Like a little girl cries in the face
Of a monster that lives in her dreams
Is there anyone out there
It's getting harder and harder to breathe
-Lyrics to 'Harder to Breathe' by Maroon 5
Crimson Ties Part 31
Relena jumped at the crash of her cousin's door slamming open two floors above her. Quickly closing the book she had been reading and getting to her feet, she hurried to the doorway of the living room just in time to see Lady Une rush down the stairs as she cried, "Zechs! We need to leave for Athens, Greece right away!"
The tall blonde appeared in a flash, a deep frown marring his face in seeing how distraught the Commander looked. "Greece?" he repeated. "Une, what's going on?"
Shaking her head, the Original paced back and forth in her tell-tale way that she was desperately trying to keep herself together. "No time to explain right now," she sighed, arms flying in the air in frustration. "I've contacted our crew to be ready in our private hanger within the hour. I'll explain on the way."
When Merquise didn't move quick enough for her liking, she lowered her briefcase and closed the distance between them to grip his shoulders. "Zechs," she breathed, locking her wide eyes onto his. "Please. We need to go, now."
"O-okay," the blonde Vampire stammered, nodding. "I'll be ready in a couple of minutes." As the Representative ran through the front door to head for his residence, the Commander reached up with a trembling hand to cover her mouth.
Relena approached slowly, stricken by the very uncommon frantic behavior in Une. "Dear cousin," she called softly, frowning in worry. "Is there anything that I can do to help?" She couldn't bring herself to ask what was wrong, not wanting to know what it was that had shaken the normally unshakable Vampire.
Glancing over at the younger Infected, the Council woman sighed, "Oh, my darling, please forgive me."
Her hands wringing together at her waist, she swallowed roughly and shared, "I received some very distressing news that could be tied to the Rogues we're hunting. Nothing is confirmed yet, but..." Her voice trailed off. Lowering her head, she muttered, "I dread what it would mean if it turns out to be right."
Eyes widening, Peacecraft felt her already pale skin turning a few shades fairer as those words set in. "I see," was all that she could manage, all the more certain that she did not want to be clued in any further, obviously there was a clear need to be concerned.
Finally calming herself to organize the other details of her leaving. She smiled regretfully, "As for what you can help with, would you mind-"
"I'll keep an eye on Meiran when she returns from her hunt," Relena smirked, already fully knowing what the request would be. "And you know I can handle her if she steps out of line."
Giggling, Lady Une pressed a kiss against her forehead and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, sweetheart," she sighed in relief. "I appreciate your reliability. And I am sorry that we have to leave you like this."
The blonde returned the embrace as she smiled reassuringly, "No need for apologies. It's clearly very important." Biting her lip, she asked, "Just keep me posted on whatever it is when you return?"
With a firm nod, her cousin vowed, "Of course."
Just as he had promised, Zechs stepped back through the opening front door with a duffle bag in hand. Not wanting to stand around any longer than they needed to, Une embraced Relena once more, promising, "We'll be back soon."
"Safe journey," Peacecraft told them softly as her brother came up for a tight hug before he followed the Commander's heels, closing the door behind them once more.
Alone in the entrance way, Relena reached up to rub her arms against the chill. But the cold shiver did not come from the frosty bite in the air that she could not feel.
* * * * * *
Standing at the cusp of trees that surrounded the peaceful grounds that they had been directed to, Treize and his team stared out at the divot in the snow at the center of the clearing before them. In the brilliant light of the full moon, what would have been a serene scene was anything but for the Vampires.
They had been fortunate that it had not snowed again to cover the evidence of the struggle that had taken place so that they could investigate it themselves.
"No question this was our Rouges," the Commander sighed deeply, his almost nonexistent breath faint enough that it did not make vapor clouds in the frozen air. Turning to the female Vampires, he asked, "Can you find where this started... and what happened to her?"
Anna looked to Noin, smirking, "Between the two of us, sure we can. It'll just come to who gets there first."
Chuckling deeply, Lucrezia grinned wickedly, "You're on, Red." Turning to her right, she darted in a blur through the trees at the same time that her Irish friend took to the left half of the ring in a blink.
With an amused snicker, Treize shook his head. The smile on his face faded quickly when he looked back out to the divot, thinking of that dark-haired girl that Heero had picked out of the missing person line-up.
Grim as the situation looked, the Commander still held out hope that she and all of the other victims were still alive. Until they had clear proof to verify otherwise, then there was a chance.
Khushrenada was very thankful that there was not another fall of snow since the attack. But then, even if there had been, Noin and Anna would still have found the trail.
