Now and Forever 10/? - Gundam Wing
Oct. 2nd, 2004 07:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yellowhordeDisclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing and I make no money from this or any other fanfic I write.
Pairings: 13x5, 5x1
Category: Angst/AU, supernatural
Rating: R
Warnings: Yaoi, dark, vampirism.
Title: Now and Forever
Author: yellowhorde
Feel free to send comments/constructive criticism to me at yellowhorde@hotmail.com
Soft notes floated through the still night air. They blended together expertly, forming a dizzyingly beautiful piece of music that was sure to move the soul and fill the heart of any listener with a sweetly poignant ache. For Zechs Marquis, seated at the antique grand piano, it evoked long dormant memories of his fiancée, Lucrezia, and hazy summer afternoons sitting with her in the welcomed shade of a black walnut tree under clear magnificent skies spotted with white fluffy clouds.
It was her song he played, one he had written centuries ago and had dedicated to the woman to whom he had given his heart, his life, and his love. In its beautifully haunting melody he had successfully captured her essence, her warm, brilliant smile and thick black hair that shimmered in the sunlight, her stunning grace and her warm and loving soul.
But oh, the pain that blazed in his heart as the music swelled, filling the small music room and drifting down the otherwise silent corridors of the old Victorian manor. Each note slashed at his heart with razor claws. They awakened a pain that would never be completely healed. Her song and his memories of her were all that he had left. And although they were nice enough, memories couldn't offer comfort on those eternally long nights when loneliness and despair consumed him. And they could never fill the hole in his heart left by her untimely death.
It wasn't music or memories he longed for, but for his beloved fiancée to be with him, alive and loving him, as he was certain life had originally intended. Knowing that this desire could never be granted filled him with overwhelming bitterness. To lose the one thing that mattered to him more than life itself just when he had believed true happiness to be in his grasp had been a cruel, heartless twist of Fate.
So now, damned to spend all of eternity without the woman he loved Zechs Marquis abandoned himself to his music, his memories, and prayed to lose himself and his pain in their gentle embrace. It was a wish he knew would ultimately be denied.
Unconsciously, he nodded his head in time with the music as his fingers danced as if with a life all their own along the slightly yellowed ivory keys. His long blond hair, which shimmered like gold in the soft mellow light of the candles Lady Une had set out after the electricity had gone out, cascaded down his back in a waterfall wash of silk. Dazzlingly blue eyes fluttered closed and thick lashes, a shade darker than his hair, brushed lightly against pale cheeks. Ornate brass buttons adorned the upturned French cuffs of the ivory jacquard jacket he wore and marched down the front at regular intervals. They caught the soft candlelight and gleamed mellowly. Matching braided trim graced the cuffs and the twin faux- pocket flaps. Ivory pleated slacks skimmed down his long legs and tucked neatly into calf-high riding boots that had been polished to perfection.
As the melody worked it magic, soothing his soul and lifting his spirits, the faintest smile, sad and wistful, curved his lips. The familiar bittersweet wave of nostalgia crashed over him, and once again Locrezia Noin's carefree laughter peeled through his mind and echoed through the dark, lonely chambers of his heart. It cruelly reminded him the he would never again hear her sweet laughter or hold her in his arms. He would never again see her smooth cheeks dimple as she flashed her brilliant smile.
Never again.
His heart constricted painfully as those words tolled insistently through his weary mind and shattered the fragile illusion his music had woven. They were dark words, harsh and inescapable. All too soon her laughter died away, only to be replaced by the crackling roar of fire and the stench of smoldering wood and charred flesh. Even now centuries later, the memory of that thick, choking smoke stung his eyes and throat. Pain, sharp and fresh as the day she had been taken from him tore new furrows in his heart, threatening once more to drown him in despair.
Nimble fingers stuttered and stumbled across the piano keys. The music first faltered then died away altogether leaving a heavy silence in its wake. His memories and regrets whirled through his mind but he made no effort to push them away as he had so many times before. By playing this song, unknown to the world and existing only in his mind, he had willingly evoked the demons that had plagued him for so long.
Abruptly he pushed the bench back along the wooden floor, stood, and stalked over to the open French doors. Boot heels rapped sharply along the polished wooden floor. He stared down at the flower gardens that Treize so adored. The blossoms, asleep in the moonlight, were robbed of the vivid hues only the sun could awaken. The fresh, clean scent of rain wafted through the air mingling with the delicate scents of springtime blossoms. Newly green leaves whispered their nighttime secrets to anyone who cared to listen.
A rising breeze slipped through the open window and lifted the hair from Zechs' neck. Desperate for peace of mind and spirit he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring briefly. But there was no peace to be found here for the wind was perfumed with the scent of fresh growth, rain...and blood.
