Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 8
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: C-Chan2 
Please read and review.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.15.2007 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.5K | Visits: 212 | Status: Work In Progress
Please read and review.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.15.2007 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.5K | Visits: 212 | Status: Work In Progress
Author's Note: Guess what? We get to meet more people! Hooray! Yes well that also means more OOCness. I'm still amazed I've come this far on a story that began with no particular plot.
Disclaimer: I wish I owned the G-boys, and luckily for them I don't. Lord only knows what I'd do with them if I did.
Pairings: I already listed them in the last chapter, so go find out there.
Warnings: Yes, a few actually. Bastardization of Heero Yuy and the out of character nature of a select few. Oh who the hell am I kidding? They're all are acting weird. Read on people, read on.
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Duo tried his best not to complain about the heat for what seemed the hundreth time. Wufei had already threatened him harm if he opened his mouth again and the braided thief wanted to avoid his skin turning black and blue. Violet eyes looked to where the foreign warrior sat on his camel, a bit more steady than before. He was getting used to riding a strange animal it would seem.
He shuddered as the air seemed to vibrate and he was aware that the strange feeling was coming from someone nearby. Automatically, his eyes narrowed suspisciously on Zechs. The older boy seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, blue eyes focused blankly on the never-ending horizon. However, the longer Duo studied him, the more he noticed that these vibrations weren't coming from him at all.
The prince was his next target. Said royal was occupied at the moment with petting and cooing to his mount. He seemed unaware that he was giving off a particular aura, almost as if he was trying to draw attention. At least to anyone who could sense these things. Duo admitted, he wasn't your average thief. In fact, as far as weird went, he was probably close to Zechs.
Of course, he didn't change looks and spew giants gobs of magic, but it was safe to say he knew it when he sensed it. He wasn't always an orphan, or so his brain had usually tried to tell him. He was sure that there was someone, he was sure he had faint traces of a woman in his memories.
The gypsy woman from last night had helped triggered it and last night he had dreamed of a dancer. He himself was a small boy and watched her as she danced, learned as she taught him and was content when he was in her arms. He wasn't so sure who she was, he didn't want to have high hopes and call the strange woman his mother, but he knew it was someone he had once been close to.
She had taught him everything he knew and though he had forgotten it, his memories were now coming back. Such as his combat skills. He had thought that he had been taught how to dance, only to find out that he was indeed learning to defend himself. It was a smart cover, though why his knowledge of fighting had to be hidden he wasn't sure.
He was straying from his original thoughts, which involved magic and his own ability to sense it. That he hadn't really been taught but he was born with and then was tuaght how to use it. He could vaguely remember palm readings and fortune telling, but it hurt his head to try and force himself to remember. It would seem his brain would recollect at its own pace. He was fine with that, though he wasn't a very patient person.
The air seemed to calm before it was moving again and his eyes were back to Quatre. They had drifted into staring off at nothing in particular during his musing. Quatre was now occupied with trying to engage Zechs in conversation, but the oldest of the group seemed uninterested.
The braided theif only scoffed. This guy was giving him more reasons not to like him. The presence shifted and Duo shivered, focusing on the prince again. He was suddenly feeling hurt and a bit depressed. It was odd and he frowned as he contemplated what it could be. Violet-eyes continued to stare as Quatre sulked, his hand idly petting his camel's head.
"I'm sorry, Quatre.", Zechs voice broke through the silence, "I was out of it a moment ago. Were you asking me something?"
Duo couldn't have frowned any deeper as the air seemed to shift with Quatre's mood, a feeling of elation and relief taking over him. It would seem that little princey was an empath and unaware of it. There was no control in the emotions that Quatre "bled", they just came and went as Quatre felt them.
It was obvious Zechs had felt it, or else he would have never decided to give in to the prince's want for conversation. As Quatre and their guide carried on with small talk, Duo gently led his camel so that it was walking alongside of Wufei's. The warrior merely looked at him, an eyebrow raised in a silent question.
"Do you feel that?", Duo asked, not sure if Wufei was able to.
He had remembered feeling the small boom of power back in the palace's passageways. Wufei hadn't been able to feel it. What was to say he could feel this?
"Duo, if you're here to complain about the heat, I will be sure to hurt you before you can begin."
Well, that answered his question. Wufei wasn't keen on magic, in fact it would seem he could barely recognize it. Which was odd, because Duo was sure that he could feel Wufei had magic somewhere. That was a new mystery and he would try his best to solve it later. However, he was far too occupied with trying to figure out the two golden-haired teens.
"So, you didn't sense that?", he tried again, determined to have a conversation of his own.
"What? That you're an idiot?"
