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"The Agency: Meeting of Souls "Written By: Karina Pairings 13x6 [eventual], 5xS, 3x4, Others undecided at this time. Warnings: Extreme Alternate Universe setting. Unbetaed, Aussie spelling and grammar, not much else in the early chapters though it will involve murder, stalking and possibly some colourful language down the track. Some Out Of Character depictions are unavoidable considering the alternate universe setting. Rating: M [In Australia that would be mature adult 15+] Not sure with the new rating system about international ratings. Rated for violence and language and adult concepts. Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing. That's about as plain as you could say it. Summary: The world took a very different turn with the acknowledgement of psychic abilities and training of select psychic individuals enlisted in elite fields such as law enforcement and politics. A grading system for the strength of psionic abilities was developed and those who were the top of the elite have been dubbed Prime Talents and are highly sought after. Elite institutions have been developed to mark, train and employ individuals with useable psionic talents. The colonies of canon Gundam Wing do exist in this fic and were constructed before the psionic system was founded. With the advent of psionics in open use in society younger people are appearing in positions of power as they are awakening to their abilities earlier and are highly trained in their fields of expertise. Archive: Gundam Wing Universe [gundam-wing-universe.net]
//…// Thoughts
Chapter 34 It was not a long drive from the Agency's carpool to the hotel, even at the worst time of the day, rush hour. The drive was made faster for Treize with a few seconds additional delay and the use of his prerogative as the Agency Prime. A single call stating his clearance level within the city protocols and Treize requested, and received immediately, a priority route enabling him to circumvent the heavier traffic. With a priority lane cleared to the hotel Treize was able to test out just how fast his car could go. The additional speed the exercise garnered even quieted Gabriella from annoying him with her tirade about his so called `tardiness' in reaching Marquise. If it were not for the turmoil from the younger man shared through the bond instigated by Gabriella, Treize would have enjoyed breaking every speed rule in the ESUN. For all of the responsibilities of his position both as a Prime talent and as a Duke there was, lurking beneath the gentlemanly exterior, a young man who instinctively liked the thrill of fast cars and dangerous speeds. There was, however, more to concern him than revelling in how much speed he could coax out of the car. He was justified in utilizing his city clearances to mark a priority route and in the use of exuberant speed, given he was enroute to assist a registered psychic of Prime level status, not that anyone but Gabriella knew it. At the moment it would be assumed, by those he had contacted to clear the route for him, that he was responding to a breakthrough in the current case he was engaged in, and he was hopeful of keeping it that way. It was his desire, and Gabriella's too, that they keep the incident quiet. He could sense Gabriella within the merge, tutting and muttering over the unavoidable delay in his reaching Marquise. Unavoidable simply because he was not blessed with a teleportation talent; even the indomitable Gabriella had to allow him some leeway on his tardy arrival when mundane means of transport were required. How long had it been? Certainly it could not have been any more than a few minutes given the speed with which he was moving. If he looked to his right he could see the hotel, he just needed to negotiate the exit ramp now coming up on his right; two minutes should see his arrival. If they wanted to keep this quiet and known to as few persons as possible he would need to look unruffled, the picture of the perfectly presented gentleman to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Until he could reach Marquise, bystanders had to see the suave and sophisticated Duke Khushrenada, not the Agency Prime. Duke Khushrenada, that was the persona he needed to project from the moment he opened the car door. If one looked as though one belonged then no one would comment on one's appearance in unexpected places. If one was uncomfortable in oneself and thought oneself to be out of place then, assuredly, you would look out of place and be certain to draw attention. Given he was not dressed for a night out on the town he would need to project the Duke's business persona. A well to do and well presented gentleman on his way to a business meeting. That impression would need to serve him given he had no time to acquire a change of attire. Who and how many people might have noted there was a problem with the budding, soon to be named, Prime? He was going into this situation blind, having no means of knowing the exact circumstances surrounding Marquise's evening's affairs. Given what he knew of the Tsuberov psyche set he imagined there might have been some form of formal dinner, and given the time of evening it would likely still have been underway. If it was not a formal meal he could hope the social chit chat stage had been reached and perhaps Marquise had managed to make himself scarce before too many people became aware of a problem. He had received the impression the young Winner heir was close by and had responded in some fashion. However he had reacted it had drawn a welcome, even relieved, response from Marquise. The sense of relief engendered in Marquise had been enough for