22-Oct-2000
Title: Demons
Authors: bonnejeanne (bonnejeanne@yahoo.com) and vonceia (vonceia@yahoo.com)
Archive: GW Addiction and if she chooses, Darkflame
Category: yaoi, angst
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: 1x2, 6x5, various
Warnings: Lemon in some scenes. Angst. AU - we do not guarantee that our interpretations of characters or events will agree with yours, so a general OOC warning. Some events and implications may be offensive to the religious.
Spoilers: Series, EW
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters and universe are the property of the copyright owners. Our stuff is ours. No money being made here. As with all our fics so far, while our goal is to stay as in character as possible, any discrepancies are our mistakes. The Old Ones are the creation of HP Lovecraft. The demons, while they have historical names, are basically
bonnejeanne's.
Feedback: Any and all comments, feedback, critiques welcome, be they short or long.
NOTES: This is part of the Frozen Colony Arc, and takes place following The Hunt. If you are not familiar with the timeline and are curious, you can find the stories on GW Addiction and on DF's site. On GWA on the Bonne&Von page, there are numbers denoting which stories are FC Arc and should be read in what order.
Duo's demons appeared first in Down Time in Hell, and reappeared in Dancin With My Mirror. This is a fic to explore their existence and origins.
Liberties are taken with Duo's history and original characters from ESO appear, and events from that fic are referred to.
Zechs sighed deeply and leaned back against the bed for a few moments, thinking. He then got up, showered quickly and dressed. As he reached in the closet, he pulled out a pair of white slacks and black boots. Seeing the Hessian's in the corner, he smiled. "Maybe not full dress today," he said with a smile. His hands touched a white shirt, with a full ruffled collar and ties instead of buttons. Pulling it over his head, he tied it together and adjusted the ruffles at his wrists. Moving to the full-length mirror, he surveyed the reflection in the mirror. "Positively ghostly, Zechs," he said softly, moving his thick platinum hair behind him.
He nodded once in approval of the reflection and turned to make his bed. Moving downstairs, he sat at his vid and placed a call to the Preventers Headquarters. He needed to speak with Lady Une.
"Yes?" Une answered, her eyes widening almost imperceptibly at the vision she was greeted with. "Agent Wind," she said, formally.
Zechs smiled slightly. "Lady Une," he replied. "I want to thank you for getting me in touch with your friend. It has helped quite a lot."
Une took a deep breath and then nodded. "I'm glad I was able to be of assistance," she said.
Zechs expression shifted slightly as he took a breath of his own. "Something has come up that I feel you should be aware of. It concerns the Preventers as well as certain people we are mutually acquainted with," he said, then leaned forward, his eyes and demeanor softening to something more vulnerable. "Lady Une. I know that you have helped me before, but I need your assistance once again... in a more official capacity. I would like to meet with you in private to discuss it, if you wouldn't mind."
"Of course," she answered immediately, concern entering her eyes. "Is my office private enough or would you prefer to meet somewhere else?"
Zechs smiled. "Your office is private enough. In fact, I find it somewhat comforting. I can be there in twenty minutes. Is this enough time for you, or would it be more convenient later?" he asked.
"Twenty minutes is fine. My schedule is light today. Please come," she said.
Zechs nodded. "I am on my way," he said. "Thank you," he said, finally.
Lady Une nodded her head in acknowledgement of his words and the connection ended. Turning, she looked at the other occupant of her office and raised her eyebrows. "Does he know you are here?"
"I don't see how he could," Treize replied, smiling, "However Zechs always had an amazing ability to show up in the right place, at the right time."
Twenty minutes later, Zechs Merquise entered the Preventers Headquarters and walked through the doors of Lady Une's office. Looking down at the secretary, he said, "Agent Wind to see Lady Une. I'm expected."
The secretary nodded and announced him on the intercom as she gestured him to the door. She got as much of an eyeful as she could manage before the door closed behind him and sat down at her desk, fanning her face.
Lady Une was sitting at her desk, looking through some reports. She looked up as Zechs entered and stood, greeting him with a nod.
Zechs moved to Lady Une's desk, with a slight smile. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice," he said, glancing down at one of the chairs in front of her desk. "I have some information that I think you will be interested in."
She resumed her chair and leaned forward slightly, her expression attentive. "Please, go on."
Zechs took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I have information concerning an informant who I suspect is the same person who is now a high ranking official in the Church in Rome. If this is the same person, this man can be tied directly to the deaths of my Father and family as well as others. At this time, I believe that he is planning a takeover of the Ecumenical Council as well. There is more, but does this fall into Preventer jurisdiction?" he asked, fully aware of Lady Une's position and authority. She had proven to be someone he could trust and he had no intention of deliberately jeopardizing her job or standing.
