Sacrificed During a Violet Moon
Rating: AU, Yaoi, in the beginning it is rated pg13, rated R later, servitude, seducing of the obscured devil and a sacrifice for power. So if you don't agree with these terms then I don't know why the hell you're here. Ok have fun.
Warning: If you don't know by now listen carefully: Men with Men…having sex or liking/loving the same sex!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the character's or their personality's (all though I could play a good Duo) any way, you've heard it all so I'll just fast forward. Bla…bla…bla, bla, bla, blabber, blue…beluga. Ok you all get it. NO suing, have no money, saving every penny for the anime convention and birthday's. Not worth your time.
Chap 9: The Blue Flame
"And the brain kept blossoming all through the body, until the bones themselves could think, and the genitals sent out wave and wave of holy desire until even the dead brain cells surged and fell in god like, androgynous fantasies—and I understood the unicorn's phallus could have risen, after all, directly out of thought itself."
Of course when my foster mother, Helen, did recite this poem she left out this entire section. Thought I wouldn't figure it out she did. Well, the internet is a beautiful place.
After the incident with the tower door, I roamed around the castle for god knows how long. I took in all the strange and exotic passage ways, marveling at the architecture, the vaulted ceilings, and the sculptures. There was one door, which led to something quite…disturbing. Before me was a trench of some kind, separating the door from the other end of the hall. But what was really odd were the stepping stone books floating on the water's surface. I really couldn't bring myself to continue. And before I knew it I was running back towards the main level, already late for my impromptu meeting with Quatre. He was waiting in the back of the conservatory, sun drenching his aquiline features, as he sipped from a fragile china cup.
"You're late Duo. I was beginning to wonder if you'd come at all." He set the cup down, a ghost of a smile on his face.
"No, I'm sorry; I just got a little sidetracked is all. Found a…couple of scary books…" I plopped down in one of the iron work chairs, not at all comfortable mind you. "So, what was it you wanted to talk about this fine afternoon?"
"Well, for one did you find what you wanted in town?" I picked up one of the cups in front of me, sniffing the bitter tea it held. I'm not really a tea drinker; unless it has a lot of sugar and or honey…same goes with my coffee. But I instead nibbled on the platter of sweets in front of me…more then hungry after my full day.
"Um, sort of. I mean, I really didn't find what I wanted but what can you do? It was worth a try. But um, Quatre, you do know a lot about Telfords history an all right?"
He nodded, taking a bite out of the candied tangerine.
"Good, well, there was this story I found in the towns records…a newspaper clipping of a woman. No one knew her name or her family, but they considered her a witch. Her body was found in a river, slashed open…no one continued with the search. As if they didn't care."
"Duo, you must know that back then, there were so many murders without rhyme or reason. No one could put the pieces together to find the killer only because that technology was limited. You could be living right next to a murderer and you wouldn't notice. That's how it was back then. Why do you ask?" Why did I ask? Good question. It was just such an odd short clipping, as if they just through it in to rap up a days' work. No one's life should be treated so callously.
"But the thing is it wasn't that long ago Quatre."
"What do you mean? How long ago was it?" I paused, thinking in my head for the exact date.
"Well, I estimate it was about 17 years ago…roughly. I know we weren't that technologically advanced but I know we had ways of finding killers through meager evidence and problem solving…so why was it no one tried?"
Quatre sighed, thinking hard as he dabbed at his mouth delicately. The man was such a perfectionist. Not one hair and clothing article was out of place and god forbid if there was a stain. "Let's see, I thought you were talking about the time when the Lowe's were still in power…pardon me. Um, well, it could have been that there was no evidence…that because she had no family and was considered…crazy if you will; that there really wasn't a rush on the case. There are…sorry to say this…more important cases then a mysterious killing of an unknown woman."
"Yeah, I guess your right. I was just curious and all. Oh, by the way, I found the clipping of Heero and Varelet's accident."
"Yes, I've read that one." Quatre nodded again, staring at me as if I was going to continue…ok so I was. He knows me too good for a man I just met.
