Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 5
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: C-Chan2 
I give you another chapter.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.04.2006 | Updated On: 11.04.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 8.6K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
I give you another chapter.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.04.2006 | Updated On: 11.04.2006 | Pages: 7 | Words: 8.6K | Visits: 247 | Status: Work In Progress
Author's Note: Oh my gosh! Do you know what I just realized? I never put a disclaimer up. So I shall place one at the beginning of each chapter hereafter. The recent chapters have been updated so that they now contain one as well. I'm also glad that you readers are liking this little fic o' mine. I still have no idea where exactly I'm going with this, but everyday I'm inspired. I'm trying to figure out what's up with Heero and Wufei. Don't it make your brain hurt just wondering? ^.^
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own them. However, I do manage to steal them away from time to time and return them safe and sound. . .except for that one time. (sigh) Poor, Duo.
Pairings: There's a lot I want to do and I'm not quite sure which ones just yet. -.-' Though there's a clue to one of them (or two) in there, do you think you can find it? Of course you can't, it's far too confusing! Bwahahahahaha! XD
Warnings: For his chapter, the same as before. I'm trying to make this PG-13 friendly, meaning as much as Heero may fantasize about sleeping with somebody, or Duo suggests, or someone implies, it will never go into detail. . .unfortunately. There is violence to make up for it though! Carry on!
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Duo looked back to where the other three followed, their eyes looking around cautiously at their surroundings. Not only were they making sure soldiers weren't closing in, but they were now in the worst part of town. Duo called it home most of the time. He continued on, his eyes brightening as he caught sight of a shabby looking building. There was light in the window, which meant that someone was home.
"Come on.", he urged the rest, his pace quickening, "We're almost there."
He couldn't help but run the rest of the way, climbing in through the first window he came across and then looking back out.
"The doors are barred, you'll have to climb in.", he called back.
He didn't wait for an answer, he instead turned around and became tangled in a large web of what seemed to be thread. What the hell was going on?
"Duo, what on earth is this place?", the prince asked.
He looked back at the question to find Quatre looking around in awe as Wufei helped him climb through the window. Zechs had made it in before them and was looking around himself, his face revealing his intrigue as his fingers idly reached for the thread. Duo frowned at that, he didn't want him touching anything, it was here for a reason. He wasn't sure why just yet, but he was bound to find out. Where the hell was the old man anyway?
"Is this your home, Duo?", Wufei asked, taking care as not to become tangled as Duo had.
Said braided thief tried his best to free himself. However, he only succeed in further tangling himself and he huffed in frustration, playfully glaring at the prince who giggled at his misfortune.
"I already told you, I don't have a home.", Duo repeated for him, "A friend of mine lives here."
"What's with all the thread?", Zechs broke his silence, his finger gently pulling at one.
"Don't touch that!"
Duo had wanted to be the one to say it, but it came from someone else. All eyes looked to an open doorway on the opposite side of the room, where an old man dressed in dingy clothing was soon rushing in, the spools of thread he was carrying dropping to the floor. Duo watched as he stormed over to Zechs, slapping the young man's hand away and snarling at him in annoyance.
"Don't you know what happens to little boys who touch?", he questioned.
His eyes glared at the long-haired blond for quite sometime before he was glaring at the other two, scrutinizing them as harshly as he had Zechs.
"What do you want?", he demanded, "Can't an old man have his privacy? Go on, get out of here!"
He began shooing the three young men away and Duo found it best to step in.
"Hey, Howard!", he called to get his attention, "How do I get out of this thing?"
The man turned to him with a perplexed expression and then he was smilling, quickly making his way over to where Duo was. He laughed heartily, greeting the boy with a hug and then turning away. He returned to where he had dropped his spools and was soon holding them up to display for the violet-eyed boy.
"I found it!", he laughed, motioning to the large web-like structure in the room, "I told you I'd find it, Duo. Didn't I?"
Duo only shook his head with a smile, Howard shuffling about the room to look over his creation.
"Yeah, so you found it. I never doubted you for a minute."
He fought some more and only made things worse, finally deciding that Howard would get him down when he was good and ready.
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Howard circled the room, humming to himself as he tangled more of the thread into his web and he stopped at a loose end. Lifting it he observed it for a short moment before making his way to where Wufei stood. His hand jutted out, offering the end of the deep blue thread to him and when Wufei took too long to accept it, he placed it into his hand for him.
"Hold this.", he demanded, "Stop running for the moment."
"I'm. . .not running.", Wufei hesistated and Howard only laughed.
"One who is well taught needs not a master, but a master he shall become.", he rambled, missing Wufei's frown as he turned away, "Face what you're running from and you shall have no need to run any further."
He went searching again, ignoring Duo's call for help and finding a length of gold colored thread that was hanging from the rest.
"Messy, messy, messy.", he mumbled, his fingers taking hold of it, "So many to tangle, so little time."
He dragged the thread over to where Quatre stood, grabbing hold of the pirnce's wrist and causing him to gasp. He tsked as he turned the boy's hand over, his eyes reading over the palm right before he was giving Quatre the thread.
"Trouble with a capital 'T'.", he muttered, looking up into aquamarine eyes, "Siren in the mists, be careful of who you lure closer. Not all will treat you like a god, evil hearts like pretty things, too."
Quatre shrank away, obviously not liking the words of advice and Howard only laughed before finally going to Duo. His hand reached out to a single end and pulled, the thief tumbling to the floor as he was finally released from the cacoon he had been working himself into. The violet-colored piece of string was then dangled in front of him and Howard laughed as Duo reached for it, pulling it from his reach.
"Itching palms find trouble.", he teased, showing the length of the thread.
It was intertwined with the gold and blue string that Wufei and Quatre held onto, and Howard then pulled free a white one. He held both pieces of string out for Duo and the thief accepted them.
"Yes, take another's as well as your own.", Howard laughed, Duo smiling as he stood from the floor, "A thief is what you were meant to be. Just leave my string behind when you're leaving."
His laughter grew louder and Duo joined him, Wufei and Quatre unsure of what was going on. It was pretty safe to say that Duo had no clue as well, but was amused with the old man's antics.
"This is insane."
Howard's laughter stopped abruptly at the words and he slowly turned to face the last of them. Cold eyes stared at him with an expressionless face and soon he was stalking closer almost menacingly. The air stilled with the sudden tension and the rest fell silent, not exactly sure what was going on.
He came to a stop a foot or two away from the eldest of the boys, his brows knotting together in a frown and his eyes studied him intently. He watched Zechs shuffle back a step, the young man obviously uncomfortable. His eyes then flicked to Zechs' right hand, its fingers holding onto black thread that seemed to be tangled with the rest he had handed the others.
"One who detroys shouldn't touch so freely.", he scolded, watching the fingers clench.
His hand then reached out to the side, easily grasping hold of the white thread that Duo held in his hand, which had somehow become entangled with the purple one. He pulled at it gently and Duo easily moved forward. Violet eyes looked in question to the old man and Howard only motioned that he follow it. Duo did so, pulling the thread so that it unraveled from the jumble of thread about the room.
Slowly it pulled free, tangling further into Duo's own purple thread as well as Wufei and Quatre's, and stray pieces of string colored green, red and grey. It jerked to a stopped, the string pulling taught and Duo found it connected to the same string Zechs held in his hand by a knot.
Howard only made a sound of speculation, before he was studying the knot further, slowly looking back and forth between Zechs and his young friend. He stood straight after some while, his hands clasping behind his back and his eyes closing in thought. He spoke after a few more uncomfortable moments of silence.
"Be careful, young snatcher, of what you steal. It may bear too much a price to pay, especially if it belongs to another not willing to give it away."
Howard opened his eyes then, to look to Zechs for a final time.
"What you seek and what you find, you must let go again or regret will follow you."
Those were his last words to him and Howard then turned away, humming again as he began tangling the rest of the string even more.
"Howard?"
Duo's voice drew him to look at the young thief and he offered him a grin to reassure him that everything was alright.
"It's time to go.", he announced.
He left the room and returned again, aware of Zechs' turmoil, but not having the slightest empathy toward him. In his hands was a large chest and it seemed heavy for a man of his age to carry. Wufei rushed forward to help him and he only shooed him away, walking to Duo and holding it out for him.
Carefully Duo released the string, Howard not missing in the slightest as Zechs pulled it toward him almost possesively. It stopped midway and Howard then ignored it, watching as Duo took the offered chest.
"What is it?"
The expected question came and Howard only shrugged, his hands clasping behind his back.
"Joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, but all of it yours."
"Mine?"
Howard nodded and then he was clearing his throat.
"You came to say goodbye, yes?"
Duo looked up from the chest in his hands to nod and Howard offered him a genuine smile. The boy rushed foward, balancing the chest with one arm as the other hugged onto the old man.
"I'll miss you, you old geezer.", Duo said in parting.
Howard hugged him shortly, patting the boy on the back in fatherly affection and then was gently pulling away. He looked to where Quatre and Wufei still stood, silent as ever and still unsure of what was going on.
