Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 7

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Author's Note: Yay, an update! I can't believe I got this far! :D

Disclaimer: There are many things in this fanfic that I do own, however any character of Gundam Wing belongs to Bandai. (sighs) If only. . . if only.

Pairings: I figured what I want to do. And the manner in which it is listed is not the specific order in which it will happen. Oh and 6a will be Milliardo and 6b will be Zechs. On to the pairings! 13+6a, 1x3, 5x2, 5+4, 13x4, 6b+3, 6a+2, 6bx6a and who knows if I'll arrange them any other way.

Warnings: Pretty much the same as previous chapters. I'll give you the basics though. Yaoi/shounen ai, OOC, bastardization, AU and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Oh well, read and enjoy.

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Zechs didn't know where he was, but he knew that it wasn't home. He also had no idea of what had happened, but he felt pain. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. His brain kept screaming at him that whatever presence that was once there was now gone, his heart was yearning and his head was throbbing.

The first thing he could remember was Duo. The theif had hit him and hit him hard. Without opening his eyes he lifted his arm, his hand gently feeling his abused skull. There was a bump, but it wasn't that bad. It would go away in a day or two. The next thing he remembered was fighting. Quatre had been holding him, trying to keep him from running back. Then it came crashing down on him. An anguished sob escaped him as he realized the lost and empty feeling.

He realized a hand was now stroking his locks gently and he had to wonder who it was. He didn't feel like opening his eyes just yet. The soothing helped, if only a little. He was still hurting, was still yearning to feel him again. Why had he suddenly disappeared? He had promised Milliardo that he wouldn't leave him, he wanted to go back.

'I can't go back.', he reminded himself.

The touch to his face pulled him to open his eyes, his vision blurred, and he realized he had been crying. What he saw first was blond hair and that was all he needed, his hand shooting out to hold on tight. The surprised gasp pulled him to his right mind and he blinked away the tears, only to find Quatre staring down at him in concern.

With disappointment washing over him, he let him go, letting his eyes focus to the sky past the prince. It was still dark out, though dawn wasn't too far behind. Had Quatre stayed up to keep guard? Why had they allowed him to?

"Zechs."

The younger boy's gentle voice pulled him to look at him again, and Zechs laid still as Quatre continued to wipe his tear streaked face. Any other time and Zechs would have been sure to stop him, but he didn't have the will. He couldn't care less quite frankly.

"Are you alright?", the prince asked him, taking to pulling his cloak over him even more.

"I'm fine.", the older blond answered, his voice low, "Why aren't you asleep?"

"I was.", Quatre told him with a small smile, before his face took a worried look again, "I woke when I heard you crying."

This time he did stop Quatre's hand as it went for another falling tear, and he looked away in small embarrasment.

"I'm sorry.", he apologized, shifting on the sand he was settled over.

Someone else's cloak had been laid beneath him and he was grateful for that. He didn't like the feel of sand getting into his clothing. It was hell getting rid of it.

He let go of Quatre's hand, his eyes traveling to where the braided thief was leaning against a large rock. He appeared to be asleep, but Zechs had the feeling that he was stealthily being watched. He was getting a bit uncomfortable with Duo's staring. He wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Zechs?"

The prince's questioning tone drew his attention and he looked to Quatre again.

"Who's Milliardo?"

His heart clenched at the question and Zechs looked a way, taking in a shaky breath. Had he been talking in his sleep? How did Quatre know his name?

"You should go back to sleep, Quatre.", Zechs softly suggested, wanting to dimiss the topic.

He could feel Quatre's reluctance to do as told, but the boy followed his gentle order. Zechs listened into the silence and soon enough he heard the gentle breathing that meant Quatre was asleep. His eyes traveled in search of the rest of their small group and he found Wufei perched on a flat rock, dark eyes staring out over the desert.

