Title: Desert Rose Part VI: Yami ni Shizumu (Sinking into the Darkness)

Author: Sorceress Fantasia

Pairing: 1+2, 3+4, 5+M, 5+?, 13x6

Warnings: Slight angst, evil Relena and Hirde, unsympathetic Trieze, OC, slight crossover (just borrowing one chara from Chrono Cross)

Archive: http://www.gwaddiction.com/levlair/index3.htm

Disclaimers: I may own a lot of things, but the GW guys aren't included. So yeah, the characters do not belong to me. I'm just borrowing them for a little fun. Harle is a character taken from Squaresoft's Chrono Cross. She does not belong to me either.

Note: From this chapter on, there will be heavy usage of spells and other weapons. Most, if not all, are taken from RPGs I have played, so none of them belongs to me.

Trieze slumped into his chair, hands messaging his temples. Frowning, he tried to take in several deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. Feeling better, he opened his eyes again. What he saw made the headache come back. He stared hard at the stacks of papers piling up like mountains on his desk, willing them to burst into flames spontaneously. Yeah, that would be good…

On second thoughts, better not. A fire would most probably only delay him further, what with him having to stay behind to redo the documents that the fire had happily engulfed. In addition, everyone would fuss over him, impeding him even more. With a sigh, he continued with his work. The faster he finished, the sooner he could go visit his son.

Glaring at the amount of work, he knew he would be lucky if he could finish by the end of the month… Worse of all, that was already the minimum time he needed. He didn't dare to think of the maximum. But, he would do anything for his son. He missed Duo desperately, after staying away for more than half a year.

His zeal to see his son after such a long time skyrocketed after numerous nightmares that involved Duo running away with someone. He couldn't see who the person was, for his face was but a blur to him. But it didn't matter who was it. The only thing that mattered was what he did. To his son, to him. No one would ever get away with escaping with his son!

Every nightmare left Trieze waking up in terror, hands clutching his sheets as he panted. Was that an omen? A premonition? It couldn't be anything good. He *had* to go check up on Duo. His son. His only son. His only son with Zechs. For that alone, he would do anything to keep his son.

Of course, he had to keep an eye on that sly harlequin…

*****

Relena paced in her room, stomping up and down in an uptight manner. There was something off with something she didn't know, and she couldn't put her finger on what was amiss for whatever it was. Her mind was swimming in a sea of confusion, and there was almost nothing she hated more than that.

Making up her mind to calm down, she slid into her highly padded chair. Her eyes settled onto the crystal ball sitting so innocently on a pink cushion on her table. Well, she could just take a peek at what Duo was doing. After all, that joker did make her boring days more tolerable with his tears provoking antics. Some of those clowning around pulled her into her memories. Those good old days when her brother was still alive. Zechs had always laughed at his son's jokes, even if some of them weren't all that funny. Sometimes, he would even encourage Duo to joke more often, saying that he wanted Duo to always smile because it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen.

More often than not, Zechs persuaded her to be less serious sometimes and relax as well. Though not always willing, she had always tried her best. Relena did everything Zechs asked her to, because she adored the man who had taken her off the streets and gave her a home in the palace, adopted her as a sister, and trained her to become a powerful sorceress. Relena knew she owed all her success to Zechs. She would never forget his benevolence. Never. However, when Harle arrived, Zechs started to spend more time with her, almost forgetting about Relena. Even on his deathbed, he remembered Harle, giving her all the responsibilities regarding Duo.

Relena gritted her teeth as she thought of Harle, then banished the thoughts. She couldn't be distracted from a spell.

She closed her eyes, hands moving to hover over her crystal ball. Focusing a burst of pure energy on it, Relena chanted a spell. Slowly, an image appeared. It was blur at first, but as Relena's powers increased, the image became clearer. Gingerly, she opened one eye to see. All she saw was a mob of brown and piercing cobalt. Relena frowned, then concentrated on the magical aura around her crystal ball. Suddenly, she was thrown back into a wall as she heard a strident blast, like a scream in an explosion. Shakily, she pushed herself off the ground with a groan, biting her lips. Running a careless hand across her face, she flinched at the sight of gaudy red liquid. Looking closer, blood was also dripping from her hands. Scowling, Relena glanced at her table. All that was left there was a swirling white mist, and shards of glass scattered around the entire room.