"There was one other thing I found odd. All the killings or murders if you will, after the Lowe incident…were all at a set number. As if there were quotas to fill or something. But before the incident the numbers fluctuated a great deal. Don't you find that odd?"
I watched as Quatre gazed out the conservatory windows, lost in thought. I took the moment to glance about my self. The flowers and trees were ending their blooms, the fall season eating away at their youth. The entire room was made of glass, even the ceiling high above trimmed with sparkling gold fixtures. There were dirt paths like the one I took to find Quatre leading in many random directions… It was all so much like a secret garden. I couldn't imagine what it had looked like in its prime…back then when it was built for the first time.
Under a few trees nearby were bushes sprouting brilliant sapphire buds, in various stages of bloom. Inside the bloom was a deep rich orange stamens, streaking its blue counterpart. "Hey Duo?"
"Yes?" I looked away, curiosity still lingering about the strange flower.
"I want you to know something. But don't interrupt me okay?" He paused, waiting for me to nod questioningly back. "This is going to sound crazy to you…this is going to be strange and new…something I'm sure you won't understand at first but hear me out. I've lived in these parts for most of my life and sometimes I tend to forget that we're still strangers to our own county. We don't know its history as well as we should. Our books, our records are as vague as you your self have found out. It's like our ancestors didn't want the beginning recorded…didn't want the future to understand. Like they didn't want to meddle in the past most likely out of fear of repeating it.
God, I can remember the times during school when we learned about the origins of New York City and Paris. I wondered from that point on why we couldn't know…why we were left in a gray haze about our life…our history. Yes I don't live in Telford…but I do live close by…close enough to know that this entire county is like the Bermuda triangle. Except people don't disappear…its history that does. The only thing that has stayed with Telford as long as it has is the Lowe's. Tall tales don't exist here." He paused, his entire body now leaning over the iron table. His eyes were intense…nothing like the sweet aquamarine of the boy I met outside those gates a few days ago. What happened to that boy I thought I knew?
"Still with me here? Understand that we grasp hold of the Lowe manor because it's all we have. Buildings and a dead man child." He leaned back in his seat, chest heaving heavily once. "Why did you come here Duo? You believe your family was from here? Is that all, is that what really brought you?"
"Quatre, I told you. I know my mother was here. I have a picture. A picture speaks more then words do…well, sometimes. I won't go into the time when…"
"Duo, please stay on track. I guess I really can't tell you anymore." Once again he looked outside the vast windows, his hand blindly reaching for the tea cup.
"What do you mean you 'can't' tell me more?"
"Just what I said…I guess. Duo, I liked meeting you. You're so full of life…more so then I…then I've ever thought a person could contain. Thank you for a wonderful stay."
His words cut my mouth off from sprouting modest thanks and gracious well wishes in return. We're programmed from infancy; it seems, to be as polite as possible. It's hard to escape it. But my brain caught the words, rearranging them to fit inside my head like a giant puzzle of gargantuan proportions. "Are you leaving?" He couldn't leave now. He just got here, and what was I going to do without Quatre to hang about with. Yeah, I know I just met him and there was still Daniel to hang out with and Wufei to play with. I knew from the moment I saw him that I could have some fun. But all that would be cut short if Quatre were to leave.
"I'm sorry Duo, but I need to get some work done unfortunately. Can't stop the entire world for measly vacations can we? But we are still on for tonight, right? I'll pick you up and show you how fun Telford can be. So don't fall asleep on me." He got up, not waiting for me to answer back, leaving the tea set to be picked up later I assumed.
"Well that was an episode from the Twilight Zone I haven't seen yet." Sighing I stood up feeling lost all of a sudden. I felt drowsy, as if I hadn't slept in a few days. I know the feeling quite well too. One time my landlord decided I needed to pay my rent a little earlier then usual because gas prices were going up and he had bills to pay and what not. Let's just say I took as many day and night shifts as I could until I got my pay check…which was eaten up gladly by Mr. Katakana…which then left me broke with no money for food. An endless cycle of torture that we all just continue to run, like lab mice. That's my theory.