The feeling of being watched soon became overwhelmig and he looked to Duo again, finding violet eyes boldly watching him. The thief said nothing, only stared and Zechs couldn't figure out why. Finally, after long uncomfortable moments, Duo stood to leave. Zechs watched him take a seat next to the foreign warrior, the boy's body stiff and on alert.

Duo's body language told him all he needed to know. The braided-boy didn't trust him and he was keeping his guard up in his presence. He let out a tired sigh as he looked up to the sky, his eyes slowly closing again. He could worry about who didn't like him when the sun rose.

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Wufei was aware of the body that had plopped itself next to him and the manner that it had appeared screamed 'Duo'. His ebony eyes never left their scanning of the desert but he did make a sort of sound to acknowledge the boy's presence. Something was bothering Duo, since he didn't begin with his usual greeting of one of Wufei's newly acquired nicknames.

"I'll stand guard.", was Duo's words before Wufei could attempt to ask any questions.

He risked looking at the boy in the darkness, catching violet eyes standing out brightly. They had agreed on not setting up a fire. If they were being followed they didn't want to be found too easily. Duo's tense position wasn't missed and Wufei chanced speaking.

"I told you I'll be fine.", he told the braided thief, "You should go back to sleep."

"And I told you I was willing to take a shift so that you can get some rest.", Duo replied, his voice holding a serious tone that Wufei had never thought to expect from him, "You're wounded, remember?"

It was true he had only known the boy a day, but he thought it was safe to say that he had seen all the sides of Duo. He had seen happy, annoying most of all, sad, angry, suspicious, but never serious. It struck him with a vague sense of interest and he frowned as he studied Duo further.

"What about you?", he asked the boy, "You get enough sleep?"

"I can't sleep.", Duo admitted, looking down.

He was then looking in Wufei's direction and the Eastern warrior caught the gleam of teeth in the darkness as Duo grinned.

"Besides, I figured you'd want the opportunity to get nice and cozy with Princey over there.", Duo teased him, "I know you have the hots for him."

"Duo-"

"Yeah, I know you're going to kill me.", Duo interrupted, jumping up from the rock, "Well if you're going to pass it up, I guess I can step in and take your place. Think I can get away with feeling his butt if I said my hands were cold?"

Wufei growled in warning at the young bandit, who only raised his hands in defense with a small laugh.

"Alright, alright, I was only kidding. Man, you're worse than jealous."

Wufei turned away, mumbling under his breath, aware that Duo was coming toward him again. He said nothing as the boy took to sitting beside him once more, and resisted the urge to shrug off the hand that rested on his shoulder.

"Wufei."

The fact that his name was used correctly gained Duo his attention, and eyes that melted into the darkness turned to look at the braided boy.

"I mean it, you should get some sleep.", Duo told him, "You've had one hell of a day. A hero needs his rest, too."

"Yeah, well what about you?", Wufei asked him.

He didn't miss the shrug in the darkness and he heard as Duo laid back flat onto the large rock.

"Aw, shucks. Fei-Fei's worried about little ol' me. Don't worry about it, I caught enough shut eye.", Duo assured him, "To be honest, I kind of want you to keep an eye on Quatre. I don't much trust Zechs and I can't stay next to him."

Wufei only snorted, rolling his eyes as he stood from his seat. His hand was making sure that his sword was still tied securly on his waist before he was climbing down.

"You might as well get used to him.", Wufei told him as he began to walk off, "He's here to stay until he shows us out of this continent."

He heard Duo mumbling something but didn't quite catch it. He only sighed with a shake of his head. He'd find out in the morning.

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Green eyes were glaring at him but Heero only ignored them. He knew that Trowa was plotting something in his head and the swordsman was ready and waiting. He was feeling quite smug actually. He had managed to get the young acrobat after all. The fact that it was only due to an unfair agreement didn't phase him any.

Last night after Trowa had submitted, Heero had started to plan on the wonderful things he could now do with the runaway demon. However, he had to postpone them. He was too eager to go after Wufei, before the boy got farther away from him. So instead of doing as he wished last night, he had merely gone to sleep.