Gabriella to moderate her reaction to the budding crisis. She had subsided somewhat since it was clear Winner was close at hand and attentive... but who else might have been in his company? There had been someone else present... female, he was certain. Female and of a social station high enough that she had thrown Marquise off his equilibrium. Gabriella was strangely silent on the matter and he had too much to concentrate on, namely not wrecking the car, to pursue the matter. He slowed the car enough to slip neatly into the exit lane, frowning a little, as through his link with Gabriella, he felt an echo of her annoyance with someone in her presence. Whatever was happening she was becoming distracted from monitoring the situation with Marquise and her temper was rising and… there, she had curtailed the link with Marquise, no doubt for his protection. Her temper was something the young man certainly did not need to deal with when he was having such difficulty handling whatever had upset him. As he negotiated the extended curve of the ramp, Treize monitored the link between them, realizing that Gabriella was going so far as to erect a barrier, though Treize could still emote her reactions and no doubt she could still follow his responses. She would not drop the links that bound the three of them until she was assured all was well, but what was it that had drawn her temper? As much as he wanted to know what was distracting her, he was more concerned with the need to delve deeper into the emotions he was sensing from Marquise. To pursue either course of interest in depth at this time would be a fatal mistake. He had to keep his attention on the road and spare only minimal attention for what was happening in the hotel ahead of him. Purely physical driving had to dominate his mind, though he could multi task enough to monitor the younger man's condition. Crashing the car at this speed would solve nothing. Taking a deep breath to steady himself and force his attention to focus on the road, Treize turned into the hotel driveway, sparing a moment to punch his clearance key code and notify traffic control he had cleared the priority route. Given the prestige of the hotel, he knew there was valet parking available and he could not simply leave the car parked out front. As he pulled up before the entrance he was careful to shut down access to the more sensitive onboard systems that were not needed to directly drive the vehicle. It would not do to have anyone poking around confidential and extremely expensive equipment. Taking a moment to compose himself and run a hand through his hair, checking his appearance in the mirror, he spared the few precious seconds for three measured breaths. Instead of allowing each breath to take him down into psi working mode, this time Treize focused the effect on his nerves, composing himself for the appearance he must foster. Cool, calm and sophisticated; the persona of Duke Khushrenada, businessman and highly placed member of the European aristocracy. That was who he had to see looking back at him in the mirror when he opened his… well, it would just have to do. It had already been a long day and he was certainly not dressed for a formal evening's entertainment. Hopefully no one would ask him what the hell he was doing there, dressed as he was. He distinctly caught Gabriella's empathic snort and the feeling of a `raspberry' being blown. The mental equivalent of the raspberry, `pfttt!', was quite clear in betraying her thoughts on his uncertainties. Though her thoughts were closed to him he knew exactly what she would have said were she to open the contact. `Prime you are, is all need be said!' Words to that effect, at any rate. Were Gabriella to be standing in his place now she would likely march in the door, glare anyone down who got in her way and march on through, not caring who noticed her passage. She was that kind of woman and you did not question, you simply asked how high she required you to jump. He intended to be a little more discrete than that. Exiting the car he nodded briefly to the uniformed young man who stood waiting. The young valet looked like he was about to have an orgasm as he eyed the car, and there was no mistaking the emotions blasting from him. Well, there were not many of the Ghosts to be found in the world, and to his knowledge his was the only one in the city. Treize supposed such a reaction was understandable from a car enthusiast, which this young man appeared to be. She was, as he could attest, a very nice car to drive, but there had best not be the smell of sex in the car when he returned. The only sex Treize ever wanted to smell in there was his own and… No, let's not go there. He motioned to the valet to enter the car and take his place behind the wheel, indicating the glowing plate on the dashboard. He was required to authorize a new driver, albeit a temporary one, or the car would indeed be parked out front of the hotel all evening. "Place your left hand on the plate." His instruction was obeyed and Treize typed in an authorization code, straightening up as he punched in enter and pressed his thumb to a smaller plate to authorize the code. A ring of embedded LCD lights flashed on around the steering wheel before darkening again and Treize nodded slightly. "You are authorized to park the car and return it to me when I activate a remote. Make a point of informing your supervisor that only you can drive her when I call for her. I trust you will not be going off shift for the next few hours?" "Yes, sir! No sir, I will be here until two in the morning." He certainly hoped he was not still at the hotel at two in the morning. Treize turned from the car, not watching as the