His eyes snapped open and he scanned the inky blackness outside the window. Thunder rumbled somewhere along the horizon and bright darts of lightning flickered and danced. The breeze puffed stronger and the intoxicating blood scent increased. A shrill scream pierced the night - the wretched sound of a condemned soul.
"What the hell?"
Zechs whirled and hurried out of the room and down the hall. (That scream was awfully close to the house) he thought, (but surely Treize wouldn't be so foolish...)
It didn't surprise him that his first thoughts were that Treize was responsible for that scream and he didn't question his own instincts - they had served him well over the long years. He shook his head angrily as he dashed down the hall. There was no telling what Treize might be up to nor was he sure just what Treize was capable of. Not anymore. The man he had known for centuries had changed so drastically over the past few years... and not for the best.
His footsteps boomed in his ears as he raced down stairs and with each passing second the screaming grew louder, closer. He passed Lady Une's chambers and from the corner of his eye saw her hurrying out of her room, tying the sash of her pink terrycloth robe as she went. He noticed that her face was waxy and pale, her eyes dark and empty.
(She looks dead.) Zechs thought with some surprise. (Dead in spirit... if not in body.)
He didn't have time to wonder what had caused the woman to look so tired and worn. There were other more pressing matters to deal with. Yet another scream was heard and Zechs cursed under his breath.
(Damn it! It sounds like its coming from inside the house!)
He ran down the corridor leading to the front parlor with Une at his heels. He threw open the heavy door hard enough for it to slam into the wall and rebound almost into his face. He pushed it roughly aside and strode into the room. He gasped harshly at the sight before him.
"No!" Une whispered from behind him, "He couldn't have!"
Treize stood in the entrance. His auburn hair, usually so meticulously styled, was in wild disarray. Blood covered his mouth and chin. His shirtfront was drenched with it. The almost overpowering reek of blood sent Zechs recoiling back violently for he had not fed for three days. Swallowing convulsively, he struggled with his own hunger that had come roaring to life. It took more control than was pretty, but he was finally able to subdue his baser instincts.
He finally noticed that Treize held a young Oriental man in his arms. The stranger wore not a stitch of clothing and his body was so very pale. He shuddered and writhed violently and, as Zechs watched, his back arched convulsively and a scream was torn from his throat, though much weaker than the ones previously heard. It was impossible to believe that anything human could produce such a horrible cry. The scream reverberated through the room; the windowpanes seemed to shiver from the sound.
It didn't take long for Zechs to realize that much of the blood that covered Khushrenada had once belonged to the young man. And he knew exactly what had happened between those two. Treize must have attacked him and had forced the Dark Kiss upon him, forever cursing him to eternal damnation. Zechs shuddered violently and wrapped his arms about his as if seeking to warm himself. Vague memories surfaced in his mind, memories of incredible pain and death - his mortal death at the hands of the vampire that stood before him.
Zechs didn't know how long he had stood helplessly while he watched Treize struggling to hold the young man in his arms but it couldn't have been more than a minute at best, though it had felt like forever. His first shock wore off and he let his arms fall to his sides. He approached warily, his eyes wide with disbelief. Treize's eyes blazed angrily as he glared defiantly at first him than Lady Une, but there was also something very close to helplessness in his eyes.
"Help me with him!" Treize gasped, stumbling to his knees as another violent convulsion racked the young man he was trying to hold onto.
Une shook her head in disbelief and shrank back against the wall, her eyes blank, her lips pressed into a thin, angry line. Zechs hesitated only a moment then, just as Treize lost his grip on the human; he stepped forward, knelt, and scooped his convulsing body into his arms. The man's bare skin was cold, so unnaturally pale. His body was slick with sweat and streaked with smears of blood and mud. Tear tracks stained his cheeks and his eyes, black as obsidian, were wild and unfocused. In vain he tried to push away from the tall vampire, but he lacked sufficient strength.
"Be still” Zechs snapped uselessly as the human struggled and kicked.
Zechs gripped his chin firmly and turned his head, knowing what he would find yet hoping that he was wrong. But he was not. The man bore proof of his attack - two jagged puncture marks marred the smooth skin of his neck.
"He's fighting the Change." Treize said in way of explanation of the boy's condition.
Zechs glanced towards Treize, amazed. "Is that even possible?"
"Yes. But it is very rare." Treize lowered his gaze from Zechs' disbelieving stare. "It won't do him any good, though. He's already dead. Yet his body continues to reject my blood which now circulates through his veins."