"They must never unravel.", he worded, motioning to the tangled thread they all held, "Let them stay intertwined for as long as you're able."
He slowly shuffled to the center of the room before he was looking back to them all with a smile.
"Now, leave my string and get out!"
With that he exited the room and left four young men alone and confused.
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Trowa stretched as he stood from his seat at the table, where the men had left him behind. He had sent them off to search the city, even though he knew well enough the prince was most likely nestled safely back in his home. However, they were to search for the stranger that he had fought earlier. The men had objected, Trowa had grown angry and threatened their lives. It was only then that they left without further objection.
He made his way to the counter that stood just inside of the main entrance, his hand reaching out and snatching a bag of coins from a man too drunk to notice. When he was face to face with the innkeeper, who only stared at him suspiciously, he emptied the coins out onto the countertop.
"What can this get me?", he asked him.
The man looked over the money, quickly counting it and nodding in approvel. Then his finger was pointing off in a direction as he pocketed the money, Trowa looking to where he was shown. It landed on a woman, currently laughing in a man's lap as he played a game of chance with another.
Trowa turned back to him with a glare and the man shrank away, before pointing in another direction.
"If you have no taste for women, then there's him.", he motioned to a man.
He was older than Trowa but young all the same, half drunk and currently flirting with a patron. Trowa turned an annoyed look to the innkeeper then, wanting nothing more than to slit his throat.
"Give me a room.", he demanded cynically, his voice dangerously low, "I don't want any company."
The innkeeper nodded and was soon leading him off. Trowa followed until they reached the stairs, stopping in his walk and turning to look over the tavern. Someone was watching him. He tried his best to narrow in on his observer, but he couldn't pin him. There were too many looking at him, all with emotions that numbed his senses.
He growled in annoyance as he looked over it one last time, turning back to find the innkeeper had stopped on the stairs, looking back at him questioningly.
"Sir?"
"I'm fine, just take me to my room.", he ordered, pushing past him, "And bring me some clothes, I need to get out of these rags."
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Heero chuckled as he watched Trowa storm up the stairs, an annoyed and angered look on his face since he couldn't locate who was stalking him. He hadn't been able to sleep long and when he woke, he had started in search of his prey, but had been distracted. He had caught site of the green-eyed boy in the window and couldn't resist stepping inside.
Since then he had seated himself in a dark corner, his face clouded in even more darkness provided by the hood of his cloak, and he watched him. He wasn't sure what was the reason for his own behavior, but being who he was he settled with lust, though he was beginning to doubt that.
He was aware that Trowa was attractive. His eyes raked over the boy as he stood to stretch and a smirk took his face. He was more than he could think to describe him. However, the boy exuded a presence that Heero could only explain as unnatural. The word danger came to his mind the longer he studied him and he couldn't help but feel excited.
He enjoyed facing danger; it made his blood sing. Trowa was now conversing with the innkeeper and Heero watched as the boy was shown first a woman and then a man. He would have felt a bit jealous if he hadn't seen Trowa's look of contempt. He wasn't looking for company it would seem, just a room.
Trowa was then led off and Heero waited. He had plans to follow, but he couldn't act too quickly. Trowa was soon stopping at the foot of the stairs, his eyes looking over the crowd with a glare meant to kill. Heero smiled, he had been found out. Well, not entirely. Trowa turned away again, rushing up the stairs and disappearing onto the second floor.
His hand reached out for his mug and Heero downed the weak wine inside it. He waited a good five minutes or so before he was standing with his sword in his hand. It was time to make his move. Carefully, Heero weaved his way through the other patrons, many of them easily avoiding him due to the size of his weapon. He moved silently up the stairs, making sure that his boots didn't make a sound. It was best to use stealth as early as possible, he couldn't be sure as to how close to the stairs Trowa's room was.
He ducked behind the corner at the sight of the innkeep leaving a room and he waited until the man passed, disappearing downs the steps. He peeked around, watching the door close and sure that it was where Trowa now was. With his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword, he made his way over in silence.
He stopped to listen, aware that it was silent beyond the door. Trowa had already settled for sleep or he was waiting. Heero didn't bother to guess, he slowly opened the door and was greeted by the sight of an empty room. His face frowned as he stepped inside cautiously, looking about for any signs of the banged acrobat. Something wasn't right, Trowa couldn't have possibly moved that fast.
The rafters of the ceiling groaned and Heero looked up, barely lifting his sword in time to ward off the attack. He watched as Trowa twisted in the air, landing in a graceful crouch with green eyes glaring up at him with muderous intent.
"I knew someone was watching me.", the boy hissed, standing straight up, "I thought I told you to back off?"
"You said no such-"
"Back off!", were the shouted words and then Trowa was moving forward.
Heero stumbled backwards, nearly falling over as Trowa's kick landed on his jaw successfully. He barely had time to straighten himself and a roundhouse kick was sending him across the room, crashing into the table as he went flying. He landed on his back, the air whoosing out of his lungs and his vision blurring for a moment.
He came to just in time to see Trowa in the air above him, his knee aimed for his skull and he rolled out out the way. His eyes widened as the floor splintered with the impact and he looked up to Trowa with a sense of awe and miniscule fear. What the hell was this kid?
Heero couldn't ponder too long. Somehow Trowa had right himself and sent a kick that had Heero sailing toward the rafters. He grunted in pain as he collieded into them and was then falling back to the floor. Luckily he managed to land somewhat on his feet and he took a stance ready to fight. He wasn't going to let Trowa get the upper hand.
His sword he had dropped with the second blow Trowa had sent, but he didn't need it, he knew hand to hand combat well enough. He managed to stop the kick that was headed for him, his hand catching Trowa's bare foot and he offered the boy a smirk. His wrist turned and so did Trowa, twisting as he fell to the floor and landing painfully on his stomach.
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Trowa growled in frustration as Heero managed to flip him and he grew angrier as a boot pressed into his back. He knew better than to move, Heero's foot rested against a very particular spot and a calculated amount of pressure against it meant Trowa would no longer have the use of his legs. He'd have to wait for the right moment.
"Well aren't you a gem.", Heero muttered, "If I had known you could fight like that, I wouldn't have put my guard down."
"I'm going to kill you when I get up from here.", Trowa promised.
"Really?", Heero asked him with a laugh.
He held back a sound of pain as a heel grinded into his back threateningly, hard enough that he felt his legs begin to go numb, but not causing any damage yet.
"I don't think so."
He grunted as the foot lifted, only to kick him over on his back and come down hard onto his diaphragm. He was now panting from loss of breath and the pain, his green eyes glowering up at his stalker.
"What do you want from me?", he demanded, eager to get rid of him as quickly as possible.
Heero shrugged, his arms crossing over his chest as he smiled down at the acrobat. Trowa tried to wait as patiently as he was able to, but it didn't last and he felt about ready to murder the man.
"Do you truly want me to share that with you?", Heero asked him.
Trowa scoffed in disgust, his eyes turning away to see just how far Heero's sword lay from them.
"Spare me the details.", he mumbled, ignoring Heero's chuckle.
The man's sword was still near the door a few paces away. If Trowa managed to get up from this, he'd have enough time to stop Heero from reaching it and finally be rid of him. He only met the man but a few hours ago and he was beginning to hate him with a passion.
"How long do you plan to hold me prisoner?", Trowa questioned, trying to distract him.
"How's your stamina?", Heero retaliated.
Trowa smiled though he wanted to snarl and before Heero could blink, his hands caught Heero's foot and was flipping the man to the ground. Heero's moment of surprise gave him the opportunity to grab his arm and twist it painfully behind his back, Trowa delighting in the thrill he felt as Heero voiced his pain. With himself straddling Heero's back, he leaned foward, wrenching the arm once more and he shivered as Heero cried out again.
"You'd never be able to keep up with me.", he whispered near his ear.
He felt Heero shudder and he smiled. So the man liked pain did he? His free hand grabbed onto a fistful of chocolate-colored locks and he yanked Heero's head back into a painful arch, not sure how to decipher the moan that the man let out.
"Now I'll ask you again.", he began slowly, "What do you want from me?"
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Heero's body was now trembling in excitment, the adrenaline rushing through his veins. With Trowa this close, he was able to feel the boy's aura even more. It was powerful and it spoke of a hidden nature; dark and menacing. Though he was in a very uncomfortable position, he couldn't complain. Not when the boy was straddling him at the moment.
His daze was broken as his face went crashing into the floor, Trowa having slammed it there before arching it back again, the position threatening to snap his neck if he moved even the slightest inch.
"I'm becoming impatient!", Trowa warned and Heero couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm astounded by you.", Heero finally answered, "You're not like anyone I've ever met."
"You're not falling in love with me are you?", Trowa asked him.
Heero laughed at that. Love? That was the last thing on his mind.
"Of course not, but perhaps you and I can start a partnership?"
"I'm sorry, but I must refuse your proposal."
Heero wasn't sure why he was let go and he felt a bit disappointed as the weight disappeared from his back. His eyes watched Trowa as the boy crossed the room, obviously on his guard but not showing it. Heero lifted himself from the floor as well, turning his back to the boy cautiously as he headed for his sword.