Duo sulked, his bottom lip unconsciously pouting at the words. Why was Wufei so mean? He couldn't still be mad at him for the whole pretending to be a girl thing?
"Come on, Fei. Can't you put the past behind you?"
Ebony eyes were glaring at him and Duo and his camel were a good distance away in no time, the thief smiling nervously. Wufei was still mad and it was best to give him his space. Besides, he could ask questions from a distance.
"Come on, Wufei.", Duo began, the Eastern boy ignoring him further, "You can't tell me that you don't feel anything strange."
The sentence caught Wufei's interest and the other boy turned to the braided thief with a raised brow. Duo took the opportunity to keep the conversation going, even though he was doing most of the talking.
"You know, like magic.", he clarified, Wufei frowning.
"Magic?", the dark-eyed boy repeated, almost as if he didn't understand.
"You do know what magic is, right?", Duo had to make sure.
He was relieved to see Wufei nod at him and he offered the boy a grin. So it wouldn't be that hard to explain.
"So when Zechs goes all freaky, you can actually feel it?", he pushed.
He was rewarded with a confused look and he figured out the answer from it. Wufei had no inkling of just how magic should "feel" and Duo was sure that it would be difficult to explain. Though it was odd, he was sure Wufei held magic. Maybe if he got the chance he'd be able to check it out. It could be that sword that the warrior seemed so attached to. It never left his side and no one could touch it.
Duo had tried just this morning before they went searching for a town and had nearly lost the hand that had reached for it. He had managed to pull it away, but was nicked on the back of his wrist. He had offered the foreigner an apology, but Wufei showed no sympathy and merely threatened not to miss should it happen again.
"So, I'm guessing that you're able to feel it?"
Wufei's out of the blue question caught him off guard, and Duo shook himself free from his thoughts to give the boy his undivided attention.
"Well, yeah.", he answered with a shrug, "I can feel it right now."
"From Zechs?"
"Yeah and Quatre, too.", Duo informed him.
He watched as Wufei turned to look at Quatre, who was busy listening to whatever it was Zechs was telling him before looking back to Duo, a bit hesitant to believe him.
"Quatre possess magic?"
"Yeah.", Duo answered with a smile, nodding in Wufei's direction, "I can feel it from you, too."
Duo tried his best to stifle his laughter at Wufei's look of surprise and horror. He wasn't exactly sure if it was right to be laughing at the dark haired boy, he had enough bumps on his head to remind him that it never ended well. His snickering was quieted when Wufei's stoic expression returned, and the warrior seemed to look down at a free hand in speculation.
Duo was about to speak when Wufei's face went from stoic to pissed and he directed a dangerous glare to Duo, who shrank away by just the intensity of that look. Had he offended him?
"You'll do best not to read me again!", Wufei was soon snapping, his words clipped and angry, "Whatever magic you say you read is no one's business but my own!"
Before the thief could save face, Wufei was urging his camel ahead of the rest of him, his obvious anger trailing behind him.
"Duo what happened?", Quatre's question was filled with worry and curiousity.
The braided thief only smiled at him, shurgging his shoulders in form of an answer. As the prince sighed and looked after their comrad, Duo felt eyes on him and he knew there was only one other person who could be staring at him. Zechs merely watched him with a blank expression and Duo sneered.
He really didn't trust this guy and he wasn't so sure why. He hadn't done anything to them; well at least not yet. There was always room for betrayel and Duo wasn't that eager to say I told you so. Quatre had ridden ahead as well, wanting to find out what was wrong with Wufei, which left the two of them behind.
Duo turned away, not wanting to stare at Zechs any longer than he had to. Though the older boy continued to stare at him and Duo was finding it harder to ignore with each passing moment.
"What do you want!", he finally cried out, looking back to the long haired blond.
"I want nothing from you.", Zechs finally answered, and Duo scoffed ready to ride away. He was stopped however by the older boy's next sentence. "I just can't help but feeling that you'll stay true to what you are."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?", Duo demanded, not the least bit amused.
Zechs only offered him a shrug and a miniscule smirk, his camel grunting as if to break the temporary 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.", Zechs was repeating Howard's words, "I can't help but feel that it'll be something of mine you'll want to get your hands on."
Duo growled at the words, wanting nothing more than to climb down off of his camel and beat the older boy senseless. However, he was a reasonable person and knew violence would get him no where. He'd be passive for the moment.
"I can assure you that there is nothing you could own that I would want that badly."
Zechs only smirked at the words, giving Duo one last knowing look before he himself was riding after the other two ahead of them. Duo glared at him as he left and then reluctantly followed. He was beginning to dislike this Zechs guy the more he came in contact with him. If they were lucky enough, he would soon go his seperate way.
