Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 36 ( Chapter 36 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: GW_ShenLong 
Everyone has to deal with the aftermath.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Hentai / Romance / Angst / Sports | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.12.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 186 | Status: Work In Progress
Everyone has to deal with the aftermath.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Drama / Hentai / Romance / Angst / Sports | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.12.2012 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.0K | Visits: 186 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I don't own the song 'Rodeo' either. It belongs to Garth Brooks and as such all rights remain his. This fic is based loosely on the lyrics. Written for pleasure not profit.
Pairing: 2x1x2, past 1xR (sorry!) 3x4
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Angst, fluff, sap, yaoi, Lemons, Lime, AU
Summary: Heero is a rodeo rider, the best on the circuit and looks set to remain there until an up and coming young cowboy appears on the scene.
AN: This fic is based loosely on the lyrics of 'Rodeo' by Garth Brooks - although it is not a song fic.
Dedication: To my lovely beta; Sakura for giving me the plot bunny and for all her hard work in editing my stuff. (No easy feat!) Thanks hun! You're the best!
“Cowboy”
October 2010 ShenLong
Chapter 36
[It’s the broncs and the bloodIt’s the steers and the mudAnd they call the thing, Rodeo
Rodeo – Garth Brooks]
Zechs, Treize, Charlie and Hank were the first to get to the four in the corral. Treize stopped any others from entering, knowing the guys would need some space to come to terms with what was happening. Seeing Duo looking a little worse for wear, and Quatre also a touch shaky, he sent one of the cowboys to fetch the medic.
“Are you alright?” Treize asked as soon as he entered the corral, his long legs taking him directly to where Duo and Quatre stood.
"A bit shook up,” Quatre replied.
"Sore, a bit battered and shook up too,” Duo replied honestly.
Treize let go a loud sigh of relief. “Thank god you're both not seriously injured.”
“If it wasn't for Quatre and Wufei and their heroic efforts, Duo might not be standing here now,” Heero growled. He couldn't help it, the shock of almost losing his partner was running through his system and he needed to let it out; unfortunately, Treize was the first one in the firing line. “I can't believe you allowed that mad animal back into the string. You know what Reaper is capable of, you saw for yourself first hand last time what that bronc did to Duo and yet despite all this you still let that animal return to the string.”
Treize lowered his eyes. “This was his last chance. The board wanted him to remain in the string, by turning him out for a few weeks they thought it would help to settle him down. They didn't want to lose the crowds as he is a major draw-card. He's had that chance though and proven he's not to be trusted at all. I will see to it that he's destroyed as soon as possible. Duo, I am so sorry.”
Knowing that Treize's hands had been tied by the board's decision, Duo held no animosity towards the man. It was simply another case where greed, the love of the almighty dollar had overrun common sense. “It's okay, Treize, this isn't your fault, but maybe now the board will listen when cowboys voice their concerns in regards to an animal being too dangerous for the rodeo.”
“You can count on it, Duo,” Treize promised. “Ah, the medic is here, I want him to check you both over before you leave the corral. The rodeo is taking a break for an hour to sort things out so no one will miss out on any events.”
"Thank you.” Duo frowned though when the medic approached. He really didn't feel up to being poked and prodded, especially as he knew he'd torn something in his shoulder with that ride and subsequent escape. Unfortunately, he didn't have any say in the matter.
"Zechs, would you be so kind as to take a look at Quatre's horse please? I understand he had a bit of a collision with the rails,” Treize said.
"I'd be happy to.” Zechs stepped forward and with Trowa holding Sandrock, he began his examination.
*
Once Nataku was safely in the corral, Wufei spun his horse around and watched the black bronc in the other corral. The horse wasn't happy at all, snorting angrily and pacing around the confinement. Every now and then, Reaper would stop and shake his head, paw at the ground and give a scream of anger. Wufei shuddered at the thought of what could have been.
Knowing the bronc wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon, Wufei headed back out of the corral, intending to get back to his friends and find out the current status of Quatre and Duo. Letting Nataku walk out as opposed to jogging back as the bay was still breathing heavily, Wufei also made a note to have his horse checked over. He wasn't sure if any damage had been done with their collision and Nataku's loss of balance.
Skirting around the outside of the main arena, Wufei noted the commentator was pacifying the crowd, giving them enough information to satisfy their curiosity as to what they had witnessed without giving away too many of the details. Wufei suspected he wouldn't have known too much anyway. Someone calling his name had him turning in his saddle and he spotted Meiran just on the outside of the chute and staging area.
Quickly, he altered course.
Seeing Wufei riding back around the edge of the arena, Meiran called out, hoping her boyfriend would hear her. She hadn't been able to get any further in her flight as the new security wouldn't allow her to pass. Her frustration was building, not only was she worried about how Wufei was, but the other cowboys, especially Duo were also top on her worried list right now.
She also had another concern.
Raven.
“Wufei! Wufei!” she called, a relieved sigh leaving her lips when he turned and spotted her. Her mouth formed a small smile as he approached and she could see he was okay.
"Meiran?” Wufei responded once he was close enough to the woman. He brought Nataku to a halt alongside the arena rails
"Are you okay, Wufei?”
"I'm fine,” Wufei smiled back.
"What about Duo and Quatre?”
"I'm not sure. I am on my way over there now to find out.”
"Wufei, there's something else, something important I need to talk to you about, but the security won't let me through.”
