17-Aug-2001
Here is the next part of Beauty and the Beast for you to post up on Gundam Wing Addiction. If there are any problems don't hesitate to contact me.
Author: Tigress Pern
Title: Beauty and the Beast
Archive: GW Addiction
Type: drama/fairy tale
Warnings: Une+Treize, some OOC
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing isn't mine, it never has and never will.
With little success, Une attempted to guide the Beast towards the magical rose garden. They had been avoiding it since the first day Une had found it. The small walled garden, with its emotionally sensitive blossoms had given the Beast his first chance to hope.
He didn't want to discover that Une's kindness wasn't genuine. It would be the worst blow he would have ever been dealt in his life. Although his servants kept telling him he was being a coward, especially Zechs, he still wouldn't go into the garden.
"That was very lovely last night." Une commented as they walked.
"Yes, it was." The Beast agreed.
"The violinist and flutist were wonderful. Who were playing the instruments?"
"Quatre was playing the violin and Trowa was playing the flute."
"I didn't realize that Catherine's little brother knew how to play a musical instrument. Quatre was wonderful, I have always liked the sound of the violin." The Beast nodded as Une continued to discuss the recital that he'd organized for their enjoyment. Actually Quatre had approached him about it some time ago, but it wasn't until recently that he'd finally given in to his servant's polite requests. The musical entertainment had gone over well as Une was still talking about it.
"My father would hire musicians for parties. They were always so talented and I enjoyed listening immensely. I don't have any musical talent, so I always have envied and admired those who do." Une admitted as they continued to walk.
"Unfortunately, I cannot play an instrument either." The Beast replied lifting one paw and uncurling his claws. "These tend to get in the way." Une smiled and chuckled.
"Surely there must be something you can play, even if it is horribly. I murder the pianoforte every time I try. I won't even subject you to the harp. My mother tried to get me to learn, but I failed miserably. I think Hilde buried all the harp music in the house after that first lesson." The Beast thought about this for a moment before answering.
"There was one time I tried to learn the viola, but broke all the strings. I gave up after that."
"And now you know you are not the only one to fail." Une stated nodding, a sweet smile on her face. He couldn't help but smile back. Gazing into her face, the Beast found himself lost in her beautiful eyes. She'd given up wearing the glasses weeks ago, which allowed him to stare at her without a barrier. Her brown eyes were gentle and drew him in with their warmth. He was so intent on her that he didn't realize where they were until Une turned away. Suddenly he realized that he was in the middle of a sea of roses. The roses shifted color around them as they read the Beast's fear. Une watched them, intrigued by their rapidly altering shades.
"It appears that they cannot make up their minds." Une said reaching for one blossom. As her fingers touched it, the rose settled on one color. White. The Beast felt his heart leap. Instantly the garden shifted into a combination of white and red roses. "White means spiritual purity and 'I am worthy of you' am I correct?"
"Yes." The Beast replied.
"Interesting." Une said turning down the path out of the garden. She was several paces ahead before the Beast shook himself out of his shock. Smiling to himself, he hurried after her. Red meant true love, white meant pure love and together they meant unity. Maybe tonight she would accept his proposal.
The forest opened in front of the rider. In front was a large ornate gate that gave entry to a large chateau beyond. Fighting a suddenly nervous mount, the rider swore and urged the animal forward. Above thunderclouds opened up and a torrent of rain crashed down. Suddenly soaking wet, the rider spoke softly to the horse and pressed it forward. Placing a hand on the gate, the rider prayed they would open.
"It's raining." Catherine said as she folded the covers back on Une's bed.
"It does that occasionally here. The magic cannot keep Mother Nature out forever." Sally stated. Une sat in a chair drying off from her bath. She was just beginning to braid her hair when Sally came up behind her. Translucent hands attached to translucent arms reached across to grab an ivory brush. What Une could see of the servants was increasing each day. Just yesterday she'd seen a pair of black boots go racing down the hall past her, the servants hands clenched into fists as it ran. There was less of the breezes and more human movement. It was pleasing because she didn't feel quite alone anymore. These servants were even becoming her friends. She tried to thank them individually if she could, but didn't always succeed. She couldn't wait until she could see them completely.