He lifted it from the floor only to lean it against the wall and then he was turning back to Trowa, who was no longer dressed in rags. How did this boy move so quickly? Heero mentally swore at himself. He had missed the opportunity to see him naked, no matter how brief it would have been. Trowa was now dressed in white pants and a green vest that stopped mid-torso.
His eyes rose to Heero and the man joined his sword, leaning back against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest.
"I won't be in town long.", he began, "I need someone who knows the streets."
"You can hire any resident of this kingdom.", Trowa told him, placing on slipper-like shoes.
"Oh, but I want you."
Heero watched Trowa as he moved toward the bed, lazily dropping to it and leaning back until he was propped on his elbows. The vest parted enough to expose the boy's upper body, Heero greedily running up from the boy's toned stomach to his muscled chest. He had to force himself to keep still as he wanted nothing more than to head over to him.
"Whether you want me or not.", Trowa began, dragging Heero from his little fantasy, "You can't have me, so I suggest you put it out your mind and get out of my room."
Trowa was then lying back on the bed and Heero had to turn away, walking to the room's sole window and looking out. He'd never had desire this strong before and he wasn't sure how long he'd be able to hold out. Then again, he was still hesitant. Trowa seemed the type to kill without mercy and Heero didn't want to risk his life. He still had unfinished business.
"Duo, I can't believe you took the string! He told us not to take it."
His face frowned as a voice floated in through the window, his eyes searching the torch-lit street below. He knew that voice. His eyes narrowed as a small group of four came into view, their face hidden by cloaks. His muscles jumped as he felt a very familiar ki, his jaw clenching as it grew stronger with every step the group drew closer to the building.
"I couldn't help it. I had to take it, Wufei."
Fists clenched at his sides as his eyes narrowed even further and he smiled darkly as he watched the group stop.
"I knew I'd find you.", he said aloud, "You won't get away this time, Wufei."
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Trowa had watched as Heero's interest was diverted to something outside beyond the window. Whatever it was out there, it caused the room to shift with a strong sense of what seemed to be aura and Trowa shuddered as it washed over him. Heero was powerful and had hidden it from being sensed. It seemed to only be triggered by whatever was outside and Trowa bit his lip in thought.
Perhaps he had misjudged the man? He could use someone of his skills. Vernard and the others could do only so much. He perked his ears to hear what Heero was now saying to himself, but he couldn't catch all of it, only a name. Who on earth was Wufei? Heero was then turning from the window and heading for the door. His hand grabbed his sword on the way out and then he was gone, the door left open behind him
Was this Wufei the one he had been looking for? His curiousity drew him from the bed and his feet carried him to the window, where he peeked out at the street below. Four men stood in the center, but it was only two that made his temper flare. So, he'd get his revenge after all.
Without a second thought he was following after Heero, the door slamming closed behind him.
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Wufei only rolled his eyes as Duo tried his best to untangle the thread but only managed in making it worse. With his chest tied to his back as if it were a pack, his hands were free to do as they pleased. It was a wonder why Wufei was putting up with this.
"Wufei, do you think you can get this knot out?", the braided-thief asked him.
The mess of string was held out for him and Wufei looked down at it to where the gold length of thread had managed to knot with the gray. Duo pulled it back before he could reach for it, trying his best to unknot it. He wasn't successful and now the only loose end of the white thread was knotted with the violet-colored thread Howard had offered Duo.
"Duo, we don't have time for this!", he scolded, snatching the mass of thread away, "We have to keep moving."
"Why?", Duo questioned, snatching the thread back, "This place will be searched last, the soldiers hate coming here."
"We have to keep moving.", Quatre backed Wufei, looking about nervously, "I don't like it here. Something just doesn't feel right."
Zechs was nodding in agreement, his eyes slowly looking up at the windows of the surrounding building.
"I agree with, Quatre. It feels like we're being watched, we shouldn't stay here long.
Wufei glared as Duo only snorted, playing with the string once again.
"You guys are overexaggerating.", he chided, finally putting the string away, "What's the worse that could happen?"
Duo's eyes weren't the only ones widening as Wufei went sailing, crashing into a closed fruit stand as he was swatted by a large weapon. Their eyes looked to find a strange man in their mists, colbat eyes glaring at the recuperating warrior.
"Wufei!"
Quatre's voice was the only warning he got and with fast reflexes he drew his sword, metal scraping as he managed to block the blade that was aimed for his neck. Ebony eyes rose and then narrowed as he recognized a face he had been trying to avoid.
"Surprised to see me?", Heero asked him and Wufei growled.
He maneuvered his way from Heero, his sword raised as he took a fighting stance. How the hell had he managed to find him? He thought he had lost him.
His thoughts were stopped as Heero was rushing foward, his sword thrusting with the intent of impaling him and Wufei gave a cry as he swung his own sword to block it. He was then swinging for Heero and his sword stopped short as their blades met again, shrieking as they did so.
They both jumped back and Wufei took his stance again, his eyes never leaving Heero.
"You've gotten better.", Heero taunted, though his face was stoic.
"And you're still sore."
He was soon blocking Heero's sword again, the clanging echoing through the empty street with each blow he warded off. He swore as his sword was knocked from his hand, Heero's weapon swinging for his head. His reaction was quick enough and he flipped backwards, Heero's blade cutting the air where he had been standing.
As he landed he had to duck to avoid the weapon again and he let himself drop to the ground in a crouch, his leg swinging out in hopes of bringing Heero down. The man anticipated it and easily jumped to avoid it, his own leg kicking out for Wufei. The Eastern boy rolled out of the way in the direction of his weapon, which he took in his hand fast enough. He stopped Heero's blade a few inches away from his head.
"You owe me a match.", Heero voiced, the two parting in a clang of swords.
They faced off, neither moving but ready to do so.
"I owe you nothing, you have only yourself to blame."
Silence fell between them and Wufei wasn't sure what would happen next. He hadn't expected Heero to find him here and now he wondered if he'd manage to escape him. He was aware of the three that watched on from the corner of his eye. Zechs was holding back Quatre, who seemed ready to run toward him and Duo seemed frozen to his spot. Whatever happened, he knew he had to protect them. If he knew Heero well enough, he'd decide to use them against him as if they were his weakness.
"Look at the size of that thing.", that was Duo's voice and Wufei feared what would come out of his mouth next, "You think he's making up for something?"
Wufei groaned and Heero stiffened, his eyes glaring in Duo's direction. The intent was caught and Wufei was rushing to meet him, his blade stopping Heero's as his body stood to protect Duo's. He glared in disapproval, now panting with rage as well as from exertion.
"Leave him alone, Yuy.", he growled, managing to push him back.
His raised his sword in one hand to point it at Heero, the other gently pushing Duo back and out of harm's way.
"This is our fight."
"That's where you're wrong.", a new voice rang out, "It's mine."
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Zechs had barely enough time to push Quatre out of the way and avoid the attack himself, but he had managed. His eyes looked to where the boy from earlier now stood, his eyes widening in complete disbelief.
"Trowa?"
Quatre's gasped word seemed to break him from his stupor and just in time. Trowa's fist was headed for his face and he sidestepped it, grabbing onto the boy's wrist and twisting. Trowa however easily found away to free himself, flipping and landing behind Zechs, the older boy soon caught in a choking hold.
"Zechs!"
A strangled cry escaped his throat as Trowa's hold tightened, Quatre easily submitting so the banged boy wouldn't choke him any further.
"You'll wish you were dead by the time I'm through with you.", Trowa hissed, his hold tightening further.
Zechs struggled against the hold, aware of the fighting going on behind him. It would seem that Wufei wanted to help, but was rather occupied and Quatre was reluctant to move. His lungs were demanding air and his vision was beginning to blacken at the edges. He couldn't die after all this.
He heard Trowa grunt in pain and then the clatter of a rock hitting the ground. He was released rather rudely and he dropped to the ground, eagerly gulping in air as Trowa's attention shifted elsewhere.
"Leave him alone!", Duo objected and Zechs swore under his breath.
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Trowa growled as he looked at the braided boy who had thrown the rock, another bouncing in his hand as he glared back at the acrobat. Who the hell did this boy think he was?
"I'll do it again.", he threatened, not in the least bit scared.
That was all the incentive Trowa needed and he stepped foward, only to have his head jerk back. The rock had hit him smack in the face and he slowly lowered his head, extreme rage burning in his eyes as he looked back to the new boy. He was going to regret that.
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Duo didn't know when their attacker had moved, but he soon found himself crushed against the wall of a buliding, his feet dangling as he was held up by his throat. The hand around his neck tightened and Duo gasped for air, his hands weakly clawing at the boy's arm.
"Let him go!"
Zechs voice rang out and he wanted to look but his vision was leaving him. He wasn't sure what was happening.
His hands fell limp at his side and he couldn't help but start to close his eyes, just as the air seemed to be charged with an energy he couldn't describe. He was released suddenly and he dropped to the ground, coughing and trying his best to breathe at the same time.