"I should be so lucky.", the braided thief was muttering to himself before urging his camel to pick up the pace.
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Milliardo checked over his pack for what had to be the hundreth time. He and Treize had decided to follow after the prince and his kidnappers. They were leaving as soon as they were able to, Treize given the task of coming up with a reason for their departure to give the king. His sister he would leave in the dark. She had already caused enough trouble as it was.
The doors to his bedroom was knocked upon and he bid his visitor to enter. It was Treize, the man slipping inside with a nod of greeting. Milliardo looked to him expectantly, knowing that he had either good or bad news. He was hoping it was the former rather than the latter.
"Well?", he pushed, unable to hold out much longer.
Treize walked closer to where Milliardo stood by his bedside, his hands reaching out to tie the young prince's pack closed. He was soon offering him a smile and Milliardo let himself relax. He had been successful and they were clear to leave.
"What did you tell him?", the ambassador inquired.
"What you told me.", the vizier answered, lifting the pack onto his shoulder.
The blond young man frowned and Treize merely began leading him out of the room and down the hall.
"I told him that your father had recieved word of Quatre's disappearance.", Treize clarified.
It dawned on him then. He did in fact tell the vizier of what Relena had done. It seemed that the man had a right to know. Though now he wondered what exactly they were supposed to do.
"What did he say?", he was too eager to know.
"He insisted that I travel with you back to the Northern Continent to settle things before trouble started. So we have permission to leave after all."
They soon found themselves outside of the palace, Treize leading the way to the stables where their horses were being prepared for them. The older man shooed the stablehands away, leaving the young ambassador and himself to do the work that was left. Milliardo watched Treize as he worked, wanting to further question but unsure if he should.
He knew that it was smart to go North and deal with his father, but his heart had another agenda. He couldn't help but keep feeling that whoever he had been sensing lately was out there with the young prince. He wanted to find him and finally put an end to his yearning, but how could he do that now with this new order?
His blue eyes watched as Treize finished tacking his horse, climbing up on the cinnamon colored stallion and patting it affectionately between its ears.
"Lord Treize.", he called, gaining the man's attention.
"Please, just Treize.", he insisted, looking to Milliardo with a frown, "Once we travel it would be best no one figure that we're nobles."
He nodded at the man's words, finishing up with his horse, but hesitating to climb on. He still wanted to know what Treize's intentions were. Was he really going to go North instead of searching for the sultan's son?
"What's troubling you, Milliardo?", the ginger-haired advisor was asking.
It was obvious that he was aware of Milliardo's troubled state and the boy tried to smile at him in assurance, but he wasn't able to. He was still pondering in which direction they'd be traveling. The only way he'd find out was if he asked.
"Are we really going North?", he questioned, his eyes locking with a deeper blue.
"Do you wish to go home?", Treize asked him.
Milliardo was shaking his head, watching closely as the man smiled at him, the gesture for some odd reason causing his cheeks to flush.
"Then we will travel in search of our quarry. If we find the missing prince than we can avoid unneccessary trouble."
Relieved and glad for the answer, Milliardo finally took to mounting his horse, signalling to Treize that he was ready with a nod. With word to the stablehands to announce their departure, the two were off, ready to set search for the missing prince.
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Trowa was glaring up at Heero's back as he trailed behind the man. They had long left the kingdom to go after their bounty, exiting the city gates with orders for Vernard to continue on as usual. The ringmaster wasn't pleased that his main attraction was leaving, but he didn't complain and Trowa left.
He and Heero had been traveling for most of the day now. The sun was beating down on them. He was hot, tired and dying of thirst. He let loose a low growl as he watched Heero drink from their single water skin, perched comforatably atop his horse. The bastard had only bought one, leaving Trowa to walk behind. It was trouble keeping up in the sand, since Heero didn't think to keep a reasonable pace.
The acrobat could only hope that they reached a town soon. He was tempted to slit Heero's throat to quench his thirst. He was after all a demon, he wasn't above drinking blood. Heero's horse came to a stop and Trowa followed his lead, falling to his knees in the sand. He was panting as he leaned forward on his hands, too weak to keep himself up. There was probably a reason as to why they had suddenly stopped, but he didn't care to guess what it was.
"That's a lovely position your in."
He glared up at the brown-haired swordsman, who only smiled down at him in a lecherous fashion.
"Then again, I rather you on your back."
He couldn't help himself as he jumped up with an aggravated cry, aiming to knock Heero from his horse. He was stopped a few paces away as Heero's weapon stretched out and aimed for his neck, the large blade pressing delicately against the skin. He was now panting from anger rather than exertion, his green eyes glaring a promise of death.
