09-Nov-2002
Title: House of Khushrenada
Author: bonnejeanne (bonnejeanne@yahoo.com) and von (sablexo1@yahoo.com)
Category: yaoi, AU, sequel, horror?
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: 1 + 2, 3 + 4, 5 + 6
Spoilers: None
WARNINGS: Weird premise, AU, possible lemon later, knowing us.
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters and universe are the property of the copyright owners. Our stuff is ours. No money being made here.
Feedback: welcome.
NOTES: Another in the Classic Monster Series. Previous fics in the series are American Werewolf in Space, Bloodline, Broken (Silver) Arrow, and Name of the Pharaoh. All can be found at GWA.
The title is a nod to classic horror movies, 'House of Frankenstein' and 'House of Dracula'.
The House had been in Treize's possession for a long time. It had seen eras in history come and go, had been filled with voices and laughter, and passed years in silence. A rug in one long hallway once felt the tread of Napoleon. A table in the north wing once dined royalty, and on another occasion, supped a dictator of half the world. Less obvious were the modifications, the additions; there had been many of those, the most recent shafting down far below the earth, but showing no signs unless one found a special elevator, and used a coded key.
Emerging from the elevator, the master of the House returned the key to its place, and moved through the dark room to where a figure stood waiting for him. The uniformed officer did not bow as he approached. There was no need for such exchange of respect between the man and his master, the relationship was of a kind that transcended such outward displays.
"They are on their way," the man told Treize, a simple confirmation. He was answered with a nod.
"Are you certain you want to do this?" Treize asked, his tone made it a formality.
"Of course," the man answered. "Everything is ready. With all of them arriving so close together, it's going to be... interesting."
Treize smiled, a surprisingly genuine expression on his aristocratic features. "Just what I had in mind."
To Wufei's eyes, the House was crisp and clear, edged in dark light. He watched it distrustfully from under the trees. "I'd prefer it if you stayed here."
"I understand," Zechs replied. "But, not a chance." He, too was focused on the grand old house but more precisely on its occupant.
Wufei's eyes flickered red as he scowled back. "Then, find Noin, locate your sister, and take her away. Leave *him* to me."
Zechs looked back. They didn't have time to argue, so he nodded and left it at that. Leaning forward, he kissed Wufei deeply. "Don't die," he said.
Wufei almost laughed. Reaching up, he pulled Zechs' head down and kissed him ferociously. "No, that is your job. I already have. But you... don't dare think of it."
"Right," Zechs said, feeling his heart pound in his chest. His life had changed in many ways since the night he faced Wufei on the rooftop. What he knew of life and death took on new meanings for him as he discovered the existence of a mirror world where known rules did not apply. Sometimes it was easy to forget that he was not always in charge or could predict the next moment. Looking into Wufei's exotic eyes, he felt that immediate attraction which only seemed to increase with time. Taking a breath, he stood and moved forward towards the house of Khushrenada.
Moving around to the front path, Zechs headed to the main entrance. Knowing Treize, he held little hope of taking the house by surprise. Making it to the front door, Zechs simply pressed the ornate bell.
In spite of himself, Wufei felt a tremendous reluctance to let Zechs get even a few feet away from him. He was acutely aware of the tall young man's body heat, his scent, and the pulse of his blood, all things which screamed to the Chinese warrior of his human fragility. In a human battle, Zechs was to be feared and respected above almost every other soldier of his time. But this wasn't going to be a human battle. Disaster mocked Wufei from his memories. Extending his inhuman senses to their fullest, he nevertheless knew Treize would sense him long before he could fix on Treize. And so he stayed close to Zechs as the Lightning Count approached the front door and rang, simply wrapping himself in darkness in the event that there were human eyes to worry about as well.
Silence answered Zechs' gesture, a silence that stretched out. Then the knob turned and the door opened.
Standing inside, the figure of a man waited, but if Zechs was expecting Treize himself, he was to be disappointed.
And as his eyes focused on the features of the man who waited within, he was to be shocked, and shaken to the foundations of his being.
He could never have failed to recognize the man. A man who he'd thought was dead. A man who'd given his life...
"Come in, Zechs Merquise," Otto said, stepping back to give him entrance.
"Otto," Zechs said, genuinely startled. His first instinct was to reach out to the man, but his very appearance in the house told Zechs all he needed to know. An incredible sadness mixed with rage filled him as he strode across the threshold. "Where is Noin?" Zechs asked.
"Within, sir," Otto said, his tone a match for the deferential one he'd always used with Zechs. He glanced over Zechs' shoulder, and his features shifted slightly. "Your... companion can save his tricks, they won't impress anyone here."
Wufei appeared at Zechs' side, favoring the taller Otto with a full-wattage glare. "Impressing underlings is not something I care about."
"Otto," Zechs said, looking directly at the man. "Is the Princess here as well?"
He was met with a direct look back. "Yes, sir."
"And you did nothing to prevent the abduction of the Monarch of the Sanc Kingdom," Zechs said, gathering information for himself.