As she stood at the side of her room, sagging heavily against the stonewall, she clenched her fist while the other stole up to her chest, feeling the painful throbbing of her heart. The room was silent except for her harsh pants and the dripping of blood as they pooled around her.

*****

Purplish black hair, blue eyes, pink lips, perky nose… Hirde knew she was attractive. Her identity as a sorceress never dampened that fact, instead enhancing her mysterious aura. She was much sought after by men of every background, yet none had ever been able to capture her heart. That was, until she met him for the first time.

Duo. The handsome prince who had a beautiful soul to match his outward appearance. After meeting him, Hirde had never looked at another man straight in the eye. Not that she didn't dare to. Oh, she could kill a man in at least ten different ways, each more gruesome than the last, if she wanted to. No, she didn't because she loathed seeing their ugly faces. No one could look better than Duo.

A smile graced her lips as she thought of that bouncing braided wonder, and suddenly she had an overwhelming urge to see him. Ambling to her mirror hanging on the wall, she mused whatever could he be doing. But that was secondary. Just seeing him would be enough. That thought alone made her go jelly in her legs. Hirde swore that Duo ooze sensuality in every little action he did, something she was sure Duo didn't know himself. And perhaps that was the reason why that jester hovered around him like some eagle on the prowl. She was surely looking for ways to keep Duo for herself. No way was Hirde allowing that to happen. Duo was hers, past, present or future.

She snapped her fingers, the snap resounding hollowly in the crisp air. A white light appeared in the center of the mirror, radiating as the image became sharper. Hirde smiled a lopsided grin, her eyes glinting from the light and from the sight of Duo. The braided boy was prancing around in the garden, like a butterfly dancing amongst flowers. Another figure joined him. Dark hair, green shirt… he didn't look like anyone in the palace. Hirde chanted another spell to get a closer look.

Abruptly, a thin line appeared at the corner of the mirror. It was gradually joined by other chinks that materialized out of the blue in various parts of the magic mirror. They lengthened quickly, crisscrossed like a spider web, blue beams seeping out. Hirde gasped, raising one hand to her face. As the illumination brightened to a blinding light, she snapped her eyes shut in fear. She could hear the cracking, and the magic object finally shattered, the pieces falling to the ground. Yet the shards of glass never reached the floor, bursting into dark purple flames in mid fall.

The impromptu combustion hurled Hirde into her table, smashing it. Precariously, she force herself to sit up, one hand still pushing against the ground for support. She gritted her teeth, feeling the metallic taste in her mouth. A lace of blood flowed out of her tight-pursed lips. The sorceress drew in a trembling breath, wincing as she felt her lungs rebel. She tried to stand up, only falling flat on her face when her legs gave way.

Knowing she had to get help, Hirde pushed herself up again, this time leaning against the wall. Slowly, she made her way out of the room.

*****

Blink. Blink. Blink.

White… Blinding… Can't see… Block it out…

"Sorry, I should have thought about this." A distinct sound of windows slamming. Footsteps closing in. "Are you feeling better?"

'Who?' She wondered, as she felt herself being lifted up into a sitting position. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Voice raspy, she asked, "Who? What happened?"

"Minor explosion."

Blink. Blink. "Sally?"

"Yes, it's me." The said woman replied, and pushed a goblet filled with sweet smelling liquid to her mouth, asking her to drink it. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah… I guess so."

Sally took the goblet, and walked over to a large wooden table that was lined with various bottles and jars. The conspicuous odor of herbs that almost made Hirde flinch filled the air.

"What happened again? Explosion?"

The royal physician turned around, crossing her arms as she leaned against the table. "You don't remember anything?"

Silent nod.

"Perhaps you hit your head harder than I thought… I'll give you another check-up later. Anyway, it seems that your mirror somehow broke, and threw you across your room. You managed to get out into the corridor, but you lost consciousness and collapsed. The guards brought you here." Sally explained. "Whatever happened? Is this anti-magic day or what?"

Hirde was taken aback. "What?" She frowned.

"I'll take it from here, Sally." A voice rang out from the doorway.

