Warning: Implications of sex (some N/C), and Treize is simply evil. Not just slightly insane, the way he's been acting, but starting to become pure evil. He has no sacred bond anymore. Ye have been warned.
--
Noin stared in shock at the revelation. Her weapon dropped from nerveless fingers to clatter on the floor, even her heartache taking second place to the news that Zechs had just imparted. The prince himself didn't seem to notice the change and continued to push through on his explanation.
"Treize hopes by doing this to eliminate all hope of prophecy fulfilling itself by disrupting the rituals of ascension. He reasons that at the very least it will cause such delay as to enable destruction of some of the prophesied, if not the main portent bringer."
"That is why he wishes to bring war swiftly…"
"So that others will react without time to discover his true intentions!" Noin's words were hushed.
Zechs nodded again.
"And that is why I wish to bring swift war to him; I cannot allow him to succeed in his quest, pawn though I may be. My goal is the end of Khush'Ranada and the threat to my homeland, as well as avenging my parents demise."
Her face lit up briefly as she stepped towards him. "Then let me be at your side! Let me help you fight this evil!"
Again, the prince shook his head. "Nay. Though your offer sets you in great light, you cannot be by my side. Nothing ties you there."
"Yes. There is."
Her voice stopped him as he turned to walk away. Pale locks swayed with the movements as he turned his face towards her.
"I love you."
Zechs stood silent, hearing the heartfelt pang of entreaty, the desire of unrequited loyalty. In the midst of it, he turned away; understanding at last what a precious gift she offered. Nevertheless, he would not see her waste it upon a lifeless dream.
"My lady."
His voice was soft, but the formality left no doubts. "My lady, you cannot be my shadow and you cannot love me for a simple reason: I am already dead. On the day that my parents fell and I took up rage as my weapon, Milliardo the Peace Crafter fell beside them."
"I am dead. I have no more heart or spirit, no capacity to take on love and hate. I only abide here to finish a few lonely tasks before this body is released to return to the earth."
"The dead cast no shadow."
Pleading was useless. Noin fell to her knees in sorrow, clasping her hands to her breast. Grief threatened to overwhelm, but the spirit refused to be crushed.
"There is no hope then?" She turned a tear stained face to regard her fading vision.
"No! Always there is hope!" Standing solidly in front of her now, Zechs began to lecture. A bit of his old presence shone through as he did. "To hold hope is to hold life; and holding life is hope!"
"But," and he paused to regard her with emotion akin to compassion, "there is one whom you must seek. My sister has acquired a mountain for a shadow, a refuge not easily shaken."
"However, the one who hears the light walks incomplete, for he walks without his shadow. Go to him and know his soul; for then shall he remain with the world and be fulfilled. This is the one task that I cannot of myself accomplish." His smile was radiant, almost ethereal. Noin retrieved her weapon before returning to her feet.
A soft whisper was all her reply. "I shall go and do."
The shadow elf disappeared by the same methods that had gained her entrance. Zechs sighed, before turning to stride through the doorway. "That is all that any of us can say."
The former prince left the room without a shadow.
--
He watched her as she slept, the play of the firelight upon her face near hypnotic to the shade. Duo smirked to himself as he thought about how far she'd come since the day that they had first met. While her bond with the earth still wasn't very strong, her link with fire and shadow had progressed rapidly, allowing him to teach her the shadow walking ability. With its aid, they had been able to journey far faster than before, even if it still took longer than earthwalking.
Hilde had asked him about it when they first started. "Why does it take longer than Earthwalking? After all, when it's night, shadow covers the world."
Duo had explained that while this was true, it also made it so there were very few markers or portals that shades could use to exit the world of shadows and return to normal space. "It's rather like diving into the water without any light, swimming around for a while and then coming back up to the surface. You might end up right were you started, or several miles away. And if you couldn't find the surface, you might get stuck until daylight arrives."
"It's also a bit like shooting an arrow after your eyes closed and you've spun around a few times. You might not like what you've hit after you open your eyes."
That seemed to satisfy her curiosity on that subject, at least for the moment. Still, they were making progress towards the next sword, and that was enough for him. Besides, Hilde was just too cute when she was sleeping. Duo grinned and leaned over to plant a chaste kiss on the girl's forehead. It was a quick thing, over in a moment, with Duo quickly looking around as though he expected an audience to appear. His attention elsewhere for the moment, he missed the small smile that passed over Hilde's face.
'Duo.'