vehicle purred away smoothly and focused his attention on the doorman, who inclined his head respectfully and held the door open for him to pass. The noise of the city fell behind him and was cut off as he passed through the inner doors, a second doorman bowing formally to him as he entered into the world of the uber rich and luxurious. Stepping into the wide lobby Treize speared a look about him, noting the marble pillars, the black marble floor with the ultra high gloss that reflected back the furniture, fittings and people walking it with mirror quality. The Reception area to the left and a line of elevators to the… Aqua blue eyes stared into his, widening in surprise and worry, long blonde hair shielding that other face bent toward the floor, strong arm wrapped around a slender waist… the elevator door closed with a perfectly pitched chime. //Shit! Right, I am heading upstairs then.// At least his association with Tsuberov's Security Chief had provided him with the suite number being used by the three young men and he would not require anyone look the information up for him. Treize strode casually across the foyer, blue eyes sweeping over the area as he sent a thought to his chief bodyguard, forcing himself to keep his pace to a casual stroll. He needed to allow enough time but not get caught up in a conversation with anyone, and certainly not attract unwanted attention. The elevators at a hotel of this class were an integral part of the overall security system. They would be encoded so that only guests of the establishment might activate them, and to make it look as though he was a guest returning to his suite he needed the elevator to open when he called it. He was not a registered guest but he was on the list of the cities priority elite. His guard would require a good thirty seconds for the computers to communicate and register him as being authorized to have access to the upper floors of the hotel. Discretion required he enter the elevators, request his floor and not have the elevator notify security of an unauthorized request. He would not wait for the same elevator, of course, but chose to use the third of the three elevators dedicated to the floors housing the Tsuberov student's suites. How was the time going? He was only a few steps away from the elevator and no acknowledgement had come from Turner. A little more time was required… How casual a saunter did he need to affect and when would it become suspicious? ~/Access confirmation received.'/~ Relieved Treize took the last two steps and could not help holding his breath as he reached to touch a finger to the call pad for scanning. There were no sirens wailing, no visible signs of an alert and, he hoped, no silent alarm sounding in the security control room. Calmly Treize stepped through the opening doors and into the elevator, turning to face the lobby as he reached out and pressed for the appropriate floor... Duo Maxwell and Princess Relena of Sanc?! The pair were exiting a function room as the doors of the elevator began to close, both looking warily over their shoulders. It was obvious neither wished to be followed and it aroused the Prime's curiosity. The Sweeper brat and the Princess? It was not a combination he had expected to find. ——————————————————— The very last thing Quatre had expected to see was the T/E Prime entering the hotel lobby. There was not a single doubt the tall man with the russet hair was Treize Khushrenada; the man was unmistakable to anyone with a hint of empathy. To the empathically aware the Prime was like a sunburst going off in the immediate vicinity; brilliant bright light, warm and irradiating controlled confidence and power into the air about him. What the hell was he supposed to do now? There was only one real explanation for the Prime's appearance at this time, in this exact place, and it was not an explanation Quatre was happy with. For the Prime to have put in so neatly timed an appearance Zechs must have been generating something of his current state on a telepathic level and had attracted the man's attention. Quatre's low level telepathic talent had not detected anything in the function room; it was his empathy that had alerted him to something being wrong. He was nowhere near the same level of sensitivity as the Prime, who clearly knew that something was wrong. Why else would he be here, now of all times? At least the elevator doors were now closed and they were ascending to their floor. He had a few minutes at best to prepare himself and Zechs for the Prime's arrival; the man would have to gain a visitor's pass from reception before he could access the elevators to follow them. Had Zechs noticed? Quatre grunted softly as Zechs listed sideways, bracing himself and taking the larger man's weight until Zechs gathered himself together and pulled himself upright, bracing against the walls of the elevator. To Quatre's searching gaze Zechs seemed disoriented, blue eyes unfocused and narrowed in a fashion that suggested he was in pain. "Quatre?" His voice was low and huskier than usual. "Yes?" "Sorry." His hands rested flat against the rear of the elevator, fingers spread wide to gain some purchase on the smooth, polished wood grain surface. As Quatre watched Zechs slowly worked himself into the corner, using the adjoining walls to brace himself until he settled and rested his head against one wall, panting softly. "Sorry." Though it was the last thing in the world he felt like doing, Quatre smiled. At this time Zechs needed reassurance, to feel he was not alone and they could, together, manage to gain some control over whatever this... problem.. might be. Quatre was only too aware that if they did not somehow master the