"Relena!?" Hirde sputtered. Her friend was covered in bandages almost everywhere. Even her head had one wound around it.

"I'll leave you two to talk alone, then." Sally shrugged, and left her little clinic.

Once she left, Hirde asked again, "Relena, what in the world…?"

The blonde girl sat down on the bed beside Hirde's, and sighed, "My crystal ball broke, and flung me into the wall. I heard about yours. Your mirror shattered, and threw you onto your table."

"So that's why I feel like my mind's been spinning out of orbit." Hirde moaned, rubbing her temples. "And why Sally asked me whether this was anti-magic day."

Relena nodded.

"But why? I mean, how could this happen? Crystal balls and magic mirrors aren't supposed to just *explode* like that! And we are two of the most accomplished sorceresses in this kingdom! Who can do this?" The dark haired witch growled. "If I get my hands on that wretched person, I swear he or she's going to be barbeque kebab before he or she can say 'help'!"

"… …There is someone who can." Her companion murmured.

"Who!?" Hirde looked like she was getting ready to curse that person who had been unfortunate enough to incur her wrath.

"Harle."

Silence. "…She…? Impossible. She isn't even a sorceress." Hirde rolled her eyes in exasperation. Had Relena forgotten about that?

"True, but she's got magic."

"Magic?" Hirde blinked in wonder, then shook her head as her thoughts cleared. "No, it can't be. If she had, she would have lifted Duo's curse. She would be powerful enough to, if she could do *this* to us." She spat bitterly, grimacing as pain lanced through her body.

"Exactly." Relena tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, before she leaned forward with a cold smile that would freeze even Shiva[1] , the goddess of ice. "So why doesn't she do it? I say she's hiding. The enigma's been hiding so many things from everybody I wouldn't be surprised if she's a magic user too."

"But if she's a sorceress, why can't we feel her magic aura? I don't even sense the tiniest bit of enchantment in her! "

"Doesn't that just prove how powerful she is? She can hide her magic so well that she escapes detection from even us! Like you said earlier, we are two of the most accomplished sorceresses in the kingdom. If *we* can't detect Harle's aura…"

"… …You've got to be kidding, 'Lena."

"Never at a time like this, my dear."

*****

"So, what's on the agenda today? Are we gonna play? Or can I learn new spells? Guys!!! Tell me what can I do! Quick, give me suggestions~! I need something to do~!" Duo whined, pouting when no one answered him. It was such a bright, sunny day. He couldn't believe all everyone wanted to do was sit in the main chamber and spout roots.

Quatre and Trowa had caught the music bug, and were busily playing the violin and flute respectively. Occasionally, they would stop and make a few changes to the score that they thought would improve the piece.

The politician of the group, Harle, was curled up on a snug couch while going through papers Trieze had handed her the last time she was at the palace. It was something about constructing a dam across the Sca River, and he was asking for Harle's opinion.

Wufei, the ever scholar, was reading a book with a plot that was probably longer than Duo's hair. He made no acknowledgement of the prince's words as he continued to read, totally absorbed into a world of philosophy.

Apparently, the Chinese boy's obsession was infectious, for Heero was rapt with Duo's birthday present, the Tome of Magic. He had shown a great interest in the matters of magic and enchantments since his first spell, and Duo wasn't about to stop that for his lover's safety.

But the boredom was getting to him. "Guys~!!!"

With a huff, Wufei slammed the book he was reading onto the table, causing everyone to look up. He glared at the prating youth calmly, yet with a crafty air. Instead of carping for justice, he merely started muttering.

Heero, who was within hearing range, quickly stood up and grabbed his lover's waist. "Wufei, save up on that silence spell." Before Wufei could say anything, Heero had caught Duo's lips in a deep lip lock. Slowly, he lifted the braided bundle into his arms and carried him away.

The Chinese boy felt like a deer caught in headlights. His face burned hotly.

"Wufei, the method you chose is efficient, but crude." Quatre giggled dizzily. "But…"

"…Heero'z met'od iz even more efficient and deliciouz…" Harle piped, grinning.

"…by Duo's standards." Trowa finished, pokerfaced.