"The security has been upgraded since Maxwell's accident last time. I'm afraid no one other than the rodeo personnel are allowed through. Can't it wait until I've checked on the others or after the rodeo?”
"If I wait until you come back it could be too late. Wufei, you remember me telling you about my horse that I had my accident on and dad selling him whilst I was in hospital?”
"Yes, yes I do.” Wufei frowned.
"That bronc, the one Duo was riding called Reaper?”
"What about him? After that display I'd be very surprised if the rodeo keeps him in the bronc string, in fact, I'm pretty sure the board will have him destroyed.”
Meiran gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “No! They can't do that! “
“Why not? You saw for yourself just how mad that animal is. After turning on us all like that he should be put down, he's way too dangerous.”
"Wufei, I'm positive that horse, Reaper, is my Raven.”
Wufei almost fell off his horse. “What?” he whispered.
“That bronc, that's Raven, I'm certain of it. He's my horse I broke in and trained for my trick riding. They can't destroy him! They can't! I've spent years looking for him and now I've finally found him they can't put him down!” Meiran was close to tears. All the time she'd spent searching for her long lost horse, only to have disappointment after disappointment to the point where she'd almost given up on ever finding him came crashing down. Now, when she'd finally found him, they were most likely going to put him to sleep. She couldn't stand back and let that happen. “Wufei,” she pleaded,” please, let me talk to someone.”
Still in shock from his girlfriend's revelation, Wufei sat numbly on Nataku, brain scrambling to process it all. Slowly he turned his head to face the woman he was falling in love with, noting the tears starting to fall from her eyes as she begged him to help her. “Okay. I'll go speak with Treize and see if I can get you cleared to come in and talk to him. I don't know if it will do any good though,” he warned. “That bronc is mad, he nearly killed Duo last time and this time, if it hadn't been for Winner and his quick thinking, I'm sure the pair of them would be dead by now.”
“Thank you, Wufei. I just want to talk to someone in charge. I have to see if Raven can be saved.” Meiran pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes.
"Wait here, I'll be back as soon as I can.”
Meiran nodded and watched as Wufei rode off in the direction of the corral.
*
Zechs finished his examination and could only find a little bruising to Sandrock's chest. “It shouldn't give him any trouble and will be cleared up in a couple of days,” Zechs told Trowa.
“Thanks.” Trowa patted the chestnut neck, Sandy's breathing having returned to normal by now.
"He's a brave horse, and a smart one too,” Zechs stated.
"Yeah, he is, Zechs.”
The medic checked Quatre over first, pronouncing the cowboy fine to continue. There was only the bruising around Quatre's cheek which the medic said would darken over the next couple of days, but an ice pack would assist in reducing the swelling. One was duly handed over and Quatre held it to his cheek.
Duo scowled when the medic approached, but he knew he wasn't going to get out of this one. Asking his usual questions, the medic began to check Duo over, Duo replying in his own way and managing to evade a lot of the truth by simply omitting things or skipping over details. He did his best to avoid flinching or wincing when the medic prodded and poked him. Although he knew he really shouldn't compete any further, Duo really wanted that title.
Having finished his examination, the medic turned to Duo and lowered his voice. “By rights I should not allow you to continue in your current state of health. I think you're fully aware yourself of what damage your body sustained from your fall several weeks ago and whilst the majority of that damage had cleared up, this little stunt has aggravated some of it again. You're damn lucky those ribs haven't opened up the cracks again that I can tell without an x-ray, that connection with the rails has bruised them quite a bit and they will be sore for some time. Your shoulder is a different story. I'm afraid you've pulled a couple of muscles and strained the tendons again. If it hadn't been for the strapping you're wearing the damage would have been a lot more severe.”
Duo lowered his head. “I gathered I'd done some further damage during the ride, but this is the final rodeo, I'm in with a chance at the title and if I win I'll be able to realize my dream. Look, doc, I've only got the roping and bulldogging to go and they won't be as severe on my body as the bronc riding was, so couldn't you please, look the other way? I promise not to hold you responsible, hell, I'll sign a waiver if you want – just let me finish this rodeo, I can spend weeks lazing around in bed after this if it will make you happy.”
The medic gave a soft chuckle at Duo's pleading tone. “You cowboys, you're all the same,” he stated. “Okay, here's what I'll do. I'll let you finish your competition, provided you only do those two events and only if you are strapped up properly and take the medication I'll give you.”
Duo's face broke into a wide grin. “Thanks, doc. I'd kiss you but I don't think that would go down too well.”
“No offense, but I think I'll settle for a promise to follow my recommendations,” the medic replied.
"No problem at all.”
"Okay, I'll let Treize know you're fit to continue, but that I want to strap you up as a precaution. I'll need you to come to the first aid room for me to do that.”
"I'll come right with you.”
The medic left to speak with Treize and let him know of Duo's condition. With the medic leaving his partner, Heero moved in to find out what was going on. Duo filled his boyfriend in on what the medic had said and planned to do, Heero not all that happy but then he couldn't blame Duo for wanting to finish the rodeo either. Rather than dwell on it, Heero offered what support he could.
Wufei appeared at the corral, the gate being opened to let him in. Before Wufei could say anything in regards to Meiran's request, he found himself being checked by the medic and Nataku being looked over by Zechs.
Both cowboy and horse were declared fit and healthy by the medical side, the other cowboys and one clown thanking Wufei for all he'd done to help them with Reaper.