situation, Zechs would have to resign himself to not escaping the restrictions placed on him at Tsuberov. And there Quatre found himself in a quandary. Truth to tell, if he was experiencing this form of instability, then Zechs needed to remain at the laboratories and work on the problem. Surely Zechs himself was aware of that simple truth? They would need to discuss it because this simply could not be ignored. But that could wait for another time. "What are friends for, Zechs? It's okay. We will sort things out, get you settle down and just… move on." He would like to say they could move on from here with little expected to change in their lives; to act as though nothing had happened, but there was no way that could happen. If someone at the dinner had not noticed something was wrong, there was still the Duke to be contended with. There was no mistaking the identity of the man in the foyer and Quatre knew he was aware of their little problem. The Duke had looked right into his eyes. Then there was Otto. Quatre was sure the Security Chief had noted something was happening, and he was certain Otto would not leave well enough alone. The Chief, at some point, was sure to make his way to the suite to discover what was happening. It was as well the suite was large given it was likely to get crowded rather quickly. Otto would be there as soon as he could extricate himself from the niceties of the social gathering; and knowing Otto that would not take long at all. The Prime was sure to put in an appearance before then and he was undoubtedly the best one suited to, and capable of, dealing with the situation. His unexpected presence at the hotel was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise, though it would lead to complications in the long term. Had the Dean or one of the Masters in attendance noticed and, if so, which of them would put in an appearance to further complicate matters? Allah, what was he to do to sort this out? Where did he start to contain the mess? It would not just be the Tsuberov staff who would become involved. None other than Princess Relena of Sanc, the Crown Princess of a sovereign nation, was involved. Somehow, Quatre was quite sure she would contrive to convince Duo to bring her up to the suite. If she was seen anywhere at the hotel other than the reception area and function rooms, then questions would be asked. If she was, unthinkably, seen entering or leaving their suite..Allah! The scandal would rock the ESUN. The tabloids would love it! He could only hope that Otto, and whichever of the Masters that accompanied him, would want to keep the scandal from happening. He only hoped they would not be publicly expelled from Tusberov. A nice, discrete meeting, no fuss or bother... Oh, it was beginning to develop into a fine mess the more he thought about it. "You won't be able to do much to help me, and I don't… I don't want you getting into any trouble on… my account. If you would just help me to get to the suite… That would be enough. Then you can go back... return to the others. I'll be okay." Quatre glared, hoping the look would be enough, but he was uncertain Zechs could actually see with any clarity at the moment. His eyes were narrowed and there was a distant look in them Quatre did not particularly like. " I've dealt with this before and… and I can sort it out. I just… needed to get out of there… for a bit." "This is one of those `panic' attacks I have heard you used to suffer from, isn't it? People talk, Zechs, especially rich and bored young people. I have heard of the attacks but never witnessed one before now, and I must say it does not particularly look like... or feel like... a panic attack to me. Don't worry, we'll sort this out in no time at all. You can get to bed and you can sleep it off before anyone realises something is wrong." "Nnooo I… I need to speak to the Princess." Quatre snorted and waved a hand negligently in the air. He had his own ideas about that! "Yes, well we will see. The first thing we need to do is get you into the suite and calmed down." "Need to speak with her. Really...do. ..Just a few... minutes...alone. .." Quatre stepped closer to Zechs as the music filling the elevator cut off, the doors opening behind him and he hitched his shoulder under Zechs' arm pit, taking his weight. "I am not leaving you alone, as in alone alone, or with Relena of Sanc alone. Get that idea out of your head here and now. Hush now and let's go." "Sorry." Zechs stumbled as he shifted his weight from the walls to Quatre's shoulder. "Sorry... for all... this." "I am your friend and what else are friends for? Now hush up and walk." At least they did not need to travel the entire length of the hallway to reach the privacy of their suite. Zechs was giving his best effort in trying to make it easier for him, taking as much of his own weight as possible. They walked close enough to the wall for Zechs to slide his free hand along the wall in an effort to steady himself and make his bulk more manageable. Quatre had hoped to get Zechs into their suite without there being any witnesses and it appeared they would be lucky enough to do so...until the elevator two bays across from the one they had used chimed and the Prime stepped into the hallway. Quatre silently named himself thirteen kinds of idiot. It had been his hope that the Prime would need to arrange security clearance to ride the elevators to the private floors, the resulting delay giving Quatre sufficient time to get Zechs safely to their suite. He should have known that someone like Treize Khushrenada, with his contacts and security clearance as the Agency Prime, would have no difficulty in gaining immediate access where ever he wished to