Carefully, Zechs set the human on the ground but supported his back and head in his arms. His shuddering convulsions had ceased for the moment though he still trembled violently from head to toe.
"You're okay," He murmured softly, hating this blatant lie, but not knowing what else to say. "Relax, now, everything will be fine."
Again the human tried to push away and again he failed. His long, pale legs thrashed violently and Zechs saw that his inner thighs were stained with blood. He gasped and glared up at Treize, his blue eyes blazing with outrage.
"What have you done?" He hissed through clenched teeth.
Again, Treize couldn't bring himself to meet Zechs' eyes. "I lost control.." He mumbled. "I - I just... lost control." He raised his head. His deep blue eyes meet Zechs', pleading for understanding or forgiveness, perhaps.
"I didn't mean for it to happen this way." He whispered hoarsely. "I intended to turn him, yes, but things... just got out of hand." He glanced down at the thrashing body. "It wasn't supposed to be like this..." His voice trailed off weakly.
Zechs snorted disdainfully and returned his attention to the human in his arms. "Does he have a name?" He snapped.
There was silence for a long moment and then Treize replied, "Wufei."
Zechs did his best to push away the anger that clouded his mind. His outrage wouldn't help anyone and right now he needed to be able to think clearly. Treize was certainly not going to be much help. He seemed to be in... Well, shock, actually... over what he had done. That was the only word Zechs could think of to describe Treize's unusual behavior, though it didn’t' really seem to be a fitting word. Guilty or perhaps remorseful seemed more appropriate.
(Serves him right,) Zechs thought cruelly, (after what he's done, I think its only fitting that he should at least suffer from a guilty conscious. Though I think that's getting off rather light.)
Carefully, Zechs began to remove his coat. With his left hand he fumbled the buttons from their confining holes one by one. He then slid his arm from out of its sleeve. When it was free he awkwardly shrugged the jacket from his shoulders and carefully freed his right arm, which was supporting the human's head and shoulders.
(Wufei.) He thought, (His name is Wufei...and he's no more human now than I am... Thanks to Treize.)
An almost overpowering wave of rage threatened to drown Zechs. Mankind's will to survive is amazingly strong, he knew. The will to live beat in the heart of every man, woman, and child. But had this man's will forced him into making a bloody pact with what he must surely think is the devil himself?
(Did Treize give this poor young man a choice between life and death, as he had given me?)
(Even though he had been drained and viscously violated, this man...Wufei... has chosen to live...if indeed living is what you can call it. Does he understand what he has done?) Zechs' mind reeled at the implications. (What exactly was it that had motivated him into accepting everlasting life over mortal death? Was it rage? The need for revenge? What?)
Zechs draped his jacket over Wufei's body, covering his nakedness. The young man's eyes rolled in their sockets until only the whites could be seen and then his eyelids fluttered closed. His head fell back limply against Zechs' chest and his breath faltered and took on an ominous whistling-raspy quality. If something wasn't done and soon, he would well and truly die.
(Perhaps that is for the best.) Zechs thought as he looked down sadly upon the young man. (Cut down in the prime of his life, and yet still, he struggles. Whether he wills it or not, his body still fights the Change that would turn him into an immortal. Is he so desperate to hang on to his humanity even if that would mean his death?)
Much to his surprise, one of Wufei's hands rose and clutched weakly at the ivory fabric of his shirt. Dark lashes fluttered and his eyes cracked open. He tilted back his head slightly so he could meet Zechs' eyes. There was so much pain in those black eyes, but fierce determination burned in their depths as well. It was as if he understood that his life was held in the balance.
Pale lips moved, but no sound was heard. Zechs bent his head closer so he could hear and his long blond hair spilled over his shoulders. It surrounded him and Wufei like a golden curtain. Weakly, Wufei tried again but was only able to force out the barest of whispers.
"Please..." Wufei frowned and strained to get his words out, apparently frustrated at his own weakness. "...Live..."
Zechs pulled away in amazement. Could it be that he actually wanted to live on as a vampire rather than to die as a human being? Why did he cling so desperately to life? What could possibly be so important to him that he would chose to damn his immortal soul?
He lowered his head until his lips brushed Wufei's ears. "You want to live?" He whispered urgently. "Is that what you are telling me?"
The dark head moved against his chest in he could only assume was a nod and a strained whisper drifted up.
"...Yes..."
Zechs raised his head and glared at Treize. He knew what must be done but he was not to be the one to do it. "He needs blood, Treize." He announced. "Or he will die."
Nodding his understanding, Treize glanced across the room towards Lady Une. She was the only one that the new vampire could feed from for the dead could not drink from the dead. Looking at her, Treize felt his uncertainty disappear. His uncharacteristic moments of panic and desperation departed and he once more felt in complete control.