"You think she's safer in that school, surrounded by students, and by Romefeller?" Otto asked, and shook his head slightly. "It seems as if your mind has been poisoned to assume the worst motives of a man you once believed in." Turning, he gestured for Zechs to come with him.
"Let's just say I've been privy to the man and his motives in a deeply personal way, lately. When they involve taking my life, destroying others for personal pleasure and kidnapping little girls, then yes, I take a dim view," Zechs said. "And I would rather see Relena, my sister, die in the land of her birth and at the helm of her nation, than in a supposed safe house on foreign soil."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I think you know very little about his motives, and even less about his pleasure," Otto said, glancing towards Wufei with something resembling dislike. "Though it seems you've seen to your own, perhaps."
A low growl was audible from deep in Wufei's throat.
"At one time we walked the same path, Otto, and you questioned the motives of the man you now serve. So, I guess you could say we're equals in this. However, I have never turned my back on my home," Zechs said, walking a pace behind the man who died with his name on his lips.
Otto stopped and turned, facing Zechs. "And when you 'rescue' the princess, will you finally tell her who you are, sir?" Turning back, he opened a door and led them through into a large room. "Perhaps you never turned your back, but can you say you've faced it?"
Zechs walked inside, glancing around. He recognized the heavy scent hanging in the air as age. Turning to Otto, he nodded. "Yes, I will tell her that she has a brother and hope that she can forgive me. There are things about this war, these times, that I was ignorant of and she must know what they are."
A voice from the far side of the room said, "Then in that case, I think we've done some good after all, haven't we, Lucrezia?"
Wufei snarled but before he could move, something almost as fast as he was blurred in front of him and he found Otto blocking his way.
"Mind your manners, little brother," Otto said.
"He's not your brother," Zechs said, looking beyond Otto. "Where is she, Treize?" he asked.
"You know nothing of the matter, Milliardo," Treize said, sitting in a large chair next to a fireplace which had no fire in it. Beside him stood a graceful figure, dark hair swept loosely over one eye. She was dressed in a pale lavender gown that left her shoulders bare, and one hand rested on the General's shoulder. Her gaze seemed a little unfocused, but when her eyes found Zechs' face, she smiled with relief, and only a little confusion.
"Oh Zechs! Finally! I knew I'd find you..."
Zechs frowned. His ice-blue eyes did not miss the alteration in Noin's manner. She had always been a beautiful woman and seeing her in the dress only enhanced that beauty. She was also a soldier and his heart sank as he considered that she might have become one of Treize's legion. "Noin," he managed. "Where is she?"
"Relena? Oh, resting... she's been under such a lot of stress lately. I think she was just exhausted. Let her rest a little while before you take her back, won't you?" Noin answered, still a little unfocused, but coming towards him. "You know I've been searching for you everywhere? "
"Stay away from him, woman," Wufei growled, raising a hand suddenly equipped with long talons to push Otto aside.
Zechs looked from Noin to Treize. "What have you done to her and where is my sister?" he said, evenly. "If you have harmed her, I will destroy you."
Noin frowned, stopping in front of Zechs. "What the hell is wrong with you, Zechs? No one's going to hurt Relena."
"Excuse me Lt. Noin, but this is not a holiday camp. Relena can rest all she likes in her own bed when she returns to the Sanc Kingdom. If you would be so nice as to get her for me," Zechs said, trying to gauge how deeply Noin was involved.
"Take her back there so Romefeller can arrest her instead?" Noin scowled at Zechs. "You might be interested to know they have no intention of leaving her alone. She's a threat to them because people are listening to her. And Duke Dermail isn't going to let her become a threat to him by leaving her in Sanc."
Too fast for human eyes to follow, an exchange took place between Wufei and the man facing him. Zechs felt a cold breath of wind brush him, then heard an impact as someone flew across the room behind him. Then he caught the shape of his lover moving past him and towards Treize.
From the far wall, Otto picked himself up and dusted his clothes. "I'm sorry, Master. You were right... he's... remarkable."
"Didn't bring your crossbow?" Wufei hissed as he advanced on the General.
"Still want my blood, Chang Wufei? I thought you'd had enough of it."
Zechs looked up, relieved to hear Wufei's voice. "It wasn't exactly by mutual consent, was it Treize?" Zechs said.
"Zechs? Who the hell did you bring with you? His voice is familiar..." Noin said, staring at Wufei. Then her brows drew together. "That... kid!"
"Give him what he wants," Wufei said, eyes locked on Treize.
"Remarkable, but stupid," Otto added quietly as he came up to stand beside Zechs.
"Eventually, I will," Treize said to the young Chinese warrior. "Meanwhile, it's time you learned some manners." He stood up. "I'd like to stay and entertain you but we'll have to resume later. I have some other guests who need my attention. Lucrezia, you'd better watch over our young guest."
Noin blinked, and then cast a suspicious look at Wufei and a slightly confused one at Zechs. "Yes sir."
"You're not going anywhere," Wufei said, and grabbed Treize by the arm.
