An Incident That Can Not Be Forgotten Chapter 3: No Help from Zidler, a moulin rouge fanfic

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this fan fiction!

Here is the 3rd chapter for this story. I am so sorry that it took me so long to update this story…but life sort of happened. This is a very long chapter and hopefully good. I hope you all like it! Enjoy and please review!!!

The sun started to rise in the west. A new day was dawning. Yet in just one night, everyone's lives, whether they knew it or not, had changed.

Up on the balcony of The Gothic Tower, The Duke stood watching the sunrise. The cool wind blew through his hair and whipped at his morning robe. The Duke had not slept in the last two nights. Memories of the previous night plagued his thoughts. He couldn't get the images of Satine and what had transpired between them out of his mind. Her stark naked body writhing beneath his, the glow of her pale skin in the moonlight, the feel of her round supple breasts as he…

"Sir. Mousier Zidler is here to see you," one of The Duke's many servants interrupted.

Finally, The Duke thought. "Send him in."

The same servant bowed in response and left to do as he was commanded. The Duke followed into the main room with another one his servants shutting the door behind him. Zidler entered as The Duke poured two cups of coffee, adding a splash of brandy to both.

"Duke!," Zidler excitedly greeted.

"Ah. Mousier Zidler. Welcome. Thank you for coming so soon in such an early hour," The Duke welcomed as he handed Zidler one of the expensive cups.

"Not at all Mousier. Anything for the Moulin Rouge's top investor."

A wide menacing grin grew across The Duke's face. He offered Zidler a comfortable seat next to the warm fire before settling down in a similar seat directly across from him. It was time to get down to business.

"Zidler. Let me get straight to the point. I don't know if you have seen or spoken to Mademoiselle Satine this morning, but last night we shared something most intimate together," The Duke stated with a proud grin.

"Oh Duke. How marvelous! That is such wonderful news!"

"Indeed. You know how long I have wanted to show her such affection," The Duke paused. "But after, I went for a brief walk to clear my head and when I returned, she was gone. I haven't seen her since."

The Duke took a sip of his coffee as he watched the wheels slowly turn in Zidler's head.

"Oh…my dear Duke. Do not fret. I am sure Mademoiselle Satine did not want to disturb you any longer. She must've seen that you left and had the impression that she must leave you to your comfort." The wheels continued turning. "And as we know, Mademoiselle Satine is incredibly dedicated to the success of the show…that she may have left to get an early start," Zidler finished with a sense of accomplishment flowing from him with an audible sigh.

The Duke scowled. There was no doubt in his mind that Satine had fled to her precious writer. He took another sip of coffee and collected himself. "Perhaps….Yes, I'm sure your right my friend," The Duke stated with a believable smile.

A moment of silence filled the room until Zidler finished his coffee and asked, "Is there anything I can do for you Mousier to further relieve your mind?"

A bigger smile grew across The Duke's face. "Why yes. Yes, indeed there is. I would like for you to find Mademoiselle Satine and give her this," The Duke stated as he removed a beautiful ruby surrounded by small diamonds a top a white gold ring and handed it to Zidler. Zidler set down his cup and gasped at the exquisite beauty of the ring that now lay in his hand. "When you give it to her, tell her that this is a gift for last night and that I will give her much much more, all she has ever wanted, if she vows to be loyal only to me. Meaning that she must give up that writer once the show has premiered and never see him again."

Zidler's eyes immediately left the ring and laid on The Duke's. He understood and it only took him a moment to reply, "Yes. I understand Mousier."

The Duke rose from his seat followed quickly by Zidler. "I will bring her the ring and your generous offer immediately. I shall also inform you of her answer as soon as I speak with her. But I would not worry Mousier, I will help her make the right decision."

"Thank you Zidler, for your help. You and your new theater will be handsomely rewarded if I get the answer I want," The Duke stated as he shook Zidler's free hand.

