Gone But Not Forgotten (chapter 2) [FIC]

[dd]

Appearances can be deceiving.

To any tourist or native citizen who was allowed to approach the Batu caves, nothing would have seemed to have changed since centuries past.

But, there was a reason that the high interlinked limestone caves to the north of Kuala Lumpur were now off limits to anyone who happened to make it past the seeming low tech fences that marked the borders of private property. The land had been bought by Amalgam, through a number of its cover companies.

Because of the aesthetic sense of a number of high ranking members, the Hindu shrines that existed within the cave were allowed to stand, and the new modern construction was built around them, even though the shrines no longer served as the focal point of the yearly Thaipusam festival. The two hundred seventy two steps that led to the highest temples at the summit of the hills were still frequented by monkeys. The small primates, however, did not have the necessary security clearance to enter the laboratories and research center that dotted the Dark Cave, a two-kilometer network of previously untouched caverns.

“I hate this place,” Kaname Chidori said, carrying a clipboard close to her chest as she walked along. “I hate my life, too.” She made no effort to return the nods and waves given her by the scientists and engineers walking through the same corridor as her. “But, I guess that doesn’t really matter, does it?”

Sighing, she looked down at the clothing she wore. It was very beautiful and extremely expensive, but functional as well. It was one of the ‘gifts’ that she had received from Leonard, who continued his slow but inexorable efforts to win her body, mind, and soul. She had no choice but to wear it, along with the emerald brooch and other fine jewelry that she had. They were beautiful. At times, she found herself fascinated by them, or happy that someone had given her something. It didn’t make any sense, feeling any kind of gratitude towards someone who did the things that Leonard Testarossa did, and had done in the past.

For a moment, anger surged through her, causing her to bring a hand up to the filigreed pin. If she had been able, she would have torn it from her clothing, run outdoors with it, and tossed it to the curious monkeys. But, that wasn’t an option, just as trying to escape or kill herself weren’t acceptable choices either. While her father and sister knew nothing of Amalgam, the dark agency were quite aware of Kaname’s family, their place of living, and their daily routines. Not every hostage knows that he or she is in danger.

“I hate him too!” Kaname saw red. In some ways, she felt the way that she used to, just before clobbering a certain sergeant across the brow with her halisen. That brought her up short. Thinking of Sousuke used to cause her to feel a mixture of hope and remorse. He’d come for her, wouldn’t he? Maybe in her dreams. According to Leonard, Mithril had been smashed beyond any hope of resurrection. Sousuke was all alone, without any funding, totally unaware of her location.

Now, thinking of a certain scar-faced young man only made her wistful and sad. That wasn’t the reason that she brought a hand to her mouth. That anger she had felt towards her fellow Whispered had carried with it a touch of respect, and a small sense of attraction, just as her rage at Jindai High School used to after a military misfit showed up and proceeded to turn her life upside down.

How could she have even the slightest feelings for someone who kidnapped her, used her abilities, and promised to make her his? Was it his calm cool demeanor, even in the face of danger? Was it because he was ‘special’ like her, gifted or cursed to carry secrets of Black technology? Was it his cool suave good looks? Or, was it because he wanted her, made no secret about it, and was willing to take whatever steps necessary to make her his woman?

Sousuke had knocked her out and fougt leonard, instead of running away with her. He had only recently shared his feelings with her, before he lost his battle against a more formidable Arm Slave than the ARX-7. She had overcome her doubts about Sousuke being a serial killer in a soldier's uniform. She had shared her feelings in return. But, he had not chosen her first before all else. That was a selfish and illogical thought; but, she couldn't help herself.

“A-h-h-h-h. There you are, Kaname.” Leonard walked with a natural ease that would not have been out of place on a panther or an accomplished dancer. “You are looking as lovely as always. I do believe the cave air does marvels for your complexion. I see you are wearing the brooch. This afternoon, at tea, I would prefer that you wear the sapphire pendant. It goes much better with your hair and eyes.” He ran a hand along her cheek in a subtle caress. As always, he mixed commands with simple tactile stimuli. “We’ll be at the Towers, this time.” The tall elegant looking young man was referring to Amalgam’s facilities within the Petronas Towers, one of Malaysia’s greatest triumphs. He leaned over and gave her a light kiss on the lips.