About to open his mouth and say his piece, Wufei was again thwarted when Treize spoke first. “Gentlemen, if you will excuse Zechs and myself, we need to go and see a certain bronc and determine his fate. The competition will recommence in another half an hour.” Treize nodded to Zechs who picked up his bag.
“Treize, wait!” Wufei called out. “I need to speak to you, it's important.”
Treize paused. “Can't it wait until I've dealt with this bronc?”
“But that's just it, it's about Reaper.”
Heero, Duo, Trowa and Quatre all turned their attention to the Chinese pick-up guy, wondering what on earth Wufei was talking about.
“What about Reaper? I thought it's quite clear that horse is mad and I'm not about to put another cowboy's life at risk by letting that bronc stay in the string.”
"I know that, but my girlfriend, Meiran, she swears that Reaper is the horse, Raven, she once owned, the one she's been searching for all these years. Before you do anything, please, give her the chance to speak to you.”
The other four cowboys all stood in stunned shock. Reaper was Meiran's long lost trick horse, Raven? went through each person's mind.
"Pardon?” Treize said, clearly confused.
"It's a long story, but if you could spare a few minutes to listen to Meiran I'm sure you would understand.”
Treize sighed. “I really don't have the time to listen to stories, Wufei.”
“I know you're a busy man, but please, just give her a chance to speak to you,” Wufei begged.
"Alright. Look, go put your horse away for a few minutes and meet me with this Meiran in the office. I'll listen to what she has to say, but I'm not about to change my mind, Wufei. That animal is dangerous and the sooner he's destroyed the better it will be for everyone.”
"Thank you.”
Treize left with Zechs, the others all crowding around Wufei and wanting to know what was going on. Wufei couldn't give them any more information as he didn't have any.
“We're coming with you,” Duo said on behalf of Heero as well. “I want to know what this is all about. There's no way that mad animal can be the horse Meiran told us about.”
"Trowa and I are coming as well,” Quatre said.
"We are?” Personally, Trowa didn't want to have anything further to do with that black devil.
"Yes, we are,” Quatre stated firmly.
"Thank you.” Wufei gave a nod of appreciation to his friends.
"Okay, that's settled. You two go settle your horses, I've gotta swing by the medic station on the way so Heero and I will meet you at Treize's office,” Duo informed.
With confirmation from the others, they all set off in their various directions.
* * *
The strapping that Heero had done for Duo had been quite good, but it wasn't as strong or as supportive as the strapping the medic put on him; considering the man was a trained medical officer, it stood to reason his skills would be better.
With his ribs re-strapped and a firm support of several bandages around his shoulder and upper arm, Duo felt a lot more comfortable. The pain pills helped a lot too. They were fairly strong, but they wouldn't impede him in any way from competing. The medic suggested he visit his own doctor once he returned home for a full check-up and further assessment.
Duo had agreed and with the fierce ache in his shoulder reduced to more of a dull throbbing, he left with Heero to find the others and see what the hell Meiran was going on about. Approaching the offices of the rodeo board, they spotted Wufei and Meiran just ahead, Quatre and Trowa already waiting for them.
Although Meiran had stopped her crying, the guys could all see she was very upset, her red eyes a testament to that.
“What's all this about, Meiran?” Duo asked as they caught up with everyone.
"Duo! I'm so glad you're okay,” Meiran said and gave him a gentle hug, evading answering the question at the same time.
"I don’t want to rush anyone here, but there's not a lot of time left before the break is over so I suggest we go in and get this sorted out,” Wufei said and knocked on the office door. Hearing the voice call out for them to enter, he opened the door and let Meiran step inside first, Wufei right behind and the other four following along.
Treize sat behind his desk, Zechs in another seat opposite him. The pair stood as the six filed in.
“Treize, Zechs, this is my girlfriend, Meiran Long, Meiran, this is Treize Khushrenada, the rodeo manager, and Zechs Merquise, the rodeo vet,” Wufei introduced.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Long,” Treize said as he reached out a hand and shook the woman's.
"Please, call me Meiran,” Meiran replied as she shook Treize's hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Khushrenada and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.”
"No problem at all, and you must call me Treize.”
"Nice to meet you, Meiran. Please, call me Zechs,” said Zechs as he partook of a handshake once Treize had released the woman.
"Good to meet you too, Zechs,” replied Meiran.
"Now that the formalities are over, I suggest we sit down and you let me know what it is you wished to see me about, Meiran,” Treize said and indicated to the four seats vacant opposite his desk.
"We'll stand,” Quatre whispered to Wufei, Trowa, Duo and Heero nodding and moving with the blonde to stand behind the chairs.
"Treize, all I ask is that you hear me out, listen to what I have to say before you come to any conclusions. I'll be as brief as I can and still give you all the facts possible as I know time is of the essence here.”
"I'm listening,” Treize smiled.
Taking a deep breath, Meiran gave Treize a condensed version of her achievements as a trick rider, finding her horse and training him up. She explained about her accident without all the in depth details and her heartache at coming home to find her beloved Raven had been sold.
“I spent years trying to find him and all to no avail. I'd pretty much given up hope of ever seeing him again, or learning what had ever happened to him, until now. Treize, I'm positive that black bronc you have in the string called Reaper is my horse, Raven.” Meiran paused for a moment to let her story sink in.
"But you have seen for yourself just how nasty that bronc is,” Treize began. “From what you've said about your horse, Raven, he's nothing like Reaper.”