Lady Une frowned slightly. "It would... you say you *suspect* he is the same person. Do you have any proof?"
"What I have right now is a name and circumstantial evidence placing both in the same areas at the same time," Zechs said, speaking his frustration. "But no real link as of yet." He leaned forward slightly. "Lady Une, this goes beyond the Sanc Kingdom and myself. It also involves one of the Gundam pilots and a massacre on the L2 Colony. I will be honest with you. I do not believe this man stands a chance of survival. He has apparently used extremely bad judgment in that he has harmed one of the pilots and continues to do so. I feel certain that a resolution in this matter will take place shortly. What I really need to know is how much can the Preventers do in protecting the pilot?"
Une listened and sat back a little, her face calm, but her eyes showed a troubled reaction to what he was saying. She didn't answer right away. Finally she said, "I don't know. But I'm grateful you made the decision to come to me about it." She considered for another moment or two, and then said, "Let me have the information you have collected. I will do whatever I can."
Zechs listened carefully, thinking about what Wufei had told him only a short time ago. At once, he felt the depth of what was happening and that it had a direct impact on his actions. He stood and slid his hand into the pocket of his pants. He removed a disk and walked to the side of Lady Une's desk. Bending to one knee, he took her hand and placed the disk into it, then looked up into her eyes. "I thank you very much, Lady Une," he said. "You have been nothing less than a good friend to me. I will tell you this. Should it become necessary, I will not allow them to be punished for this. I will stand in their stead before any court and accept any judgment rendered. I do this on behalf my family and birthright and most of all because they deserve peace. Not that I don't, I just choose this because I love them. I will also deny this conversation ever happened as well." Reaching up, Zechs brushed Lady Une's smooth face with his hand. "His Excellency is a very fortunate man," he said, his tone holding only resignation and peace.
Une grasped his hand before it could return to his side. "Zechs..." she said. "Zechs... I understand what you are saying." She looked as if she had more to say, but finally shook her head. "What is it in you... that requires that you keep trying to sacrifice yourselves?" Shaking her head, as if she did not expect an answer, she released his hand. "Let us wait and see what happens before such drastic actions are dwelt upon. I will study what you have given me and make what preparations I can for possible outcomes. Will you do something for me?"
"Just ask," Zechs said, softly.
"Take a walk in the garden," she said. Zechs knew what she was referring to. There was a small rose garden at the back of the building used by the Preventers as their headquarters. Lady Une had had it cultivated in memory of her former commander.
Zechs nodded. "I will go there now," he said and stood, then moved out of the office.
On his way to the garden, he looked into Noin's office to see if she was there.
The dark-haired person in question was absent - there was a note on her desk that said, 'Gone to lunch, back in 1 hour'.
Zechs smiled and closed the door. He moved through the halls and out to the garden. The smell of roses tinted the wind and Zechs closed his eyes and breathed deeply. His thoughts were turned inward as he reflected that he had never felt so at peace with himself before.
He walked to a private spot and sat down on one of the long benches. Looking out over the garden, he saw three different shades of the Luxembourg rose, with the blood reds featured in a large patch in the center. He felt his mood alter slightly as he thought about the man who had inspired the flowers and the garden itself. "What fools we mortals be," he said softly.
"Misquoting the Bard, Milliardo?" Treize said, walking around the cluster of rose bushes. He was dressed in plain blue-gray from neck to ankles.
Zechs looked up. At first, he thought that he was imagining Treize, then he remembered that Treize was alive. In the garden, among the roses, it was easy to dream. Blinking up through pale bangs, Zechs smiled and nodded. "Yes," he replied, standing. "This is the place for such things," he added and for a moment, found it impossible to look away from the deep blue eyes of Treize Khushrenada.
"I had some time, so I thought I might come along and see how you were doing," Treize said, coming over to stand by the bench. He studied his friend, his eyes taking in each detail. "Also, I was curious to see how the rest of the story might play out. The person you were concerned about when you contacted me - that was Duo Maxwell, wasn't it?
Zechs felt his pulse race at the nearness of the other. His nostrils flared slightly taking in Treize's particular scent. His body knew it so well. What is going on with me? he thought. Why am I having this reaction? I am with Wufei. What is wrong with me? How can you do this to me after so long? he thought, barely hearing Treize speak. "Yes," he said, finally, shaking himself slightly. "How did you know?" Zechs asked.
"He showed up where I was working. I'll be surprised if I beat them back here to Earth," Treize said. He watched Zechs, noting the reaction. "He mentioned a person in the Church - and I thought that might be the man you asked me about."