go. Either he zoned out for a few seconds or the man had wings! His friend's weight was abruptly gone, the taller Prime having no difficulty in supporting Zechs, and then those intense sapphire blue eyes were on Quatre, demanding with a look that he get his backside into gear and move. "I..." "Talk can come later, right now we need to get him to the suite. I have my bodyguards running interference for us, so we have a few minutes to get him out of the public eye." Quatre hesitated the barest fraction of a second before hurrying ahead of the Prime and slapping his palm to the door plate of their suite. The door whisked efficiently aside before the man arrived with his burden and, to his surprise, Zechs made no protest to the Prime's sudden appearance or manhandling of him. In fact, he seemed quieter, more relaxed and alert, his eyes hinting at a reduced discomfort. "His bedroom is through there." Khushrenada glanced up, noted the door Quatre indicated and shook his head. "The lounge is the better option for now. I need him seated, not lying down. It will be easier for him to work if he does not feel quite so much the invalid and I can not have him falling asleep at this time." Quatre hovered as Zechs was manhandled into one of the oversized armchairs and the Prime promptly parked his butt on the edge of the coffee table, facing the chair. Slipping his fingers to the temples of Zechs' forehead the Prime lifted the blonde's head to make eye contact with him, glancing quickly to Quatre. "When the others get here tell them to shut up, stay still or get out. The latter would, honestly, be my preferred option. I do not need interruptions while I am dealing with this and I would appreciate it if they would give me the space to work uninterrupted. " "Yes, sir." Quatre settled in the arm chair across from the pair, blue eyes wide. ——————————————- ~/Sorry. So sorry./~ He allowed his perceptions to grow, to expand outward and encircle the presence that was Zechs Marquise. Treize could so clearly feel the insecurity, the pain, the fear… the uncertainty and `other worldly' feeling that was growing within the perceptions of the younger man. Zechs was still under the misconception that he was fighting off the encroachment of something from the outside world, and not something rising up from deep within his own psyche. ~/There is nothing to apologize for. We are Prime. We support each other./~ He could feel Gabriella lingering at the back of his awareness and following his every action. She was uncommonly quiet, he mused and he was far from happy with the situation, but he would trust her, as he had learned it was safe to do. Her silence was worrying, but she would no doubt step forward and take charge of the situation should she feel the need. He knew she trusted him; she had had a large part in his training and the education of his talent, and for now he needed to dedicate his entire concentration to the distressed mind placed willingly in his hands. ~/I didn't mean to take you away from your work. I can deal with this./~ ~/Undoubtedly you can, but you do not need to deal with this alone.?~ The protest, the rising mental anguish experienced for disrupting the affairs of so important an individual, one who had been kind enough to express an interest in his future, was clear. Zechs was honestly wishing he would return to more important matters than chasing after students who could not hold their own heads together. He did not wish to be a bother. ~/Enough, my friend. Would you have Gabriella put in an appearance? No? Wise of you, I must say. I am by far the lesser of evils, so settle down and allow me to work when we get you to your suite. You supported me when I needed it, not so long ago; thank you for that, by the way. It was much appreciated. I am simply returning the favour. /~ He enfolded the younger man in his arms, steadying him and supporting his weight, relieving the smaller, slighter built Winner heir of Marquise. He was gratified when Zechs permitted his awareness to enfold him and seep through those brilliant, diamond hard shields the blonde boasted. Marquise would not again protest his presence, he knew, and would permit him to assist him physically as well as mentally. He was quick to dampen down the psychic pain receptors, granting the younger man some much needed relief from the rising disruption caused by feeding back the pain and discomfort in an ever expanding and multiplying loop. He speared Winner with a look and was gratified when Winner appeared to get the message and was not inclined to argue the point with him. Quatre ran ahead to unlock the door and Treize contented himself for the moment with getting Zechs to the suite and settled. How long could he hope for his guard to effectively delay the appearance of other hotel patrons and staff in the hallway? During his ride in the elevator they had effectively shut down the vacant elevators and, by now, would have locked down the elevators he and Quatre had been using. He had informed them he needed a few minutes to get Marquise safely out of the way, and he had been assure in turn that no one from any other level in the hotel would interrupt them. But there was the possibility of someone already on the floor noticing what was going on. Treize only hoped everyone was out for the evening... or was having an early night and would hear nothing to arouse suspicions. It had, in fact, sounded rather ominous to Treize and he was intent on discretion, not out to alarm anyone, but his guard had assured him they would merely see no one accessed the stairwell and jam the elevators for a period of time. A computer glitch, he had been assured, that would clear itself and give him