The pair made up the best team of trackers at his disposal, seeing the slightest markings, twig snaps and other blemishes that others would have missed when trying to work out the story behind an attack like this. Snow would only make their search all the easier.
And right now, they needed to gather everything that they could on the Rogues based off the few things that they left behind in the wakes.
"Found it!" Noin's voice carried from beyond the trees at the other half of the clearing just to the left of where Treize was staring out. Taking a deep breath, the tall Vampire collected himself for whatever his trackers had discovered and darted towards the source of the cheer.
Deep within the cover of the trees there, he found a thin and winding walkway between the thick trunks and shrubs that had had been reduced to little more than black branches without their leaves. The path was small enough that unless a person knew it existed, they never would have looked for it if they were out for a stroll.
A few yards ahead of the cousins, Anna was already in a low squat examining the stretch of branches, acorn remains and the like around her. "This is it alright," she muttered, a deep frown on her face. "The freezing temperatures kept the disturbed areas pretty fresh." Also closely examining her own surroundings, Noin nodded.
For Khushrenada, he stepped back to give them room and silence in their putting the pieces together. Though he saw nothing out of the ordinary about the scene, there was deep thought in the eyes of his trackers.
Carefully walking about as to not disturb the landscape, the female Vampires checked over each other's sections for their own silent evaluation.
Then, when they met in the middle of the long walkway, Noin and Anna's gazes met in a silent conversation that was punctuated by their heads nodding shallowly. At the distress in their expressions, Treize felt a rise of panic that he managed to keep down as he asked, "How bad is it?"
Slowly meeting his eyes, Noin sighed heavily, "Real bad... worse than we'd imagined."
Pointing back in the opposite direction that Treize had entered through the clearing, the redhead began, "Our girl was alone when she walked in here back where the road starts." She paused, biting her lip before she looked down at the snow that seemed a little indented just before her. "She wasn't by herself for long. Her attackers jumped down from the trees over her head to take her."
Only then did Khushrenada notice the fine particles of broken pine branches in the snow to confirm the assessment.
A look to the large appendages overhead revealed how easily an army of creatures could have hidden themselves amidst the thick cover of the evergreens. It was the absolutely ideal spot to sit and wait for the opportunity to strike an unassuming innocent.
"She ran. They gave her an opening for her to escape, but it only led her in this direction," Noin continued, her voice also low as she led the trio along the trail towards the clearing. "Without a single residence around for miles, her screams went unheard by anyone who could help her."
Treize swallowed roughly as he followed along, both in step and gaze as he took in where the trackers were looking. In his mind, he could see the dark-haired teenager sprinting as fast as her feet could carry her in through the dark wood... scared out of her mind by what she had seen in the creatures that had ambushed her.
Licking her lips, Anna gestured to a row of dead brushes beside a tree with roots rounding above the snowy surface as she went on, "She tripped, most likely unable to really see where she was headed considering how dense the trees are. And she fell, hard, into those bushes."
Were his heart still beating in his chest, the Commander knew it would have been pounding as he allowed the images to set in. "The Rogues were on her, they gave her a clear way past them so that she could get away again," Lucrezia continued, her voice trailing off at the end. She froze, opening and closing her mouth before she could find her voice to breathe, "After they broke one of her legs."
His eyes widening with a long gasp, Treize looked from one lowered head of the trackers to the other. Reluctantly taking the lead over the stretch of road the redhead frowned, "There are long furrows in the snow. She tried to run as best she could, half-dragging herself in the process."
"You don't need to hear all of this cousin," Noin suddenly offered, her voice cracking. Shaking her head when he looked on her, she warned, "It's terrible what these monsters did." Anna nodded in agreement, appearing quite happy to not have to elaborate any further.
Taking a deep breath, Khushrenada rolled his shoulders back and nodded firmly, "I'll hear all of it. I need to know what happened here so that I may know how we will proceed in bringing these Rogues to justice."
Lucrezia and Anna shared a heavy gaze, an unspeakable horror and sadness in their golden eyes and on their faces. Neither one of them seemed ready to go on with the horrific story that they had unraveled.
Finally, it was the redhead to find the courage to take them further along the path as she pointed to areas of interest, murmuring, "She was kicked like a soccer ball between her attackers... She was knocked up against the trees... She fell and was thrown to the ground multiple times, but she was always given a shot to believe that she could escape."
What air was in the Commander's dead lungs escaped in a long breath, his skin growing even more pale on him as he took in the indentations in the sides of the thick trunks and the shrubbery along the walkway.
He was so taken by the mental pictures of that innocent teenager beaten, frantic, bleeding and screaming trying so desperately to save herself that it took him a moment to realize they had come to a stop at the opening where their investigation had started.