Silence reigned for a moment, then they all burst into bouts of giggles and laughter.

Still chuckling, Harle slid off the settee and picked up her papers. "Well, I'd best be off, non? I'll be at my room if you need moi." Finished, she left the room quietly.

"I suppose I'll go to my room too." Wufei rose, and left as well.

Smirking, Trowa gazed at the Arabian boy beside him. "We're alone now…"

Quatre smiled, but didn't reply.

*****

Duo felt himself lowered into Heero's old bed, as the room was closer to the main chambers. He could smell the distinct smell of his lover's body within the sheets, and he sighed contentedly. For a moment, he was so sure Heero would climb into bed with him and well, have fun with him. The next thing he knew though, annoyed him to no end.

"Heero! What are you doing!?"

The said boy looked up from his book as he sat comfortably in his chair. "Reading."

"But Heero!"

Heero didn't answer him, merely frowned and held up the book and asked, "Duo, did you tear off the pages?"

"No. Maybe that spell is dangerous, so Wufei tore it off. But I don't care what's with the book! Heero, come over!" Duo slammed his fists into the bed, like a child throwing a tantrum. "Come over this instant, or you'll be sleeping alone tonight!" He threatened, after Heero ignored his whining a second time.

Ten minutes later, Duo was in euphoria. Violet orbs fluttered closed of their own volition. His lithe frame was pulled close to Heero's bulkier one. He could feel the presence of stars behind his closed eyelids, and the almost painful exertion of force on his lips. Yet he didn't mind. He wanted more. Craved for… yearned for… hungered for… He loved the way Heero kissed him. It made him feel light and warm.

Heero stopped. Duo would have griped, but Heero pulled him into his laps and wrapped his arms around him tightly. "Shh." He started stroking his koi's long hair, knowing how much he loved it. Heero smiled when he heard a sound that vaguely resembled a purr.

Duo snuggled closer, not resisting the urge to purr like a kitten. He always felt safe in Heero's arms. The warmth reminded him of that night on his birthday, when they had professed their love to each other. After that confession, they had spent the rest of the night together in Duo's room, but they didn't consummate their relationship, content with just cuddling. It had been already one amazing month since that night, but Duo still remembered it like it was yesterday. Ever since that night, Heero moved into Duo's room where they spent their nights together. The nights were chaste enough, and during the day, they would occasionally slip into a room to steal a couple of kisses. But nothing more. Duo was more than happy with this arrangement. He couldn't bring himself to do more just yet. At least, his father had to know.

But then again, once he knew, he would most probably throw Heero into the desert, or worse still, Heero would become dragon feed. It was worrying, but the way Heero was petting him was shoving all those worries to the back of his mind.

*****

Wing and the other horses gaped awkwardly at the group of people standing at the castle gates. For a moment, they tried the old method of pinching to wake themselves from the nightmare, then remembered that they were horses and had no fingers. As Sandrock welcomed them rather gauchely, Wing immediately galloped away.

Once the wooden gates loomed into sight, he sped up even more. With a strong stomp of his fore legs, the white stallion burst into the castle. Using his mind contact, he willed his thoughts over to Quatre.

'Quatre! Quatre! The king is here! The king is here!'

*****

Crash!

"Did you hurt yourself, little one?" Trowa asked anxiously, immediately grabbing Quatre's hands for inspection, while sweeping the broken bits of glass that was a teacup away with his feet.

Instead, Quatre grasped Trowa's hands and exclaimed, "Trowa! The king is here! King Trieze is here!"

"What?" It was the Latin boy's turn to be dumbfounded.

"What should we do? If he sees Heero…!" He almost choked on the last word, unable to imagine the disastrous consequences.

Rising to his feet quickly, Trowa pulled his companion up as well. "Quatre, you go look for sis. I'll look for Duo and Heero. Quickly!" And he sprinted off without another word.

The blonde boy nodded, and whizzed around, dashing for Harle's room like his very life depended on it. Perhaps it did.

*****

"Ahh, it's been so long, ne?" Relena beamed, as a bird landed lightly on her fingers.