"Come here, Une." His voice was once more strong and sure.
To his astonishment, she shook her head and replied, "No. I won't."
Quicker than humanly possible, Treize was on his feet and across the room. One clenched fist flung out even before he realized what he was doing. Enraged as he was at his servant's defiance, he still managed to check the force of the blow at the last possible moment. The blow caught her high on the cheek and the resulting crack was very loud. A blow at full force would surely have killed her. But he didn't want her dead, merely chastised. He wouldn't allow any of his subordinates to so blatantly disobey him without suffering the consequences. Not now, not ever.
With a cry she went sprawling to the ground. For several heartbeats the room was silent save for Wufei's labored breathing. Slowly, Une raised her face and stared in astonishment up at her Lord. Her eyes were large with shock, her lip split and bleeding. Her face was almost deathly pale save for a viscous red mark where she had been hit. Lord Khushrenada had never struck her in anger before - she had never once given him reason to. For more years than she cared to think about she had served him faithfully, willingly, and yet just now when he had ordered her to his side, she had refused. Her words had shocked her but at the same time, she knew that if she had been able to replay those last few moments over she would have responded the same.
"You will do as I command you, Une." Khushrenada grated and though his voice was calm enough, rage boiled just beneath the surface.
"Y-yes, my Lord."
Une bowed her head and slowly pulled herself to her feet. Despite her own anger that thudded in her heart, she couldn't bring herself to defy her master again. So she swallowed her anger and walked stiffly towards Zechs and Wufei. She knelt beside them and reluctantly held out her wrist.
(Does he hold this boy's life so dear?) She thought angrily. (Why? What does he see in him?)
Zechs took hold of her wrist. His eyes flicked up towards hers, silently asking her mission. Her eyes narrowed and she nodded her head curtly. He lowered his eyes to the smooth delicate skin of her wrist and sank his fangs into the pale flesh. He stuck quickly so that he didn't draw out the pain unnecessarily.
She winced but remained silent, refusing to give voice to her pain and outrage. Thick red rivulets began to flow from the twin wounds he had inflicted upon her. He then pulled her wrist nearer to Wufei's lips and watched fascinated as the first few drops fell past his parted lips.
Wufei remained limp and silent in Zechs' arms. The blond vampire squeezed the flesh just over the wound on Une's wrist, urging the blood to flow more quickly. Red drops splattered on Wufei's cheeks, his chin, his lips. A tiny rivulet trickled from the slack corners of his mouth and Zechs feared that their actions had been too late. Then, after a few moments, Wufei's Adam’s apple bobbed jerkily as he accepted the blood offering. Coal black eyes opened slowly. Then, almost timidly, he reached up slowly and took Une's hand into his own. With barely concealed fascination he watched the blood flow down her smooth skin, a vibrant red river that was the source of all of their lives. Without it they would all die humans and vampires alike.
He glanced up at Une and hesitated at the fierce hatred that shimmered in the depths of her eyes. Uncertainly he bit his bottom lip and glanced at the handsome vampire that held him. This vampire, which seemed so different from the one that had attacked him, smiled and nodded his head encouragingly.
Just then Wufei caught sight of Treize hovering predatorily over the blond vampire's shoulder. Black eyes narrowed and he shot such a look of such venom up at that evil creature that Treize actually took a step backwards obviously startled. It pleased Wufei that he was able to produce such a reaction in the one that had so recently killed him. But it was an empty pleasure.
A wave of despair washed over him and he closed his eyes against the tears that burned his eyes. Heero's face swam across the dark screen of his mind and Wufei wanted to cry out loud, the pain in his heart was just that bad.
(Heero...What choice did I have? If I had actually died tonight then there is no way I would ever have been able to see you again. At least this way there's still a chance that we will be together. If not today... than someday...soon.)
The intoxicating scent of the woman's blood made his head reel dizzily. He opened his eyes and the despaired that the nightmare he was living was real. Three sets of eyes watched him carefully wondering what he would do now. His eyes fell upon the blood that still flowed from Une's veins.
(Here,) he thought, (is the one thing that has haunted my dreams for the past few months. Here was the source of my new life everlasting. And I WILL live. I swear to God I will. And perhaps, if God were really a just and merciful god, he will allow me to someday kill Treize Khushrenada and reclaim my lost honor.)
(And then I will be free to return to my beloved Heero.)
A thin smile twisted Wufei's lips at this faint ray of hope - the only light he had in this nightmare he now lived. He pulled in a shuddering breath, then with trembling hands he pressed Lady Une's bleeding wrist to his mouth. With a prayer for vengeance in his heart, he closed his eyes and began to feed.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Pairings: 13x5, 5x1
Category: Angst/AU, supernatural
Rating: R
Warnings: Yaoi, dark, vampirism.