"Here now, let me braid your hair." Sally was saying.
"She looks prettier with it down." Catherine informed her friend.
"But she likes to braid it and we have to do what she says."
"I was thinking of leaving it down, actually." Une said staring at her reflection in the vanity mirror.
"Yeah!" Catherine cheered. Sally merely put down the brush and headed for the wardrobe. Just as she opened it the door to Une's room flew open revealing a pair of feet, arms, and hands. The arms were covered in the sleeves of a black coat with white cuffs of a starched shirt peeking out.
"DUO! How many times do we have to tell you to stay out of Lady Une's room while she's dressing?" Catherine practically screamed picking up a pillow and tossing it at the footman. He dodged.
"It's important! There's a stranger on the premises! Nobody's sure what to do and…." Suddenly Une stood, tightened the belt of her robes and marched towards the wardrobe. Snatching a simple dress of dark blue, she retreated towards bathing room.
"What is she doing?" Duo asked.
"I have no idea." Catherine muttered.
"I wonder if Relena is right and she can hear us?" Sally said. "I mean she has been here several months it would only be natural for her to begin to hear and see us."
"I can hear you. Now has anyone informed the Beast that we have a visitor?" Une called from behind the closed door. Startled, the three servants looked at each other.
"Quatre ran to do that." Duo replied. "Lady Une, you are the lady of the house according to…ah the Beast."
"Yes, I know that. And as such, I'm taking responsibility as hostess. We need to find out who this person is, but we also need to ready a meal. Whoever they are will be tired and hungry. At the same time we must be cautious, we do not know if they are friend or foe yet. Everyone should try to make this place look as normal as possible."
"That might be a bit hard." Sally informed her. "We are invisible to everyone who comes to this chateau. It is only after they have spent time here that they can begin to, well as what is happening to you."
"I understand." Une thought for a moment how to make the servants less invisible. If the person thought this was just an ordinary noble's retreat, then they would have an advantage if the person turned unfriendly. "Duo."
"Yes Lady Une?"
"Go and tell the Beast that I will handle this. He isn't to make his presence known unless our guest turns on us."
"Yes. Right away." Duo turned to leave, but Une called to him one more time.
"And see if you can find gloves and cloaks that go all the way to the floor. I want all the servants wearing them. Make sure that they can be seen by anyone not familiar with the castle's magic."
"Why?" asked Catherine.
"Because I'm going to pretend I am an eccentric noblewoman. Therefore I plan on doing things that are unusual, this will help rationalize why all my servants are wearing cloaks with their hoods pulled up over their faces."
"I get it!" Duo cried.
"Then get moving! Sally, Catherine, I want you to help him."
"Yes Lady Une!" The three servants scampered out leaving Une to prepare for her debut as the eccentric owner of the chateau.
Standing at the top of the great staircase, Une summed up all her courage as now cloaked servants opened the doors. She had to be stern and appear as if nothing was out of the ordinary. A quick glance around told her that the Beast wasn't lurking about. Quatre had come to her to express the Beast's feelings on the matter. He was not crazy about her idea, but he trusted her enough that he would do as she bid. Still she knew he was concerned for her safety and that made her feel better.
The stranger entered and looked about them. Clad in a rain sodden hooded cloak, the rider's face was hidden from view. Sturdy well-worn riding boots were caked in mud and left footprints all over the entryway. The boots would have to be taken off here before they reached any of the carpeted rooms Une surmised. Otherwise Abdul would have a fit. The man hated when people didn't clean up after themselves.
Taking a deep breath she took a step down the stairs.