"Aa." Trieze smiled. Stopping in his stroll, he admired the majestic garden that was part of the castle his son had been living in for the past few years. It was magnificent, isolated and safe, a suitable place for Duo to live in until it was his time to be king. But he could tell that Harle wasn't about to let that happen. She was hatching a plan for Duo's escape. Even though she had let nothing slip, Trieze knew it somehow. If not for Zechs, he would have got rid of her ages ago. Unwittingly, he sighed as he thought of his long dead beloved.

*Flashback*

"Damn you Tallgeese. Damn my luck." Trieze snarled through gritted teeth. He didn't know how, but somehow, his steed had gotten them lost inside the woods after a wild run due to a scare by a little flying bat that had swooped down in front of it. "When we get back to the palace, I'm going to train up your guts. It's pathetic." His horse whimpered.

With another mournful sigh, Trieze pulled the reins, prompting Tallgeese to move faster. After a few more minutes of getting even more lost, Trieze heard something. He hushed his horse and rolled down, steadily moving towards the source. Reaching it, he knelt down and gingerly pried the thick foliage apart for a peek. What he saw flummoxed him.

Someone was sitting on the wet ground, surrounded by a circle of animals of many kinds. The person was speaking to them, but Trieze couldn't hear clearly. The animals were all looking at him, nodding or squeaking occasionally like they understood what the person was saying. Completely taken by the amazing sight before him, Trieze failed to notice Tallgeese had suddenly trotted towards that person. In its trot, Tallgeese had exposed its master by knocking him onto the ground.

The animals quickly scampered away, while the birds flew off with an indignant squawk. The person tried to calm the animals, but to no avail. With a slight slump of shoulders, the person spun around to fix Trieze with a worried glance.

Trieze was sprawled out on the ground, but he didn't dare to get up. If he did, he would be sure to wake up. Long blonde tresses, searing blue eyes, charming smile, lovely baritone voice… Most definitely a male. And a very attractive male at that. Trieze swore he had felt his angelic radiance.

Seeing that Trieze was making no effort to get up, he rushed forward to help him up. "Are you okay?"

The ginger haired king nodded, too stunned to speak. After he was sure his voice was still with him, he asked, "Who are you?"

"What?" The blonde man smiled amusedly. "If you're asking for my name, you'll have to do better than that!"

"Pardon me for my abruptness, young sir. I am Trieze Khushrenada. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" Trieze bowed, pressing a little kiss to the other's hand.

The man smirked, as though to say 'That's better!' "My name is Zechs. Pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasure to meet you too."

*End flashback*

That was how they had met. After that, their friendship had blossomed into love and they got married. Trieze never questioned Zechs about his heritage, because he truly didn't care. He would marry him even if he were a lowly farmer. A year after their union, a son was borne to them. Duo was their love and joy, and both of them took great care in nurturing him to become a gentle and caring child. Although they had vowed to keep no secrets from the other, Trieze knew Zechs was hiding something from him. But he never asked, assured that Zechs would tell him when he was ready. Even so, he was always curious as to what could cause his beloved to occasionally stare worriedly into the skies. That curiosity was further fueled when Zechs brought a young girl back to the palace after a trip to the mountains. The girl was introduced to them as Harle, an orphan he had found on his trip. Trieze didn't really like the young lass. She was dressed up as a harlequin, and spoke in a most mystifying way. Surely, she would lead Duo astray. However, no matter what Trieze said, Zechs was adamant about adopting her. In the end, the king relented and Zechs made Harle Princess Harlequin, their daughter. Unfortunately, Zechs passed away soon after that.

Even after all these years, Trieze still missed his beloved. As they entered the castle, he pushed those thoughts away from his mind temporarily.

"Where's Duo?" He asked, noticing that his son was not there to welcome him at the door. Actually, only Wufei was present. "And the others?"

"Your majesty, I'm afraid they're all in their rooms, for your arrival was too sudden." Wufei answered coolly, deadpanned. Only Nataku could tell he was in shock, and even a hint of fear. Well, he wasn't the only one. All the horses were just as terrified.

"Are you trying to say that our visit is untimely, Wufei?" Relena snorted invidiously as she crossed her arms, looking at Wufei through the corner of her eyes. "Guilty of something, perhaps?"

The Chinese boy snarled, and was about to retort when someone burst into the room.