He looked up as Trowa turned to face Zechs and when he looked to where the older boy stood, his eyes widened at the sight. This wasn't the Zech's they had set out with. Blond hair and blue eyes were now black, and torrents of energy now crackled about him, the ground cracking.
Quatre was pressed against the wall and Duo backed away on pure instinct as well. He had known that there was something that wasn't right with Zechs, he just hadn't been sure as to what it was. He still didn't know why the young man had transformed, but he didn't care. He only hoped that he wasn't in any danger, though he had a feeling that they all were.
Everything had stopped it seemed, since even Wufei and Heero had paused in their fighting, the two of them looking on with stunned expressions. Duo couldn't blame them, it wasn't every day you saw something like this.
"This trick again?", Trowa asked, his tone bored, "You're not the only one who can change."
Duo couldn't help but shout in surprise as the ground around Trowa began to crack and part, a red glow washing out as smoke and ash spewed up with a loud hiss. What had he gotten himself into? Quatre's startled gasp drew his eyes up and he was soon pushing against the wall as if he could disappear into it, frightened eyes widening as Trowa's form changed.
Auburn hair grew longer, eyes grew fiercer and hands sharpened into claws. Bones seemed to shift and change shape and wings unfurled, stirring the ashes further. A screeching roar escaped from a face that now resembled a wolf's and Duo had to cover his ears from the sound of it. What on earth was that thing?
"Now we're even."
Those were the only words Trowa spoke before he was lunging forward and Duo held his breath. He didn't trust either one, but for the moment he was hoping that Zechs came out the victor.
------------------------------
Back at the palace Milliardo tossed in his sleep, his breath coming in pants and his skin drenching in a cold sweat. He whimpered as pain struck the area of his abdomen and he turned to curl up in a fetal position, a sob escaping his lips as he did so. He didn't know where he was and he didn't know what was going on. The more he felt was the more he writhed, pained sounds escaping his throat as he continued to move.
He was soon thrashing about violently, his back arching as he let out a scream of pure anguish. He was hurting, but the pian wasn't his and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't wake and pull himself free. Hnds fisted the linens of the bed as Milliardo continued to move, his breathing louder and heavier than before. He wanted to fight it, but whatever it was was too strong and he found himself slipping.
His eyes flew open, blanched of any color and he screamed, this one loud enough to shake the walls of the castle. He was rising from his bed, his hair lightening until it was stark white and it moved around him without the help of blowing wind. White eyes looked to the closed off balcony and with his will alone the doors flew open, the glass shattering as it crashed against the wall. His feet slowly took him outside, his ears not catching the sound of his doors opening nor the call of his name. When he was completely out of the room he began to rise into the air.
Feet left the floor as he was lifted into the air by some unseen force and his eyes narrowed to where his mind was being pulled. He was out there and he was hurting; he needed him. His arms rose, his palms facing upwards and small forms of light began to circle him. He wanted to help him before it was too late.
------------------------------
Treize had been wandering the halls, since he had still been unable to fall asleep, when his heart had been frozen by the sound of a scream. At first he had thought it to be the princess, but then he realized that it was far too masculine. Without a second thought he was running, bounding off down the halls and weaving his way through the castle until he was in front of the ambassador's doors.
He flung them open only to stop at the sight of the room. The balcony doors were a mess and glass was everywhere, even as far as the bed. His eyes looked to Milliardo again, noting that the boy's hair was lighter than it had been, a snowy white as it blew in the non-existant breeze.
"Milliardo!"
Either the boy couldn't hear him or he was being ignored. Treize chanced stepping inside and he gasped as he was pushed violently by an unseen force back into the hall. The doors slammed shut and he rushed for them as he righted himself, finding it locked. His fists began pounding against the door and he was a bit confused as to why all this commotion hadn't woken anyone in the palace as of yet.
"Milliardo, open the door!", he tried, though he knew it was in vain, "Milliardo!"
He stopped as light bled out from underneath the door, his feet taking him back unconciously. What was happening? He backed away some more and was glad that he did. The doors swung open, ripping from their hinges as white energy pushed them back. Treize braced himself to be flung back as well, but the light only washed over him and he stared in awe.
Though walls cracked and threatened to crumble from the sheer power of it, Treize could only feel calm and a warmth filled him as he stared into the room. Milliardo was glowing, bright enough to cause Treize to squint and the light that radiated off of him expanded. It went out past the balcony and further still until the entire city was bathed with it.
He closed his eyes as it became too much and he staggered as the warmth seemed to withdraw. He was soon left with a cold, empty feeling. His eyes slowly opened and he found to his shock everything as it had been. The doors were replaced, the walls smooth, and inside of the room the balcony doors stood open and unbroken.
He was rushing inside as Milliardo seemed to be lowering faster than he had risen and he reached in time to catch him, falling to his knees to lay the boy on the ground. Everything seemed to be back to normal, as the boy's hair was its platinum blond again and Treize lifted a hand to brush a few strands from his face.
"Zechs."
Treize frowned at the whimpered name, his brain alerting him that he had heard it before. Zechs. . .the young man from the bazaar. He frowned as he grew even more confused. There were so many questions that were arising.
He pushed them aside, taking hold of the unconscious ambassador and lifting him off of the ground. He'd take him back to bed and then find his own. In the morning, he wanted to have a little talk with Milliardo.
------------------------------
Back in the street, Quatre's eyes widened as the brutal fight between Trowa and Zechs took place. It would seem that Trowa was gaining the upper hand and he winced as claws raked over Zechs' cheek, leaving five bloody trails along the left side of his face. The sound of metal scraping told him that Wufei and Heero had resumed fighting and he turned helpless eyes to Duo, who seemed far too scared to do anything but watch.
Zechs' distraught scream drew the prince's eyes to him. He found Zechs kneeling on the ground and he gasped in horror as the older boy now sported a deep wound to his side. Blood was pouring past his hands that held it and he rushed forward without thinking, his arms wrapping about him to protect him, his eyes clenching shut as Trowa was still intent on attacking.
It never came however and Trowa's painful roar was filling the air again, Quatre in pain but being soothed all the same by a feeling he couldn't describe. He risked opening his eyes, only to find light completely surrounding them. Trowa was soon bursting into ash again, but this time the only thing crumbling away was his new form.
Zechs' whimper pulled him to look down at him, watching in amazement as his wound slowly healed. Then the light was gone and Quatre shuddered at the empty feeling that was left behind as the warm feeling left. Trowa fell to the ground out cold and Heero was leaning against his sword, obviously weakened from whatever had just transpired.
Wufei was then rushing over, not in the slightest concerned with what Heero was bound to try and he was crouching next to them. His eyes looked down to Zechs in worry, the older boy back to normal again, his eyes staring up at the night sky blankly. Quatre didn't know what to think as tears sprang free from those eyes.
"Milliardo."
The last thing Zechs did before he fainted was give a small smile, his eyes slipping closed afterwards. Quatre then looked up to Wufei and the warrior sheathed his sword, taking Zechs in his arms and lifting him. Zechs was gently flung over his shoulder and they both stood, Quatre shocked by Duo's cry of objection.
"Don't!", he cried rushing forward, "Get away from him!"
"Duo, what's the matter with you?", Wufei demanded with a frown.
"I knew he couldn't be trusted!", the boy shouted, his eyes glaring at the unconcious form, "We have to leave him behind!"
"We can't leave him behind!", Quatre argued, "He just saved our lives!"
Duo only shook his head, now at a loss for words and Quatre reached for him. Duo only shurgged him off, his anger and distrust thickening the air around them.
"Why won't you listen to me?"
"He's coming with us.", Wufei announced, "And that's final. Come on, Quatre."
He was soon walking off, passing Heero who had further sank to his knees, and leaving without a glance back. Quatre looked to Duo, who held a look of betrayel and his heart sank. He didn't want it to turn out this way.
"Duo, you have to understand-"
"You're making a mistake.", the boy cut in.
Then he was following obediently, though it was clear that he wasn't happy. Quatre sighed, his eyes traveling to where Heero knelt and he shivered as those eyes glared at him. He found it best to leave then and he quickly followed after his traveling companions, sure to avoid Trowa's unconcious form.
------------------------------
Heero watched as Wufei ignored him and the left without a parting glance, followed soon after by the braided boy that had insulted him. He was mad; very mad. The warrior had managed to slip past him again and he had been so close. His glared up at the remaining blond, the boy quickly running off and then he was looking to where Trowa was lying on the ground.
He forced himself to stand on shaky legs and he used his sword to help him move closer to the prone figure. When he was standing over him, his eyes studied the now human looking boy again, curious as to if he had been hallucinating earlier. If anything, it explained why Trowa seemed to exude an unnatural aura. He wasn't human to begin with.
With whatever remaining strength he had, he took to trying and lift the boy, but found he was too weak. A few minutes later, he was traveling back in the direction of the inn. His right hand held his sword by the hilt, the blade dragging along the ground. His left held one of Trowa's wrists, the boy dragging along behind him as well.