Zechs looked down to focus his thoughts. "Yes," he said. "Wufei has been working on information supplied by Heero Yuy. He's found the code name of an old Alliance informant. Treize, this informant is someone from my past. He is directly responsible for the death of my family as well as linked to the deaths of an Ecumenical Council priest and an L2 Colony priest named Father Maxwell. At this point, what we lack is proof that the priest I mentioned to you and the informant are one in the same." Zechs took a deep breath, then looked at Treize directly. "Treize. I came here to see if there was a way to protect the Gundam pilots. If not, I will do what I must."
Treize listened closely to each word Zechs spoke. At the tall blonde's last statement, his blue eyes seemed to darken a shade, but it could have been an illusion of the light.
"You lack proof," he repeated. Then he tilted his head. "Would a first-hand witness constitute proof? There's a catch - the witness is officially deceased. But perhaps Lady Une would consider taking a statement from a confidential source."
Ice blue eyes widened, then a corner of Zechs' mouth rose in a smile. "You know this man," he said, more as a statement than anything. He looked back at Treize with a sense of relief and more than a touch of wonder. Yet, everything seemed to work in an order that Zechs was accustomed to when dealing with the former sovereign of the Earth. Catching himself, moving to stand at Treize's shoulder, as he had done in the past, Zechs reminded himself that that was long ago. "And why would you put yourself at such a risk?" he asked, searching Treize's face.
Treize lifted one elegant shoulder. "For the same reason you would 'do as you must'. For the love of an old friend. It's little enough return for all the difficulties I put you through in the past."
Zechs' hand covered his face in an old familiar gesture as he closed his eyes briefly. "I did not make it easy for you," he said, remembering rebuilding the destroyed Gundam.
"You were never expected to make it easy," Treize said with a slight smile. "I had an almost overwhelming number of people around me that could do that."
Before Zechs could answer, his communicator signaled an incoming message request.
"Excuse me," Zechs said, activating his communication device and read the message.
It was from Wufei. "Can you come to Rome?"
Zechs sent an answer, immediately. "On my way," the message read. He looked up at Treize a bit reluctantly. "I'm needed in Rome," he said.
"Then you should go," Treize said, still smiling faintly.
Zechs moved closer. "I would like to speak with you more about us," he said. Reaching up, he touched Treize's smooth cheek, gently. "I have enjoyed this little time," he added.
Treize looked into Zechs eyes, studying their ice-blue depths. Then he slid his hand around Zechs' head, burying his fingers in that pale silk, and covered the blonde's mouth with his own, pressing into his lips with familiar arrogance, opening his mouth to invade it with brief, but knowing passion. Treize felt his own pulse speed up instantly, but he moved back, and his tongue touched his lower lip for a moment as if seeking a last taste.
"Go, Milliardo," he said softly, and it was not an order, but it held a tinge of that old authority. "Follow your honor one last time. Afterwards, we will see what you may follow next."
Zechs breathed hard as his senses reverberated from the kiss. He swallowed, feeling many conflicting emotions as his mind assessed what had just taken place. He now knew for certain that he still had feelings for Treize, but the apparent depth of those feelings shook him. 'What about Wufei?' a voice in his head said, as the specter of Noin's words came back to haunt him. Why are you so spineless? he asked himself, then answered with, You're damned. What the hell.
"What I follow next will be my heart, Treize Khushrenada," he said, in that deep tone that was his natural voice. "And I am sure I left a great deal of it right here," he said taking Treize's hand and turning the palm upward. Leaning forward, he took the initiative and kissed Treize deeply. "We'll talk soon," Zechs said, the turned to leave.
"Indeed," Treize said softly, watching him move through the rose garden like a great white tiger. After a moment, he directed his eyes upwards, to the window of an office he did not dare walk inside while there were so many people bustling about in Preventer Headquarters. He knew she'd be looking down, there was never any question. He raised a hand slightly, then blew a kiss off his fingertips, and faded back into the garden.
A small smile flitted across Lady Une's lips as she looked down into the garden. "Good for you, Mr. Treize," she said softly.
Monsignor Simon sat at his desk and reviewed his daily appointments. He sighed deeply, feeling the sun bathe the back of his neck from one of the windows and a sense of peace wash over his soul. His thoughts were turned towards Father Thomas and the obvious sense of happiness at his new appointment on the L2 Colony. It's about time, Father Simon thought. Thomas will make an excellent representative and in turn the Colony will receive the best that the Church has to offer.