--
The rest of the princess' entourage had assembled for a private meal in the ambassador's quarters when Noin finally reappeared. The shadow elf came into the room as though possessed of some great weight, causing an immediate reaction from her charge. Relena rose from her chair and rushed to support her friend and bodyguard. "Noin!"
All the rest of the assembled came to their feet as well, their attention fixed on the princess. Altisen Woodcloak hastened to reinforce the wards, while Sali moved to check on the returning bodyguard. The ambassador stopped just shy of her objective as Relena held out a hand. "Peace friends, there is no physical harm to her."
Sali nodded and drew back a pace. Pagan cleared his throat and the rest of the elves returned to their seats, save Relena. Almost apologetically, she excused herself from the meal. Noin vanished in a moment, returning to the princess' shadow. Heero stood silent in the corner, not having moved during the little drama. His eyes followed the princess as she vanished into her quarters, though he made no move join her at the present. Even he could understand that Relena wished a private moment alone with her friend. The meal resumed, though with a sadly subdued air.
For her part, Relena waited until the door was firmly shut behind her to sigh. Her brother frustrated the life out of her; for whatever reasons of his own, he insisted on not seeing her. Pagan had yet to reveal what had passed between them, and Noin apparently succeeded in facing Zechs, if her appearance was any indication. The shade had not shown such an outpouring of emotion since the day that Milliardo had disappeared from the list of successors to the throne. Noin phased back from the shadows, kneeling in front of the princess.
Relena touched her shoulder gently. "What did he say to you, Noin?"
Tear-filled eyes met her own as her bodyguard struggled to tell the tale. "We spoke of many things, and he said that he cannot love me, that he is already dead. He says that Lord Khush'Ranada seeks to displace the elves from the world by bringing war to them, and forcing Sanctuary. He says that I must seek out the 'Master of Light', an elf that the Lord fears above all else."
"Beyond that, he says that you have found a mountain for your shadow."
The princess' eyes flashed and her eyebrow raised. "He did, did he? Well, he certainly seems to be taking a personal interest in my welfare, even if he insists that nothing moves him." Her expression softened, and she hugged Noin in a comforting manner. "Don't worry, I know how you can find the one that you must seek."
Noin drew back in surprise. "How?"
"It's an old elven secret known only to the royal family." Relena winked conspiratorially, and then stared hard at Noin for a long moment. "And what reason did he give for you to go searching for the elf, do you know?"
"He said that I must know his soul..." Noin frowned and broke off her sentence when Relena broke out in laughter.
"Oh my! That is just too rich!"
It took the princess a few moments to calm down enough to explain. Once she composed herself, she looked back at her bodyguard. "Zechs is a genius or a meddler of the worst kind, all things considered. Not only is he playing matchmaker with me, he's also playing around with your love life too."
"To put it simply, he wants you to form a soul bond with the 'Master of Light', to become his permanent shadow. You would have to be very intimate with him, entwine your very being with his. In other words, Zechs is trying to get you married."
"It does not matter. In fact, I am happy." Noin's reply was a whisper that the princess had to focus quickly to catch. The blonde elf tilted her head and frowned at the shade.
"You don't care? It makes you happy? Why?"
"Because," Noin looked directly into her friend's eyes. "He cares, even when he cannot. And because I am alive, and there is hope that I can find love. That is why I am happy. That is why you should be happy, even if you cannot see your brother and speak to him."
She watched as Relena took a few moments to ponder her words. Zechs had been right, after all. For those who live, there is always hope.
-
Daylight was fast approaching when Treize finally roused himself from sleep. His eyes roamed over his current bed partner, the high priestess of Ooragard. She slept on, used to the strange hours that the Lord of the place seemed to keep. She did whimper a little and move to pull the covers closer to herself when he stood up, however. Just because his habits were known to her didn't mean that she liked to be cold.
Treize smirked as he dressed himself, judiciously applying magic to ensure that he appeared in clothes freshly pressed, instead of looking like they had lain in a pile upon his mistress' floor during the night. The lady slept on as he exited the room, careful to avoid the temple proper. The acolytes might be swayed by his position, but the rest of the clergy resented his presence greatly. His path led out through a private way to the inner courtyard, and then by another little used passage to the outer walls of the temple.
As he reached the inner courtyard, he noticed a figure slipping through the almost light of the early morning. Treize halted and drew his cloak closer, hiding the hand that grasped the rapier by his side. Almost immediately the man stopped and stared, then proceeded cautiously towards Treize. When he drew closer, he recognized the cloak, embroidered about with the crimson rose and thorns.