He wanted to be there when Trowa woke, he wanted to make his proposition again and this time he had a feeling he wouldn't be refused.
T.B.C.
Oh my gosh! What the bejeezes is going on here? You don't know? You wish you did? Well, things will get even more confusing. Review! I must know what you think! Toodles for now! ^.^
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own them. However, I do manage to steal them away from time to time and return them safe and sound. . .except for that one time. (sigh) Poor, Duo.
Pairings: There's a lot I want to do and I'm not quite sure which ones just yet. -.-' Though there's a clue to one of them (or two) in there, do you think you can find it? Of course you can't, it's far too confusing! Bwahahahahaha! XD
Warnings: For his chapter, the same as before. I'm trying to make this PG-13 friendly, meaning as much as Heero may fantasize about sleeping with somebody, or Duo suggests, or someone implies, it will never go into detail. . .unfortunately. There is violence to make up for it though! Carry on!
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Duo looked back to where the other three followed, their eyes looking around cautiously at their surroundings. Not only were they making sure soldiers weren't closing in, but they were now in the worst part of town. Duo called it home most of the time. He continued on, his eyes brightening as he caught sight of a shabby looking building. There was light in the window, which meant that someone was home.
"Come on.", he urged the rest, his pace quickening, "We're almost there."
He couldn't help but run the rest of the way, climbing in through the first window he came across and then looking back out.
"The doors are barred, you'll have to climb in.", he called back.
He didn't wait for an answer, he instead turned around and became tangled in a large web of what seemed to be thread. What the hell was going on?
"Duo, what on earth is this place?", the prince asked.
He looked back at the question to find Quatre looking around in awe as Wufei helped him climb through the window. Zechs had made it in before them and was looking around himself, his face revealing his intrigue as his fingers idly reached for the thread. Duo frowned at that, he didn't want him touching anything, it was here for a reason. He wasn't sure why just yet, but he was bound to find out. Where the hell was the old man anyway?
"Is this your home, Duo?", Wufei asked, taking care as not to become tangled as Duo had.
Said braided thief tried his best to free himself. However, he only succeed in further tangling himself and he huffed in frustration, playfully glaring at the prince who giggled at his misfortune.
"I already told you, I don't have a home.", Duo repeated for him, "A friend of mine lives here."
"What's with all the thread?", Zechs broke his silence, his finger gently pulling at one.
"Don't touch that!"
Duo had wanted to be the one to say it, but it came from someone else. All eyes looked to an open doorway on the opposite side of the room, where an old man dressed in dingy clothing was soon rushing in, the spools of thread he was carrying dropping to the floor. Duo watched as he stormed over to Zechs, slapping the young man's hand away and snarling at him in annoyance.
"Don't you know what happens to little boys who touch?", he questioned.
His eyes glared at the long-haired blond for quite sometime before he was glaring at the other two, scrutinizing them as harshly as he had Zechs.
"What do you want?", he demanded, "Can't an old man have his privacy? Go on, get out of here!"
He began shooing the three young men away and Duo found it best to step in.
"Hey, Howard!", he called to get his attention, "How do I get out of this thing?"
The man turned to him with a perplexed expression and then he was smilling, quickly making his way over to where Duo was. He laughed heartily, greeting the boy with a hug and then turning away. He returned to where he had dropped his spools and was soon holding them up to display for the violet-eyed boy.
"I found it!", he laughed, motioning to the large web-like structure in the room, "I told you I'd find it, Duo. Didn't I?"
Duo only shook his head with a smile, Howard shuffling about the room to look over his creation.
"Yeah, so you found it. I never doubted you for a minute."
He fought some more and only made things worse, finally deciding that Howard would get him down when he was good and ready.
------------------------------
Howard circled the room, humming to himself as he tangled more of the thread into his web and he stopped at a loose end. Lifting it he observed it for a short moment before making his way to where Wufei stood. His hand jutted out, offering the end of the deep blue thread to him and when Wufei took too long to accept it, he placed it into his hand for him.
"Hold this.", he demanded, "Stop running for the moment."
"I'm. . .not running.", Wufei hesistated and Howard only laughed.
"One who is well taught needs not a master, but a master he shall become.", he rambled, missing Wufei's frown as he turned away, "Face what you're running from and you shall have no need to run any further."
He went searching again, ignoring Duo's call for help and finding a length of gold colored thread that was hanging from the rest.
"Messy, messy, messy.", he mumbled, his fingers taking hold of it, "So many to tangle, so little time."
He dragged the thread over to where Quatre stood, grabbing hold of the pirnce's wrist and causing him to gasp. He tsked as he turned the boy's hand over, his eyes reading over the palm right before he was giving Quatre the thread.
"Trouble with a capital 'T'.", he muttered, looking up into aquamarine eyes, "Siren in the mists, be careful of who you lure closer. Not all will treat you like a god, evil hearts like pretty things, too."
Quatre shrank away, obviously not liking the words of advice and Howard only laughed before finally going to Duo. His hand reached out to a single end and pulled, the thief tumbling to the floor as he was finally released from the cacoon he had been working himself into. The violet-colored piece of string was then dangled in front of him and Howard laughed as Duo reached for it, pulling it from his reach.
"Itching palms find trouble.", he teased, showing the length of the thread.
It was intertwined with the gold and blue string that Wufei and Quatre held onto, and Howard then pulled free a white one. He held both pieces of string out for Duo and the thief accepted them.
"Yes, take another's as well as your own.", Howard laughed, Duo smiling as he stood from the floor, "A thief is what you were meant to be. Just leave my string behind when you're leaving."
His laughter grew louder and Duo joined him, Wufei and Quatre unsure of what was going on. It was pretty safe to say that Duo had no clue as well, but was amused with the old man's antics.
"This is insane."
Howard's laughter stopped abruptly at the words and he slowly turned to face the last of them. Cold eyes stared at him with an expressionless face and soon he was stalking closer almost menacingly. The air stilled with the sudden tension and the rest fell silent, not exactly sure what was going on.
He came to a stop a foot or two away from the eldest of the boys, his brows knotting together in a frown and his eyes studied him intently. He watched Zechs shuffle back a step, the young man obviously uncomfortable. His eyes then flicked to Zechs' right hand, its fingers holding onto black thread that seemed to be tangled with the rest he had handed the others.
"One who detroys shouldn't touch so freely.", he scolded, watching the fingers clench.
His hand then reached out to the side, easily grasping hold of the white thread that Duo held in his hand, which had somehow become entangled with the purple one. He pulled at it gently and Duo easily moved forward. Violet eyes looked in question to the old man and Howard only motioned that he follow it. Duo did so, pulling the thread so that it unraveled from the jumble of thread about the room.
Slowly it pulled free, tangling further into Duo's own purple thread as well as Wufei and Quatre's, and stray pieces of string colored green, red and grey. It jerked to a stopped, the string pulling taught and Duo found it connected to the same string Zechs held in his hand by a knot.
Howard only made a sound of speculation, before he was studying the knot further, slowly looking back and forth between Zechs and his young friend. He stood straight after some while, his hands clasping behind his back and his eyes closing in thought. He spoke after a few more uncomfortable moments of silence.
"Be careful, young snatcher, of what you steal. It may bear too much a price to pay, especially if it belongs to another not willing to give it away."
Howard opened his eyes then, to look to Zechs for a final time.
"What you seek and what you find, you must let go again or regret will follow you."
Those were his last words to him and Howard then turned away, humming again as he began tangling the rest of the string even more.
"Howard?"
Duo's voice drew him to look at the young thief and he offered him a grin to reassure him that everything was alright.
"It's time to go.", he announced.
He left the room and returned again, aware of Zechs' turmoil, but not having the slightest empathy toward him. In his hands was a large chest and it seemed heavy for a man of his age to carry. Wufei rushed forward to help him and he only shooed him away, walking to Duo and holding it out for him.
Carefully Duo released the string, Howard not missing in the slightest as Zechs pulled it toward him almost possesively. It stopped midway and Howard then ignored it, watching as Duo took the offered chest.
"What is it?"
The expected question came and Howard only shrugged, his hands clasping behind his back.
"Joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, but all of it yours."
"Mine?"
Howard nodded and then he was clearing his throat.
"You came to say goodbye, yes?"
Duo looked up from the chest in his hands to nod and Howard offered him a genuine smile. The boy rushed foward, balancing the chest with one arm as the other hugged onto the old man.
"I'll miss you, you old geezer.", Duo said in parting.
Howard hugged him shortly, patting the boy on the back in fatherly affection and then was gently pulling away. He looked to where Quatre and Wufei still stood, silent as ever and still unsure of what was going on.
"They must never unravel.", he worded, motioning to the tangled thread they all held, "Let them stay intertwined for as long as you're able."
He slowly shuffled to the center of the room before he was looking back to them all with a smile.
"Now, leave my string and get out!"
With that he exited the room and left four young men alone and confused.