"Oh…thank you Mousier Duke. I will do all that I can…and more. Goodbye Mousier…until I return."

"Until then Zidler."

Zidler quickly placed the ring in his pocket, and left to see Satine. After he was gone, The Duke went into his room to change for the day.

All he could think of, as a couple of his servants pulled out different choices for outfits, was how much he was really going to enjoy the day. For the truth was, he didn't really need or want Satine, but the fact was, she belonged to him. She was one of his many possessions, and he would not allow anyone else to have her. She was just a toy that he would enjoy every now and again, especially when luring her away from that annoying little shit of a writer. It was going to be so easy yet so fun winning this game. For one thing was certain in The Duke's mind, what whore could refuse money?

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Zidler made his way toward the Moulin Rouge, one hand in his pocket tightly grasping the ring that was meant for Satine. He knew in his heart that Satine did not love The Duke and that she may be hesitant to leave Christian, but she needed to see that becoming The Duke's companion would be the best thing. Not only for the Moulin Rouge, but for her. He honestly cared for her like a daughter and knew that this was the best offer she was going to ever get, given her profession. She needed to be smart about this offer. She needed to give up the meaningless fascination she had with Christian and choose The Duke's power and resources to help her become the great actress that he knew she could be.

What would Christian really be able to offer her? He would probably be gone in a month. At least The Duke seemed to genuinely love her…

Zidler made his way through the newly remodeled Moulin Rouge until he was standing in front of Satine's dressing room. He knocked a few times, but there was no answer.

She must be with the writer, Zidler thought to himself. "Pigeon?" he called through the door in a last attempt before he continued looking for her elsewhere.

"Come in Harold," he heard Satine's voice softly state.

Zidler opened the door to see Satine hunched over on the sofa across the room. Her head was in her hands but lifted once Zidler closed the door behind him. She had light purple circles under her eyes.

Zidler smirked and stated the obvious, "Well, it looks like you had a sleepless night."

Satine's smile was slight but still noticeable. "Yes…yes I found it hard to sleep after seeing The Duke," Satine whispered as she lowered her head again.

"Well, you seemed to have done an extraordinary job as always. The Duke tells me you showed him a wonderful time…my smoldering temptress," Zidler stated with his classic mischievous grin.

Satine's head shot up. She peered into Zidler's eyes, hers showing obvious pain within them. "Is there something wrong my little strawberry?" he asked with genuine concern. Whatever it was that was bothering her, he was sure that The Duke's offer would cheer her up.

Satine straightened up. "I think it best if you sit down Harold," she stated as she pointed to a chair across the room, next to the fire place. Zidler had no idea what Satine wanted to discuss. Perhaps she has seen the error of her ways and broken off all she had with Christian. Well, at least he hoped.

"What is it pigeon?"

Satine took a moment for herself and then started to speak. "Last night I was with The Duke…as you know. But something…terrible happened." Satine took a breath and continued. "I intended on sleeping with him when I went over for dinner last night. I was going to do what I could to save the show…but…then…I saw Christian." Satine's face started to crumple and tears formed in her eyes. Memories she wanted to forget started flooding her mind. "I saw Christian…and I couldn't do it! I couldn't hurt him like that! I realized…I love him too much to ever sleep with another man." Satine wiped away stray tears that slid down her face.

Zidler sat there a bit stunned. He never realized Satine cared for Christian that much. In the past, Satine had fancied a few men, but it eventually passed. But he had never heard her speak so passionately about love before. Perhaps…what she feels is real. Nevertheless, The Duke is a smarter choice.

Yet, a sudden wave of confusion swept over Zidler. Didn't Satine sleep with The Duke? That is why he was here with her now. "I'm sorry duckling…but…didn't you and The Duke…?"