Of course, with a barely dressed Trowa beside him. It wasn't the smartest thing to do, and he was remind of that after he had fallen asleep. He woke in the middle of the night, struggling to breathe, as Trowa had taken to choking him.

"Say them now.", the boy had taunted with a vicious laugh.

He wasn't sure how, but he had taken hold of Trowa and managed to wring his hands free of his neck. Before he could even begin, Trowa was bowing, though green eyes glaring as he snarled up at his new master.

Heero shivered at the thought. He loved to hear that word fall from Trowa's lips. He looked to where the boy sat at the table, his green eyes still burning in his direction. He had ordered that Trowa just wait until he was ready and then the two would set out in search of Wufei.

He had an ounce of curiousity to find out who the boy was traveling with. Especially the pretty little loud mouth. He was getting some very interesting ideas on how to make the boy pay for his remark, and a lot of them involved that smart mouth of his.

"Do you think you've dragged long enough?", Trowa suddenly interrupted, "Or perhaps we should wait until winter rolls in?"

He only smiled at Trowa, who glared harder, before he took to putting on his armor. It was what he had been doing in the first place, before he started drifting off. It wasn't his fault, his mind was distracted easily. Even more so when it was thinking about the pretty faces he'd come across. A proud lecher, Heero never passed up the opportunity to fantasize.

He turned back to study Trowa as he placed on his lightweight gauntlets, his mind imagining what could have transpired last night. He smiled, aware that Trowa rolled his eyes and then he pushed it aside. There was plently of time for that later.

"We should get going.", Heero announced, heading for his sword.

"And here I thought we could stay a while longer.", Trowa feigned disappointment.

Heero only laughed, waiting until the boy had passed him before reaching out a hand. He was satisfied as Trowa cried out in pain, his hair fisted in Heero's grip and his neck pulled back painfully. Heero watched as he was forced to arch backwards the more he pulled, and Trowa did so gracefully, his angered expression cast up at Heero.

"It would be in your best interest that you show just a bit more respect.", Heero softly warned, his other hand releasing his sword.

He let his finger trace over the symbols that had been placed on Trowa's chest just last night, healed but now scarred. Trowa's muscles tensed and Heero smirked, letting his fingers trail lower to the boy's stomach. Muscles jumped again as his fingers slowly teased and he made sure to study Trowa's face, which held a snarl that promised to hurt him should he go further.

With a hmph Heero jerked Trowa back even more before releasing him. The banged-performer stumbled and landed on his ass ungracefully, cursing up at the chocolate-haired man.

"Bring what's mine and what we'll need.", Heero ordered, walking out of the door, "We've wasted enough time as it is."

He left, taking up his sword on the way, leaving Trowa behind. He had no worries of Trowa escaping, because Heero knew he feared being sent back. Trowa didnt need to be in listening distance for the spell to work.

Heero made it downstairs and made his way to the front counter, paying the innkeep for the night. The man, not having noticed Heero last night, looked back and forth btween the money and the foreigner. When he saw Trowa come to stand beside Heero, his confusion waned and he thanked the two for their business.

They left with Heero leading the way, stopping just outside the door as Trowa's name was called.

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Trowa wasn't exactly glad that his old comrades had shown up, but it was a sort of relief. He had wondered when they were going to return. Vernard came toward him to greet him, the man's smile slipping as his eyes landed on Trowa's chest behind the parted vest.

Before he could even begin to question, Trowa pulled it closed, his eyes glaring up at the ringleader threateningly. Vernard stumbled back at the intensity of the gaze. He had always been wary of Trowa. If it wasn't for the fact that Trowa was his main star, and brought in the most of their money, he would have long sent the boy on his way.

"What took you so long to come back?", Trowa asked him, his eyes raking over the rest of them.

"You sent us to go searching for the prince, but he had been back at the palace by then.", Venard began to report to him, "There is rumor, however, that the prince has been stolen."

