T'was grace that taught me heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
-Lyrics to 'Amazing Grace'
Crimson Bonds Part 80
Anna's consciousness dragged itself out of the confines of her long sleep. Her blue-and-gold eyes slowly blinking open, she took in the uncomfortably recognizable surroundings of her private, steel prison.
What was not at all familiar was the absence of kicking inside her belly. Keeping her growing eyes on the ceiling above her, she tentatively reached her right hand down to rest it over her abdomen... finding it flat and taut as it normally was.
Gasping sharply, the Vampire sat upright to stare down at her lean form as she frantically grasped where her abdomen should have been swollen. Panting through her growing panic, her vision clouded over with tears as she sobbed on the verge of hysteria.
"Someone help! Please!" she shrieked, her head spinning every which way for whatever hidden cameras were watching her. "Where are the babies?!"
The sound of a bright giggle caught Anna by surprise, her dampened gaze spinning to fall on the last creature that she ever expected to see in her existence. Freezing with another gasp, she breathed. "M-Merian?"
Dressed in a long, black gown that hugged her every inch with a plunging neckline that put all of her assets on proud display, her outwardly beautiful arch enemy smirked. "I would say it's nice to see you again, but we both know that would be a lie," she sorted. "Isn't that right, you little bastard excuse of a Vampire."
Glaring at Khushrenada, the redhead's fangs grew in. "What the hell are you doing here?" she hissed.
"Oh, just paying a friendly visit to an old friend," Meiran smiled in that way of hers that the gesture did not reach her onyx-and-gold eyes. Bending forward, she propped herself up on the foot of the cot as she suggested, "You best get used to my face again, sweetheart." The endearment was growled out as her grin slipped away and her own fangs grew in. "I'll be seeing you in Hell real soon," she whispered.
With a startled cry, Anna bolted upright from her true sleep. Covered in sweat and fighting to catch her breath, she scanned the room only to find herself completely alone as the picture of her smug enemy's face faded from her sight. Staring down at herself, she let out a long sigh while her body sagged heavily with her bulging abdomen.
"Hormone dream," she reasoned aloud softly.
Rubbing the thin cotton of her powder blue sundress that covered her stomach, the Irish Infected slipped back into her accent when she murmured, "Ye lil' ones be makin' dis pregnancy fun fer yer Auntie Anna." Beneath her palm, a series of kicks and punches responded as though the babies inside were offering their apologies. Giggling, she stated, "No werries. I still love ye all de same. Yer werth it."
As she lowered her hand away, the redheaded immortal couldn't help but search her cell to make certain that her nightmarish visitor was nowhere to be found. "Just a dream," she told herself to regain the last of her nerve. "If der really is a God, He won't be sendin' me te de same Hell as Meiran." Her body shuddering at the thought, she shook her head and determined that she hadn't deserved such a fate. Like all things, she just had to hold onto faith in that.
Carefully lowering herself back down, Anna rubbed her belly and began to quietly sing a tune for her nephews and niece as much as she needed it for herself. "Amazing Grace... How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me... I once was lost but now am found... Was blind but now I see..."
* * * * * *
The bedroom at the back of the safe house had been closed off so that Sally could diagnose and treat her new patient that had been brought in. She had been locked away for more than two hours.
Pacing the living room, Wufei was watched closely by Trowa, Relena and Quatre from where they sat throughout the space. In the tense quiet, everyone was worrying over the state of the living that had been carried into the beach-side home by his two rescuers.
Unconscious and bearing a multitude of wounds, Broderick Dawson was nearly unrecognizable from the sketch that Emma and Carol had produced together. With so much riding on his survival, it had been a tense wait for word from Doctor Po for everyone standing by.
Noting movement from the corner of his eye, Chang paused in his steps as his brother entered. "Zechs just confirmed the identity of the Rogue we killed from the picture and fingerprints that we forwarded to him," the Original announced to the team.
"Damien?" the scaly Vampire asked, already more than certain that they had been correct in their assumption that they had taken out one of Septum's most elusive of henchmen.