"Good day sir." She said in an even tone watching with a small bit of satisfaction the person jump backwards. Obviously they didn't expect anyone. "Welcome to my chateau, you are welcome to stay until the rain stops. May I ask what business you have in the Bloodwood?" The rider stared up at Une as she descended. Hoping that the sight of a woman in this lonely and dangerous woods was making them uncomfortable, Une smiled to herself. Suddenly the rider removed their hood and Une faltered. "HILDE?"
"Une! You're all right!" Hilde raced up the stairs to hug her sister. Une was too shocked to do anything but return the embrace.
"Hilde, what are you doing here? How did you find this place?"
"I did what Father did and got lost." Hilde smiled as Une released her. Then her face fell. "Une, Father is very ill."
"What?"
"I wouldn't have come looking for you, but he's very sick. The physician doesn't know what it is and the town is acting like he's already dead! I left him in the care of Mrs. Noventa and came to fetch you. Please say you can come back." Une hugged her sister again and tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to flow. Around her the servants muttered amongst themselves.
"I don't know if I can leave. The magic that binds the Beast and his servants here has now also bound me. I've been here too long."
"It's only been four months!" Hilde exclaimed. "Surely the magic isn't that strong this quickly!" Une didn't reply. She just held her sister and tried to reclaim some control on her emotions. "Une?"
"There isn't anything I can do today. You're soaked through, I'll have Sally and Catherine take you to my chambers and get you something dry to wear. Then we'll have something to eat and we'll discuss this."
"I understand." Said Hilde sadly. "Is there any hope?"
"The Beast has been trying for my sake to see if there is." Une told her. "So I haven't given up hope and neither should you." Hilde smiled again.
"I'm just glad to see you are well."
"We'll take her Lady Une." Sally whispered coming up behind them. Nodding Une stood up and guided to Hilde to Sally.
"This is Sally. She'll help you get changed. She doesn't speak and please don't ask her to remove her hood. It's just how things go here."
"All right." Hilde said. "Maybe I should take my boots off first though. I've already tracked mud across the tiling." Une chuckled.
"Here sit down and I'll help." Sitting on the marble staircase, Hilde wiggled her foot out of one boot, then out of the other. Once done a pair of gloved hands took them from the ladies and vanished quickly.
"Don't worry, they'll be polished." Une told her. "I'll have Heero and Trowa look after your horse. Don't worry, they're excellent stable hands."
"Virgo will be most appreciative." Hilde said as Sally offered her a hand. Une watched as her little sister ascended the staircase and disappeared down the hallway before racing up the stairs herself and going in search of the Beast.
She found him sitting in a chair in his room while his manservant Zechs hovered about. Both looked up at her as she entered.
"Beast." Une started.
"Are they friend or foe?" he asked leaping out of the chair.
"It's my little sister." The Beast appeared startled by this, but quickly covered up any such expression on his face. "My father is ill and she braved the woods to come and find me. I've given her to Sally and Catherine to be changed for dinner." Une wrung her hands. "Is there anyway for me to leave? Even for a short time? Hilde wouldn't have sought me out if it wasn't a life or death situation. She is very resourceful and…"
"There is a way." The Beast interrupted. Une stared at him, her mouth open mid phrase. "But it will come at a high price."
"What, what do you mean?" She took a step forward and took his massive paws in her hands.
"There is a way for you to leave, but it will drain my life force. I will use every spell available to keep the chateau from pulling you back here, but I can only do it for a short time. If you tarry too long, I will die." Looking into his eyes, Une knew that he wasn't lying. He would hold off an army of demons for her and she now realized that she would do the same for him.
"I will be gone three days. Is that too long? I do not want you to suffer too much."
"I should be able to handle it for three days."
"Then I will tell Hilde that I will return with her in the morning." She paused for a moment. "You can join us for dinner. I doubt you'll frighten Hilde."
"I would prefer not." The Beast replied. "I'm sure she would fear me."
"Let her be the judge. I will approach her first and send one of the servants to tell you of her decision." With that, Une gave his paws a squeeze then turned back to return to her room.
End Chapter Six
Tigress Pern