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Trowa stretched as he stood from his seat at the table, where the men had left him behind. He had sent them off to search the city, even though he knew well enough the prince was most likely nestled safely back in his home. However, they were to search for the stranger that he had fought earlier. The men had objected, Trowa had grown angry and threatened their lives. It was only then that they left without further objection.
He made his way to the counter that stood just inside of the main entrance, his hand reaching out and snatching a bag of coins from a man too drunk to notice. When he was face to face with the innkeeper, who only stared at him suspiciously, he emptied the coins out onto the countertop.
"What can this get me?", he asked him.
The man looked over the money, quickly counting it and nodding in approvel. Then his finger was pointing off in a direction as he pocketed the money, Trowa looking to where he was shown. It landed on a woman, currently laughing in a man's lap as he played a game of chance with another.
Trowa turned back to him with a glare and the man shrank away, before pointing in another direction.
"If you have no taste for women, then there's him.", he motioned to a man.
He was older than Trowa but young all the same, half drunk and currently flirting with a patron. Trowa turned an annoyed look to the innkeeper then, wanting nothing more than to slit his throat.
"Give me a room.", he demanded cynically, his voice dangerously low, "I don't want any company."
The innkeeper nodded and was soon leading him off. Trowa followed until they reached the stairs, stopping in his walk and turning to look over the tavern. Someone was watching him. He tried his best to narrow in on his observer, but he couldn't pin him. There were too many looking at him, all with emotions that numbed his senses.
He growled in annoyance as he looked over it one last time, turning back to find the innkeeper had stopped on the stairs, looking back at him questioningly.
"Sir?"
"I'm fine, just take me to my room.", he ordered, pushing past him, "And bring me some clothes, I need to get out of these rags."
------------------------------
Heero chuckled as he watched Trowa storm up the stairs, an annoyed and angered look on his face since he couldn't locate who was stalking him. He hadn't been able to sleep long and when he woke, he had started in search of his prey, but had been distracted. He had caught site of the green-eyed boy in the window and couldn't resist stepping inside.
Since then he had seated himself in a dark corner, his face clouded in even more darkness provided by the hood of his cloak, and he watched him. He wasn't sure what was the reason for his own behavior, but being who he was he settled with lust, though he was beginning to doubt that.
He was aware that Trowa was attractive. His eyes raked over the boy as he stood to stretch and a smirk took his face. He was more than he could think to describe him. However, the boy exuded a presence that Heero could only explain as unnatural. The word danger came to his mind the longer he studied him and he couldn't help but feel excited.
He enjoyed facing danger; it made his blood sing. Trowa was now conversing with the innkeeper and Heero watched as the boy was shown first a woman and then a man. He would have felt a bit jealous if he hadn't seen Trowa's look of contempt. He wasn't looking for company it would seem, just a room.
Trowa was then led off and Heero waited. He had plans to follow, but he couldn't act too quickly. Trowa was soon stopping at the foot of the stairs, his eyes looking over the crowd with a glare meant to kill. Heero smiled, he had been found out. Well, not entirely. Trowa turned away again, rushing up the stairs and disappearing onto the second floor.
His hand reached out for his mug and Heero downed the weak wine inside it. He waited a good five minutes or so before he was standing with his sword in his hand. It was time to make his move. Carefully, Heero weaved his way through the other patrons, many of them easily avoiding him due to the size of his weapon. He moved silently up the stairs, making sure that his boots didn't make a sound. It was best to use stealth as early as possible, he couldn't be sure as to how close to the stairs Trowa's room was.
He ducked behind the corner at the sight of the innkeep leaving a room and he waited until the man passed, disappearing downs the steps. He peeked around, watching the door close and sure that it was where Trowa now was. With his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword, he made his way over in silence.
He stopped to listen, aware that it was silent beyond the door. Trowa had already settled for sleep or he was waiting. Heero didn't bother to guess, he slowly opened the door and was greeted by the sight of an empty room. His face frowned as he stepped inside cautiously, looking about for any signs of the banged acrobat. Something wasn't right, Trowa couldn't have possibly moved that fast.
The rafters of the ceiling groaned and Heero looked up, barely lifting his sword in time to ward off the attack. He watched as Trowa twisted in the air, landing in a graceful crouch with green eyes glaring up at him with muderous intent.
"I knew someone was watching me.", the boy hissed, standing straight up, "I thought I told you to back off?"
"You said no such-"
"Back off!", were the shouted words and then Trowa was moving forward.
Heero stumbled backwards, nearly falling over as Trowa's kick landed on his jaw successfully. He barely had time to straighten himself and a roundhouse kick was sending him across the room, crashing into the table as he went flying. He landed on his back, the air whoosing out of his lungs and his vision blurring for a moment.
He came to just in time to see Trowa in the air above him, his knee aimed for his skull and he rolled out out the way. His eyes widened as the floor splintered with the impact and he looked up to Trowa with a sense of awe and miniscule fear. What the hell was this kid?
Heero couldn't ponder too long. Somehow Trowa had right himself and sent a kick that had Heero sailing toward the rafters. He grunted in pain as he collieded into them and was then falling back to the floor. Luckily he managed to land somewhat on his feet and he took a stance ready to fight. He wasn't going to let Trowa get the upper hand.
His sword he had dropped with the second blow Trowa had sent, but he didn't need it, he knew hand to hand combat well enough. He managed to stop the kick that was headed for him, his hand catching Trowa's bare foot and he offered the boy a smirk. His wrist turned and so did Trowa, twisting as he fell to the floor and landing painfully on his stomach.
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Trowa growled in frustration as Heero managed to flip him and he grew angrier as a boot pressed into his back. He knew better than to move, Heero's foot rested against a very particular spot and a calculated amount of pressure against it meant Trowa would no longer have the use of his legs. He'd have to wait for the right moment.
"Well aren't you a gem.", Heero muttered, "If I had known you could fight like that, I wouldn't have put my guard down."
"I'm going to kill you when I get up from here.", Trowa promised.
"Really?", Heero asked him with a laugh.
He held back a sound of pain as a heel grinded into his back threateningly, hard enough that he felt his legs begin to go numb, but not causing any damage yet.
"I don't think so."
He grunted as the foot lifted, only to kick him over on his back and come down hard onto his diaphragm. He was now panting from loss of breath and the pain, his green eyes glowering up at his stalker.
"What do you want from me?", he demanded, eager to get rid of him as quickly as possible.
Heero shrugged, his arms crossing over his chest as he smiled down at the acrobat. Trowa tried to wait as patiently as he was able to, but it didn't last and he felt about ready to murder the man.
"Do you truly want me to share that with you?", Heero asked him.
Trowa scoffed in disgust, his eyes turning away to see just how far Heero's sword lay from them.
"Spare me the details.", he mumbled, ignoring Heero's chuckle.
The man's sword was still near the door a few paces away. If Trowa managed to get up from this, he'd have enough time to stop Heero from reaching it and finally be rid of him. He only met the man but a few hours ago and he was beginning to hate him with a passion.
"How long do you plan to hold me prisoner?", Trowa questioned, trying to distract him.
"How's your stamina?", Heero retaliated.
Trowa smiled though he wanted to snarl and before Heero could blink, his hands caught Heero's foot and was flipping the man to the ground. Heero's moment of surprise gave him the opportunity to grab his arm and twist it painfully behind his back, Trowa delighting in the thrill he felt as Heero voiced his pain. With himself straddling Heero's back, he leaned foward, wrenching the arm once more and he shivered as Heero cried out again.
"You'd never be able to keep up with me.", he whispered near his ear.
He felt Heero shudder and he smiled. So the man liked pain did he? His free hand grabbed onto a fistful of chocolate-colored locks and he yanked Heero's head back into a painful arch, not sure how to decipher the moan that the man let out.
"Now I'll ask you again.", he began slowly, "What do you want from me?"
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Heero's body was now trembling in excitment, the adrenaline rushing through his veins. With Trowa this close, he was able to feel the boy's aura even more. It was powerful and it spoke of a hidden nature; dark and menacing. Though he was in a very uncomfortable position, he couldn't complain. Not when the boy was straddling him at the moment.
His daze was broken as his face went crashing into the floor, Trowa having slammed it there before arching it back again, the position threatening to snap his neck if he moved even the slightest inch.
"I'm becoming impatient!", Trowa warned and Heero couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm astounded by you.", Heero finally answered, "You're not like anyone I've ever met."
"You're not falling in love with me are you?", Trowa asked him.
Heero laughed at that. Love? That was the last thing on his mind.
"Of course not, but perhaps you and I can start a partnership?"
"I'm sorry, but I must refuse your proposal."
Heero wasn't sure why he was let go and he felt a bit disappointed as the weight disappeared from his back. His eyes watched Trowa as the boy crossed the room, obviously on his guard but not showing it. Heero lifted himself from the floor as well, turning his back to the boy cautiously as he headed for his sword.
He lifted it from the floor only to lean it against the wall and then he was turning back to Trowa, who was no longer dressed in rags. How did this boy move so quickly? Heero mentally swore at himself. He had missed the opportunity to see him naked, no matter how brief it would have been. Trowa was now dressed in white pants and a green vest that stopped mid-torso.