His head nodding firmly, Heero replied, "Yea. That's one less danger out in the world for us to be worried about. And one less accomplice to Millers." Grunting in agreement, Trowa nodded in kind with only disgust written on his face for the deceased.
Chang muttered, "The fact that he was in the process of trying to kill Broderick only confirms Emma's belief that the Hunter had switched sides in this." Peering to the entryway, he frowned, "Now if only we can start questioning him on where that base is hidden. We have a general idea, but there is a whole lot of ground to cover from where Solo's shield ends and where we'll find the others."
At that, Sally walked into the room with a sighed, "Unfortunately, there's no telling when he'll be up and talking. He took a hell of a beating before Damien knocked him into Relena's sight." Her friends descended upon her before she finished speaking.
"Concussion," the doctor informed. "On top of that, he suffered a broken shoulder, a dislocated knee, cracked ribs, internal bleeding and a ruptured spleen. Thanks to great advances in medical cure alls, I was able to treat those last two souvenirs from the attack with a laser as opposed to having to open him up." Shaking her head, she commented, "Frankly, he's lucky to still be alive. He's an impressive fighter."
Relena physically cringed at the laundry list of wounds, murmuring, "I'll say. Septum did what he could to keep Broderick quiet by sending his Vampire after him. Good thing he hadn't counted on any of us to notice before the deed was done."
Biting the inside of his cheek in thought, Quatre inquired, "So there really is no sign of him waking any time soon?"
The braided doctor shrugged, "His concussion could keep him out for a while. Though his vitals are stable and he's out of the woods of any danger, when his brain has repaired itself enough to bring him around is anyone's guess right now." Checking her watch, her frown bore down all the more. "And I need to be preparing for my testimony at the appeal hearing in a few hours. I'll return as soon as I'm finished."
Her own frustration showing, Peacecraft gestured to her husband as she grumbled, "We need to be going, too. The whole world is going to have their eyes on Council today. I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't reporters camped out front of our home in hopes of getting a comment by now."
Barton stood by the pair, reassuring, "I'll see all of you safely back, then."
Pained that she couldn't stay, Relena threw herself at Heero and Wufei to embrace both of them at the same time. "Please keep us posted," she urged, "no matter how mundane the change, my whole Clan and I want to know about every little thing that happens here. We're so close to ending this..."
Smiling, the brothers embraced her tightly. "Don't worry. We'll be updating you," Yuy promised as they pulled away.
"Thank you," Chang managed softly, "for everything."
Giggling, Peacecraft winked. "That's what family is for," she whispered sincerely. Pressing a kiss to her friends' cheeks, she returned to Quatre's side.
Politely bowing her head to Trowa, she grinned, "Ready when you are." Her snickering husband gently pulled her against his chest as the Transporter smirked while he took hold of Winner and Po's arms.
In the next breath, the group vanished in an array of light.
Wufei ran a hand over the top of his head. "So now we wait," he sighed.
"Now we wait," Heero concurred.
Once again, the tense silence settled upon the living room.
* * * * * *
Septum slowly lowered his hand from the disconnect button on his phone monitor at the end of his long call. Eyes wide with disbelief, he processed the line of questions pertaining to his Hybrids that one potential bidder had grilled him with.
Based on what direction the inquiry was taking, it was more than safe to assume that when the floor was opened for the interested buyers to throw their money offers in there would be figures that even the researcher hadn't dared to image seeing.
To say that Millers was going to be a rich man was only scratching the surface to just how wealthy he was about to become.
All of the stress that he had undergone in waiting for this opportunity was unwarranted. Even after he compensated his faithful Hunters and staff as he had promised them, he would be living the life of luxury the likes of which few ever knew for the rest of his days.
He couldn't wait to tell Lucie...
The thought of his lover spurred the scientist to straighten rigidly in his office chair. Looking to the time on his screen, he realized that it was going on forty-eight hours since he had last seen Aisley. He had been so preoccupied that he never comprehended how long she had gone without any contact.