"Dear Father," he prayed, "Please forgive your servant's lack of ingenuity and courage in this matter. Every night and morning I have asked that you watch over your people wherever they might be. My thoughts are always with your servant, the late Bishop Robardi, and his ideals for peace. Now, I see that courage in the face of a young man and it has given me a measure of strength to do likewise. I ask that you now look over him and guide his steps as well. I see him as the light and ray of hope for us all. He has been instrumental in bringing peace to this world and the worlds we have built away from this planet. It is only fitting that one of his stops should be the Church itself. His intelligence, grace, good heart and fierce spirit stand for me as the perfect expression of your words to us. He is neither powerful, rich or robed, but much like that simple carpenter of long ago. It is in His name, yours and the everlasting spirit that I ask these things, Amen."
Since his morning seemed free, Monsignor Simon opened his book of devotions and sat quietly to read.
Some time later, he heard his door open and close. Looking up, he saw a young man, with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and Asian features. He was dressed in traditional Chinese garb.
He approached Monsignor Simon and bowed formally. His appearance was all the more remarkable because no one entered the private study of a member of the Council without being announced.
Startled and a bit surprised, Monsignor Simon stood and bowed in greeting. "Good morning, my son," he said, as his training had taught, "How may I help you?"
"You are Monsignor Simon," the young man said. "My name is Chang Wufei. I apologize for intruding on you at this time. Your secretary seems to have stepped out for a moment." There was something about the last statement.... just enough inflection, or perhaps something in the dark eyes that clearly said this man would have walked right in no matter what the circumstances.
"I am a close friend of Duo Maxwell," Chang Wufei continued. Again there was a quality about the young man's words that led Simon to think about who Maxwell might have as friends. On his previous visit there, he'd brought no less than Heero Yuy.
"Yes," the Monsignor said, "Welcome Chang Wufei. How is Duo Maxwell?" His attention was suddenly focused on this young man.
"I believe he is well," Wufei said. "Although his life has become a bit more complicated since he visited here. I believe you and I should discuss the complication."
"Then, please, have a seat and let us talk," Monsignor Simon said.
Wufei bowed and sat in one of the chairs across from Monsignor Simon's desk.
"Certain events have occurred which prompted me to do some historical research," Wufei said. "I have been attempting to trace an individual who might have been a secret Alliance informant, and who seems to have been involved in the deaths of a number of innocent people. This informant went by a code name - his real identity is only suspected, but he seems to have had some kind of grudge against a Bishop Robardi. I understand this man was your sponsor, is that correct?"
Monsignor Simon stiffened suddenly at the Bishop's name. His shoulders slumped slightly as he nodded. "Bishop Robardi was like a father to me. He took me under his care and sponsored me with the Church. It seems almost impossible for anyone to have found fault with him, but I suppose because of his pacifist beliefs, he did have enemies at one time. Do you have a name for this informant?" he asked.
Wufei studied the man in front of him. "I was almost hoping you could tell me. This person covered his tracks very well, but there is enough circumstantial evidence to suggest he was a member of your Church."
Monsignor Simon looked up sharply, then he smiled. "Then I would have to say, Monsignor Anthony Elvay comes to mind," he said, then leaned forward slightly, to look into Wufei's eyes. "Mr. Chang, I have long suspected the Monsignor, but the information that I had only went so far. If what you have gathered in any way brings the focus to this man, I would consider it nothing less than a miracle."
Wufei raised an eyebrow, but his expression did not otherwise change. He looked into Monsignor Simon's light blue eyes directly. "When justice comes to this man, it will come swiftly, and may not be in a form that your Church would condone. Here is a disk containing information about the Alliance informant and agent known as Zandor. Use it wisely."
Monsignor Simon took the disk from Wufei's hand. "I understand. I will review it and allow what I learn to guide me," he said. "Thank you, Chang Wufei. Is there something that I might do for you in return?"
Wufei stood and shook his head. "When one acts to set things right, it is inappropriate to talk of returns," he said. "However I would make one suggestion to you - a personal one. Stay away from this man Elvay for a little while. And keep anyone you care about away from him, as well."
Wufei bowed once more, slightly, and turned to the door, moving with silent, swift grace.
Monsignor Simon stood and bowed in respect, even though Wufei had disappeared out of the door. He immediately walked outside and found Father Thomas.
"Thomas, come with me to lunch," he said.
Thomas looked up at Monsignor Simon with a puzzled look on his face. "Certainly, Monsignor. Monsignor, who was that person who walked out of your office? He was not on the schedule for today," he said.
Monsignor Simon smiled warmly. "That was a bringer of miracles, Thomas," he said. "Now, come along. I have much to discuss with you. What I have planned will probably keep us both busy for some time."
Father Thomas frowned slightly, feeling that the Monsignor's words held more meaning than the obvious. "Of course, Monsignor," he said, and walked with him to lunch in the City.
End of Part 19 - TBC
What did you think?
bonnejeanne & vonceia
Please send comments to: bonnejeanne@yahoo.com or vonceia@yahoo.com