It would seem that the warrior was unfazed, as he only took to laughing at the banged performer, using his sword to tilt Trowa's head up by the chin. He didn't appreciate being toyed with and if it wasn't for the fact that Heero had the power to damn him back to hell, he'd risk killing the bastard.
"I want you to track them.", Heero was soon speaking, his sword withdrawing and returned to its sheath hanging from the horse.
Trowa said nothing, merely waited for Heero to further explain himself. What did he mean by that?
"Go on, track them.", Heero ordered him, "I've lost their trail."
"And what the hell am I suppossed to do?", Trowa snapped at him.
Heero was scoffing, climbing down from his horse and walking closer to the banged boy. Trowa grunted as he was grabbed behind his neck and pushed to the ground, his face nearly being buried in the sand.
"Sniff them out and follow their scent."
Offended, he attacked the blue-eyed man, successfull in tackling him to the ground. The two scuffled for a few moments before they paused, Trowa the victor as he found himself straddled atop Heero. The man was unable and unwilling to move, as sharp fangs hovered over his throat, ready to rip it open if he dared to move against him.
"You're more of an animal than I thought.", he was laughing.
His words gained him a blow to the head, his lip bursting from the force of the hit. Trowa watched down at him, not sure how to react as Heero only laughed again. Did he truly like pain? The demon's temporary pause was taken advantage of, and Trowa soon found himself lying with his back to the sand, Heero hovering above him.
The swordsman licked the blood from his lips, before he was grinning down at his newly acquired servant.
"As I recall, I gave you an order.", he slowly began.
Trowa only spit in his face, Heero sighing in obvious annoyance as he wiped it away. Trowa's eyes were soon tearing as Heero's hand ripped across his face, heavier than he had remembered it and leaving an unbearable sting in his cheek. He was able to bite back the cry of pain as it came again.
"Playtime is over.", the man's voice had taken a serious tone, "Now you'll do your best to follow orders or else you'll be making amends with a demon who you've wronged not too long ago."
They were moving again, and Trowa was now lying on his stomach, Heero's knee pressed against his back to keep him still. One hand pressed his face closer to the sand and Trowa promised himself that he'd get even when he had the chance.
"Now find their scent.", Heero was ordering again, "I know you can, malumcinis.(1)"
With one last growl, Trowa did as told, letting his nose take in what little smells there were to find in a desert. He could easily smell the horse and Heero's arousal, and not too long after he caught faint traces of blood. Someone was wounded, which he was lucky for, otherwise he and Heero would have nothing to go on.
"East.", he spoke, Heero giving a sound of appreciation, "They're going East."
"Good boy.", the swordsman provoked, patting Trowa's head as if he was a dog, "Now get up and let's go. I want to find them before nightfall."
As he was finally released, Trowa stood from the ground, his eyes narrowing on the man he was growing to despise more and more with each passing moment. He'd have to be patient. He'd get the chance to kill Heero soon enough.
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In a land not too far West from the Middle Continent, a woman sat in what had to be a throne, her face holding a look of pure boredom. She had reason to hold such a face as there was nothing to do. Her morning ritual had finished; waking, bathing, eating and she had even checked on her vast amount of riches.
So now she was bored and she sat back in her throne with a little huff, blue-violet eyes looking for something to catch her interest. She was dressed as any Queen would be, in clothes befitting royalty, though it was cut in a style suited to deal with the climate. It was hot and ludicrously humid in a jungle and she would not stand to be in flowing robes at this temperature.
Her attention was drawn to the two women that entered, both dressed in long skirts of white, the upper part of their bodies barely covered by the necklaces of gold that hung from their necks. Both were blond and blue eyed, one older with hair coming to touch her shoulder and in her hands she held a mirror. The other woman's hair fell down her back, and she was younger than the next, no older than eighteen.
The queen's mood brightened at the sight of them and she sat up straight as they moved toward her. They never appeared unless they had something to tell her and she was eager to hear whatever it was the two had to say.
"Your Majesty Noin.", the older one greeted with a bow.
The other woman followed suit and Noin smiled down at them, waving away the gesture.
"What is it, Une?", she was asking, eager for something to occupy her time.
"We thought it best that you know.", the other was answering.
Noin's face frowned in confusion at the words. Thought it best she know what? Had something happened?
"What is it, Dorothy?"
The two women stared back at her stoically for the moment, before Une was moving forward, the mirror she held in here hand displayed for the Queen to see. Noin watched her reflection begin to ripple, before it was clearing into a view of a desert. Her eyes widened as she recognized a familiar face, blond hair and blue eyes. Had she found her?