"Raven was cold backed, Treize. He would buck solidly for several minutes until his back warmed up if you didn't lunge him or lead him around for several minutes prior to getting on him. True, Raven wasn't a mean spirited horse and never once did he show any sort of animosity towards anyone. It's my guess that when my father sold him on, whomever bought him didn't know about his cold back and probably just saddled him up and got on. Naturally he would buck and most likely bucked his rider off. My theory is that no one took the time to find out why he bucked and I'm pretty sure he would have bucked everyone off that tried to get on him. From there I'd say he was sold on and on, changing hands as no one wanted a horse that they couldn't ride. I'd also guess that along the line he was mistreated too for his bucking, punished cruelly until he began to associate a rider with pain and fought back the only way he knew how.” Meiran fell silent, letting those around her think on her theory.
"When you put it that way, it does make a lot of sense,” Zechs mused.
"How did he come to be in the bronc string?” asked Duo, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"The rodeo had a visit from a cowboy in one of the towns we were in for a show. He said he had a horse on his ranch he thought we might be interested in. He said no one had been able to ride it, the horse bucked off anyone who ever tried to sit on it. The board agreed to take a look and sent myself and a couple of others out to the ranch where this cowboy brought the horse out and gave us a demonstration. Five cowboys tried to ride him and not one of them lasted past three seconds. Needless to say, the board snapped him up. The bronc riders nicknamed him Reaper, for obvious reasons. He's been with the rodeo for two seasons and I must admit, during that time I have noticed his temperament getting worse. He didn't seem content to just buck the cowboys off anymore but went after them, as if it were a personal insult to him that they should try and ride him. Yuy here was the only one to stay on-board for the full eight seconds until Duo here today, and even then, Reaper went after him and broke his leg. You saw what he did to Duo today and no doubt you've heard what he did the last time Duo tried to ride him.” Treize sat back in his chair, watching the various reactions on the faces before him.
"I still say it's the cruel treatment he would have received that made him turn so vengeful,” Meiran said stubbornly.
"But the rodeo does not allow cruelty in any form,” Zechs stated.
"I know they don't, but every cowboy wears spurs; granted those spurs are blunt, but they have to wear them, have to swing their legs back and forth to spur the animal on, even if those spurs don't hurt the horse. Raven wouldn't know the difference between a blunt or sharp spur, all he would know is that he's been punished with them before and it hurt, so he will react in the only way he knows to stop the torment – by turning on the cowboy.”
"Logical,” Wufei agreed.
"Meiran, obviously you have insisted on speaking with me for a reason in regards to this horse; what is it you want me to do?” Treize folded his arms.
"I don't want you to put Raven down. I want you to sell him back to me,” Meiran said in almost a whisper.
"I don't think that's a good idea, not after what he did out there today. If he were to seriously hurt you, or even kill you, I'm afraid I couldn't have that on my conscience,” Treize replied.
"What if I can prove to you that Raven wouldn't hurt me, that I can tame him, show you he's the horse I knew and loved?” Meiran fired back.
"Meiran, no!” Wufei stated.
"Miss. Long. Not that I am doubting your horsemanship skills, but I cannot allow that to happen,” Treize said, his tone a little stiff.
"Look, just give me a couple of minutes to show you that Raven is okay, that he's not mad and wouldn't hurt me. If he does try to hurt me or show signs of that madness, then fine, you go ahead and do what it is you have to do. But... If he does behave with me then I get to buy him back.”
Treize gave careful consideration to the woman's proposal, Wufei was having a borderline panic attack, not wanting his girlfriend anywhere near that mad devil. Duo, Heero, Quatre and Trowa were also not happy with the suggestion, especially Duo and Heero as they had both had first hand experience with Reaper's teeth and hooves.
Meiran looked confident.
Treize turned to Zechs. “What do you think?”
Zechs shrugged. “Personally I can't see that horse doing anything other than trying to take out anyone who tries to ride him, but I have seen some strange things in my time too. Horses have long memories and there is a chance that if this Reaper is the horse Meiran insists was hers at one stage, then it could spark that memory and the bronc behaves. Either way you won't lose out. If he does prove to be mad and try to hurt anyone, he will still be put down. If he does remember this woman and is okay, then you can sell him to her and you're still rid of him.”
Despite his inner turmoil, Treize decided to give the woman and the bronc this chance. He really didn't want to see Reaper destroyed, the horse was a fine animal and it was a shame to see him reduced to this fate. Treize had often wondered about the horse's background and what had caused him to be the way he was. What Meiran had said made a lot of sense and explained quite a bit too. “Okay, I'll give you five minutes with him.” Cutting off anything that was about to be said, Treize continued, “You will be closely monitored at all times and if Reaper turns on you I will not hesitate to shoot him myself on the spot.”
“You'll have a loaded gun there?” Meiran questioned, her eyes wide.
"Yes. I'll have the cow hands move Reaper to one of the outer corrals and I will give you five minutes to see what you can do. If at any stage that bronc shows any signs of attacking I'll give the order to shoot him. Those are my terms.”
Knowing there wasn't going to be any other way to do this, Meiran nodded. “I accept.”
Glancing at the clock, Treize noted the time. “I'll have him moved to an outer corral now. We have ten minutes until the rodeo resumes with the last of the bronc riders and they should take about another ten minutes to get those remaining broncs into the chutes and ready. I will meet you all at the corral in five minutes. I'd suggest that Wufei and Quatre bring their horses with them as they will be needed back in the arena very shortly.”