Kaname didn’t kiss in return. She never did. But, she also didn’t pull back sharply, try to slap him, or look like she was ready to spit, the way that she had in the beginning.

“Don’t worry, there’s still time for you to warm up to me.” Leonard smiled, running one hand down along the girl’s arm. “Let’s have a look at that.” He took the clipboard. “Very good. You are making wonderful progress tapping into your hidden knowledge. In a few more weeks, we will have enough information to take Lamba Driver technology even further. You should be very pleased. You aren’t a freak here amongst us. Your talents and abilities are well appreciated, along with you fiery spirit and alluring beauty.” With the barest of nods, he headed on his way.

“I know what he’s trying to do,” Kaname said to herself. Even so, the praise that Leonard had given her had her feeling relaxed and at peace for a moment. The fact that she was appreciated was wonderful, but it didn’t balance out the fact that she had sold her soul for the life of those she loved. She might as well be Faust. But, instead of accepting Mephistopheles offer to work for her, she had agreed to work for the Devil’s ends.

Sousuke was alive, only because she gave in. Her family was unharmed, because she was working on her assigned projects. Both those luxuries might disappear, if she wasn’t willing to give herself to Leonard when his ‘generous’ deadline ran out. She put a hand to her cheek. Once, she would have given anything to have Sousuke Sagara, Sergeant of Mithril, caress her in the way that Leonard just had.

Was Sousuke alive? Might Amalgam had sent assassins out to kill him, even though he posed little threat to Leonard and his compatriots after the Sydney base, Merida Island, and the TDD-1 were destroyed? Even if he was, how could she face him, after giving into terrorists? Who knows what the organization might do, unopposed by Mithril, with frightful knew technology at its disposal? What would her earlire confession that she loved him mean then?

“What will you do, Sousuke?” Kaname wiped away a tear. If he was still alive, but all of his friends in Mithril had perished, what would he do? He wouldn’t be welcome back at the school. He couldn’t fit into civilian life on his own, despite everything that he had learned through her. No doubt, he would find himself part of some mercenary squad somewhere. What else did he know? The big idiot!

“Miss Chidori. Hello, Miss Chidori!” One of the ubiquitous technologists slid to a halt, breathless. “The Sieve is ready again. Mister Silver says that you should come with me.”

“Fine,” Kaname replied, her voice flat and lifeless. She hated the Sieve, as she had christened the machine used to sift the useful knowledge out of her jumbled memories of Black Technology. The name had stuck with the base personnel. “No medicines this time. I threw up for two days straight, the last time.”

Clenching her fists, she followed after the short balding man. After walking for a short while, the plaster and paint of the outer area gave way to cinderblock and sealant. Amalgam may have deep coffers, but the money managers for the organization had been hired for a reason. While Leonard and the other higher ups were more than willing to be extravagant in personal matters, they did not tolerate mismanagement or self-aggrandizement amongst the hired help.

Large power cables ran along one side of the floor, which now was natural cave surface. Small colorful cables criss-crossed and intertwined with larger gray conduits that looked like drab and dreary pythons. The ceiling lights looked like they had been stolen from a mining facility. Dark and well lit areas alternated every few yards, and the shadowy alcoves in the cave wall had Kaname walking faster and faster as her imagination began running away from her again.

Opening a large door, she heard the hiss of compressed air. The incongruity of the small chamber never ceased to shock her, no matter how many times she had walked in before. Unbelievably complex and expensive equipment sat on moveable pallets in the middle of a cave complete with stalagtites, calcite draperies, and huge sheets of flowstone.

“Miss Chidori, I’m afraid it’s colder in her than usual.” One of the technicians bowed, holding out a hospital style robe to her. “But, I finished adding a few improvements to the Sieve. The recliner is heated now.”