Trowa quickly bowed, "Your majesty." And he moved out of the way to stand beside Wufei.

"Father!" Duo cried, and quickly bowed. His face was flushed as he panted heavily. "I apologize for not being here to welcome you earlier, but I was in my room reading…"

"You're forgiven. Come, my son, let me see how much you've grown…" Trieze smiled, wiggling one of his fingers in tiny circles.

The braided boy, knowing his father, turned around slowly.

"I'm glad to see you're still healthy."

Two more people entered, walking quickly.

"Your majesty." Quatre wheezed, giving a quick bow before moving beside Trowa.

"Enchante, Monsieur Trieze."

"Pleased to see you too, Harle." But the slight raise of his eyebrow, which disappeared in a flash, spoke otherwise.

******

Fifteen minutes later, all of them were seated in the dining room talking over some tea and tasty delights the kitchen had hastily cooked up. That is, all except the two sorceresses who were lurking around in the corners of the castle. Of course, they had told everyone that they were going to the library to retrieve something they had left behind the last time they were there. They wanted to laugh. Who would have thought that Harle would buy their story? Nevertheless, they didn't question their luck.

The two combed room by room without using their magic, for fear that Harle might be able to detect them that way. Being accustomed to using spells and enchantments, performing a search like that for them was rather slow compared to normal people. Yet, they were just as thorough. Half an hour into their search, they ended up in a corridor filled with empty rooms. Duo's castle could have supported a small population by itself, yet only five people lived there, leaving a lot of rooms unused. However, this one they entered was different.

Although none of the previous unused rooms were filled with cobwebs or filled with dirt, neither were they this clean. In fact, this room looked as though someone had been living in it before, and not too long ago too. The rumpled bedspread was an added valid proof.

Relena and Hirde gave each other an acquiesce nod.

*****

Heero held his breath, pressing himself as close to the wall as possible. Every muscle was taut, his breathing was shallow. He shut his eyes.

Deep inside, he knew he would be fine. Harle had told him to hide in this hidden tunnel when he first arrived to avoid detection. This tunnel was safe. It had to be. After all, he had holed up there when he was shunning his lover. If Duo couldn't locate him, who else could? Except Harle, that is. But Heero was sure she had better things to do than to find him at that moment. Yes, he was definitely safe.

That seemed to be true, until he opened his eyes.

He wasn't in the tunnel anymore.

*****

"Your majesty!"

Almost everyone in the room winced at the shrillness of the voice that beyond doubt belonged to Relena. Harle's lips merely twitched.

Seconds later, the blonde sorceress marched into the room, Hirde tailing behind. However, they didn't arrive alone. Following them were two hunks of sheer muscles that were the sorceresses' guards, and they were holding someone between them. They casually tossed the person onto the ground, in front of Trieze.

"Heero!" Duo exclaimed, running up to the tied up boy.

Trieze raised an eyebrow. "Who is this?"

"Your majesty, we found this man hidden in one of the guest rooms." Hirde returned, as she gave a respectful bow.

The king turned to face Harle. "Harle, who is this man? Do not lie to me. You are bound to know who he is."

Harle took a sideway glance at Heero before she replied, voice never missing a beat, "Your majesty, hiz name iz Heero. He iz a traveler who lost hiz way, and stumbled upon our castle. I took him in becauze it iz against my principlez to not offer someone help if he iz in trouble. "

"Why didn't you take him back to civilization?"

"We were too far away from any."

Trieze glowered, but his composure still spelt calmness. "We'll take him away then."

"No!" Duo butted in, shouting. "Father, please let Heero stay! He's my…ouch!" Duo bit his own tongue, worried that he might have let slip his relation with Heero.

"Duo!" Heero whispered, feeling more assured at Duo's nod.

"Your what?" Trieze asked snidely.

Duo gulped. "He's… my friend."

"Your majesty! Please let Heero stay! He has been nothing but a good friend to Prince Duo since he arrived!" Quatre pleaded earnestly.

"Quatre's right, your majesty. We all hope you can let Heero stay." Shini neighed. Everyone nodded nervously.