Quickly dialing her cell phone number, he turned his receiver onto speaker. There was no ring, just as there hadn't been the half dozen times he had tried before. It went straight to Lucie's voicemail.
But unlike every attempt he had made to reach his partner up until that moment, Septum was concerned. There should have been some word from her by now... or at the very least an answer to his call.
That child... that Companion was a greater threat to his life's work than anything Millers had ever encountered before. And it was all thanks to that bastard who started it all by killing his Uncle H. He was the one responsible for everything that had gone wrong in his life.
Surging up and onto his feet, the researcher stormed out of his office. Completely ignoring anything and anyone around him, he all but ran through the maze of catwalks. When he reached the laboratory, his hand plunged into the pocket of his white lab coat pocket for the remote that ever remained there.
Finally, walking through the sliding doors, Septum came to a stop when he reached the holding room. Upon his appearance, the three prisoners inside of their cells sprung up from their beds with wide-eyed surprise. Then, at the press of the remote button, Solo cried out in pain and collapsed to the floor, gripping the collar around his neck.
"Where is she!?" Millers screamed at the prone Hybrid just beyond the glass separating them.
Through the blinding agony wracking his body, the blonde Hybrid made no mistake in knowing who 'she' was and managed to glare fiercely at his captor as he gritted through his teeth, "Fuck... you. Even if I knew where she was, you'd have to kill me before I told you."
Increasing the intensity of the shock, Septum continued to stare darkly at his screaming adversary. Eyes clenched shut, the half-breed unconsciously scratched at his neck in desperation to remove his collar. What little satisfaction the researcher could take in watching his suffering was not enough.
Solo would never be able to suffer enough for his existence.
Behind him, a deep voice growled, "Where is Anna?" peering over his shoulder, the mortal took in the brooding figure standing in the walled off corner that was closest to him.
For all intents and purposes, Duo appeared no different than his usual self. However, behind those violet-and-silver eyes was a fire and a promise for all things terrible to befall upon the man his cold gaze bore down on.
Unshaken by the braided Hybrid's demeanor, Millers turned fully to face him as he sneered, "She's locked away from the rest of the world until either she delivers or I get the feeling that this facility is about to come under attack. For your sake, you best hope that girl dies in the Outback before she brings me any trouble."
"And Broderick?" Celeste pressed, her own ire clear in her face. "What did you do to him?"
Septum focused on the lovely Companion, smirking, "If he is still alive, he won't be for much longer. I sent an old friend of mine on a special hunt for him. He'll make sure that son of a bitch's end is prolonged and excruciating."
Calm and cool as he was on the outside, the scientist was quietly wondering over whether or not the Vampire had finished off his traitor. No call had come in since Dawson was sent out to fend for himself.
But then Damien hated to be interrupted when he was playing with his food.
A few more hours, Millers decided. He could give his accomplice a few more hours to finish up his game and reach him. Otherwise, he would be receiving a call for an update.
Returning his attention to the panting half-breed curled up in a ball on the floor of his cell, the living held down the shock button of his remote once more. Solo reeled in anguish as his voice rose in another howl. When the jolts of electricity finally ebbed, he turned onto his stomach, folded arms wrapped around his clenching abdomen and whimpering softly.
His search for Lucie and his work calling him, Septum spun away to march through the holding room doors without another word.
Once the area was closed off again, Celeste allowed the tears that she had been holding back to fill her eyes. Lowering herself to her knees, she rested a hand against her wall and asked quietly, "Solo... are you alright, ?"
"I've... been better," her Hybrid replied, his voice strained with his head still lowered to hide the shimmer in his own eyes. For him to even admit that much, he'd endured a lot- if his own pride was pushed aside. Craning his head towards her, he gave a small smile and reassured, "But I'll be alright."
Celeste took what comfort she could from that and grinned back in relief.
Back in his cell, Duo remained quiet, contemplating everything that had transpired. Septum was worried. It was the first time since the scientist had revealed himself that he was anything but sure, confident in himself and his mission.