The General's blue eyes flashed but the expression was almost one of pleasure.
"Let go," he said, and the timbre of his voice cut through the room like a knife. Wufei's hand seemed to open of its own accord. He stared at Treize in shock.
"You don't understand, do you, Wufei?" Treize said. "My blood is in your veins. I made you. I've enjoyed watching you but you never could have harmed me."
Zechs felt a cold chill creep up his spine at the exchange between Treize and Wufei. He was highly conscious of Otto close by, but he reached out and took Noin's wrist. "Have you been made as well?" he asked, quietly.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Noin said, frowning at Zechs. She pulled her wrist away. "I'll be back. Wouldn't you rather have someone stay with her?"
She quickly joined Treize and the two crossed to a doorway. Before Zechs could do anything else, Otto's hand fell on his shoulder.
Just before walking out the door, Noin looked back at Zechs. "You could have at least said you were glad to see me," she muttered, and then closed the door behind them.
Zechs felt some of the tension leave the room as the door closed. As he saw it, he had several obstacles to overcome, but he vowed to get Noin and his sister away from the house. Feeling the weight of Otto's hand on his shoulder, he said, simply, "Let me go, Otto."
Wufei, who was standing rather too still staring after Treize, turned and moved fast enough to be a blur. Otto's hand was knocked away from Zechs and Wufei placed his body between them.
Otto shook his head and moved back, leaning against a table.
"What's going here, Otto? If Treize is as powerful as I think, what does he want with Relena? Zechs asked, attempting to make some sense out of this.
"He's more powerful than you can guess," Otto said quietly. "And that, I think, is the whole problem. I honestly don't know exactly what he wants from Miss Relena, though it might be nothing more than a way to bring you here. Had you thought of that, sir?"
"Quite frankly, I didn't have time to think," Zechs answered. "What happened to you, Otto?" he asked, quietly.
Wufei scowled, unsettled by the idea of the Peacecraft girl being used as bait simply because of who she would be the bait for. It didn't surprise him that Treize might want to find a way to get Zechs to return to his side. Not at all. It chilled him with its sheer logic.
Otto glanced at Wufei and a slight curve pulled his mouth up at the corners. Returning his attention to Zechs, the slight smile softened. "You know the story up to a point. I suppose we'd no idea, any of us - you, Lt. Noin, myself, how interested the General was in your actions, but it turned out he was watching you very closely. After the attack to liberate Sanc... I *was* dead, sir, to all intents and purposes. My body was damaged beyond repair and you know the Specials' policy on such things - no extreme measures if the soldier cannot be returned to a productive life. My body was recovered when Tallgeese was, but there was a great deal going on. You were too busy with the recovery of Sanc to realize that special orders had been sent to have my remains placed in cool storage and sent away. They were sent directly to him. I told you he was powerful. It seems that if there is the slightest spark of life left in enough of the body's cells, he can initiate the change. I'm told there wasn't any certainty it would have worked, but it did. He gave me a second life."
As horrifying as it sounded, Zechs listened to each word of Otto's tale. "Can you leave this place, should you desire?" he asked, taking in information.
Otto looked slightly startled. "Of course. Can and have."
"By daylight?" Wufei hissed.
The former soldier looked at the young Gundam pilot with something like amused tolerance. "No. Not by daylight. I'm told one must be a great deal older in the new life for that."
Zechs nodded. "I sincerely hope you reach that age, Otto. Perhaps, you will honor it better than your Master." Turning, Zechs headed towards the door.
"My master... and his," Otto said, straightening. "Where are you going, sir?"
"I'm going to find my sister," Zechs said, considering the matter closed.
"Of course, sir," Otto said, bowing his head slightly.
Wufei followed Zechs, with a glare behind him at the vampire soldier with whom Zechs obviously had some history, though Wufei had no knowledge of it. However, once the door was closed behind them, he hesitated, watching Zechs' determined posture.
Turning to face Wufei, Zechs placed his hands on the Chinese pilot's shoulders. "Treize might be strong," he said, looking into Wufei's eyes. "But his blood is not the only blood that flows within you. You have mine as well."
Wufei's eyes widened, and he looked away abruptly. "He said... Treize was his master... and mine," Wufei said, the words coming with little explosions of air, because he so loathed saying them. "I might... not be able to protect you. If he truly has some way of controlling my will... you'd be better off without me." Wufei refused to meet Zechs' eyes and stared at the floor.
"No," Zechs replied. "I am not better off without you, whatever might happen. We travel together," he added.
Wufei finally looked up and the conflict in his dark eyes was evident. He was afraid of so many things, most of them things he didn't know about himself. He'd had cause to doubt many things in the past, his strength, his worthiness, his judgment... but never his will.
He was unable to express any of this, unable to even vent his anger at Treize - what, had he simply been allowing Wufei to chase him across Earth for his amusement? Knowing he could have stopped him with a word like an errant schoolboy? It took all Wufei's terrible effort and made it sham. Caught in his silence, Wufei simply jerked his head quickly down and up and nodded stiffly, indicating for Zechs to resume wherever he had been about to do.