"We know."

Trowa stiffened as Heero's voice rang out. He had almost forgotten about him. The men looked to the brown-haired stranger a bit perplexed, looking back to Trowa and waiting for an explanation, or even an introduction. Trowa would give them neither.

"I ran into him last night.", Trowa continued, ignoring Heero further, "He was with the young man from yesterday and two others. We fought them-"

"But they escaped.", Heero finished for him, stepping forward.

Trowa glared at the man's back as he stood in front of him, the men looking to Heero a bit wary of his presence. It was plain to see that they wanted to know who this man was. They shuffled away as Heero offered them a smile, Trowa glad that Heero's back was facing him.

The swordsman had just given off a small measure of his power and Trowa had shivered from the feeling. Heero needn't know he actually enjoyed that; who knew what the man would do if he did. It was Vernard's question that brought him back to the moment.

"Who are you, stranger?", the ringmaster asked, once again the only one brave enough to question.

"He's unimportant.", Trowa cut in, before Heero could introduce himself, "Is there anything else you needed to tell me?"

Trowa meneuvered around the older man, so that he was once again in front of him, knowing damn well that Heero was now glaring down at him. He ignored it; there were more important matters to attend to.

"Only word that the prince left the city walls last night.", one of the men offered, "He could be long gone by now."

Trowa's jaw clenched at the thought that he had been so close, but had let it slip by. There had to be something that could be done? What that was exactly, he wasn't sure.

"Vernard.", Trowa called out, catching the man's attention, "Where are we performing today?"

"Near the temple, again.", the man answered, "That and then we'll return to the bazaar."

"Not today."

The sound of Heero's voice, caused Trowa to tense in anger again, but the banged-boy kept silent. It would seem that Heero knew exactly what he was thinking. If he hadn't hated the man, he would have been impressed that they thought the same way.

"We're going to find out as much as we can.", Heero told them, "So today you're performing for the sultan. In hopes to offer him a small amount of joy at such a dark time."

The men looked to Trowa, to see what the boy thought, and the acrobat had to restrain himself from taking his anger out on them. It would be much more satisfying to do so to Heero. However, as it were, he was at the man's mercy. One last line of the spell and Trowa would be making forced amends with his old master.

"Why the hell are you all standing here?", he questioned them, his voice ice, "Start heading for the palace!"

The men, now flustered, did as was told and were soon rushing off. That left Trowa and Heero alone again. He felt Heero's aura brush against him warningly, and Trowa had to wonder if Heero was even human himself. He ignored it for the moment, turning to face Heero, and avoiding the sword that swung for him.

His hand reach out, grabbing the man by the throat and squeezing tight enough to show Heero he still wasn't afraid to fight him.

"Those humans are mine to control.", Trowa informed him, his voice holding warning, "They follow my orders and only my orders. You may own me for the time being, but they are mine."

He let him go, turning away and not even concerned that Heero would cause him harm. He could feel the man had become excited with that small happeneing, and Trowa wasn't willing to be this close to the inn and the beds that lay inside anymore. Besides, he wanted to get to the palace as quickly as possible. There was business to be taken cared of.

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Milliardo had only been left alone for no less than five minutes, Treize having gone to ready himself to take audiance with the king, when a frantic servant girl came rushing into his room. She seemed frightened and he knew her message was urgent; he also had an idea of who it was from.

"Ambassador Milliardo?", the servant girl was checking.

He nodded his head to assure her that it was him, and she seemed to sag in relief. That was short lived and frantically she was pulling him by the wrist, trying to lead him off. He barely resisted, but was rather confused as to what was going on.

"May I ask what's the matter?", he inquired, the girl looking back to him.

"It is your sister.", she simply answered him, "She demands your presence and I fear what she might do if you do not appear."