Trieze shot daggers at them. "Quiet! I did not ask for your opinions!" He hollered, voice booming. Everyone took an involuntary step back at the diamond hard gaze. His normally cool, elegant sapphire chips had turned into the raging sea, threatening to swallow anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. Trieze turned to the two sorceresses, "Relena, Hirde, use a truth spell!"

They nodded in return, and started chanting. Everyone else frowned, their hearts thumping against their ribcage.

Heero moaned as the spell got to him, face contorted.

"Heero!" Duo cried fearfully, before the two towering guards tore him away from his love under Trieze's order. Duo struggled against them to no avail. "Relena! Hirde! Stop this! Please! Father! Sis! Stop them!"

Harle shook her head silently, raising one finger to her lips in a quiet gesture to hush the prince. But how could she expect Duo to calm down? Heero would surely be killed if they knew the truth!

"Your majesty…" Relena said dutifully, "…it is done. The truth spell can last for only half an hour, so please hurry."

Trieze walked up to the unresisting boy, circling him. "Tell me your name, young man."

"Heero Yuy." Quatre and Wing felt a spasm of coldness shoot through them as Heero spoke. It was like he was a soulless puppet under manipulation.

"Where did you come from?"

"The Dark Woods."

"What were you then?"

"A woodcutter."

"How did you arrive here?"

"Wing took me here."

At that, Trieze scowled at the white stallion.

"Your majesty, I… I had gotten lost a few months ago and Heero found me… He took me in… thinking that I was an ordinary horse. After that, I…… found the way home while we were on a ride. I didn't want to… waste time taking him back to the woods first and lose my chance at getting back, so I… came back immediately." Wing stammered fretfully.

Trieze snarled, but took his answer and went back to interrogating Heero. "Why didn't you leave?"

"I didn't know how to go back to the woods and Quatre told me that we were too far from civilization."

"……What is your relationship with Duo?"

Duo's eyes widened perceptibly.

Quatre frowned deeply, biting his lips.

Trowa and Wufei held their breaths.

Harle gazed at Heero.

The horses drew close to one another, hearts caught in their throats.

"I'm Duo's lover."

They looked away resignedly, eyes shut tight. Duo slumped, falling to his knees. Only Harle continued to gaze at Heero, eyes betraying no emotions.

Trieze's eyes widened as he clenched his fists. Behind him, Relena and Hirde gasped, looking like fishes out of water. "Throw him to the dungeons! He will be beheaded first thing in the morning!" He grounded through gritted teeth.

"Father! Iie! Kudasai! I love him!" Duo cried, tears streaming down his face.

Trieze twirled around. "You will be locked in your room! I will deal with you after him!"

"And the rest of you," Trieze pointed at Harle and the others, "will be locked up in the underground chambers!"

"Relena! Hirde! You two will stand guard at that man's cell!"

"Yes, your majesty!"

Everyone was led away into their various destinations silently, except Duo who was still weeping.

*****

Nighttime.

Footsteps resounded in the corridor. The doors to the shrine creaked as they were pushed opened, then closed.

"My beloved… Zechs… I miss you so much. How are you?" Trieze sighed, gazing longingly at the beautifully sculptured statue. "I came here to visit you and Duo, yet *this* had to happen."

"Do you know what happened, my love? Duo has fallen in love with a woodcutter! Just how much more absurd can this get!? Our son, the prince, has fallen in love with a woodcutter!" He laughed mournfully. "And yet none of them stopped Duo! Even your daughter! Just what in the world were they thinking!?"

Trieze sighed deeply. "Don't worry, Zechs. I will get rid of that woodcutter and get Relena and Hirde to cast a spell on Duo to let him forget about this. Harle, Trowa, Wufei, Quatre and the horses will all be punished severely, and they will also forget about all this. I am letting them stay alive on your account, Zechs. I know you loved them all. But if this happens a second time, all of them, including Harle, will never see the sun or moon again!"

He stopped himself, trying to calm down. "My love… it is late. I shall come back tomorrow. When I do, all this trouble shall be no more!" With that, he whirled around and left the room.

Back inside the shrine, a lone tear trekked down the statue's cheek.

Sorceress Fantasia @ 5th December 2001

[1]: Shiva is the ice goddess in the Final Fantasy series. She doesn't belong to me.