Title: Now and Forever
Author: yellowhorde
Feel free to send comments/constructive criticism to me at yellowhorde@hotmail.com
Soft notes floated through the still night air. They blended together expertly, forming a dizzyingly beautiful piece of music that was sure to move the soul and fill the heart of any listener with a sweetly poignant ache. For Zechs Marquis, seated at the antique grand piano, it evoked long dormant memories of his fiancée, Lucrezia, and hazy summer afternoons sitting with her in the welcomed shade of a black walnut tree under clear magnificent skies spotted with white fluffy clouds.
It was her song he played, one he had written centuries ago and had dedicated to the woman to whom he had given his heart, his life, and his love. In its beautifully haunting melody he had successfully captured her essence, her warm, brilliant smile and thick black hair that shimmered in the sunlight, her stunning grace and her warm and loving soul.
But oh, the pain that blazed in his heart as the music swelled, filling the small music room and drifting down the otherwise silent corridors of the old Victorian manor. Each note slashed at his heart with razor claws. They awakened a pain that would never be completely healed. Her song and his memories of her were all that he had left. And although they were nice enough, memories couldn't offer comfort on those eternally long nights when loneliness and despair consumed him. And they could never fill the hole in his heart left by her untimely death.
It wasn't music or memories he longed for, but for his beloved fiancée to be with him, alive and loving him, as he was certain life had originally intended. Knowing that this desire could never be granted filled him with overwhelming bitterness. To lose the one thing that mattered to him more than life itself just when he had believed true happiness to be in his grasp had been a cruel, heartless twist of Fate.
So now, damned to spend all of eternity without the woman he loved Zechs Marquis abandoned himself to his music, his memories, and prayed to lose himself and his pain in their gentle embrace. It was a wish he knew would ultimately be denied.
Unconsciously, he nodded his head in time with the music as his fingers danced as if with a life all their own along the slightly yellowed ivory keys. His long blond hair, which shimmered like gold in the soft mellow light of the candles Lady Une had set out after the electricity had gone out, cascaded down his back in a waterfall wash of silk. Dazzlingly blue eyes fluttered closed and thick lashes, a shade darker than his hair, brushed lightly against pale cheeks. Ornate brass buttons adorned the upturned French cuffs of the ivory jacquard jacket he wore and marched down the front at regular intervals. They caught the soft candlelight and gleamed mellowly. Matching braided trim graced the cuffs and the twin faux- pocket flaps. Ivory pleated slacks skimmed down his long legs and tucked neatly into calf-high riding boots that had been polished to perfection.
As the melody worked it magic, soothing his soul and lifting his spirits, the faintest smile, sad and wistful, curved his lips. The familiar bittersweet wave of nostalgia crashed over him, and once again Locrezia Noin's carefree laughter peeled through his mind and echoed through the dark, lonely chambers of his heart. It cruelly reminded him the he would never again hear her sweet laughter or hold her in his arms. He would never again see her smooth cheeks dimple as she flashed her brilliant smile.
Never again.
His heart constricted painfully as those words tolled insistently through his weary mind and shattered the fragile illusion his music had woven. They were dark words, harsh and inescapable. All too soon her laughter died away, only to be replaced by the crackling roar of fire and the stench of smoldering wood and charred flesh. Even now centuries later, the memory of that thick, choking smoke stung his eyes and throat. Pain, sharp and fresh as the day she had been taken from him tore new furrows in his heart, threatening once more to drown him in despair.
Nimble fingers stuttered and stumbled across the piano keys. The music first faltered then died away altogether leaving a heavy silence in its wake. His memories and regrets whirled through his mind but he made no effort to push them away as he had so many times before. By playing this song, unknown to the world and existing only in his mind, he had willingly evoked the demons that had plagued him for so long.
Abruptly he pushed the bench back along the wooden floor, stood, and stalked over to the open French doors. Boot heels rapped sharply along the polished wooden floor. He stared down at the flower gardens that Treize so adored. The blossoms, asleep in the moonlight, were robbed of the vivid hues only the sun could awaken. The fresh, clean scent of rain wafted through the air mingling with the delicate scents of springtime blossoms. Newly green leaves whispered their nighttime secrets to anyone who cared to listen.
A rising breeze slipped through the open window and lifted the hair from Zechs' neck. Desperate for peace of mind and spirit he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring briefly. But there was no peace to be found here for the wind was perfumed with the scent of fresh growth, rain...and blood.