“Thank you, Treize,” Meiran said softly, her eyes shining.
"Don't thank me yet. You still have to prove to me that bronc isn't mad and is worth leaving alive.”
"I will, just you wait and see.”
~ * ~
tbc...
Pairing: 2x1x2, past 1xR (sorry!) 3x4
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Angst, fluff, sap, yaoi, Lemons, Lime, AU
Summary: Heero is a rodeo rider, the best on the circuit and looks set to remain there until an up and coming young cowboy appears on the scene.
AN: This fic is based loosely on the lyrics of 'Rodeo' by Garth Brooks - although it is not a song fic.
Dedication: To my lovely beta; Sakura for giving me the plot bunny and for all her hard work in editing my stuff. (No easy feat!) Thanks hun! You're the best!
“Cowboy”
October 2010 ShenLong
Chapter 36
[It’s the broncs and the bloodIt’s the steers and the mudAnd they call the thing, Rodeo
Rodeo – Garth Brooks]
Zechs, Treize, Charlie and Hank were the first to get to the four in the corral. Treize stopped any others from entering, knowing the guys would need some space to come to terms with what was happening. Seeing Duo looking a little worse for wear, and Quatre also a touch shaky, he sent one of the cowboys to fetch the medic.
“Are you alright?” Treize asked as soon as he entered the corral, his long legs taking him directly to where Duo and Quatre stood.
"A bit shook up,” Quatre replied.
"Sore, a bit battered and shook up too,” Duo replied honestly.
Treize let go a loud sigh of relief. “Thank god you're both not seriously injured.”
“If it wasn't for Quatre and Wufei and their heroic efforts, Duo might not be standing here now,” Heero growled. He couldn't help it, the shock of almost losing his partner was running through his system and he needed to let it out; unfortunately, Treize was the first one in the firing line. “I can't believe you allowed that mad animal back into the string. You know what Reaper is capable of, you saw for yourself first hand last time what that bronc did to Duo and yet despite all this you still let that animal return to the string.”
Treize lowered his eyes. “This was his last chance. The board wanted him to remain in the string, by turning him out for a few weeks they thought it would help to settle him down. They didn't want to lose the crowds as he is a major draw-card. He's had that chance though and proven he's not to be trusted at all. I will see to it that he's destroyed as soon as possible. Duo, I am so sorry.”
Knowing that Treize's hands had been tied by the board's decision, Duo held no animosity towards the man. It was simply another case where greed, the love of the almighty dollar had overrun common sense. “It's okay, Treize, this isn't your fault, but maybe now the board will listen when cowboys voice their concerns in regards to an animal being too dangerous for the rodeo.”
“You can count on it, Duo,” Treize promised. “Ah, the medic is here, I want him to check you both over before you leave the corral. The rodeo is taking a break for an hour to sort things out so no one will miss out on any events.”
"Thank you.” Duo frowned though when the medic approached. He really didn't feel up to being poked and prodded, especially as he knew he'd torn something in his shoulder with that ride and subsequent escape. Unfortunately, he didn't have any say in the matter.
"Zechs, would you be so kind as to take a look at Quatre's horse please? I understand he had a bit of a collision with the rails,” Treize said.
"I'd be happy to.” Zechs stepped forward and with Trowa holding Sandrock, he began his examination.
*
Once Nataku was safely in the corral, Wufei spun his horse around and watched the black bronc in the other corral. The horse wasn't happy at all, snorting angrily and pacing around the confinement. Every now and then, Reaper would stop and shake his head, paw at the ground and give a scream of anger. Wufei shuddered at the thought of what could have been.
Knowing the bronc wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon, Wufei headed back out of the corral, intending to get back to his friends and find out the current status of Quatre and Duo. Letting Nataku walk out as opposed to jogging back as the bay was still breathing heavily, Wufei also made a note to have his horse checked over. He wasn't sure if any damage had been done with their collision and Nataku's loss of balance.
Skirting around the outside of the main arena, Wufei noted the commentator was pacifying the crowd, giving them enough information to satisfy their curiosity as to what they had witnessed without giving away too many of the details. Wufei suspected he wouldn't have known too much anyway. Someone calling his name had him turning in his saddle and he spotted Meiran just on the outside of the chute and staging area.
Quickly, he altered course.
Seeing Wufei riding back around the edge of the arena, Meiran called out, hoping her boyfriend would hear her. She hadn't been able to get any further in her flight as the new security wouldn't allow her to pass. Her frustration was building, not only was she worried about how Wufei was, but the other cowboys, especially Duo were also top on her worried list right now.
She also had another concern.
Raven.
“Wufei! Wufei!” she called, a relieved sigh leaving her lips when he turned and spotted her. Her mouth formed a small smile as he approached and she could see he was okay.
"Meiran?” Wufei responded once he was close enough to the woman. He brought Nataku to a halt alongside the arena rails
"Are you okay, Wufei?”
"I'm fine,” Wufei smiled back.
"What about Duo and Quatre?”
"I'm not sure. I am on my way over there now to find out.”
"Wufei, there's something else, something important I need to talk to you about, but the security won't let me through.”
"The security has been upgraded since Maxwell's accident last time. I'm afraid no one other than the rodeo personnel are allowed through. Can't it wait until I've checked on the others or after the rodeo?”
"If I wait until you come back it could be too late. Wufei, you remember me telling you about my horse that I had my accident on and dad selling him whilst I was in hospital?”