the needed time to prepare, and how long would his Grace require? Sometimes having efficient bodyguards was more benefit than hindrance. He might even give some thought to keeping them after Gabriella vanished from his immediate vicinity. Prior to leaving the elevator his guard had informed him that the Princess of Sanc and Duo Maxwell were attempting to access an elevator, and he had breathed a sigh of relief that he would not have to deal with anyone during the initial stages of the session with Marquise. They could be delayed for sufficient time to permit him to lay the groundwork in settling Marquise. But, he had to wonder, just what was Duo Maxwell doing with the Princess of Sanc? The door to the suite was open before he reached it and Quatre was hovering in the doorway, quick to get out of his way and indicate the bedroom normally used by Zechs. Treize was quick to set his burden down in a sound chair which would offer good physical support for Marquise, and found himself fending off Gabriella's sudden return appearance surging in his awareness. Marquise noted her presence but before he could be alarmed, or go into another round of apologies, Treize, greatly daring and not at all in the mood to prevaricate, blocked his mentor curtly informing her that he was working and did not need distractions or input from bystanders. He would likely get his ears fried at a later time but he was gratified that Gabriella backed off. He made known, in a more civil manner, the limits to which he would permit her observation and hid his surprise when Gabriella accepted it without comment. He had the impression she had curt words with someone in her presence, but for Treize she had only the lightest of mental touches, an assurance she knew he was well suited to the work he was about to do. Setting Winner to watch the door and see that he was not disturbed, he spared a few seconds to inform his guards not to overdo the problem with the elevators. He assured them he had measures in place and required them to simply contain the amount of people who sought to enter the suite to less than a handful and to use discretion in their methods. Assured of his space to effectively handle the situation, Treize turned his attention to the actual problem. Within the diamond like shields it was another world entirely. He gave no further thought to the young man curled tensely within the chair opposite, chewing on his nails as he waited for the world to fall in on his head. Treize was sure Winner was up to the occasion and would do exactly as had been demanded of him when others arrived; and they would come, he knew that. What was now of concern to him was Marquise and only Marquise. ~/It won't stop. I have to block it. Make it stop./~ Marquise was disoriented, constantly working away at the shields; strengthening, polishing to crystal brilliance in an attempt to block himself from outside influence, from the source of the pain... and all the time the trouble lay within. ~/I only need a few minutes to block it out, but it takes longer each time. I was doing so well. I thought I was over it. /~ With serpentine grace and exacting precision Treize threaded his awareness through the chaos. He sampled it periodically, tasting the scent and flavour, determining exactly what it was he must assist in containing. He knew this flavour, marked it as integral to the chaos, moved on, sampling, evaluating, all the while isolating the essence of Marquise from the essence of the chaos until, with consummate care, Treize succeeded in enfolding Marquise within an island of calm. He stood between the roiling chaos of emotion and the conscious awareness of the mind it sprang from, and held the two firmly apart. He was distantly aware of Gabriella settling herself more firmly, giving him that little bit more room to work. She held a tight screen containing herself within strict boundaries, and as an added precaution he set a barrier of his own. He would not tolerate interference, even from Gabriella when he was working. ~/You are setting your extremely effective blocks in the wrong direction, my friend. It is not something from outside, this thing which is causing so much distress to you. At one time, undoubtedly, it had its source outside of your control, outside of your influence, but whatever it is you are fighting, whatever it is that is frightening you, it is now rising from within you. /~ ~/Within? Oh no, no… I can't… outside… oh./~ ~/Easy. Settle for me, Zechs. We have a bit of work ahead of us, and it may take more than one session to pin this down exactly, but you can believe me. I have no reason to lie to you, or to deceive you in any way. We need to go deeper into your consciousness and trace this storm./~ ~/Deeper? /~ He sounded dazed, uncertain and Treize could not blame him. The effort Zechs had put into creating, maintaining and strengthening that shield was incredible, and still he felt himself to be compromised; unable to cope with the stresses of everyday living amongst other people. Zechs felt himself to be a failure, unable to keep his own thoughts private and keep out the thoughts of others, and Treize would not have that continue. Lord, he wanted to learn how to craft such a diamond like shield to keep his own awareness safe, and Treize knew there was only one person who could teach him how to do that! No, he needed to show Zechs that he was quite good at what he did, more than capable, and that others had faith in his abilities. ~/I think what is troubling you might be a memory. A memory of something that happened a long time ago. It is, I believe, buried deep in your subconscious and given power over you by long denial. Consciously you have forgotten