Seeing the conflict in Wufei's face, Zechs declined to continue the conversation. There would be plenty time for talk once they made it out safely... or if. Moving down the corridor of the old mansion, Zechs saw a staircase and headed for it.
Heading down in the concealed elevator, Noin tried to order her thoughts and clear her head. The scene she had just been a part of had taken on a surreal, dreamlike quality, and she found herself wondering if it had really happened. Had that really been Zechs? He seemed so hostile! It didn't make much sense. And the boy with him... very strange, very *very* strange. Yes, if a dream, it all made more sense, otherwise why would the Gundam pilot who made a shambles of Victoria Base and humiliated her there be... with Zechs? And why did he seem somehow more dangerous, menacing? Her attention had not been on him during the times he'd been facing Otto, but some of his movements had blurred at the edges of her vision... yes, a dream would cover all the bases... But she still felt disturbed, and even a bit hurt and angry at Zechs' attitude. Ok, dream-Zechs. So whatever the meaning of this dream, it escaped her.
Getting off the elevator, she walked past the huge, darkened shape that never moved, that she never even saw when she was down here, and opened a certain door. Relena was curled up on top of the covers of the large, antique bed, looking fragile and sweet. Finding a chair, Noin sat down without making any noise that would disturb the princess's sleep and closed her own eyes, just for a few moments. Maybe when she opened them, things would start making sense again.
Getting through the battles that were taking place around the area was tricky, but not beyond their skill. Finding the exact location was more difficult, took more time, but before long, Trowa was surveying the building - he was tempted to call it a castle, but it was referred to on the vague maps of the area as a 'mansion' - from the cover of the forested area surrounding it.
After a moment he passed the field glasses to Quatre. "What do you think - that it?"
Quatre looked through the glasses, but it was almost unnecessary. His senses spoke volumes and he looked up at Trowa. "That's it," he said.
The easiest way to get in would be to get HeavyArms and blast a hole in a wall... and it would be satisfying too. However...
Trowa decided on a side entrance that might have been once used by servants. The house looked deserted, unused, but not abandoned. The nature of the battles they'd had to get through indicated the Treize Faction was desperately trying to keep this area protected from Mobile Dolls. There was only one likely reason.
The door wasn't even locked.
Quatre touched Trowa's arm. "Be careful, Trowa," he said, rubbing his forehead. "There are... I'm feeling different energies here."
"Don't waste your concentration worrying about me, Quatre." The dark hallways were quiet. Methodically, Trowa led the pair through a search pattern, finding nothing but more empty rooms and hallways until they reach a portal that appeared to be the only way to reach the rest of the estate.
As modern as most of what they had seen was not, a security lock blocked the way.
A mechanical voice broke the silence. "Place your hand on the scanner and state your name."
Quatre looked up at Trowa, and then placed his hand on the device. "Quatre Reberba Winner," he said. It was better than a fifty-fifty chance that an alarm would go off somewhere, but it was worth a try.
"Accepted."
The panel in front of them opened smoothly, revealing yet another large, mostly dark room, this one lined with bookshelves filled with too many volumes to guess the number.
As they walked inside, the panel closed behind them. Then a single beam of light glowed into existence, focused on a chest-high case with a glass cover, which contained an ancient piece of papyrus, with carefully scribed hieroglyphs covering its surface.
Quatre recognized it - he'd held it in his hands once, not so very long ago, in the Valley of Kings.
"We were right," he said. "They've excavated the cave. His spirit is here somewhere and there might be other artifacts. If we can find them, we can take them back where they belong. I doubt their removal was sanctioned by the Cairo Museum."
The sound of a soft step drew their attention to the balcony that ran around the room, giving access to the upper shelves. A distinctive figure stepped out from the shadows, cape draped over one shoulder.
"Actually, it was," the cultured voice answered Quatre's remark. "I'm not certain they fully realized the value of the tomb, since all the identifying cartouches were destroyed. But I agreed to return the tomb's contents once there is no further danger from military action."
Trowa's eyes narrowed as he marked the General's location.
"But that military action was caused by your troops, was it not?" Quatre said, frowning. There was something about this man that raised his internal alarms.
Treize stepped gracefully down the stairs. "That's comparable to saying the police cause crime," he said with a slight smile. "However, with Romefeller turning to Mobile Dolls, I have doubts the current situation is any safer for the artifacts."
Taking a step forward, Quatre looked up to the OZ leader. "It's not a matter of safety," he said. "You don't understand. It is better for the artifacts to remain where they were."
Treize studied the blond Gundam pilot curiously. "Did you really think, once the tomb was opened, that it would remain undisturbed?"
Quatre looked down. "No. I didn't think," he admitted. "But it doesn't change the fact that they belong in Egypt."
Looking back up at Treize, he noted the man's stature and appearance. Beyond his looks, Quatre could feel power radiating from him in waves.
The General came closer, looking at Quatre with an expression of interest. "Though you don't look it, so do you yourself, or somewhere similar - isn't that true?"