Milliardo only groaned, his eyes rolling at the news. That could only mean one thing. Relena had heard of the prince's disappearance and would demand an explanation. Like their father, she was stupid at times, as well as rash. If she was to find out Quatre had run off of his own free will, then she'd go running to daddy and demand that he do something. That would result in the one thing the two nations were trying to avoid.

With no further questions, Milliardo allowed the girl to pull him along, straight to Relena's door. There the pulling had stopped, and he was then pushed into the room; a sacrifice for the ravenous beast. As the door slammed shut behind him, Milliardo took a deep breath and readied his ears for the shriek he knew was coming.

"I DEMAND AN EXPLANATION NOW!"

And there it was. Cringing at the volume, Milliardo waited until his ears stopped ringing before he bothered to respond.

"Relena-"

"Where is my husband?", the girl demanded, not giving him the chance to begin.

"Technically, he's not your husband yet."

She merely glared, her hands curling into fist as she stood in the center of the room. The rest of it was a wreck, which meant it had suffered through one of her infamous tantrums. He couldn't quite understand why a girl of sixteen acted like such a brat. Then again, he had only their parents to blame for that.

Their mother wasn't much of an outspoken person, so when it came to their father spoiling Relena, it was never stopped. The king favored his daughter and when it came to Milliardo. . . he tried best not to think of his father's detachment. Milliardo had never shared much of a relationship with his father.

His mother on the other hand, she favored him. He had spent his childhood always by her, which his father disapproved of, and had tried to put an end to. He remembered once being hidden in her bower, as his father demanded that he be sent off to live with an uncle, who had a household of boys. He would learn how to be a man there his father had said, but his mother refused.

"You can't take him!", she had seethed, holding her ground, "I won't let you take another!"

He had always pondered that statement, but had never thought to question her. So he had stayed, much to his father's dismay, but soon enough it was his mother's turn to leave. With his father wanting to remarry, she was sent off to her family, and Milliardo was left behind. He was educated and then given the title as envoy. His first assignment had been to escort the princess Relena to meet her betrothed, and he was beginning to wish he had followed after his mother.

He was brought back from distant memories as Relena screamed his name for his attention and he looked to her, hoping to hide the fact that he had strayed. She stomped her foot childishly and took to pelting a vial of scented oil in his direction. He easily sidestepped it, the bottle crashing into the door behind him.

"Milliardo, I demand to know what the hell is going on around here.", she ordered him, "First I have to wait hours to meet this prince and then when I am to be properly introduced, he goes missing. Where could he be?"

"We don't know, Relena.", he answered truthfully, before providing her with the rumor he knew wasn't sure to cause trouble, "He was kidnapped last night, by two escaped fugitives. The sultan is currently trying to assemble a search unit to hunt them down and bring the prince back."

Relena seemed to calm and Milliardo was grateful for that. He was suppossed to be meeting with the king soon and he did not have all day to humor his sister in her tantrum.

"And what are you doing?", she asked him suddenly, "Surely you're not going to allow these people to do things their way? Father should know of this."

Milliardo restrained from rolling his eyes at the words. His father didn't need to to know anything, the less he knew, the better things would go.

"I have already sent word.", Milliardo lied to appease her, "I'll tell you of his answer when I receive it. Of course, it will take some time. Until then, I will aid the sultan with his search."

Relena seemed to be satisfied with this, for she only hmphed, returning to her vanity and the preening the news had interrupted.

"That will be all.", was all she said, Milliardo officially dismissed.

Her older brother only nodded and then was leaving the room, meeting the curious glance of the servant girl that had brought him here. He smiled at her to assure her that everything had been handled and the girl sighed in relief. With a bow to the young ambassador, she was entering the room to finish her work.

Milliardo left, heading back to his room. He still had to dress himself in his formal robes.

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Treize had gone in search of Milliardo in the time he had given the young man to ready himself, and together the two made their way to the throne room where the sultan was waiting for them. They were also greeted by two guards, who seemed to have escorted a loudly dressed man, whom of which was currently conversing with the king.