My eyes were heavy, weighing more then I've ever considered before. So, with that in mind, my body took up the thought that I needed more sleep and that going to my bedroom was a good idea. It was like I was locked out. No control over the ship known as Duo Maxwell the first. I was a prisoner to…nothing but the idea that I needed more sleep.
The walls passed by in a blur, faces I didn't know looked questioningly at me as I passed them, and I could have sworn I heard someone calling my name, but I just kept walking. Then, suddenly, I felt the most peculiar sensation of cold water hitting my face. But I was dry and standing in the middle of my room. Blinking away what felt like hard sand I walked over to my window and looked out at the sky. It was a dusky grey; the sun had already set…but how?
Sighing I just brushed it off as a fluke and pulled off my clothes. I needed a bath…some type of odor I didn't want to think about was emanating from certain under regions. The tap made a horrendous squeal as I let the water run. Water gushing out of the copper faucet. Watching the tub fill I realized that I could use this time to finish reading Heero's journal slash sketchbook.
I ran back to my bed and dug underneath the many pillows until I found it again. It was cold to the touch, and I reverently took it with me to the bathroom. A thought of ruining it by accidentally dropping it into the water stopped me momentarily but I took into mind that I wasn't a klutz and that it would be fine.
Draping a few towels on the ledge of the tub and lighting the few candles I took in the feel of what it would have felt like a long time ago. Except for the fact that they didn't have indoor plumbing and that they'd have to fill the tub manually with stove heated water. Sighing I turned off the faucet and slipped into the steaming water, with my hair floating on the surface all around me. It'd be a bitch to fight the knots out but I, for once, couldn't care about one of my most prized possessions.
I gingerly flipped through the pages, rereading the two passages and looking more closely at the pictures as I soaped away the day's events. Drying my hands I flipped over onto my side and rested my chin on the edge of the tub. I was back at the picture of Varelet…in the garden. It had to be him. If this was Heero's book then this youth was…had to of been his lover. I flipped over to the next page, my heart beating faster then a hummingbird's it seemed. Yet what I saw was more then I expected. A mirror…my face looking up at me through the dusty pages of time.
Gasping I slipped my finger down the edge of the book, yelping as a long bead of blood stained the edges. I pushed the book away from me, trembling as I watched the blood drip to the soapy water. There was a knock then, jolting me out of my examination. I don't understand to this day why I forgot so quickly about that moment…in that moment. It was as if I had suppressed it…suppressed that drawing for only a second.
Well, I got out of the tub, grabbing a soft black robe to throw on as I walked to the door. On the opposite side, was Hilde, yawning and looking the worse for wear. "Ya know, just for future reference, when someone calls to you in the hallway it's nice to answer back. Jeez did I get a crack down on me for bellowing at a guest. Had to scrub the floors over in the pink wing until they shinned. Nice punishment huh? Anyway, I just wanted to tell ya that was rude and to bid you a good night sir. See ya bright and early tomorrow!" with that she skipped away.
I closed the door, leaning on it as I tried to piece together all she had said to me. Then it clicked…so someone had yelled to me in the hall earlier, I thought, as I made my way back to the bathroom. But I stopped and glared at the journal on the floor. It had to be a mistake, just a trick of the lighting. I picked it up and set it on the counter, draining the tub and drying my hair.
Back in my room I placed the book on my bed, changing into a pair of blue flannel bottoms and a navy t-shirt. Grabbing a brush and a rubber band I headed for my balcony, putting my hair into place for the night. I wasn't so stupid as to sleep with it wet and un-brushed. Tried that once. I'll never forget the morning after when my entire head was one big tangle. The night was cool though, which made me happy that I had brought warm clothes with me after all. The moon was shinning bright, high in the sky. I've always responded well to the night, especially the moon and the stars. But tonight, it felt different. It looked different.
The moon was larger then I'd ever seen it and its color was off…it seemed less white and more radiant violet. Maybe it was the trick of the suns rays off the planets oceans…who knows. I let my hands leave my hair, my left occupied with my brush but the other I trailed across the moon, as if I could just stand on my toes and touch it. Feel its texture…was it smooth or rough? Was it really made out of cheese like everyone said it was? Was the cheese a good one or a smelly one?