His eyes snapped open and he scanned the inky blackness outside the window. Thunder rumbled somewhere along the horizon and bright darts of lightning flickered and danced. The breeze puffed stronger and the intoxicating blood scent increased. A shrill scream pierced the night - the wretched sound of a condemned soul.
"What the hell?"
Zechs whirled and hurried out of the room and down the hall. (That scream was awfully close to the house) he thought, (but surely Treize wouldn't be so foolish...)
It didn't surprise him that his first thoughts were that Treize was responsible for that scream and he didn't question his own instincts - they had served him well over the long years. He shook his head angrily as he dashed down the hall. There was no telling what Treize might be up to nor was he sure just what Treize was capable of. Not anymore. The man he had known for centuries had changed so drastically over the past few years... and not for the best.
His footsteps boomed in his ears as he raced down stairs and with each passing second the screaming grew louder, closer. He passed Lady Une's chambers and from the corner of his eye saw her hurrying out of her room, tying the sash of her pink terrycloth robe as she went. He noticed that her face was waxy and pale, her eyes dark and empty.
(She looks dead.) Zechs thought with some surprise. (Dead in spirit... if not in body.)
He didn't have time to wonder what had caused the woman to look so tired and worn. There were other more pressing matters to deal with. Yet another scream was heard and Zechs cursed under his breath.
(Damn it! It sounds like its coming from inside the house!)
He ran down the corridor leading to the front parlor with Une at his heels. He threw open the heavy door hard enough for it to slam into the wall and rebound almost into his face. He pushed it roughly aside and strode into the room. He gasped harshly at the sight before him.
"No!" Une whispered from behind him, "He couldn't have!"
Treize stood in the entrance. His auburn hair, usually so meticulously styled, was in wild disarray. Blood covered his mouth and chin. His shirtfront was drenched with it. The almost overpowering reek of blood sent Zechs recoiling back violently for he had not fed for three days. Swallowing convulsively, he struggled with his own hunger that had come roaring to life. It took more control than was pretty, but he was finally able to subdue his baser instincts.
He finally noticed that Treize held a young Oriental man in his arms. The stranger wore not a stitch of clothing and his body was so very pale. He shuddered and writhed violently and, as Zechs watched, his back arched convulsively and a scream was torn from his throat, though much weaker than the ones previously heard. It was impossible to believe that anything human could produce such a horrible cry. The scream reverberated through the room; the windowpanes seemed to shiver from the sound.
It didn't take long for Zechs to realize that much of the blood that covered Khushrenada had once belonged to the young man. And he knew exactly what had happened between those two. Treize must have attacked him and had forced the Dark Kiss upon him, forever cursing him to eternal damnation. Zechs shuddered violently and wrapped his arms about his as if seeking to warm himself. Vague memories surfaced in his mind, memories of incredible pain and death - his mortal death at the hands of the vampire that stood before him.
Zechs didn't know how long he had stood helplessly while he watched Treize struggling to hold the young man in his arms but it couldn't have been more than a minute at best, though it had felt like forever. His first shock wore off and he let his arms fall to his sides. He approached warily, his eyes wide with disbelief. Treize's eyes blazed angrily as he glared defiantly at first him than Lady Une, but there was also something very close to helplessness in his eyes.
"Help me with him!" Treize gasped, stumbling to his knees as another violent convulsion racked the young man he was trying to hold onto.
Une shook her head in disbelief and shrank back against the wall, her eyes blank, her lips pressed into a thin, angry line. Zechs hesitated only a moment then, just as Treize lost his grip on the human; he stepped forward, knelt, and scooped his convulsing body into his arms. The man's bare skin was cold, so unnaturally pale. His body was slick with sweat and streaked with smears of blood and mud. Tear tracks stained his cheeks and his eyes, black as obsidian, were wild and unfocused. In vain he tried to push away from the tall vampire, but he lacked sufficient strength.
"Be still” Zechs snapped uselessly as the human struggled and kicked.
Zechs gripped his chin firmly and turned his head, knowing what he would find yet hoping that he was wrong. But he was not. The man bore proof of his attack - two jagged puncture marks marred the smooth skin of his neck.
"He's fighting the Change." Treize said in way of explanation of the boy's condition.
Zechs glanced towards Treize, amazed. "Is that even possible?"
"Yes. But it is very rare." Treize lowered his gaze from Zechs' disbelieving stare. "It won't do him any good, though. He's already dead. Yet his body continues to reject my blood which now circulates through his veins."
Carefully, Zechs set the human on the ground but supported his back and head in his arms. His shuddering convulsions had ceased for the moment though he still trembled violently from head to toe.