Satine lifted her head. "We…did." She rubbed her forehead and continued. "He saw…that my feelings were for Christian and not him. I tried to explain to him that I couldn't sleep with him…but…" Satine started gasping, tears flowing harder. "But…he grabbed me…and…and threw me to the floor. I…I ran for the door…but he was so fast. He lifted me and threw me on the bed. He…st started ripping off my clothes…and…and…"

Satine's throat closed up. She couldn't say it. She couldn't say what she knew she needed to say. But…it wasn't necessary. Zidler knew what she was trying to say. He had seen this happen many times to his other girls, but he never thought it would happen to his Satine.

Zidler moved his chair closer to Satine and stroked her face, wiping away more of her tears. Satine leaned into his touch, crying harder from this added comfort. Marie was always the one to sooth Satine and the other girls when they needed it, but this time, it was Zidler. An uncommon sight but nonetheless moving.

"Oh…duckling. I'm so sorry. I didn't know," Zidler whispered.

Zidler continued to comfort Satine and calm her down. Soon Satine was breathing slowly again and on her way back to normalcy.

Zidler placed his hand on Satine's. "Does Christian know?"

A smile grew on Satine's face as she let out a sigh. "Yes. I went to him…after." A few more tears fell from her eyes. "He's been so wonderful. He cleaned me up and took care of me. He listened to every detail of it, even though it hurt him to hear it." Satine let out a little chuckle, "I even caught him leaving the apartment when I came out of the bathroom, with what I'm assuming was the intent to find The Duke and…teach him some sort of lesson."

Satine's smile stayed as she let out another sob. "But when he saw me…he closed the door and locked it. He stayed with me all night…holding me…protecting me. I fell asleep to good dreams but woke up from nightmares." She paused. "I don't think Christian got much sleep either. He would just sooth me back to sleep as best he could."

Satine wiped her eyes with her handkerchief as she continued. "He's also the one that suggested we come and tell you what happened. He actually went to go find you, but it seems you found me first."

Zidler sat quietly, one of the few times he did so, and just let all that she was saying wash over him.

"I felt it best to tell you before he came back. He has had to deal with this so much in so short a time, and I can see…how much pain…he is going through and I just wanted to save him from more."

Zidler smiled at Satine's strength. "But that doesn't mean you should bottle it up inside."

Satine smiled back. "No. I know. But he didn't need to hear it again now, so I wanted to save him from it…just this once."

Zidler rubbed Satine's hand. "I understand my dear." He stood from his chair and walked over to the fire. His thoughts lost in the flames. Zidler's smile widened. "He really loves you doesn't he?"

There was a moment of silence before Satine answered. "Yes…yes he does…And I love him. So very much."

Zidler let out a sigh and put both hands in his pockets. One of his hands fell on the ring that was meant for Satine. He couldn't give it to her now, not after what that rat had done to her…Or could he?

Zidler turned and gave Satine a warm smile. He knew what he needed to do. He walked back toward Satine and slowly knelt down in front of her, pulling the ring out as he did.

"Harold! What are you doing?" Satine asked a bit stunned by this sudden action.

"Take this Mon Cheri. Use it to get out of this hell and start a new life. A life with Christian."

Satine sat quietly; mouth a little gaped by Zidler's loving request. "But…but the show…your new theater?"

"Don't concern yourself with me. I will make my way as I always have. But you…you my dear were always meant for more. Find it." Zidler paused as he gently touched Satine's face. "Fly away my pigeon."

Satine looked down at the beautiful ring in her hand and back at Zidler. "Thank you," she whispered.

Zidler slowly started to stand from his kneeling position with Satine's help. Once Zidler was fine to stand on his own, the second door to Satine's dressing room opened. Christian appeared with a glass cup in hand.

"Zidler! I just went to find you," Christian stated as he closed the door behind him.

"So I hear," Zidler responded with a smile to Satine.

Christian handed Satine the hot cup of coffee in his hand. "Here. I thought the coffee would help."

"Thank you," Satine said before giving Christian a soft sweet kiss.

Christian looked from Satine to Zidler. "Did you tell him?"