"My liege." He sketched a low bow and Treize relaxed slightly. Now that he was close enough for study, an examination revealed a shock of red hair beneath the dull colored cloak that he clutched about him. The lord thought hard for a moment, thinking back through the various spies that the Lady Une had introduced him to, trying to recall the man's name. Suddenly it came to him, and an evil grin crossed his face.
"Q'ivel, wasn't it?" Seeing the man look up and nod, Treize continued. "So, what news are you bringing the lady at this hour?"
The spy hesitated for a moment, but then shrugged. His information ended up with the Lord in the end, so why not tell him? "My lord, another spy from the North has appeared, taking up his residence at the arena. He has not moved about the city, but as I have watched him, I have sensed the spy that I have not been able to catch. I believe that the man at the arena is the one who sends all information on to the mountains. I do not know why, but I believe that it is important somehow."
"I intend to inform the lady, and ask what course she desires to take in regard to the information."
There was silence when the spy finished speaking, and he waited for an answer. For a while Treize said nothing, apparently deep in thought. Q'ivel waited patiently, hoping that he'd be fast enough to effect an escape should the great man decide on some form of punishment. Not that it was probable, but the spy had encountered too many improbable happenings in his life. He started with surprise when Treize finally moved again.
"Ah, I know just the thing. Wait here a moment and I'll return with instructions for you, Q'ivel, Master of spies."
The lord seemed to vanish into the wall, and Q'ivel let his eyes search for the hidden passageway. He did not move from his place, however.
When Lord Khush'Ranada appeared again, it was with the same flair that he'd departed with. He almost seemed smug as he approached Q'ivel. The man watched him warily. Treize grinned. "Fear not, I have need of such as you. You have proven yourself excellently in the capacity that you were assigned. Now I have a promotion and a few things for you to do.
"First of all, leave the matter of the Northman to me, I will assign someone to deal with him." A dark cloud passed behind his eyes momentarily, but Q'ivel missed it. "Next, I have need of your cloak for a time, it will enable me to leave this place unseen, or at least, unmolested. In exchange, I will leave you my cloak and this ring. When you are finished with your assignment, come present the ring at the palace and you will be admitted. Cloaks will be exchanged at that time."
Q'ivel shrugged out of his cloak and handed it over, studying the ring that the lord handed to him in detail before slipping it on his ring finger. Slipping the embroidered cloak that bore the rose and thorns symbol over his shoulders, the spy looked clearly uncomfortable, as though he were committing a sacrilegious act.
Laughter brought such musings to an end quickly. "Don't worry about petty matters. You work directly for me now, and will report all matters that you find inside of the capitol to me without delay. The lady will now take your orders. In fact, that brings me to your first assignment; I wish you to take care of the lady for a few hours, up to this time tomorrow. I will be otherwise occupied, and I do not wish her to have her bed unoccupied in my absence."
"My lord?" The spy looked torn between desire and despair. "What if the lady does not desire my advances?"
Treize quirked an eyebrow. "What of it? She is yours to do with as you please. Show her my ring, she will understand."
"She is a powerful priestess..."
"Don't be afraid. My power is great enough to protect you from her. This I promise. So go, use and abuse as you see fit. The lady awaits you." Treize slipped away into the shadows of the temple, heading for the entrance.
Q'ivel stood where he was a moment longer before turning to the hidden passageway, a manic grin upon his features. One of the noble-born was his to command.
A few moments later, screams could be heard faintly from the Lady's quarters.
-
He walked in slowly, bending over to whisper in his lady's ear. "Nature beckons me for a moment, Lady. I shall return to you in a moment, to spend a few more minutes in your embrace. At least, before I must return to the toil of the state." His breath touched her ear softly, and she shivered. "Wait here for me, I'll be right back..."
Treize turned to the door and regarded the ward that existed from the previous evening. While it had proven quite efficient at keeping out one or two of the clergy, it wouldn't suffice to stop the whole of the priesthood from the temple, should they decide to break into the room. His eyes glowed as he pressed the palm of his hand directly on the door. The ward seemed to pulse as he fed power into it, darkening as the source corrupted the original magic. Finally he stopped and pulled away. The ward mark now glowed darkly, rooted deeply in power that the Lord had placed there.
Treize smiled, his eyes narrowing as he threw one last gaze at the woman slumbering upon the bed. 'Alas for you, that you do not know the limits that are about to be imposed on you.'