Kaname nodded her head, took the offered clothing, and then walked behind a screen to change. This was so demeaning. If she ever found out that the male science staff had hidden cameras throughout the room, she would strangle them to death, no matter what the consequences! She wouldn't put anytrhing past them... or Leonard.

As the huge machine opened up like a clamshell, the blue-haired girl climbed inside and situated her in the seat. After that, a number of technicians scurried about like worker bees, attaching electrodes, covering her eyes with goggles, and placing a large set of earphones on her head. While the machine was very different than the one she had been placed in after she and her class had been taken to Khanka, Kaname found herself thinking back to that incident, letting out a small triumphant ‘hmmmpppfff’ when she remembered slapping the doctor who had later fired two pistol shots close to her.

Sousuke had rescued her back then, as he had done on numerous other occasions. As computer-driven patterns of light flashed across the inside of her goggles, and strange repetitive series of beeps and musical notes drowned out the sound of her heartbeat in her ears, she did what she did every time she began the procedure. She thought of Sousuke. She thought of the early days with him at school. She thought of A21, Gauron, Hong Kong, the Pacific Christmas, and the things that followed. She thought of minor annoyances and major breakthroughs.

‘Let’s see how I can resist this time,’ Kaname thought to herself. As always, she would risk subtle and minor disobedience, actively trying to mess up her thoughts, even as she pretended to be cooperative. Maybe it didn’t make a difference; but, it was her way of putting up a fight.

She was still Kaname Chidori, after all.

[darkbane]

The Sieve? Too much Harry Potter reading, DD? lol.

Poor Kaname. Sniff. I can't see her liking Leonard, ever, but it's your fanfic. I guess she's suffering from Stockholm syndrome? I hope that's all there is to it lol.

[Weltall Elite]

The premise isn't that bad, I suppose, but Kaname's thoughts regarding Leonard just aren't sitting well with me. Leonard destroys her home town, threatens to kill the people she cares about, and coerces her to leave behind the life she loved to go with him. And that was all AFTER she'd already decided she hated him.

And yet here she is in this story starting to get all buttered up because he buys her pretty things and tells her she's pretty. I don't see her being that needy or materialistic.

I don't know. A lot of people seem to have this idea of Kaname warming up to Leonard while in captivity before Sousuke shows up, but based on what we know of Kaname's personality, Leonard's personality and actions, and Kaname's feelings regarding Leonard, I really don't buy it.

Leonard forces a kiss on her and then starts touching her. Okay, I can see she might not directly resist because she doesn't want them to kill Sousuke and her family. But I would expect her skin to be crawling the whole time. Not getting all flattered by it afterwards when he compliments her looks. Like I said, she's just not that needy a character. Frankly, I don't see how ANY woman would start to be swayed by his charms after all he's done to her. But someone like Kaname especially, I just can't fathom it.

Otherwise, it's not that bad. It's a pretty good read. But this aspect is really killing it for me. It's like it's not even Kaname at those few parts.

[Anysia]

Leonard!

Possible hints of what could be Leonard/Kaname!

(I'm definitely in the minority with my love of the above, but oh well.)

I'm very intrigued, dd; so far no one else has really included Leonard in their fics, and I'm certainly interested in where you're going to take this one.

[dd]

I'm certainly interested in where you're going to take this one.

Well, it's not really going to be a Leonard x Kaname. But, the guy has something up his sleeve, that raises the tension between him and Kaname. That should pop up in Chapter 4, which I've written some on before doing Chapter 3.

[Anysia]

Ah, I think I phrased my comment badly. I didn't imagine that this would be a straight Leonard/Kaname fic (so far, I'm apparently the only person crazy enough to even consider doing so...), but I am enjoying the tension and the presence of Leonard as a possibly-conniving/manipulative force within the fic.

I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on this one; any fic that includes Leonard automatically has my full attention.

[HELLFIRE]

...Leonard needs a close enounter with a 9mm at 2 paces 'Nuff seid...

// is firmly in the 'Painful Death to Leonard at any Price' camp

Pretty good job making him that slick but despicable jerk he is dd

















Regards