"Then they finished it," Noin concluded softly, her eyes staring at the divot in the center of the clearing along with her fellow Infected. In the long silence that followed, the only sound that could be heard was the low howl of the wind when it picked up.
Shaking his head, Treize whispered, "My God. I thought that it would be bad enough to have proof that they killed that poor girl, instead they..."
Anna kept her gaze ahead as she supplied in a whisper for him, "They toyed with her first as if she was nothing more than a plaything to them."
Physically wincing at her words, the cousins peered over at the redhead and frowned deeply at the dark memories that clouded her gold-and-blue eyes. She had her own experience to personally know what such an ordeal would have been like for this victim.
Biting his lip, Khushrenada reached over to pull the Irish Vampire against his side in a fatherly embrace as she melted against him.
Eyes narrowing with the rage that was setting in to replace all other emotions, he cast his attention back to the dip in the snow. His fangs growing in, he hissed, "There will be no trial for these monsters. I want them removed from this world the moment they're found... as violently as possible."
Neither Noin nor Anna voiced an argument against that order. They nodded their heads firmly, already committed to seeing to the task before it was even asked of them.
* * * * * *
"You're more than ready for your Algebra exam on Wednesday," Quatre grinned confidently. Folding his arms behind his head, the blonde leaned back in his chair at the dining room table and shrugged, "I don't think there'll be a question that could be thrown at you that'll stump you."
Maxwell put his books into his backpack on the floor as he chuckled, "Well, I don't know if I would go that far, but I have to admit that I feel a lot better about the upcoming final than I did even hours before."
Straightening himself back up in his seat, Duo made sure to have the sincerity in his voice when he smiled, "I really appreciate all of your helping me this semester, Quat. You actually made me like math... kinda."
The young scientist laughed, "Considering how you started off the semester hating it, I take that as a real compliment."
Winner lowered his arms as he mused in a rush, "You know, I still don't understand why math gets such a bad rap with most people. It's actually one of the most interesting subjects, I think, because of its possibilities. I mean history is history, it can't be changed. But with math, there are so many variables and numbers that can-"
"Quatre!" Duo barked out in a laugh, making his 'reeling back' motion by tugging on an invisible fishing line. Quickly stopping himself when his roommate winced, he blinked widely.
Shaking his braided head, he waved at the air, snickering, "Aw, forget it. We're the only ones here and I think your enthusiasm makes you... endearing." Quatre beamed.
As she entered the room on her way back from the living room, Midi giggled, "I couldn't agree more." Her smile grew when she found the empty little plates by her charges. "And it looks like the pie I had made turned out fine," she stated.
Nodding, the blonde living complimented, "Better than fine. Thanks so much for that and dinner, Midi. You spoil us."
"Yea. I couldn't force another bite down if I tried," Maxwell nodded as he handed the plates and forks over to the brunette. "One thing I'm grateful for is when my change comes on I'll still be able to enjoy your cooking for the rest of my existence. I've never eaten better since meeting you."
Midi chuckled, "Oh, flattery will get you boys everywhere. And I very much look forward to my being able to continue to spoil you." And her friends knew how much she meant that as they smiled in appreciation.
Slowly turning his head so that he could peer over his shoulder to stare down the long hallway, Duo's smile faded into a worried frown. Biting his lip, he asked quietly, "How's Fei doing?"
The corners of her own mouth drooping, the Infected followed his gaze and sighed, "The poor thing is still quieter than usual, working the hours away at his computer. Heero's starting to get through to him in getting some conversation out of him. They're both in the same position, so they have common ground to fall back on."
Running a hand through her loose brown hair, she shook her head, "I'm glad that Wufei has enough at-home assignments from his work to keep him occupied. If anyone knows how good it is to have distractions from missing and worrying, I would."
Under her breath, Midi muttered, "And his being here gives me a chance to clean his mansion without being in the way."
Maxwell could practically see the wheels in her head turning in her plan to make the already spotless estate her next pet project. Obviously Wufei wasn't the only Vampire in need of steady work to keep their mind off Anna.
"Will you be staying the night with Trowa and I, Quatre?" the 'little mother' asked when she turned her head back towards the blonde. "You know you're welcome to whatever guest room you choose if you would rather not have to drive back to your dorm."
Aquamarine eyes widening, Winner replied, "Oh, I wish I had thought of that before I came out here. I'd love to take you up on that, except I didn't bring a change of clothes or night wear with me."
Duo snickered to himself, "Not a problem, I'm sure."
Instantly aglow with her brilliant smile, the Vampire cheered, "Oh, well I already took the liberty of stocking everything you might need for an occasion like this. I even have an unopened toothbrush and toothpaste for you."