Trowa felt a sudden, sharp fury. He didn't like the man standing that close to Quatre. Didn't like the way he was looking at Sandrock's pilot.
"Yes," Quatre said, suddenly uncomfortable under the man's gaze. He took a step back, feeling his cheeks warm. "So... why didn't you take your place in Romefeller and stop the Mobile Doll construction?
"You over estimate what a single person could do, when the rest of the organization has decided on its course. I chose not to become a puppet of Romefeller." Smiling, Treize reached out and traced the line of Quatre's jaw with one gloved finger. "Perhaps I should have followed your example and taken them on in a mobile suit. The proper one would be a Gundam..."
He blinked in surprise when a slender hand with steel fingers materialized around his wrist, pulling his hand away from Quatre. Green eyes seemed to bore past the swath of brown hair to meet his own like lasers.
For a split second, Treize exerted a little of his real strength, expecting the boy's grip to snap and falter. His arm quivered, but the grip held.
Treize's attention sharpened on the quiet boy... no, angry soldier, who was somehow actually staring him down. Relaxing his arm, he inclined his head fractionally in acknowledgement.
Trowa released his arm and stepped back - between Treize and Quatre.
"You have remarkable strength, young pilot," Treize said softly.
Quatre blinked as his heart slowed. He reached up and touched Trowa's back, grateful for the contact. It steadied him. "The Princess of Sanc Kingdom is missing. She's not with Romefeller. Is she here?" he asked.
Treize's mouth curved. "You seem remarkably well informed. Yes, I asked her to come. Like yourselves, she is bringing new ideas into the world. I wanted to hear them from her lips."
"She left rather abruptly. It caused concern," Quatre said. "May we talk to her?"
"I believe she is resting. Perhaps after that," Treize said. "Although I am not aware of any concern in Sanc caused by her visit here."
Quatre heard the words, but everything within him told him that things weren't what they appeared to be. "Your security system had my name and palm print. Why?" he asked.
"I programmed it for all you Gundam pilots when I came here after leaving OZ," Treize said. "I was going to ask you, Quatre Winner, if your interest in Relena Peacecraft was because of your family's pacifism."
"Partially," Quatre answered. "I wanted to see how a Pacifistic country works, especially now. Countries like Sanc will be needed when the fighting ends."
"So you do not believe that the princess's policies themselves can end the fighting."
"If they are listened to, then yes," Quatre said. "She needs support. Soldiers and people like us fight because we have to, but ordinary people don't need war."
"That view was prevalent in the Colonies, wasn't it? But you chose to fight. I'm afraid you might not be as much in the minority any more in your homeland of space." Treize watched Quatre closely.
The words somehow made Trowa even more uneasy. For a moment he felt an odd chill, and a vision seemed to pass before his eyes of people dressed in unfamiliar garments, arguing, then fighting. A dream falling apart. It was happening again...
Quatre felt his shoulders slump. Treize had confirmed his worst fear. "The people of outer space don't need to be fighting," he said. That's what we are for, he thought to himself. The urge to return to space filled him once again.
"There is a man in the colonies that agrees with your view. He believes that his colony should not even contribute their resources to the manufacture of weapons. But OZ has made many friends in outer space. He will soon be facing a vote that could change everything for his family," Treize said, watching Quatre.
Quatre swallowed hard. Without knowing, he guessed that the man Treize spoke of was his Father. Now, it became imperative that he make it back to outer space.
"Romefeller has made an un-wise decision," Quatre said. "They should have kept you."
Treize smiled. "You are mistaken, young Winner," he said. "It was not their decision. It was mine. I decided not to keep them." Taking a step back, Treize bowed. Then he said, "I'm afraid I must leave you for now. Other visitors are about to arrive. I hope you will stay for a little while. There are things here you may find of interest."
Quatre nodded. "We will," he said.
Treize smile seemed to increase in intensity, which Trowa found he disliked quite a bit. The man turned, went back up the stairs, and seemed to vanish into the shadows.
Quatre felt the tension in his body drain as Treize left the room. He put his arms around Trowa, hugging the green-eyed pilot hard. "After this, I've got to get back to space," he said, feeling the conflict between his desires and duties.
Trowa arm moved around Quatre's shoulders. He didn't have anything to say to answer the growing conflict he saw in Quatre's wide eyes. He didn't think the Gundams could do very much in space. And if the colonies had accepted OZ, it was possible that they weren't needed any more. His instincts told him there were things about it that weren't right, but another part of him, a new part, nudged him to trust the Arabian pilot's instincts.
"In the meantime, there's more here than just the scroll. Maybe we should try and find the rest," he said quietly.
"Yes," Quatre said, enjoying the time in Trowa's arms.
"I still think the best idea would be to step on the thing with Deathscythe," Duo said in mock complaint. "Then he'd *know* we were at the door." The attempt at humor was a mask for uneasiness. The hair on the back of his neck just would not lie down. Fortunately his braid covered it.
"Tempting," Heero replied. "He probably knows we're here already. Maybe later," he added. The house was dark and still on the outside.