I laughed then, suddenly remembering a book I had read in the library once. It was called The Stinky Cheese and Tales….or something along those lines. It had different fun spins on fairy tales. Making fun of them in odd ways. I respond well to politically correct fables. Don't ask me why.
Inside, I put my brush away and for the longest time I just stood at the foot of my bed and stared at the journal. "It wasn't you. God, you need to stop this obsession." I felt cheated…by my self. I came here to find me and instead I was chasing after a legend. A legend that the town seemed to feed on.
Plopping down on the bed, I grabbed the book and turned the pages, almost dreading the one stained with my blood. But it came faster then I hoped. I had my eyes closed as I turned to it. Not sure if I wanted to open them or not. Would it hurt…hinder…or make me feel more stupid then I already was? But I finally did. Two expressive eyes coyly glanced up from the pages, almost completely covered by a line of wild fringe. The long braid so much like my own was hanging over one shoulder, more lustrous looking then ever before. The one thing strange was the clothing…strange because it was me wearing it.
"It can't be." My breathing was loud echoing about the now cold and silent room. I felt claustrophobic in that moment. I needed to get out of that room. I needed to get away. Away from the book, away from the feeling of eyes on me…and just away. This wasn't what I was here for. I was here for a family I never knew, yet somehow I became ensnared in something beyond my realm of understanding.
I dropped the book and stood from the bed, a fog descending over my senses once more. I didn't know what to feel. I should have felt creeped out…or stupid… I've never thought of myself as crazy but in that moment I knew I had to be. I left the room then, not giving it a second thought. I ran down the dark empty hallways, exiting the violet wing as if I were being chased. My feet knew where to go, so I let them take over while my brain screamed at me that it was just a hallucination. It wasn't real.
My hand reached up on its accord and touched the necklace whipping about my neck. It felt like I was holding an ice cube. My hands started to burn but I held onto it none the less. I still, to this day, cannot remember much of what transpired then. I think over it sometimes…cutting away the cobwebs one by one only to find a new obstacle in my way. I only know that I was in a hall way one moment and then I was standing still in a room I knew I had no right to be in.
It was freezing. If I could have seen anything I knew it would have been my breathe coming out like clouds as I stood panting. The room was empty, I don't know why I knew but it just felt empty, the floor soft and supple underneath my bare feet and everything else as dark as a stormy night. I won't admit to many people but I was scared. I didn't know where I was, I didn't know how I got there. All I knew was that it felt cold, uninhabitable and frightful.
It was as if I could feel these things…as if they were real and had mass. Like I could reach out and touch…something. But there was nothing here except me. I took a few small steps forward hitting a wall. But after a minute inspection I found it was in fact a door. Blindly I traced the curving designs to where I knew there'd be a handle. My hand was trembling as I reached for it; the only noise I could hear then was the rattling of the old door handle now under my hand. I tried turning it and somehow I wasn't surprised to find it unlocked.
The massive door swung open, its screech freezing me in my tracks. There was a light lit. One solitary candle situated on a table in what appeared to be the center of the room. Its bright flame, felt like salvation, so I walked towards it. The proverbial moth to the flame…I guess. The nearer I was to that small innocent flame the warmer I felt. The more I stared into its oddly blue base, the more I felt the world around me disintegrate. And the more I walked the more out of body I became. My skin no longer was real, my bones no longer real and my blood…no longer real… I was a stranger in this world…a world I didn't know existed. I didn't belong, that's what the candle told me…I didn't belong anywhere. My existence was created out of nothing. Therefore, I was nothing. A figment.
I guess, the voice was right. I am nothing; I always knew that and never denied it. If I was more then nothing I wouldn't be invisible to the world would I? Someone would have seen me. I thought I had found that in Quatre, but who was I kidding. I'd never see him again. He'd go on, as rich and happy as before, and where would I be…nowhere…doing nothing because I didn't exist. I was a wisp of air, blown across the world. Easily lost and easily forgotten.
My eyelids flickered down, blocking the now brilliantly blue flame from my vision. A hand or what I thought was my hand touched the pendant around my neck, pulling on it…and that was all I remember.