His eyes rose to Heero and the man joined his sword, leaning back against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest.
"I won't be in town long.", he began, "I need someone who knows the streets."
"You can hire any resident of this kingdom.", Trowa told him, placing on slipper-like shoes.
"Oh, but I want you."
Heero watched Trowa as he moved toward the bed, lazily dropping to it and leaning back until he was propped on his elbows. The vest parted enough to expose the boy's upper body, Heero greedily running up from the boy's toned stomach to his muscled chest. He had to force himself to keep still as he wanted nothing more than to head over to him.
"Whether you want me or not.", Trowa began, dragging Heero from his little fantasy, "You can't have me, so I suggest you put it out your mind and get out of my room."
Trowa was then lying back on the bed and Heero had to turn away, walking to the room's sole window and looking out. He'd never had desire this strong before and he wasn't sure how long he'd be able to hold out. Then again, he was still hesitant. Trowa seemed the type to kill without mercy and Heero didn't want to risk his life. He still had unfinished business.
"Duo, I can't believe you took the string! He told us not to take it."
His face frowned as a voice floated in through the window, his eyes searching the torch-lit street below. He knew that voice. His eyes narrowed as a small group of four came into view, their face hidden by cloaks. His muscles jumped as he felt a very familiar ki, his jaw clenching as it grew stronger with every step the group drew closer to the building.
"I couldn't help it. I had to take it, Wufei."
Fists clenched at his sides as his eyes narrowed even further and he smiled darkly as he watched the group stop.
"I knew I'd find you.", he said aloud, "You won't get away this time, Wufei."
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Trowa had watched as Heero's interest was diverted to something outside beyond the window. Whatever it was out there, it caused the room to shift with a strong sense of what seemed to be aura and Trowa shuddered as it washed over him. Heero was powerful and had hidden it from being sensed. It seemed to only be triggered by whatever was outside and Trowa bit his lip in thought.
Perhaps he had misjudged the man? He could use someone of his skills. Vernard and the others could do only so much. He perked his ears to hear what Heero was now saying to himself, but he couldn't catch all of it, only a name. Who on earth was Wufei? Heero was then turning from the window and heading for the door. His hand grabbed his sword on the way out and then he was gone, the door left open behind him
Was this Wufei the one he had been looking for? His curiousity drew him from the bed and his feet carried him to the window, where he peeked out at the street below. Four men stood in the center, but it was only two that made his temper flare. So, he'd get his revenge after all.
Without a second thought he was following after Heero, the door slamming closed behind him.
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Wufei only rolled his eyes as Duo tried his best to untangle the thread but only managed in making it worse. With his chest tied to his back as if it were a pack, his hands were free to do as they pleased. It was a wonder why Wufei was putting up with this.
"Wufei, do you think you can get this knot out?", the braided-thief asked him.
The mess of string was held out for him and Wufei looked down at it to where the gold length of thread had managed to knot with the gray. Duo pulled it back before he could reach for it, trying his best to unknot it. He wasn't successful and now the only loose end of the white thread was knotted with the violet-colored thread Howard had offered Duo.
"Duo, we don't have time for this!", he scolded, snatching the mass of thread away, "We have to keep moving."
"Why?", Duo questioned, snatching the thread back, "This place will be searched last, the soldiers hate coming here."
"We have to keep moving.", Quatre backed Wufei, looking about nervously, "I don't like it here. Something just doesn't feel right."
Zechs was nodding in agreement, his eyes slowly looking up at the windows of the surrounding building.
"I agree with, Quatre. It feels like we're being watched, we shouldn't stay here long.
Wufei glared as Duo only snorted, playing with the string once again.
"You guys are overexaggerating.", he chided, finally putting the string away, "What's the worse that could happen?"
Duo's eyes weren't the only ones widening as Wufei went sailing, crashing into a closed fruit stand as he was swatted by a large weapon. Their eyes looked to find a strange man in their mists, colbat eyes glaring at the recuperating warrior.
"Wufei!"
Quatre's voice was the only warning he got and with fast reflexes he drew his sword, metal scraping as he managed to block the blade that was aimed for his neck. Ebony eyes rose and then narrowed as he recognized a face he had been trying to avoid.
"Surprised to see me?", Heero asked him and Wufei growled.
He maneuvered his way from Heero, his sword raised as he took a fighting stance. How the hell had he managed to find him? He thought he had lost him.
His thoughts were stopped as Heero was rushing foward, his sword thrusting with the intent of impaling him and Wufei gave a cry as he swung his own sword to block it. He was then swinging for Heero and his sword stopped short as their blades met again, shrieking as they did so.
They both jumped back and Wufei took his stance again, his eyes never leaving Heero.
"You've gotten better.", Heero taunted, though his face was stoic.
"And you're still sore."
He was soon blocking Heero's sword again, the clanging echoing through the empty street with each blow he warded off. He swore as his sword was knocked from his hand, Heero's weapon swinging for his head. His reaction was quick enough and he flipped backwards, Heero's blade cutting the air where he had been standing.
As he landed he had to duck to avoid the weapon again and he let himself drop to the ground in a crouch, his leg swinging out in hopes of bringing Heero down. The man anticipated it and easily jumped to avoid it, his own leg kicking out for Wufei. The Eastern boy rolled out of the way in the direction of his weapon, which he took in his hand fast enough. He stopped Heero's blade a few inches away from his head.
"You owe me a match.", Heero voiced, the two parting in a clang of swords.
They faced off, neither moving but ready to do so.
"I owe you nothing, you have only yourself to blame."
Silence fell between them and Wufei wasn't sure what would happen next. He hadn't expected Heero to find him here and now he wondered if he'd manage to escape him. He was aware of the three that watched on from the corner of his eye. Zechs was holding back Quatre, who seemed ready to run toward him and Duo seemed frozen to his spot. Whatever happened, he knew he had to protect them. If he knew Heero well enough, he'd decide to use them against him as if they were his weakness.
"Look at the size of that thing.", that was Duo's voice and Wufei feared what would come out of his mouth next, "You think he's making up for something?"
Wufei groaned and Heero stiffened, his eyes glaring in Duo's direction. The intent was caught and Wufei was rushing to meet him, his blade stopping Heero's as his body stood to protect Duo's. He glared in disapproval, now panting with rage as well as from exertion.
"Leave him alone, Yuy.", he growled, managing to push him back.
His raised his sword in one hand to point it at Heero, the other gently pushing Duo back and out of harm's way.
"This is our fight."
"That's where you're wrong.", a new voice rang out, "It's mine."
------------------------------
Zechs had barely enough time to push Quatre out of the way and avoid the attack himself, but he had managed. His eyes looked to where the boy from earlier now stood, his eyes widening in complete disbelief.
"Trowa?"
Quatre's gasped word seemed to break him from his stupor and just in time. Trowa's fist was headed for his face and he sidestepped it, grabbing onto the boy's wrist and twisting. Trowa however easily found away to free himself, flipping and landing behind Zechs, the older boy soon caught in a choking hold.
"Zechs!"
A strangled cry escaped his throat as Trowa's hold tightened, Quatre easily submitting so the banged boy wouldn't choke him any further.
"You'll wish you were dead by the time I'm through with you.", Trowa hissed, his hold tightening further.
Zechs struggled against the hold, aware of the fighting going on behind him. It would seem that Wufei wanted to help, but was rather occupied and Quatre was reluctant to move. His lungs were demanding air and his vision was beginning to blacken at the edges. He couldn't die after all this.
He heard Trowa grunt in pain and then the clatter of a rock hitting the ground. He was released rather rudely and he dropped to the ground, eagerly gulping in air as Trowa's attention shifted elsewhere.
"Leave him alone!", Duo objected and Zechs swore under his breath.
------------------------------
Trowa growled as he looked at the braided boy who had thrown the rock, another bouncing in his hand as he glared back at the acrobat. Who the hell did this boy think he was?
"I'll do it again.", he threatened, not in the least bit scared.
That was all the incentive Trowa needed and he stepped foward, only to have his head jerk back. The rock had hit him smack in the face and he slowly lowered his head, extreme rage burning in his eyes as he looked back to the new boy. He was going to regret that.
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Duo didn't know when their attacker had moved, but he soon found himself crushed against the wall of a buliding, his feet dangling as he was held up by his throat. The hand around his neck tightened and Duo gasped for air, his hands weakly clawing at the boy's arm.
"Let him go!"
Zechs voice rang out and he wanted to look but his vision was leaving him. He wasn't sure what was happening.
His hands fell limp at his side and he couldn't help but start to close his eyes, just as the air seemed to be charged with an energy he couldn't describe. He was released suddenly and he dropped to the ground, coughing and trying his best to breathe at the same time.
He looked up as Trowa turned to face Zechs and when he looked to where the older boy stood, his eyes widened at the sight. This wasn't the Zech's they had set out with. Blond hair and blue eyes were now black, and torrents of energy now crackled about him, the ground cracking.