That assault on Solo was a glimpse into the fraying nerves of the researcher. Such signs were warnings of what other rash acts might come about. Once self-assurance and collectiveness began to fail, snap decisions would be made without being thought through.
As a Preventer, Maxwell had seen this happen in the Rogues that he helped hunt down time and time again. Only now, he needed his foe to keep his cocky assuredness. If he didn't, Anna and the babies were in greater danger than they ever had been.
Swallowing roughly, Duo closed his eyes and silently prayed for their safety yet again that day... all the while trying to keep the lid on the box where he had sealed his rage in tight.
* * * * * *
Waving Quatre and Relena off as he stepped away from their home, Trowa was about to transport himself back to the rest of his team when his cell phone rang. Quickly checking the ID of the signal that was tapping into his secured line, he blinked in confusion and answered the call. Receiver pressed to the side of his head, he greeted, "Hello?"
To the rushed, urgent words flowing from the other end, the Original's jaw opened. "W-whoa, honey. Slow down a second," he soothed. "Catch your breath and tell me what's going on.
An audible sigh of frustration resonated from his caller, but they fell into silence before they calmly passed on their reason for reaching him.
His already pale skin nearly becoming transparent, Barton breathed, "You're absolutely sure on this?"
* * * * * *
The sun was going to be rising over Hawaii in a couple of hours when Heero and Wufei watched as the shape of their cousin appeared in an array of color in the center of the living room to their safe house... along with a second, slightly shorter outline of a being standing close at his side.
Frowning in confusion, the brothers glanced at each other before they focused on their materializing company. And when the transportation was complete, the Latin Original stood along with-
"Isabel?" Wufei whispered in surprise. Closing the distance between himself and his eldest daughter, he wrapped her up in a fierce hug that she gladly reciprocated with all of her trembling being.
When he pulled away, the scaly Infected held the brunette at arm's length with his hands resting on her shoulders. "What are you doing here, Kit?" he asked. He looked to Trowa, but the Latin immortal couldn't be read for an explanation.
Biting her lip, the youngling replied, "I came to see Broderick."
Taken aback, Chang's arms fell at his sides as his jaw fell open. "How in the world did you hear about him?" he heard himself ask.
With a sad smile, his lovely daughter answered, "I'd probably best show you, Dad."
Already having a feeling on what was happening, Heero blinked widely. Pulling his resolve together, he cleared his throat and gestured for his niece to follow him. Not needing to be urged along, Isabel fell in step with her father and Uncle Trowa close behind as the Japanese Original took her down the long hallway to the closed off door at the end of it.
Turning the doorknob, Yuy announced to the young immortal, "He's right here." At that, he pushed the door open and stepped aside.
Nervously entering the room, Isabel's tentativeness melted away the moment she laid eyes on the wounded mortal lying on the bed in a heap of wrappings and splints. Her blue-and-gold eyes misting, she hurried to Dawson's side while bringing her right wrist to her mouth. Biting into its flesh as her fangs grew in, she pressed the bleeding wound against the Hunter's mouth.
Instinctively, the living began to drink. Only a couple of gulps in, his pale flesh began to blend into its almost tanned hue in the first sign of his accelerated healing.
Smiling lovingly down at him, the youngling murmured, "Broderick is my Other."
His jaw slack, Wufei gripped the back of his head with both of his scaly hands as he stammered, "H-holy shit."
* * * * * *
"Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come... 'tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far... And grace will lead me home."
Smiling at the end of her song, Anna folded her arms behind her head to pillow it as she tried to think of her home... her family and happier memories.
Meanwhile, several floor above her, Septum was pacing in his office. There was still no reaching Lucie. No update from Damien. Loose ends. He hated loose ends.
And there were just over twenty-four hours before the bidding was opened. Too much at stake.
Coming to a halt in the center of the room, that was when he made his decision.
"There is no point in waiting for those babies to reach their due date," he told himself. "Every bit of this needs to end sooner than later... including the existences and lives of those who have outlived their usefulness."
TBC...
Back to SkyLark's Fanfictions Page