As they drew closer, Treize looked to the newcomer in question. He was aware that he was a street performer, but why would he be here? As they reached the throne, both vizier and foreign ambassodor bowed in greeting. They were acknowledged with a nod, the king's face a sullen mask, though he tried to offer them a smile.

"My King.", the performer called again, all eyes looking to him, "It would be an honor to brighten your spirits, in this, your most darkest hour."

Treize looked back to the sultan, who only gave a weary sigh. It would seem that he wasn't up for entertainment today. Treize was sure that he would be too distracted to enjoy it. Taking matters into his hands, he turned back to the ringmaster, offering the man an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry, sir, but the king will have to decline."

He saw the man deflate at the words, his shoulders slumping in a sort of defeat. How long had he been trying to win the king's favor? Treize thought best not to ponder it more than neccessary. Besides, the king would have no time. They were to host a meeting and Treize wanted it over and done with a soon as possible. That way, action would be taken faster and Quatre would be back with him safe and sound.

He paused at his own thoughts, not in shock but in realization that the prince would never be his. He had been brooding recently with the news and trying to decide if he would continue his services here. He wouldn't be able to see the prince in marriage with the young princess, he couldn't bear it.

He cleared his throat as he pulled himself free of his mind and nodded to the guards, who gently gestured that the man follow after them. The man did so with a parting bow and Treize waited until the doors shut behind them before he would start.

"Quatre would have loved to see them perform.", the king began, his eyes distant.

It was true, and Treize felt he could compare with how the man was feeling at the moment. He remembered Milliardo's presence before he could sulk though, the young ambassador offering the king a sympathetic smile. The sultan in turn smiled back, a small and sad smile, but a smile none the less.

"Would it be odd if I were to say that you being here calms me some?", the king asked the boy.

Milliardo looked to him as if Treize could further explain what the man meant, but the vizier only shrugged. He had no idea what the king was talking about. Perhaps he was slowly going mad?

"Features as fair as yours.", the king began, reaching a hand out to rest it atop Milliardo's head, "He and his mother shared it, no others in this land possess it. Forgive me if I cause you discomfort, but you remind me of him. I must miss him far more than I realize."

Before the king could turn to tears, Treize thought it best to move this meeting along. It was true that Milliardo did share simliar features, the blond hair and jewel blue eyes, but he wasn't the prince. Quatre's smile was radient and breathtaking, it drew a smile of your own. His heart was pure and his soul matched it. The two could barely be compared.

Treize's thoughts were proven wrong as Milliardo only smiled up at the king, his hand reaching out to rest atop the older man's in comfort. It wasn't long before Treize was smiling himself, the same warm feeling he had felt last night filling him as he continued to stare at the newest blond.

He turned away, a bit ashamed and oddly guilty. He had only habored such feelings with Quatre, why now did Milliardo cause him to feel the same way? He couldn't ponder for long, since the doors to the throne room was opened, the guards returning with two other visitors. It would seem that this meeting was never to be seen through.

Treize studied the two visitors as they entered, his body stiffening as he did so. There was something about these two that did not sit well with him. A man and a boy, the former of the two looking to be a foreigner, if Treize knew his clothing styles correctly. The boy seemed to be a local, and yet, the vizier felt as if he didn't quite belong anywhere.

He didn't miss when green eyes landed on Milliardo, narrowing dangerously and Treize didn't hesitate. He blocked the boy's view of Milliardo, stepping in front of the blond ambassador in a protective manner. The intent to do harm was evident in those sharp eyes, and Treize would not allow it.

"Who are you and what do you want?", the vizier questioned, not in the least trying to hide his suspicion.

The blue-eyed man bowed, the banged-boy following after a moment's hesitation, before he was introducing themselves.

"Your Highness, please allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Heero and my young accomplice here-"

"My name is Trowa.", the boy interrupted, his eyes focused on the boy behind Treize the entire time.