"Yes, she did," Zidler interrupted. "And I must leave now to take care…of a few things."

He paused for a moment to take one last look at Satine, for who knew if they would ever see each other again. He slowly took her hand that held the ring and kissed it. "Goodbye my dear," he whispered softly.

Satine smiled painfully. "Goodbye Harold."

Zidler nodded in Christian's direction, and walked out the door into the hall. He paused and leaned against the wall for a moment. He knew what he had to do now, but he needed the courage to do it. He was about to loose everything, and a part of him didn't care. Zidler collected himself and continued down the hall.

"Zidler! Wait!"

Zidler stopped and turned. Christian came out into the hall, closing the door behind him. The two men approached each other.

"Something needs to be done. We can't just let this monster go about his business after what he's done to Satine," Christian demanded.

"I completely agree Christian. That's why I am on my way to see The Duke now. There is not much that can be done because of his station, but I will not let him feel that he has won."

Christian stood a bit shocked that Zidler turned out to be so caring of Satine, almost like a normal father. "I'll come with you. I need to deal with him myself," Christian spat angrily.

"No. Don't worry. I'll deal with him…But you…you must stay with Satine. Take her far away from here. She deserves so much more than this place, and you're the only one who can give it to her," Zidler stated before patting Christian on the shoulder.

Christian reluctantly nodded. He knew it was better for him to stay with Satine, though every part of him screamed to go with Zidler and beat the crap out of that lowly Duke.

"Alright Zidler. I leave him to you."

"Thank you Christian." Zidler paused. "Take care of her."

Christian gave him an assuring smile. "I will." Zidler smiled back and watched as Christian went back to tend to Satine.

Zidler continued down the hall and on his way to The Gothic Tower. The Duke was his problem now, and he was going to show him what happens to those that hurt his sparkling diamond.

The Duke sat alone at his grand dinning table finishing his lunch. He took a last gulp of his wine as he continued a chapter from Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities.

The fall of France and the guillotine carnage entertained The Duke each time he read it. But by the end of the book, he would always get upset and throw his book out of frustration from not understanding why such a great English hero, like Sydney Carton, would throw his life away for a French harlot. Yet months would go by, with The Duke forgetting his hatred for the ending, and go through the same cycle all over again.

As he read one of his favorite moments, when Dr. Manette fails to save his son-in-law's life and his daughter's happiness, The Duke heard the front door slam. Reluctantly, he looked up to see Zidler storm into the room.

"Ah. Mousier Zidler. Have you come back with a response from Satine?" The Duke asked with his rodent grin.

"Yes. Here it is." Zidler pulled back his right arm and fiercely punched The Duke in the face. The Duke went flying out of his chair and onto the hard wooden floor. He coughed and touched his pain filled face. Blood rushed from his broken nose. As fast as he could, The Duke lifted himself off the ground, waving his concerned servants away. Out the corner of his eye he saw his bodyguard, Warner, advance toward Zidler.

"No Warner! Leave him be." Warner listened and backed away into a corner across the room.

The Duke grabbed an unused napkin off of the table and held it to his gushing nose. "Well…not the response I expected," The Duke chuckled.

"And you deserve far worse for what you have done to Satine," Zidler growled. The Duke smiled under the napkin, understanding what Zidler now knew. "Our business is through Duke!"

Zidler started to walk away without anyone to stop him until The Duke stated, "Oh. Our business is far from over Zidler." Zidler halted. "Don't you remember? I am the holder of the Moulin Rouge's deeds. Meaning I can do with them what I wish. So, unless you want to see everything you built pulled down brick by brick, you will do what I tell you to."

Zidler stood, frozen in his own mind. The Duke attended to his nose as he waited for some sort of reply. Zidler finally turned toward The Duke and walked back. Stopping in front of him and standing tall with full pride, Zidler stated, "I don't care. Do what you want with the Moulin Rouge. I would rather start my life over than work for a sewer rat! One who is so low he must rape a courtesan in order to get anyone to sleep with him!"