He left the room again. A few minutes later, another figure arrived in the doorway. He wasted no time in niceties; once he familiarized himself with the layout of the place, he moved towards the bed, stripping off his garments as he did so. He leaned over and pressed his lips to the lady's cheek, kissing her gently at first...
Une moaned as she felt her lover climb back into the bed. Last night he had been so full of energy, wearing out the lady in a few hours time. For a while, Une had feared that she wouldn't be allowed any sleep at all. Fortunately, Treize must have seen that and allowed her to get some rest. She felt him lean over and kiss her cheek. 'Ah well, it is time for me to rouse myself anyways. With any fortune he'll be satisfied quickly and move on for the day...' Une rolled over and opened her eyes, preparing to welcome her lover properly. That thought stopped immediately as her gaze fully focused on the man in front of her.
She opened her mouth wide and screamed.
"Now, now, is that any way to treat your new master?" The spy was looking quite smug as he watched the lady pulling her covers tightly about herself. It dissipated momentarily with her reply.
"You could never be my master!" Her hands stretched out, not in greeting, but as a form of repulsion. Q'ivel noted the buildup of power behind the hand, and dove off of the bed. The magic passed harmlessly over his head, but he was not highly pleased. "Lord Khush'Ranada is my only master! Now leave my chamber immediately, or I will summon others to remove you."
"You may try, but I have all the right to remain here."
Une's eyes flashed with anger, and she wove a sigil into the air. When it became visible, she spoke clearly into it. "An intruder has entered my chambers. Please see to it that he does not remain here." The magic symbol disappeared with the sound of a chime.
Muffled footsteps sounded in the hallway, stopping just outside of the door. Shouts were raised as the door defied all efforts to open it. The Lady frowned and turned her attention to the door itself. Her frown deepened as she studied the ward that sealed her room from the rest of the temple. Her gaze swung back to Q'ivel as he stood up again.
"The Lord Khush'Ranada has given me his blessing and command. You would do well to fall in line with it."
The Lady's eyes narrowed. "You lie!"
"I do not, and you are mine to take as I please."
The verbal reply was coupled with the raising of his hand to ensure that the Lady could see the small silver band that encircled his finger. Une gasped, it was Treize's signet. Even more than anyone else, she knew that it could not be taken from him by force. Her voice raised in denial of the facts. "You lie!"
But he wasn't, and as the spy advanced towards her, the Lady called upon her magic to protect her...
And at that moment, the magic failed.
-
For the clergy scattered throughout the temple the change was instantaneous. A scream carried by a hundred voices echoed through the stone halls, as the voice of the god simply ceased. Acolytes fainted away, while the more experienced priests fell to their knees. Any who had been in contact with the divine power were struck down and lay as though dead. The priests outside of the Lady's room fared no better, their efforts to dispel the wards and come to her aid failing as they lost the ability to concentrate on the magic anymore.
Screams were heard from inside the Lady's room by those out in the corridor. At first they loud shrieks, they eventually tapered off into silence. The priest who pressed an ear to the door thought he could detect the sounds of sobbing on the other side, but was unsure if he was hearing correctly. Behind him, three of the door guards stood at attention, waiting for the door to be opened so that they could dispose of the intruder. The priest slammed a fist into the door, bloodying his knuckles in the process. "Injustice! The intruder must be strong to place such a ward of power upon the door! And why can we not break it! What is going on?"
"Perhaps you are not as connected to your deity as you might first appear. Your god has gone silent."
The guards dropped into defensive stances, while the priest whirled around to glare at the speaker. "And what would you know of such things?"
The dark haired youth shrugged dismissively. "I can see better than most."
As he pushed off from the wall that he had been leaning on, Wufei ignored the guardsmen and focused on the priest. "But you really couldn't care less about that. You want to remove the obstacle that is keeping you out of that room so that you can ensure the safety of the lady within." He stepped up to the door and placed a hand upon it. "Stand back."
As the priest stumbled backwards, the door disintegrated under Wufei's hand, leaving only the ward of power shimmering evilly in the air.
---
AN: It took a long time to write this one up. There are a lot of different views in this one, and a lot of questions are probably going to be asked, but I shall attempt to answer them properly in further chapters. A lot of things changed during the writing. Some things are not as I first envisioned them, changing in order to fit the changing storyline. For example, Zechs in the original was slated to be one of two villains. Instead, here he ends up being something of a heroic exhile. Go figure.
Anyway, please take the time to drop a review. I hate knowing that I have readers, but not knowing what you all think. Even if you think that it really needs a lot of work. Please.