It made the ginger-haired man uneasy and his brow furrowed as he frowned. What could the boy possibly have against Milliardo? He was pulled to look at Heero, who began speaking once again.

"Word has traveled quickly of your plight.", Heero revealed, successfully gaining the sultan's full attention, "We have come in hopes of offering our assitance."

Treize froze at the words. It was true that Heero was offering his help, but he couldn't quite help but feel that there was some other reason as to why they were offering said help.

"You would help me?", the king asked and Treize looked to the royal in shock.

"Your Highness, surly you aren't considering-"

"We will not need your services."

That was Milliardo's voice and the boy was soon rounding Treize so that he now stood in front of the taller man. The vizier was a bit uneasy with this, but he stood his ground. He was quite certain that whatever ill intent this boy had planned, it would not happen here of all places.

"Your king has already sent a party in search of the prince. We will not be needing your help."

Treize felt the sudden shift in the air and he unconsciously reached for Milliardo, pulling the boy back again. He couldn't help himself, though after what he had witnessed last night, he was sure that Milliardo would most likely be fine. He couldn't help but be wary, however.

"I say we do need your help."

The introduction of a female voice caused all heads to turn to the side entrance, where Relena now stood, her eyes watching the two newcomers. She slowly walked foward until she was a few feet away from Heero, who calmly waited for her to speak again. Relena kept silent however, as her eyes studied the man before they were traveling to his companion. The interested gaze wasn't missed, nor was the jealous tensing of Heero's shoulders.

"Relena, I must object-"

"I could care less of what you object to, Millliardo!", the princess snapped, glaring at her brother, "If my husband is to be found, then I insist we employ them, as they are willing to help us."

She turned to the king then, walking closer and offering the wearied man what had to be a practiced expression of sympathy and distress.

"I'm so worried that he'll be harmed.", she sniffled, Treize hearing Milliardo groan behind him, "I'll do anything to get him back safely. Please, you musn't turn them away. What if they're our only hope?"

Treize turned to reason with the king, but found that it would be useless. He could tell that the sultan had been hooked with the girl's theatrics, and he swore under his breath as the man nodded his consent.

"How much will you charge?", he asked the two bounty hunters.

"Two hundred gold pieces to share between the both of us.", Heero answered, the king sighing.

"It is a steep price.", he began, Relena taking the opportuity to jump in.

"Then I shall pay for it."

Treize felt Milliardo move forward, but he gently pulled him back. He would not allow the boy to murder his sister, as he was sure he wanted to do, even though Treize was becoming quite annoyed with her.

"I could never allow you to.", the king told her, nodding to the two hunters, "Two hundred gold it is. Half shall be paid beforehand and the rest when my son is returned."

Heero was bowing again in gratitude, Trowa obviously not having the patience for manners. Besides, he was far too focused on Milliardo and Treize couldn't wait for them to leave.

He sighed in relief when they did, turning to look at Relena, who curtsied to the king before she left the room.

"Your Majesty-"

"I'll go to any means to get my son back, Lord Treize.", the formal term meaning the king had brought an end to the matter, "You and the young ambassador are dismissed."

Treize only nodded, though he wasn't happy with the decision and from the looks of it, neither was Milliardo. With a bow the vizier began to leave, an obviously reluctant Milliardo behind him. Something was wrong about all this, he could feel it in his gut.

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"Wu Wu, are you sure you're doing alright?"

Duo tried to stifle a laugh as Wufei cringed at the nickname the prince had just used. Quatre had been calling him that since Duo reminded him of it and each time it was used, the braided thief tried his best not to burst out in laughter.

"Yes, Quatre, I'm fine.", Wufei assured the prince, trying his best to climb aboard his camel. It was obvious that he had never ridden one.

They had woken with the first sight of dawn, traveling by foot until they had come to a small village. It was a unanimous decision to stop here. They needed supplies and a better way of travel. Wufei had suggested horses, Zechs had agreed, since they were faster. However, they instead ended up purchasing camels, much thanks to Quatre's insistent begging.