The Duke's blood started to boil. Anger, like nothing he had felt before, started to grow in him. He couldn't control himself. He grabbed a sharp dinning knife off of the table and stabbed Zidler multiple times in the chest. Zidler fell to the ground holding the knife that stuck out of him.

"Well, I must say, that status has changed once again. Seems you will be lower than you have ever been Zidler. It looks like to me you'll be six feet under!" The Duke yelled.

Zidler gasped for breathe. Panic over took him. He wasn't ready to die, but it didn't seem like he had a choice. He had failed. He had failed his Satine. Hopefully she and Christian would be gone by the time The Duke knew they had left. But then, something unexpected happened. A smile grew across Zidler's face. For once, he didn't do things to get a head or for his own benefit, he did it for someone else. For his Satine.

With this thought, Zidler felt content. Like the rest of his fellow French men, he was glad to die for love. His eyes started to get heavier and his breaths shallower. He turned his head toward The Gothic Tower doors, looking out toward Christian's room. With his new found happiness and thoughts of the life he has given Satine, he whispered with his final breath, "Fly my pigeon…" And with that, Zidler was gone.

The Duke stood above him, blood covering his face and hands, with confusion written on his face. "What?"

He followed Zidler's final gaze to see Satine and Christian walking below toward his flat. And then, Zidler's final words came to him. Fly? They were going to leave Paris! A new found anger grew in The Duke. He was not going to be the loser in this Fairy Tale.

"Warner!" The Duke shouted.

"Yes, Mousier Duke?" Warner responded, unaffected, like the rest of The Duke's servants, by what had just transpired.

The Duke stood silent. He watched as the two stopped in front of Christian's building, kissed, and separated with Christian walking away and Satine entering the building. She was alone now. A new idea revealed itself to The Duke, which relieved his terrible anger and was replaced with a content excitement.

"Mousier? Do you want me to get rid of the body?" Warner assumed.

"No!" The Duke responded, seemingly coming back to life. "No…I have another task for you…"

Satine grabbed the last of her things from Christian's dresser and placed it in a suitcase on the bed. Everything was almost packed. All she would need to do after she was finished was to wait for Christian to come back with the money to get the train tickets. They would leave Paris and all the bad memories behind.

Satine stopped what she was doing when she looked down next to the suitcase to see the ruby ring Zidler had given her. She couldn't part with it. Christian didn't even know of its existence. Instead, she had given him a diamond necklace that was given to her by one of her many admirers. The ring represented what she had been through and what she now had. She smiled and placed the ring on the middle finger of her right hand. A perfect fit.

A knock came from the door, awaking Satine from her thoughts.

"Who is it?" she questioned. No response.

"Toulouse?"

No answer.

But then, a smile grew across Satine's face. "Christian?" she asked as she approached the door. He had done this to her many times. Knocking on his own door to surprise her with flowers, candy, or some sort of other unnecessary gift.

"Don't tell me you got me a…" Satine's face went white when she opened the door to see Warner standing in front of her.

She slammed the door as quick as she could and screamed for help, but it was no use. Warner had blocked the door with his foot, easily opening it. Satine ran for the bathroom where she could lock the door and go down the window escape. But Warner was too fast. He grabbed her by the hair.

"CHRISTIAN!!!! HELP!!!!!" Satine frantically cried out.

No response.

Warner quickly covered Satine's mouth with a piece of cloth, drugging her with chloroform. Satine continued to struggle until her body went limp and the darkness took over once again.

Cliffhanger!!! It's getting good now! I guarantee the next chapter is better! I plan on writing a lot more and even fixing up the previous chapters, especially the endings. Too much ending in darkness…lol. I don't know when I'll post another chapter, but it will definitely not take me as long as it did with this chapter. Thank you so much for reading and please review! Thanks! ;-)