Reaching down, he gripped the side door entrance handle. When it did not open at the first turn, Heero gripped harder.
"I know," Duo said under his breath. "That's one of the things I don't like about it." Nudging the Japanese boy aside, he covered the door latch for a moment and Heero heard a soft click, before Duo stepped aside with a sweeping gesture. "After you, 01."
"What did you do?" Heero asked raising his gun.
"Trade secret," Duo smirked, taking up a spot on Heero's heels.
Heero moved into the room quickly. Glancing around, he noted that they had come into what looked like a kitchen area. Moving in further, he checked the area and looked back at Duo. "It's clear," he said, spotting another door out.
Duo was doing his own survey. It didn't feel clear. And there were hints on the air. Things he couldn't place yet, but it was enough to make him roll his shoulders to try and shrug off the feeling. The problem was if this had been an OZ base he would have had some idea what to expect. He nodded in acknowledgement to Heero and glided behind him silently.
Opening the door, Heero moved on. The next room appeared to be a dining room. A long table, covered in white extended in the room. There were tall backed chairs and other furniture, which hinted at old wealth. It was obvious that at some point in the house's history, a great number of people had dined there.
"Clear," Heero said. "This is almost too easy," he added.
"I wonder what an ex-General of OZ does when he's not a General any more?" Duo mused softly. His nostrils dilated as he caught one of the scents again, stronger this time. It was... not like anything he had ever encountered before and it pulled his nerves taut. A second scent tickled his senses teasingly. Both seemed to localize beyond yet another door. Nudging Heero, he pointed with his chin.
Heero nodded and proceeded to the door.
The room beyond was a wide hall, with a large staircase curving upwards at one end. Both scents were sharply stronger now, the second starting to override the first. That strong aroma made itself at home in Duo's senses, leaving his skin feeling uncomfortably prickly and warm. Shaking his head, he tried to focus on the other, the one that had been stronger at first, because it caused alarms to go off. It was a scent of age, of power, of cold... but the flush running over his body jarred his concentration. Looking up, he stepped in front of Heero suddenly and pushed him back.
"To answer your question, he spends his time as best he can," a cultured voice answered from the staircase. "Sometimes he entertains guests..."
Heero frowned as his view was suddenly impeded by his lover. Whatever was going on, he trusted Duo's instincts. Stepping forward, he touched Duo's shoulder. "I see," Heero said, remembering that Duo had asked the question in the other room. Maybe the former OZ leader just had good hearing, or maybe it was something else entirely. What Heero knew of his partner and himself, anything was possible.
"You may not believe me but I'm actually very glad to see you, young pilots," Treize said, coming a couple of steps down but not quite to floor level. He lifted a small remote in his hand and the lights came up, but not too brightly. Because of the placement of the lamps, there were still areas of the large room almost entirely in shadow. "I trust you had no trouble finding the house?"
"Once we got past the Mobile Suit security system, it was easy," Heero said. "You're very well protected." Moving his hand from Duo's shoulder, he stood next to the violet-eyed pilot, maintaining body contact.
"Yes, I am," the General acknowledged. "Brave men and loyal soldiers have taken me up as a cause. You might not realize it, but that they have done so is entirely without my consent. I can't say that I don't understand them, however. They believe, as I do, that even peace can become meaningless if the battles fought to achieve it are done by soulless machines."
"I don't see where it matters much. It's the soldiers who become meaningless when peace is achieved and that's as it should be," Heero said. What the OZ leader said had given him insight to how he thought. "As someone more important than me, I guess you see it differently, though."
"But I think of you as very important," Treize said, his voice a warm purr. "All of you Gundam pilots are not just important, but essential." He smiled and turned his attention to Duo, who was standing a bit uneasily beside Heero, but managing to look nonchalant to all but the keenest observer. "I'm glad to see you've recovered completely from our last encounter. Will you tell me your name? I know the names of most of the other Gundam pilots but you are a true mystery..."
"You're glad I recovered? So what was the idea of shooting me then? And why would you want to know my name? So you can say you once shot Duo Maxwell? I wouldn't have thought that kind of bragging was your style, but I guess I can be wrong now and then," Duo quipped, his voice edged with ice but also roughened slightly in reaction to the strange scents and the effect one of them was having on him. He had a very strong urge to jump for Treize's throat. The man's lifeblood would taste... giving himself a shake, Duo tried and failed not to be shocked by his own thoughts but it was as if something was seeping under the edges of his humanity, trying to let out the beast inside with whom he had managed to coexist rather effortlessly until this moment.
"Hn," Heero said, softly. There were things about this encounter that he just did not like. For one, the OZ leader seemed to be holding all of the cards. Apparently, he knew the names of the other Gundam pilots and Duo had just given him his name, but what really troubled him was that things weren't adding up. "I got the impression that we were only a nuisance for OZ and the powers that be. We haven't been able to affect any significant change. At least, I know I haven't. Our efforts are miniscule compared to the forces against us. It also seems as though OZ has managed to infiltrate the Colonies as well. You're getting your way, so what do people need with Gundam pilots?"