it, but it is still there. We all have those dark and hidden places Zechs. We all have our dark moments when we prefer to lock away things we may have done, or had done to us; especially when we do not understand them. Things, memories of experiences we feel are best forgotten; sometimes they break free and when they do they must be explored. /~ ~/I didn't do anything wrong! I didn't do anything! /~ It was almost as though the young psychic regressed to childhood, the young man suddenly more a pleading child expressing his innocence of wrong doing, and Treize increased the warmth he generated on the psychic plane, offering comfort and trust in an effort to reassure. ~/Yes, most likely you have not done anything wrong. Time has darkened whatever happened and subconsciously you think it best not to know, not to acknowledge whatever transpired. Unfortunately it will grow progressively darker, more dangerous, and it will get stronger over time. If you will trust me, if you can bring yourself to trust me enough to help you, I can be here, rock solid for you. Together we can look in to the heart of this fear and we can take the sting out of it./~ Something in what he said sparked anxiety that swirled like an opaque fog within the cocoon of his protective envelope. Treize waited, not making any effort to approach Zechs closer than he was on this level of awareness. He was here to help, to give confidence where he could and to ensure they did not lose this brilliant young man to the dark recesses of his own mind. They lost so many high talent empathic telepaths to insanity. He was determined Marquise was not going to become another statistic. ~/Fear? It… is… fear…? I don't… know... What could it be? Am I afraid of something... Inside of me? I don't... Know if I... /~ ~/You are uncertain if you wish to learn what it is? /~ The affirmation from Zechs came in a trembling sigh within the exclusion zone Treize had set up, a surge of fear of the unknown even as the chaos Treize had set the barrier to contain battered the shield. It did not surprise him. At some point in every life you needed to look into yourself and find the dark things, the hidden things. Willingly or not, everything eventually emerged from the dark places. This was likely the first such instance for Zechs, when he had to face his past and whatever had created the memory he hid in darkness. Treize knew it would not be the last instance where something lurking in a safe darkness broke free and demanded to be explored, or offer up insanity as an alternative. ~/I can understand that uncertainty, but know this, Zechs Marquise, this Thing that has hidden in the darkness for so long, if it is not examined and dealt with it will always be there, waiting for you. Waiting for a tiny moment of weakness, or distraction on your part where it can slip through your barriers and try yet again to take you down into chaos. Do you want it to be there until it drives you over the edge of sanity to escape it? We can deal with it together. We can find out, here and now, exactly what it is. We can take the sting out of the scorpion's tail and you will be free of it./~ ~/It... will be gone?/~ ~/If we deal with it properly, and I will be with you all the way; there will be no more attacks like this one./~ A long, pause, a moment when a psychic breath was held and then released in a slow sigh. For a timeless moment on the psychic plain Treize felt Zechs hesitate, felt him teetering on the edge of indecision. ~/You will be there? You will be with me?/~ He tried to generate, on the emotional level, the full conviction he held not to leave the young man alone with the ghosts that inhabited the dark places. ~/I will./~ ~/Gabriella? /~ ~/I can request she be here, if you wish it. She would come, willingly, to help. /~ ~/I… don't know… They called it a panic attack. They said it was because I felt I did not belong here... at Tsuberov. Are you sure it's not that? /~ ~/"They should have explored further, but we can question the why of it later. It has all of the signs of a memory; a repressed memory. From the impressions I have garnered from the general feel of the memory I think you were quite young. What we must always remember, Zechs, is that what was frightening, or significant in many ways to a young child, is not so terrible to an adult. You are no longer that small child who was frightened and are now far better equipped, more experienced, more emotionally mature, to deal with this memory than you were in the past. /~ The hesitation was still there but he knew he was being listened to, that his thoughts were making sense to the younger man. ~/It ... This thing... will not rise like this again? I will be free of it?/~ ~/I will not lie to you. I do not know what it is that frightened you as a child. Most things are proven to be less of a bugbear as we grow older. In some cases more than one session has been required to deal with repressed memories, but these are usually cases where a child has witnessed terrible crimes. Do you know if there was ever some suggestion of such in your past?