"Yes, yes I do.” Wufei frowned.
"That bronc, the one Duo was riding called Reaper?”
"What about him? After that display I'd be very surprised if the rodeo keeps him in the bronc string, in fact, I'm pretty sure the board will have him destroyed.”
Meiran gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “No! They can't do that! “
“Why not? You saw for yourself just how mad that animal is. After turning on us all like that he should be put down, he's way too dangerous.”
"Wufei, I'm positive that horse, Reaper, is my Raven.”
Wufei almost fell off his horse. “What?” he whispered.
“That bronc, that's Raven, I'm certain of it. He's my horse I broke in and trained for my trick riding. They can't destroy him! They can't! I've spent years looking for him and now I've finally found him they can't put him down!” Meiran was close to tears. All the time she'd spent searching for her long lost horse, only to have disappointment after disappointment to the point where she'd almost given up on ever finding him came crashing down. Now, when she'd finally found him, they were most likely going to put him to sleep. She couldn't stand back and let that happen. “Wufei,” she pleaded,” please, let me talk to someone.”
Still in shock from his girlfriend's revelation, Wufei sat numbly on Nataku, brain scrambling to process it all. Slowly he turned his head to face the woman he was falling in love with, noting the tears starting to fall from her eyes as she begged him to help her. “Okay. I'll go speak with Treize and see if I can get you cleared to come in and talk to him. I don't know if it will do any good though,” he warned. “That bronc is mad, he nearly killed Duo last time and this time, if it hadn't been for Winner and his quick thinking, I'm sure the pair of them would be dead by now.”
“Thank you, Wufei. I just want to talk to someone in charge. I have to see if Raven can be saved.” Meiran pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes.
"Wait here, I'll be back as soon as I can.”
Meiran nodded and watched as Wufei rode off in the direction of the corral.
*
Zechs finished his examination and could only find a little bruising to Sandrock's chest. “It shouldn't give him any trouble and will be cleared up in a couple of days,” Zechs told Trowa.
“Thanks.” Trowa patted the chestnut neck, Sandy's breathing having returned to normal by now.
"He's a brave horse, and a smart one too,” Zechs stated.
"Yeah, he is, Zechs.”
The medic checked Quatre over first, pronouncing the cowboy fine to continue. There was only the bruising around Quatre's cheek which the medic said would darken over the next couple of days, but an ice pack would assist in reducing the swelling. One was duly handed over and Quatre held it to his cheek.
Duo scowled when the medic approached, but he knew he wasn't going to get out of this one. Asking his usual questions, the medic began to check Duo over, Duo replying in his own way and managing to evade a lot of the truth by simply omitting things or skipping over details. He did his best to avoid flinching or wincing when the medic prodded and poked him. Although he knew he really shouldn't compete any further, Duo really wanted that title.
Having finished his examination, the medic turned to Duo and lowered his voice. “By rights I should not allow you to continue in your current state of health. I think you're fully aware yourself of what damage your body sustained from your fall several weeks ago and whilst the majority of that damage had cleared up, this little stunt has aggravated some of it again. You're damn lucky those ribs haven't opened up the cracks again that I can tell without an x-ray, that connection with the rails has bruised them quite a bit and they will be sore for some time. Your shoulder is a different story. I'm afraid you've pulled a couple of muscles and strained the tendons again. If it hadn't been for the strapping you're wearing the damage would have been a lot more severe.”
Duo lowered his head. “I gathered I'd done some further damage during the ride, but this is the final rodeo, I'm in with a chance at the title and if I win I'll be able to realize my dream. Look, doc, I've only got the roping and bulldogging to go and they won't be as severe on my body as the bronc riding was, so couldn't you please, look the other way? I promise not to hold you responsible, hell, I'll sign a waiver if you want – just let me finish this rodeo, I can spend weeks lazing around in bed after this if it will make you happy.”
The medic gave a soft chuckle at Duo's pleading tone. “You cowboys, you're all the same,” he stated. “Okay, here's what I'll do. I'll let you finish your competition, provided you only do those two events and only if you are strapped up properly and take the medication I'll give you.”
Duo's face broke into a wide grin. “Thanks, doc. I'd kiss you but I don't think that would go down too well.”
“No offense, but I think I'll settle for a promise to follow my recommendations,” the medic replied.
"No problem at all.”
"Okay, I'll let Treize know you're fit to continue, but that I want to strap you up as a precaution. I'll need you to come to the first aid room for me to do that.”
"I'll come right with you.”
The medic left to speak with Treize and let him know of Duo's condition. With the medic leaving his partner, Heero moved in to find out what was going on. Duo filled his boyfriend in on what the medic had said and planned to do, Heero not all that happy but then he couldn't blame Duo for wanting to finish the rodeo either. Rather than dwell on it, Heero offered what support he could.
Wufei appeared at the corral, the gate being opened to let him in. Before Wufei could say anything in regards to Meiran's request, he found himself being checked by the medic and Nataku being looked over by Zechs.
Both cowboy and horse were declared fit and healthy by the medical side, the other cowboys and one clown thanking Wufei for all he'd done to help them with Reaper.
About to open his mouth and say his piece, Wufei was again thwarted when Treize spoke first. “Gentlemen, if you will excuse Zechs and myself, we need to go and see a certain bronc and determine his fate. The competition will recommence in another half an hour.” Treize nodded to Zechs who picked up his bag.