It had been a sight to behold as the young prince had pleaded with the Eastern warrior. The dark-eyed boy had been trying to resist and hide his flushed state as the blond-haired beauty latched onto him. It wasn't long before Wufei was giggling, thanks to a kiss to the cheek from the blue-eyed prince, and gave in.

Duo hadn't been able to resist then and had sworn he would have died of laugher, had it not been for the knock to the top of his head he recieved from the ebony-haired fighter. Zechs had been quiet through this whole ordeal, and Duo found it odd. Though he wasn't talkative to begin with, he wasn't exactly a silent person either. There was definately something wrong and as much as he didn't trust the guy, it was beginning to bother him.

Luckily for him, he didn't have to ask the question, Quatre had beat him to the punch.

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"Zechs, are you alright?"

Zechs looked up at the question, nodding to the young prince who stared back at him in worry. He was aware that Duo was staring at him as well, Wufei too occupied with trying to steady himself on his camel to have noticed his odd behavior.

"I'm fine.", he confirmed, climbing onto his own camel, "We should get moving. The longer we stay in this kingdom the closer they are to finding us."

He gently kicked the animal in its side to get it started, stopping Wufei before he fell off as he passed by and then was riding ahead. His blue eyes looked up at the sky, avoiding the sun, and tried to focus on reaching out. He wasn't sure what he was reaching with; his mind, heart, or soul.

It didn't matter. What did matter was that he would find him again; he needed to find him again.

"Milliardo."

The name fell from his lips in a murmur and his eyes slid closed as his beast led the way. He continued reaching back, trying his best to find him and hoping that he would not be greeted in failure.

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Milliardo sat in his room, scowling at the innocent floor, as if it was the reason for his foul mood. Why was Relena such a nuisance? He wasn't sure how he knew, but she had just caused trouble, with a capital 'T'. There was obviously nothing he could do about it and he wasn't sure if he wanted to brave confronting the king. In such an emotional state, there was no telling what the man would do.

He stood from where he sat on his bed to begin pacing, ignoring for the moment, the headache that seemed to be forming. Luckily, hiring those two bounty hunters was all she had done, so her damage would not be drastic. If she had managed to bring their father into this. . .

His door was knocked on and he bid them enter. It was the same servant girl that had been sent to him earlier by his sister. He had to wonder why she had been sent again.

"Lord Milliardo, she began with a bow, "Your sister has sent you this message."

Milliardo easily accepted the folded parchment, thanking the girl and allowing her to leave. With one more bow she disappeared and then he was unfolding the short letter. As his eyes read over the words, he felt his body grow limp. Relena had sent a letter of what was happening to their father, since she didn't trust Milliardo to inform him correctly, which meant no good could come from any of this.

As he finished reading the words, Milliardo already knew what was going to happen should that letter ever reach the North. Just as his stomach sank, his heart swelled at the familiar push at the back of his mind. It was was back. He was back.

"Zechs.", he said with a smile, before that and his heart fell.

His mind was suddenly remembering the two strangers from earlier and he couldn't help but feel that Zechs was in danger. It was cloudy, but he could tell and panic was the next thing he was feeling.

He rushed from his room, searching out Treize's and bursting in when he had finally managed to find it. He had startled the older man, who had been working at his desk, and the foreign prince's sudden appearance brought a look of bafflement to his face.

"Milliardo, is something the matter?"

"I'm not sure how, but I know the prince is in trouble."

He waited as Treize seemed to mull the words over, relieved when the man nodded his head. At least he wouldn't be alone in this.

"What do you suggest we do?", the vizier asked him.

Milliardo didn't have to think about it, he already knew what had to be done.

"We have to reach them first."

T.B.C.

Trouble's a brewin, ne? Are you anxious for more? Well are you? If you are, you had better tell me. The more people who tell me, the more likely that I'll update. :P