Quatre was pressed against the wall and Duo backed away on pure instinct as well. He had known that there was something that wasn't right with Zechs, he just hadn't been sure as to what it was. He still didn't know why the young man had transformed, but he didn't care. He only hoped that he wasn't in any danger, though he had a feeling that they all were.
Everything had stopped it seemed, since even Wufei and Heero had paused in their fighting, the two of them looking on with stunned expressions. Duo couldn't blame them, it wasn't every day you saw something like this.
"This trick again?", Trowa asked, his tone bored, "You're not the only one who can change."
Duo couldn't help but shout in surprise as the ground around Trowa began to crack and part, a red glow washing out as smoke and ash spewed up with a loud hiss. What had he gotten himself into? Quatre's startled gasp drew his eyes up and he was soon pushing against the wall as if he could disappear into it, frightened eyes widening as Trowa's form changed.
Auburn hair grew longer, eyes grew fiercer and hands sharpened into claws. Bones seemed to shift and change shape and wings unfurled, stirring the ashes further. A screeching roar escaped from a face that now resembled a wolf's and Duo had to cover his ears from the sound of it. What on earth was that thing?
"Now we're even."
Those were the only words Trowa spoke before he was lunging forward and Duo held his breath. He didn't trust either one, but for the moment he was hoping that Zechs came out the victor.
------------------------------
Back at the palace Milliardo tossed in his sleep, his breath coming in pants and his skin drenching in a cold sweat. He whimpered as pain struck the area of his abdomen and he turned to curl up in a fetal position, a sob escaping his lips as he did so. He didn't know where he was and he didn't know what was going on. The more he felt was the more he writhed, pained sounds escaping his throat as he continued to move.
He was soon thrashing about violently, his back arching as he let out a scream of pure anguish. He was hurting, but the pian wasn't his and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't wake and pull himself free. Hnds fisted the linens of the bed as Milliardo continued to move, his breathing louder and heavier than before. He wanted to fight it, but whatever it was was too strong and he found himself slipping.
His eyes flew open, blanched of any color and he screamed, this one loud enough to shake the walls of the castle. He was rising from his bed, his hair lightening until it was stark white and it moved around him without the help of blowing wind. White eyes looked to the closed off balcony and with his will alone the doors flew open, the glass shattering as it crashed against the wall. His feet slowly took him outside, his ears not catching the sound of his doors opening nor the call of his name. When he was completely out of the room he began to rise into the air.
Feet left the floor as he was lifted into the air by some unseen force and his eyes narrowed to where his mind was being pulled. He was out there and he was hurting; he needed him. His arms rose, his palms facing upwards and small forms of light began to circle him. He wanted to help him before it was too late.
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Treize had been wandering the halls, since he had still been unable to fall asleep, when his heart had been frozen by the sound of a scream. At first he had thought it to be the princess, but then he realized that it was far too masculine. Without a second thought he was running, bounding off down the halls and weaving his way through the castle until he was in front of the ambassador's doors.
He flung them open only to stop at the sight of the room. The balcony doors were a mess and glass was everywhere, even as far as the bed. His eyes looked to Milliardo again, noting that the boy's hair was lighter than it had been, a snowy white as it blew in the non-existant breeze.
"Milliardo!"
Either the boy couldn't hear him or he was being ignored. Treize chanced stepping inside and he gasped as he was pushed violently by an unseen force back into the hall. The doors slammed shut and he rushed for them as he righted himself, finding it locked. His fists began pounding against the door and he was a bit confused as to why all this commotion hadn't woken anyone in the palace as of yet.
"Milliardo, open the door!", he tried, though he knew it was in vain, "Milliardo!"
He stopped as light bled out from underneath the door, his feet taking him back unconciously. What was happening? He backed away some more and was glad that he did. The doors swung open, ripping from their hinges as white energy pushed them back. Treize braced himself to be flung back as well, but the light only washed over him and he stared in awe.
Though walls cracked and threatened to crumble from the sheer power of it, Treize could only feel calm and a warmth filled him as he stared into the room. Milliardo was glowing, bright enough to cause Treize to squint and the light that radiated off of him expanded. It went out past the balcony and further still until the entire city was bathed with it.
He closed his eyes as it became too much and he staggered as the warmth seemed to withdraw. He was soon left with a cold, empty feeling. His eyes slowly opened and he found to his shock everything as it had been. The doors were replaced, the walls smooth, and inside of the room the balcony doors stood open and unbroken.
He was rushing inside as Milliardo seemed to be lowering faster than he had risen and he reached in time to catch him, falling to his knees to lay the boy on the ground. Everything seemed to be back to normal, as the boy's hair was its platinum blond again and Treize lifted a hand to brush a few strands from his face.
"Zechs."
Treize frowned at the whimpered name, his brain alerting him that he had heard it before. Zechs. . .the young man from the bazaar. He frowned as he grew even more confused. There were so many questions that were arising.
He pushed them aside, taking hold of the unconscious ambassador and lifting him off of the ground. He'd take him back to bed and then find his own. In the morning, he wanted to have a little talk with Milliardo.
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Back in the street, Quatre's eyes widened as the brutal fight between Trowa and Zechs took place. It would seem that Trowa was gaining the upper hand and he winced as claws raked over Zechs' cheek, leaving five bloody trails along the left side of his face. The sound of metal scraping told him that Wufei and Heero had resumed fighting and he turned helpless eyes to Duo, who seemed far too scared to do anything but watch.
Zechs' distraught scream drew the prince's eyes to him. He found Zechs kneeling on the ground and he gasped in horror as the older boy now sported a deep wound to his side. Blood was pouring past his hands that held it and he rushed forward without thinking, his arms wrapping about him to protect him, his eyes clenching shut as Trowa was still intent on attacking.
It never came however and Trowa's painful roar was filling the air again, Quatre in pain but being soothed all the same by a feeling he couldn't describe. He risked opening his eyes, only to find light completely surrounding them. Trowa was soon bursting into ash again, but this time the only thing crumbling away was his new form.
Zechs' whimper pulled him to look down at him, watching in amazement as his wound slowly healed. Then the light was gone and Quatre shuddered at the empty feeling that was left behind as the warm feeling left. Trowa fell to the ground out cold and Heero was leaning against his sword, obviously weakened from whatever had just transpired.
Wufei was then rushing over, not in the slightest concerned with what Heero was bound to try and he was crouching next to them. His eyes looked down to Zechs in worry, the older boy back to normal again, his eyes staring up at the night sky blankly. Quatre didn't know what to think as tears sprang free from those eyes.
"Milliardo."
The last thing Zechs did before he fainted was give a small smile, his eyes slipping closed afterwards. Quatre then looked up to Wufei and the warrior sheathed his sword, taking Zechs in his arms and lifting him. Zechs was gently flung over his shoulder and they both stood, Quatre shocked by Duo's cry of objection.
"Don't!", he cried rushing forward, "Get away from him!"
"Duo, what's the matter with you?", Wufei demanded with a frown.
"I knew he couldn't be trusted!", the boy shouted, his eyes glaring at the unconcious form, "We have to leave him behind!"
"We can't leave him behind!", Quatre argued, "He just saved our lives!"
Duo only shook his head, now at a loss for words and Quatre reached for him. Duo only shurgged him off, his anger and distrust thickening the air around them.
"Why won't you listen to me?"
"He's coming with us.", Wufei announced, "And that's final. Come on, Quatre."
He was soon walking off, passing Heero who had further sank to his knees, and leaving without a glance back. Quatre looked to Duo, who held a look of betrayel and his heart sank. He didn't want it to turn out this way.
"Duo, you have to understand-"
"You're making a mistake.", the boy cut in.
Then he was following obediently, though it was clear that he wasn't happy. Quatre sighed, his eyes traveling to where Heero knelt and he shivered as those eyes glared at him. He found it best to leave then and he quickly followed after his traveling companions, sure to avoid Trowa's unconcious form.
------------------------------
Heero watched as Wufei ignored him and the left without a parting glance, followed soon after by the braided boy that had insulted him. He was mad; very mad. The warrior had managed to slip past him again and he had been so close. His glared up at the remaining blond, the boy quickly running off and then he was looking to where Trowa was lying on the ground.
He forced himself to stand on shaky legs and he used his sword to help him move closer to the prone figure. When he was standing over him, his eyes studied the now human looking boy again, curious as to if he had been hallucinating earlier. If anything, it explained why Trowa seemed to exude an unnatural aura. He wasn't human to begin with.
With whatever remaining strength he had, he took to trying and lift the boy, but found he was too weak. A few minutes later, he was traveling back in the direction of the inn. His right hand held his sword by the hilt, the blade dragging along the ground. His left held one of Trowa's wrists, the boy dragging along behind him as well.
He wanted to be there when Trowa woke, he wanted to make his proposition again and this time he had a feeling he wouldn't be refused.
T.B.C.
Oh my gosh! What the bejeezes is going on here? You don't know? You wish you did? Well, things will get even more confusing. Review! I must know what you think! Toodles for now! ^.^