“Treize, wait!” Wufei called out. “I need to speak to you, it's important.”
Treize paused. “Can't it wait until I've dealt with this bronc?”
“But that's just it, it's about Reaper.”
Heero, Duo, Trowa and Quatre all turned their attention to the Chinese pick-up guy, wondering what on earth Wufei was talking about.
“What about Reaper? I thought it's quite clear that horse is mad and I'm not about to put another cowboy's life at risk by letting that bronc stay in the string.”
"I know that, but my girlfriend, Meiran, she swears that Reaper is the horse, Raven, she once owned, the one she's been searching for all these years. Before you do anything, please, give her the chance to speak to you.”
The other four cowboys all stood in stunned shock. Reaper was Meiran's long lost trick horse, Raven? went through each person's mind.
"Pardon?” Treize said, clearly confused.
"It's a long story, but if you could spare a few minutes to listen to Meiran I'm sure you would understand.”
Treize sighed. “I really don't have the time to listen to stories, Wufei.”
“I know you're a busy man, but please, just give her a chance to speak to you,” Wufei begged.
"Alright. Look, go put your horse away for a few minutes and meet me with this Meiran in the office. I'll listen to what she has to say, but I'm not about to change my mind, Wufei. That animal is dangerous and the sooner he's destroyed the better it will be for everyone.”
"Thank you.”
Treize left with Zechs, the others all crowding around Wufei and wanting to know what was going on. Wufei couldn't give them any more information as he didn't have any.
“We're coming with you,” Duo said on behalf of Heero as well. “I want to know what this is all about. There's no way that mad animal can be the horse Meiran told us about.”
"Trowa and I are coming as well,” Quatre said.
"We are?” Personally, Trowa didn't want to have anything further to do with that black devil.
"Yes, we are,” Quatre stated firmly.
"Thank you.” Wufei gave a nod of appreciation to his friends.
"Okay, that's settled. You two go settle your horses, I've gotta swing by the medic station on the way so Heero and I will meet you at Treize's office,” Duo informed.
With confirmation from the others, they all set off in their various directions.
* * *
The strapping that Heero had done for Duo had been quite good, but it wasn't as strong or as supportive as the strapping the medic put on him; considering the man was a trained medical officer, it stood to reason his skills would be better.
With his ribs re-strapped and a firm support of several bandages around his shoulder and upper arm, Duo felt a lot more comfortable. The pain pills helped a lot too. They were fairly strong, but they wouldn't impede him in any way from competing. The medic suggested he visit his own doctor once he returned home for a full check-up and further assessment.
Duo had agreed and with the fierce ache in his shoulder reduced to more of a dull throbbing, he left with Heero to find the others and see what the hell Meiran was going on about. Approaching the offices of the rodeo board, they spotted Wufei and Meiran just ahead, Quatre and Trowa already waiting for them.
Although Meiran had stopped her crying, the guys could all see she was very upset, her red eyes a testament to that.
“What's all this about, Meiran?” Duo asked as they caught up with everyone.
"Duo! I'm so glad you're okay,” Meiran said and gave him a gentle hug, evading answering the question at the same time.
"I don’t want to rush anyone here, but there's not a lot of time left before the break is over so I suggest we go in and get this sorted out,” Wufei said and knocked on the office door. Hearing the voice call out for them to enter, he opened the door and let Meiran step inside first, Wufei right behind and the other four following along.
Treize sat behind his desk, Zechs in another seat opposite him. The pair stood as the six filed in.
“Treize, Zechs, this is my girlfriend, Meiran Long, Meiran, this is Treize Khushrenada, the rodeo manager, and Zechs Merquise, the rodeo vet,” Wufei introduced.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Long,” Treize said as he reached out a hand and shook the woman's.
"Please, call me Meiran,” Meiran replied as she shook Treize's hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Khushrenada and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with me.”
"No problem at all, and you must call me Treize.”
"Nice to meet you, Meiran. Please, call me Zechs,” said Zechs as he partook of a handshake once Treize had released the woman.
"Good to meet you too, Zechs,” replied Meiran.
"Now that the formalities are over, I suggest we sit down and you let me know what it is you wished to see me about, Meiran,” Treize said and indicated to the four seats vacant opposite his desk.
"We'll stand,” Quatre whispered to Wufei, Trowa, Duo and Heero nodding and moving with the blonde to stand behind the chairs.
"Treize, all I ask is that you hear me out, listen to what I have to say before you come to any conclusions. I'll be as brief as I can and still give you all the facts possible as I know time is of the essence here.”
"I'm listening,” Treize smiled.
Taking a deep breath, Meiran gave Treize a condensed version of her achievements as a trick rider, finding her horse and training him up. She explained about her accident without all the in depth details and her heartache at coming home to find her beloved Raven had been sold.
“I spent years trying to find him and all to no avail. I'd pretty much given up hope of ever seeing him again, or learning what had ever happened to him, until now. Treize, I'm positive that black bronc you have in the string called Reaper is my horse, Raven.” Meiran paused for a moment to let her story sink in.
"But you have seen for yourself just how nasty that bronc is,” Treize began. “From what you've said about your horse, Raven, he's nothing like Reaper.”