"You're okay," He murmured softly, hating this blatant lie, but not knowing what else to say. "Relax, now, everything will be fine."
Again the human tried to push away and again he failed. His long, pale legs thrashed violently and Zechs saw that his inner thighs were stained with blood. He gasped and glared up at Treize, his blue eyes blazing with outrage.
"What have you done?" He hissed through clenched teeth.
Again, Treize couldn't bring himself to meet Zechs' eyes. "I lost control.." He mumbled. "I - I just... lost control." He raised his head. His deep blue eyes meet Zechs', pleading for understanding or forgiveness, perhaps.
"I didn't mean for it to happen this way." He whispered hoarsely. "I intended to turn him, yes, but things... just got out of hand." He glanced down at the thrashing body. "It wasn't supposed to be like this..." His voice trailed off weakly.
Zechs snorted disdainfully and returned his attention to the human in his arms. "Does he have a name?" He snapped.
There was silence for a long moment and then Treize replied, "Wufei."
Zechs did his best to push away the anger that clouded his mind. His outrage wouldn't help anyone and right now he needed to be able to think clearly. Treize was certainly not going to be much help. He seemed to be in... Well, shock, actually... over what he had done. That was the only word Zechs could think of to describe Treize's unusual behavior, though it didn’t' really seem to be a fitting word. Guilty or perhaps remorseful seemed more appropriate.
(Serves him right,) Zechs thought cruelly, (after what he's done, I think its only fitting that he should at least suffer from a guilty conscious. Though I think that's getting off rather light.)
Carefully, Zechs began to remove his coat. With his left hand he fumbled the buttons from their confining holes one by one. He then slid his arm from out of its sleeve. When it was free he awkwardly shrugged the jacket from his shoulders and carefully freed his right arm, which was supporting the human's head and shoulders.
(Wufei.) He thought, (His name is Wufei...and he's no more human now than I am... Thanks to Treize.)
An almost overpowering wave of rage threatened to drown Zechs. Mankind's will to survive is amazingly strong, he knew. The will to live beat in the heart of every man, woman, and child. But had this man's will forced him into making a bloody pact with what he must surely think is the devil himself?
(Did Treize give this poor young man a choice between life and death, as he had given me?)
(Even though he had been drained and viscously violated, this man...Wufei... has chosen to live...if indeed living is what you can call it. Does he understand what he has done?) Zechs' mind reeled at the implications. (What exactly was it that had motivated him into accepting everlasting life over mortal death? Was it rage? The need for revenge? What?)
Zechs draped his jacket over Wufei's body, covering his nakedness. The young man's eyes rolled in their sockets until only the whites could be seen and then his eyelids fluttered closed. His head fell back limply against Zechs' chest and his breath faltered and took on an ominous whistling-raspy quality. If something wasn't done and soon, he would well and truly die.
(Perhaps that is for the best.) Zechs thought as he looked down sadly upon the young man. (Cut down in the prime of his life, and yet still, he struggles. Whether he wills it or not, his body still fights the Change that would turn him into an immortal. Is he so desperate to hang on to his humanity even if that would mean his death?)
Much to his surprise, one of Wufei's hands rose and clutched weakly at the ivory fabric of his shirt. Dark lashes fluttered and his eyes cracked open. He tilted back his head slightly so he could meet Zechs' eyes. There was so much pain in those black eyes, but fierce determination burned in their depths as well. It was as if he understood that his life was held in the balance.
Pale lips moved, but no sound was heard. Zechs bent his head closer so he could hear and his long blond hair spilled over his shoulders. It surrounded him and Wufei like a golden curtain. Weakly, Wufei tried again but was only able to force out the barest of whispers.
"Please..." Wufei frowned and strained to get his words out, apparently frustrated at his own weakness. "...Live..."
Zechs pulled away in amazement. Could it be that he actually wanted to live on as a vampire rather than to die as a human being? Why did he cling so desperately to life? What could possibly be so important to him that he would chose to damn his immortal soul?
He lowered his head until his lips brushed Wufei's ears. "You want to live?" He whispered urgently. "Is that what you are telling me?"
The dark head moved against his chest in he could only assume was a nod and a strained whisper drifted up.
"...Yes..."
Zechs raised his head and glared at Treize. He knew what must be done but he was not to be the one to do it. "He needs blood, Treize." He announced. "Or he will die."
Nodding his understanding, Treize glanced across the room towards Lady Une. She was the only one that the new vampire could feed from for the dead could not drink from the dead. Looking at her, Treize felt his uncertainty disappear. His uncharacteristic moments of panic and desperation departed and he once more felt in complete control.
