whispered.
In slow motion he gestured for him to follow, then he
disappeared up the stairs. Catching his breath, Duo ran after
him. The staircase led him to yet another hallway. He searched
frantically for his guide and found him standing before another
door waiting for him. Amazingly, he turned and faded away.
Without hesitation, Duo ran down the length of the hall. His
hand grasped the door handle and twisted, only to find it
locked. He turned in frustration, not knowing how to proceed.
Maybe he could find a key downstairs? The sound of tumblers
turning caused him to whirl back around. Trying the door again,
it opened with ease.
The door pulled open, stretching a thick coating of cobwebs
along with it. Duo tore his hands through and headed up a
twisting staircase. From somewhere up ahead he could see light.
The stone walls finally opened out into a large circular room
filled with shelf upon shelf of books. But what took Duo's
breath away was a sight in the center of the room.
At an old mahogany desk, reading a book, sat the young man who'd
led him here. Instead of the translucent form he'd first seen,
he seemed to be just as solid and real as him. Except for the
yellow suit and flowing velvet cape, he was the exact image of
Quatre.
He approached him with tentative steps, afraid he might vanish.
"Hello?" he called.
"Who are you?"
The young man looked up at last. "Daniel. I'm not supposed to be
here." His voice had a scared, sing-song quality.
Daniel? He'd just read about a Daniel in the family history
book. Then, the pieces clicked together. "Daniel Collins?
Spencer Collins' brother?"
A look of sadness passed over his pale face. With both hands he
lifted up the small book to Duo. "This is for you," he told him.
He gently took the ragged little book. It was so old that it
nearly fell apart in his hands. Opening to the first page, Duo's
eyes widened in shock.
THE JOURNAL OF SPENCER COLLINS 1797
He looked back up, but Daniel was gone.
-TBC-