"Raven was cold backed, Treize. He would buck solidly for several minutes until his back warmed up if you didn't lunge him or lead him around for several minutes prior to getting on him. True, Raven wasn't a mean spirited horse and never once did he show any sort of animosity towards anyone. It's my guess that when my father sold him on, whomever bought him didn't know about his cold back and probably just saddled him up and got on. Naturally he would buck and most likely bucked his rider off. My theory is that no one took the time to find out why he bucked and I'm pretty sure he would have bucked everyone off that tried to get on him. From there I'd say he was sold on and on, changing hands as no one wanted a horse that they couldn't ride. I'd also guess that along the line he was mistreated too for his bucking, punished cruelly until he began to associate a rider with pain and fought back the only way he knew how.” Meiran fell silent, letting those around her think on her theory.
"When you put it that way, it does make a lot of sense,” Zechs mused.
"How did he come to be in the bronc string?” asked Duo, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"The rodeo had a visit from a cowboy in one of the towns we were in for a show. He said he had a horse on his ranch he thought we might be interested in. He said no one had been able to ride it, the horse bucked off anyone who ever tried to sit on it. The board agreed to take a look and sent myself and a couple of others out to the ranch where this cowboy brought the horse out and gave us a demonstration. Five cowboys tried to ride him and not one of them lasted past three seconds. Needless to say, the board snapped him up. The bronc riders nicknamed him Reaper, for obvious reasons. He's been with the rodeo for two seasons and I must admit, during that time I have noticed his temperament getting worse. He didn't seem content to just buck the cowboys off anymore but went after them, as if it were a personal insult to him that they should try and ride him. Yuy here was the only one to stay on-board for the full eight seconds until Duo here today, and even then, Reaper went after him and broke his leg. You saw what he did to Duo today and no doubt you've heard what he did the last time Duo tried to ride him.” Treize sat back in his chair, watching the various reactions on the faces before him.
"I still say it's the cruel treatment he would have received that made him turn so vengeful,” Meiran said stubbornly.
"But the rodeo does not allow cruelty in any form,” Zechs stated.
"I know they don't, but every cowboy wears spurs; granted those spurs are blunt, but they have to wear them, have to swing their legs back and forth to spur the animal on, even if those spurs don't hurt the horse. Raven wouldn't know the difference between a blunt or sharp spur, all he would know is that he's been punished with them before and it hurt, so he will react in the only way he knows to stop the torment – by turning on the cowboy.”
"Logical,” Wufei agreed.
"Meiran, obviously you have insisted on speaking with me for a reason in regards to this horse; what is it you want me to do?” Treize folded his arms.
"I don't want you to put Raven down. I want you to sell him back to me,” Meiran said in almost a whisper.
"I don't think that's a good idea, not after what he did out there today. If he were to seriously hurt you, or even kill you, I'm afraid I couldn't have that on my conscience,” Treize replied.
"What if I can prove to you that Raven wouldn't hurt me, that I can tame him, show you he's the horse I knew and loved?” Meiran fired back.
"Meiran, no!” Wufei stated.
"Miss. Long. Not that I am doubting your horsemanship skills, but I cannot allow that to happen,” Treize said, his tone a little stiff.
"Look, just give me a couple of minutes to show you that Raven is okay, that he's not mad and wouldn't hurt me. If he does try to hurt me or show signs of that madness, then fine, you go ahead and do what it is you have to do. But... If he does behave with me then I get to buy him back.”
Treize gave careful consideration to the woman's proposal, Wufei was having a borderline panic attack, not wanting his girlfriend anywhere near that mad devil. Duo, Heero, Quatre and Trowa were also not happy with the suggestion, especially Duo and Heero as they had both had first hand experience with Reaper's teeth and hooves.
Meiran looked confident.
Treize turned to Zechs. “What do you think?”
Zechs shrugged. “Personally I can't see that horse doing anything other than trying to take out anyone who tries to ride him, but I have seen some strange things in my time too. Horses have long memories and there is a chance that if this Reaper is the horse Meiran insists was hers at one stage, then it could spark that memory and the bronc behaves. Either way you won't lose out. If he does prove to be mad and try to hurt anyone, he will still be put down. If he does remember this woman and is okay, then you can sell him to her and you're still rid of him.”
Despite his inner turmoil, Treize decided to give the woman and the bronc this chance. He really didn't want to see Reaper destroyed, the horse was a fine animal and it was a shame to see him reduced to this fate. Treize had often wondered about the horse's background and what had caused him to be the way he was. What Meiran had said made a lot of sense and explained quite a bit too. “Okay, I'll give you five minutes with him.” Cutting off anything that was about to be said, Treize continued, “You will be closely monitored at all times and if Reaper turns on you I will not hesitate to shoot him myself on the spot.”
“You'll have a loaded gun there?” Meiran questioned, her eyes wide.
"Yes. I'll have the cow hands move Reaper to one of the outer corrals and I will give you five minutes to see what you can do. If at any stage that bronc shows any signs of attacking I'll give the order to shoot him. Those are my terms.”
Knowing there wasn't going to be any other way to do this, Meiran nodded. “I accept.”
Glancing at the clock, Treize noted the time. “I'll have him moved to an outer corral now. We have ten minutes until the rodeo resumes with the last of the bronc riders and they should take about another ten minutes to get those remaining broncs into the chutes and ready. I will meet you all at the corral in five minutes. I'd suggest that Wufei and Quatre bring their horses with them as they will be needed back in the arena very shortly.”
“Thank you, Treize,” Meiran said softly, her eyes shining.
"Don't thank me yet. You still have to prove to me that bronc isn't mad and is worth leaving alive.”
"I will, just you wait and see.”
~ * ~
tbc...