"Come here, Une." His voice was once more strong and sure.
To his astonishment, she shook her head and replied, "No. I won't."
Quicker than humanly possible, Treize was on his feet and across the room. One clenched fist flung out even before he realized what he was doing. Enraged as he was at his servant's defiance, he still managed to check the force of the blow at the last possible moment. The blow caught her high on the cheek and the resulting crack was very loud. A blow at full force would surely have killed her. But he didn't want her dead, merely chastised. He wouldn't allow any of his subordinates to so blatantly disobey him without suffering the consequences. Not now, not ever.
With a cry she went sprawling to the ground. For several heartbeats the room was silent save for Wufei's labored breathing. Slowly, Une raised her face and stared in astonishment up at her Lord. Her eyes were large with shock, her lip split and bleeding. Her face was almost deathly pale save for a viscous red mark where she had been hit. Lord Khushrenada had never struck her in anger before - she had never once given him reason to. For more years than she cared to think about she had served him faithfully, willingly, and yet just now when he had ordered her to his side, she had refused. Her words had shocked her but at the same time, she knew that if she had been able to replay those last few moments over she would have responded the same.
"You will do as I command you, Une." Khushrenada grated and though his voice was calm enough, rage boiled just beneath the surface.
"Y-yes, my Lord."
Une bowed her head and slowly pulled herself to her feet. Despite her own anger that thudded in her heart, she couldn't bring herself to defy her master again. So she swallowed her anger and walked stiffly towards Zechs and Wufei. She knelt beside them and reluctantly held out her wrist.
(Does he hold this boy's life so dear?) She thought angrily. (Why? What does he see in him?)
Zechs took hold of her wrist. His eyes flicked up towards hers, silently asking her mission. Her eyes narrowed and she nodded her head curtly. He lowered his eyes to the smooth delicate skin of her wrist and sank his fangs into the pale flesh. He stuck quickly so that he didn't draw out the pain unnecessarily.
She winced but remained silent, refusing to give voice to her pain and outrage. Thick red rivulets began to flow from the twin wounds he had inflicted upon her. He then pulled her wrist nearer to Wufei's lips and watched fascinated as the first few drops fell past his parted lips.
Wufei remained limp and silent in Zechs' arms. The blond vampire squeezed the flesh just over the wound on Une's wrist, urging the blood to flow more quickly. Red drops splattered on Wufei's cheeks, his chin, his lips. A tiny rivulet trickled from the slack corners of his mouth and Zechs feared that their actions had been too late. Then, after a few moments, Wufei's Adam’s apple bobbed jerkily as he accepted the blood offering. Coal black eyes opened slowly. Then, almost timidly, he reached up slowly and took Une's hand into his own. With barely concealed fascination he watched the blood flow down her smooth skin, a vibrant red river that was the source of all of their lives. Without it they would all die humans and vampires alike.
He glanced up at Une and hesitated at the fierce hatred that shimmered in the depths of her eyes. Uncertainly he bit his bottom lip and glanced at the handsome vampire that held him. This vampire, which seemed so different from the one that had attacked him, smiled and nodded his head encouragingly.
Just then Wufei caught sight of Treize hovering predatorily over the blond vampire's shoulder. Black eyes narrowed and he shot such a look of such venom up at that evil creature that Treize actually took a step backwards obviously startled. It pleased Wufei that he was able to produce such a reaction in the one that had so recently killed him. But it was an empty pleasure.
A wave of despair washed over him and he closed his eyes against the tears that burned his eyes. Heero's face swam across the dark screen of his mind and Wufei wanted to cry out loud, the pain in his heart was just that bad.
(Heero...What choice did I have? If I had actually died tonight then there is no way I would ever have been able to see you again. At least this way there's still a chance that we will be together. If not today... than someday...soon.)
The intoxicating scent of the woman's blood made his head reel dizzily. He opened his eyes and the despaired that the nightmare he was living was real. Three sets of eyes watched him carefully wondering what he would do now. His eyes fell upon the blood that still flowed from Une's veins.
(Here,) he thought, (is the one thing that has haunted my dreams for the past few months. Here was the source of my new life everlasting. And I WILL live. I swear to God I will. And perhaps, if God were really a just and merciful god, he will allow me to someday kill Treize Khushrenada and reclaim my lost honor.)
(And then I will be free to return to my beloved Heero.)
A thin smile twisted Wufei's lips at this faint ray of hope - the only light he had in this nightmare he now lived. He pulled in a shuddering breath, then with trembling hands he pressed Lady Une's bleeding wrist to his mouth. With a prayer for vengeance in his heart, he closed his eyes and began to feed.
TO BE CONTINUED...