Stunned, Quatre's mouth fell open. Duo's head fell back with laughter.
"It sounds like more of a party back here than a study session," an amused voice commented seconds before Relena entered the dining room. Smirking to the braided teenager, she bowed her head and greeted, "Duo." Her gold-rimmed blue eyes shifted and locked onto the scientist as her smile spread further across her face when she gave him an airy, "Quatre."
Blinking his widening eyes, Winner stammered, "O-oh." A goofy grin tugged his lips as he replied in kind, "Hello Relena. It's really good to see you." The Councilwoman practically shone with happiness at the sincere sentiment.
Midi shifted the plates in her hands to peck her long-time friend on the cheek and commented, "Yes, this is a pleasant surprise."
Looking on the other Infected, Peacecraft informed, "Lady Une and my brother are off on rather important business in quite the hurry, leaving me alone but for Meiran." She made no move to keep the frustration from her tone when she bit her cousin's name out. "I do hope that you wouldn't mind my staying here for more pleasant company tonight."
"Please do!" Quatre all but shouted, sitting up smartly in his chair. He ducked and blushed fiercely when his friends all turned around to look at him. "I-I mean if that's okay with you, Midi," he smiled sheepishly to the brunette. Duo bit down hard on his tongue to keep from laughing.
The 'mother' of the group winked to the other Infected, "Of course it's fine, Relena. You know the more the merrier as far as I'm concerned."
Glancing at the scientist, she announced, "I'm happily hosting a small army this evening. Our dear Quatre, here, was just accepting my invitation to spend the night." Without missing a beat, Winner grinned and nodded enthusiastically.
Maxwell bit down so hard he was surprised he didn't draw blood from his tongue. Though he was able to contain his laughter, he had to lower his head to hide the pinched look of strain on his face in doing so while his chest bounced.
This night was sure to prove interesting. And it would also provide an opportunity for the living in getting to know Relena better.
After all, she was practically part of the family, too.
* * * * * *
It had been a long full day and night of traveling for Treize, Noin and Anna when they finally decided to set camp to sit and plot out their next move. Though they did not need it for the light nor the heat, they made a small camp fire that they sat around to collect their emotions and thoughts that had built up after the intense discoveries from the tracking.
Pulling the hood of her white coat over her head, Anna shielded her face from the elements and the night as she stared down at her folded hands in her lap.
Slowly, she traced her fingers over her golden wedding band, missing Wufei something fierce. Never before had she encountered anything like what she and Noin had unraveled hours before. And there was nothing that she wouldn't have given to have the comfort of his presence, the strength of his arms around her and the reassurance of his kisses.
Returning from a much-needed hunt of a couple bears deep in steep hills where they had taken refuge, both Treize and Noin were in better spirits from the satisfying feeling of accomplishing something as much as the feed itself. When they found their friend still staring down at her ring, they sat at either side of her on the rocks beside the flames.
Back into his fatherly role, the Commander wrapped an arm around the redhead and rested his forehead against her hooded temple. "I know that had to be hard on you to have to relive that night you had been attacked," he frowned deeply. "I'm very sorry that I put you through that. If I had known that what those Rogues had done was so brutal, I never would have brought you along."
"It's not yer fault, sir," Anna snickered quietly, her accent slipping out with her defenses down. Reaching up to wipe away a few stray tears from her face, she removed her hood and faced him as she nodded, "I'm glad that I was able te help. Gives me some sense that I'm doing something fer these poor victims. Right now, it's just frustrating that we can't do more. I want te stop these monsters."
Noin smiled and nudged her dear friend's side, commenting, "I couldn't agree with you more there, Red. They're not going to do this to anyone else the moment we have them." Her eyes narrowing, she peered into the flames as she gritted through her teeth, "And we will have them."
With a quick squeeze, Treize released Anna and sighed, "That's the truth of the matter. We're going to have to run into these bastards eventually. The two of them won't be able to stay away from us forever."
The trackers tensed instantly at that, their growing eyes locked together.
A shockwave shot down the Commander's spine at the exchange.
Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward and spoke as softly as the breeze, "Noin? Anna? There are still only two Rogues that we know of, right?"
Lucrezia swallowed roughly as she looked to him. "Based on the impressions we found there were different weights to make the dips in the snow shallow or deep," she began, shaking her head. "If we go off of that, there were more than two Vampires involved in herding our victim out here."
"How many?" Treize pressed, his tone a bit sharper from his growing anxiety over the situation that was only getting worse by the moment.
Releasing a deep breath, Anna answered, "We picked up on at least five of them."
TBC...
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