"OZ may be getting their way. But you are far more than just a nuisance. A thorn may be small but it can bring down a lion. You have done something more significant than destroy bases or mobile suits. Is it possible you really don't understand how you have changed the world around you?" Treize took another couple of steps down.
Unconsciously, Duo found himself growling underneath his breath. A detached observer inside his head made a note of this with the comment, 'Maxwell - losing it'.
Heero heard the growl and stepped a little ahead of Duo. "I don't think you should come any further," he said. "My friend doesn't like you very much."
Treize stopped where he was and studied Duo. "I think you are correct, Heero Yuy. That is your code name, I believe? He seems to be quite put out with me. I can understand that, of course. It *is* interesting, however, considering that there is a tradition of enmity between lycanthropes and my kind." The slow smile that accompanied this statement had an odd glitter to it. "I've always considered it mere folklore since I have not had an encounter with one until recently."
"Maybe he prefers monsters like me," Heero said, softly. "And just what is your kind?" he asked.
"Let's just say I am older than I look," Treize answered smoothly. "So you think of yourself as a monster, Heero Yuy?"
"Yeah," Heero responded, watching the taller man.
"And do you want to be human?" Treize asked curiously.
"Not anymore," Heero replied.
The General smiled. "Then it sounds as if you are making progress, young pilot."
Heero's chin tilted upwards. "And how would you know all of this?" he asked.
"I don't know as much as I would like," Treize answered. "That is one of the reasons I wanted you to come here: so that I could learn more."
Heero glanced at Duo, then back to the General. "Why," he asked, "Are you thinking about starting your own private group? I don't think it'll work."
"No I was not thinking about starting a private group. But I am starting to wonder if anarchy is actually possible. It might save humanity."
"Well, if you're thinking about using the Gundam pilots, you're going to be disappointed. We don't exactly mix," Heero said. "And you're probably going to have to come up with something better than anarchy. As far as I can tell, we tried it and it didn't work."
"In the long term, no," Treize replied, eyes gleaming with pleasure at the exchange. "Nature's organizing principles move towards order - which then breaks down. But the cycle stops when stasis is achieved. That is what Romefeller and the Mobile Dolls are creating. If you stop now, it will be your achievement as well, since Romefeller is reacting in large degree to the threat they perceive in you."
"So you're saying, for the sake of humanity, that we have to continue to fight the Mobile Dolls," Heero said.
Treize shook his head. "Certainly, if you wish. But no, I'm not saying that. For the sake of humanity, you only need to continue to be what you are already."
A corner of Heero's mouth lifted. "I get it," he said, looking back to Duo. "Just continue to be anarchists," he added.
"Thanks," Duo growled. "Don't mind if I do." Turning to Heero, he commented, "So, as anarchists, are we going to blow this popstand to kingdom come? Just wondering..."
"I guess it's as good a place as any," Heero answered.
"And here I was hoping you might stay for just a little while," Treize said smiling. "I have another guest who would very much like to see you, Heero."
Heero looked back at the tall man. "If it's Relena Peacecraft, then send my regards. She's here, right?" he said.
Treize inclined his head. "She is here and would, as I understand it, like to see you, but that is not who I was speaking of."
Duo made a circular motion with his hand while rolling his eyes. "You sure like to hear yourself talk, dontcha?" He felt even more uneasy about this reference to someone who wanted to see Heero. He didn't like the sound of it one little bit.
"Who?" Heero asked.
A figure stepped out of the shadows beside the stairs. The old man had white hair to his shoulders, a goatee, and there were round lenses where his eyes should have been. He walked with a cane and one arm was replaced with a mechanical prosthetic.
Heero frowned deeply. Something was definitely wrong here. "Dr. J," he said, "What are you doing here?"
"We were captured by OZ, Heero. By a woman working for Treize Khushrenada, to be precise. When there was a shift in power, we were scheduled to be executed, however he arranged to have me brought to Earth." The old man studied his agent. "He's told me some very interesting things about you, Heero. It seems you have altered your previous directive."
When Duo realized, and he felt remarkably slow for taking so long, that this was the one Heero had told him about, he felt a flare of rage that spiked above the one he'd felt upon seeing Treize. A red haze seemed to lower over his vision, coloring the old man with a crimson filter. His body tensed with the need to spring.
Heero could sense the change in Duo's body, but he did not move. "Yeah, well things happen. What exactly did he tell you?"
"For one thing, that your alliance with 02 has become something more than convenience of the moment," Dr. J replied. "Are you aware that 05 has been totally out of contact for months? You don't need to answer that, I am sure you did not. Can you tell me the status of 03 and 04? "
"No," Heero answered. "I assume that they are conducting their missions, if they have any. As far as I'm concerned, they are just like me... free to conduct themselves as they see fit. Free agents. I was unaware of any orders that I should keep tabs on them," Heero said. "As to my alliance with Duo Maxwell, it's none of your business."