/~ ~/No. The breath of a psychic whisper. I... I don't believe so./~ ~/Then one session should bring matters out of the shadows and allow us to examine it. If we trace the memory and discover exactly what it is, why it was sealed away by your subconscious, then we can deal with it. You will not be alone, I promise you. I will be here, guiding you, supporting you through the whole process. Whatever it is it has been able to fester for a long time and it should not be permitted to putrefy any longer. Like an infection it needs to be lanced and drained. /~ Treize felt the younger man brace himself, felt the sense of inevitability and resignation. ~/I suppose I will need to remain at Tsuberov for another year. They will not allow me to graduate after this./~ Treize chose not to comment, waiting. He was well aware Zechs was not a sulky, petulant child but an adult who was highly trained and versed in the needs of the professional psychic. He had been drilled in safety protocols for some years now and he was not asking questions, merely stating the obvious. ~/Rightly so too. I am a danger to everyone with unresolved psychological issues./~ ~/Then permit me to investigate and, perchance, to resolve the issue. I am qualified, you know. I will be thorough, and I will be fair in my report to Tsuberov./~ ~/But if we do find out what it is, I can be free of Tsuberov?/~ ~/Perhaps, I could not say either way, with any certainty, and I want to be honest with you./~ Treize felt Gabriella stir in his awareness. He knew she was monitoring their conversation and she had assured him she would not interfere, trusting him to deal with this matter like the professional he was. She was staying well back from the younger man's awareness, shielding him from her and… Did he detect another presence... behind her? There was something... Some one! Keeping Marquise shielded protectively he sharpened his perceptions and focused on the link, tracing it back toward her with the speed of thought and seeking beyond… ~/No, Naughty Boy. Apologies I am giving to you for this and explaining Gabriella will be when time is right. Such is not for now and trusting Gabriella she is asking you do. Go no further. Gabriella will attend to matters./~ Unhappy with the request Treize lingered, glaring into the barrier that grew up before him; Gabriella's doing he knew. He allowed his displeasure to be known and remained unmoveable; unwilling to compromise on psychic safety when Marquise was so vulnerable. The old Gypsy finally offered up a sigh and reached for a deeper contact with him. ~/Much Gabriella has been learning and no time now is there speaking of it to be. Chasing this fear and setting it to rest you must be doing. This one with the sexy eyes well worth protecting is, and Gabriella trusting you is she to work with him. Is Gabriella not magnanimous, leaving Sexy Eyes to you? Watching and watching only will I be, and He through my psychic sight. Is needful for this to be, for all concerned or Gabriella would be kicking butt. Trusting Gabriella are you still to know best?/~ ~/To know best for whom?/~ /Oh yes, he was not amused and he wanted that plainly understood. It was not done to trespass in such a fashion into another person's mind and this mysterious `He' was certainly not welcomed by him. Gabriella, Treize would tolerate, she had earned his trust, but this other? And Marquise was vulnerable. It was his duty to protect the younger man./ ~/I am not pleased with this./~ ~/This much is Gabriella knowing and understanding she is also. But necessary, I am thinking, to know; to be knowing the truth of why Sexy eyes is afraid. Is necessary, Prime Khushrenada. Is necessary. What had the terrible old woman learned that she was alluding to but not clearly identifying? /~ ~/Zechs…/~ ~/Sexy Eyes is needing undivided attention and Prime you are. Be Prime. Work well. Add to our number before this fear is taking him from us. Little as Gabriella has sensed, knowing am I it is something old and dark and important. This one keeping chained so he not interfere, I will be, but know it, I am thinking, he must. Go. Trust what Gabriella does is for good of Sexy Eye ./~ ~/I will not lie to him!/~ ~/Asking you to lie Gabriella is not. If asking he does then speaking you must; but if not asking no need to be speaking is there?/~ Treize growled to himself, unhappy, but he could not afford to delay long. Marquise had expressed trust in him to guide him in dealing with this problem and Treize had no time to argue with the old woman. He speared a suspicious glare beyond the presence of the gypsy Prime and he felt the presence, strong and commanding shift back from his glare, mindful of a Prime's talent. There was no lack of respect sensed, a great deal of caution, and the awareness and acceptance of consequences should he interfere. With a clearly unhappy growl in the direction of the presence, and slamming down another set of barriers to contain both Gabriella and her `He', Treize turned his attention fully to the young man who was quietly and efficiently gathering his shattered senses and quieting the panic. Zechs now knew that the disturbance was not from an outside source. He trusted Treize and his explanation for what was causing the disruption. He was not so panicked and his training was asserting itself. Treize knew the younger man would not be so much baggage on this exercise, but a vital and active part of the procedure. ~/Ready? Gabriella is aware of what has happened. Of what we are about to do./~ She would not be amused with him, but Treize was not going to lie to the young man, or conveniently forget to tell him there was an observer. Treize might permit himself to be guided by her, but he would not be ruled by anyone, least of all Gabriella, who worked in mysterious ways. ~/I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be. Gabriella... It's alright for Gabriella to know. Enough people will know it soon enough./~ Treize offered forth a comforting warmth. ~/Not so many, my friend. Only those who need to know, and only as much as they need. We are all entitled to our privacy./~ He spared one angry thought for Gabriella and the unknown person she permitted a merge with, receiving back a tired acknowledgement from his mentor and Treize focused his attention on Marquise. t.b.c. |