Dr. J nodded. "I expected changes in you, but these are certainly interesting ones," he commented.
"So, what's the plan now, Dr. J? Are you siding with Treize? What's the order?" Heero asked. He did owe the man a lot, but he drew the line at everything.
"I'm not going to give you any order right now, Heero," Dr. J said. "If you act on your emotions, you will probably do what needs to be done. However, I would like to check you over for what may be the last time. Will you come with me?"
Heero felt a creeping numbness along his spine at the doctor's simple words. "I'm all right," he said. "Everything's in working order."
"It won't take long," Dr. J said, turning as if expecting Heero to follow him.
"I'll send you a report," Heero said, standing his ground. His near perfect recall replayed scenes of endless pain. At first, he would wake in the darkness to wonder who was screaming and later on finding only himself in the lab. After a while, it got to be a game of endurance. He always won.
Dr. J paused and turned back, light gleaming on the round goggle lenses. He looked at the Japanese boy for a long moment and then said, "I'm sorry, Heero."
Duo glared at the old man and snarled, the sound more animal than human.
Treize said, "Otto."
Suddenly one of the two scents that had been gradually growing stronger in Duo's senses assaulted him sharply, almost masking the sudden presence behind him. He whirled to see a man standing behind him, holding a small vial, the stopper in his other hand. There was something about the man that was wrong, but he couldn't focus, his skin felt hot, his blood seemed to pound in his veins. He wanted to rip the man's throat out - that would fix things...
Heero turned as well. Seeing the man behind them, he raised his weapon and fired off several shots. Something was definitely wrong here.
The bullets hit their mark... or seemed to... but they also seemed to go through the man's body, not like vapor but like a viscous liquid. The man reacted, moving backwards but at the same time spilling the contents of the vial deliberately on Duo.
The shock that went through Duo's body was instant. A howl came from his throat even as he doubled over.
Heero's brow furrowed dangerously. With all of the strength he possessed, he hit the creature before him, before dropping to the floor to help Duo.
The blow hit Otto in the chest and threw him back as if he had been struck by a cannon.
Duo's body under Heero's hands was changing. Bone under flesh, flesh shifting as well. His clothing strained, then ripped and tore under the stress. Wildly, fangs snapped at the remaining shreds of material that were binding and confining him. A delicate chain broke and a gold cross spilled onto the floor.
Heero saw what was happening and ripped Duo's clothing, freeing him. Seeing the chain and cross, he picked them up as well. "I think we'll be leaving now," he said, evenly.
Fully shifted into his alternate form now, Duo's mind was more the beast than ever before, saving the first time, which he did not remember. He felt the hands touching him and accepted them instinctively, but his eyes fastened on human forms around him - the strange man who had appeared and was now picking himself up, showing no signs of damage from the superhuman blow he'd been dealt - the man on the stairs, whose presence evoked a killing rage - the old man beside the stairs whom he hated, *hated*, without having to know why, it wasn't important. Snarling, he moved his head back and forth, choosing his first prey.
"I don't think he can hear you," Treize said calmly.
"What have you done to him?" Heero asked Treize.
"It's temporary, it will wear off, in a while," Treize said. "The liquid is derived from essence of wolfsbane among other things."
Duo's eyes had fixed on Dr. J, and he snarled, his muscles tensing to spring.
Heero lunged at Treize, reaching for the OZ leader's throat. It was one thing for him to have to endure experimentation; it was a killing offense for his lover to be subjected to it.
Treize had been watching for something like that. For a few seconds Heero felt something under his hand, then it seemed to evaporate. A cold shadow seemed to move by him.
The moment Heero moved, Duo sprang for the figure of the old scientist. Dr. J got his prosthetic arm up so that it was metal and not the old man's throat that Duo's fangs closed on. Growling ferociously, he shook the object, pulling it loose from Dr. J's body.
"How annoying," Dr. J said calmly as he tried to avoid being ripped apart.
Knowing his master could hold his own, even considering the Japanese pilot's freakish strength and speed, Otto grasped the bundle on the floor that had been prepared for this contingency. The net would have been too heavy for a human to lift, but he grabbed it and threw it over the huge beast before it could succeed in mutilating the scientist. Silver wire wound through the heavy ropes kept the werewolf from tearing through it.
Heero cursed to himself as Treize slipped through his fingers. A short distance away, he saw Duo under the net and moved towards him. Lacing his fingers through the ropes, he tore at the net to set his lover free.
Leaning on his cane, Dr. J watched Heero closely.
"Heero," he said. "Odin-86."
The moment Heero heard the syllables, he felt everything stop. His muscles went slack. He slid to the ground in a small heap, eyes open, but unable to focus.
Still half entangled in the net, the sound that came from Duo's throat raised the hackles on everyone who heard it, even those who might have expected to be nerveless. Enraged violet eyes focused on Dr. J and promised death.
Unfortunately, the event provided enough distraction for Otto to appear and drop a silver-beringed fist on Duo's skull with strength that would have cracked a lesser one.
End of Part Two
TBC
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sablexo1@yahoo.com,
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