"Quatrina?", Noin was standing from her throne in disbelief, "Have you found her?"
Her eyes widened even more so as she realized the person she looked upon was not who she thought it was. This was a boy with an uncanny semblance to her servant; one she had let slip from her years ago. One she had been ruthlessly searching for until she could stand it no longer.
"Who is he?", she was asking, walking closer to the two women.
"His name is Quatre.", Dorothy was announcing.
The similarity in the names was all she needed and Noin's face turned red with anger as she let out a scream of pure rage. Her hands took the mirror from Une, who didn't even flinch and whose face kept its stoic expression, before throwing it to the marbled floor. There it shattered and Noin glared down at the broken pieces.
How dare she?! Was it not bad enough that she had stole away from Noin eighteen years ago? That she had refused Noin her right to become ruler of all the Continents because she had said it was not right. She had claimed that power could not be owned by solely one person and had refused to use her magic for anything unjust.
Noin had been beyond infuriated when she had woke one day to find her strongest sorceress gone, and now she was infuriated once more. A son! That bitch had run off and had a child; and a male child at that. Noin took to storming back and forth, two pair of blue eyes watching her calmly. She knew that they had more to tell her, but were merely waiting for her to calm down.
"Just tell me!", she demanded, stopping to look at them.
The two sorceresses bowed their heads in submission to her command.
"Blood is not the only thing he shares with her.", was Une's message.
Noin stopped at the words, looking back and forth between her two servants. The child shared more than his mother's blood? A knowing smile broke out over her lips and the Queen couldn't help but laugh. Boy or not, this Quatre could be quite useful.
"Bring him to me.", Noin was commanding, returning to her throne, "I wish to meet this child of Quatrina's. Besides, it had been too long since you two had a third."
The two woman bowed and Noin let herself relax in her throne, a satisfied smile plastered on her face. Quatrina might have escaped her, but her son would soon be playing right into her hands.
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Quatre felt a shiver travel down his spine and he shuddered at the feel of it. It had felt as if someone was watching him, but since he was at the moment by himself, he was sure that it was all in his head. They had finally reached another town, set up in an oasis, and Quatre had been asked to stay close to the camels.
Well, it had been him and Duo, but the braided thief had said he had some things to do. Quatre had a feeling it had to deal with other people's coin purses, as there were many who walked around with their's filled to the point of nearly bursting. A camel was bellowing softly and he took to petting it, a sigh escaping his lips.
Wufei had gone off in search of more supplies and provisions, while Zechs had left to see if there was anyone willing to buy their camels. As much as he wanted to keep them, he was told that they would be hitting mountains soon and horses would travel them better than the camels would.
He pet his own camel, the animal gently sniffing the palm of his hand before its tongue was licking him. He couldn't help the giggle, since it had tickled him and he gently pulled the camel's head closer so that he could hug onto it. It didn't object and allowed the human boy to embrace it.
Quatre continued to interact with the animals, oblivious to the attention that he was getting from a small group of men under the shelter of an awning. They shared a laugh between themselves, before two of them were moving forward, their eyes focused on the young man.
Quatre could only gasp as he soon found himself surrounded, wide blue eyes looking up to the two strangers. They were both large men, one wearing a cream colored turban, the other with a bald head and heavy beard. He shrunk away, having the distinct feeling that they didn't mean well and wishing that Duo hadn't left him by himself.
"Hello.", he greeted meekly, his hand never pausing in petting the camel.
"Hello.", the turban clad gentleman greeted, the other chuckling, "I haven't seen you in these parts. You must be traveling."
Quatre only nodded, not liking the situation in the slightest. His eyes looked to see if Wufei, Zechs or even Duo was close by. He was out of luck as he realized they had yet to return. He could only wonder what was taking them so long.
"My friends and I were wondering.", the man was beginning again, a sleazy smile on his face, "Perhaps you'd like to join us for a drink or two?"
Quatre had remembered the last time he had accepted such an offer and he hastily shook his head, taking a step away from the two strangers.
"I'm sorry, but I can't.", he declined as politely as he could, "My friends won't be long and I can't leave our camels unattended."
"Come now, I'm sure they won't mind.", the bald one put in, "The camels won't go anywhere and we can use a bit of company."
They reached and Quatre shuffled away, taking to hiding behind his camel.
"No! Go away!"
They only laughed at him and before he could run he was caught, the young prince struggling to be let free. He began screaming for help, but his mouth was covered and he took the opportunity to bite down.
"Aah! You little bugger!", the turban guy swore as teeth bit into his hand.
He had let go of Quatre and the blond took the opportunity to try and run. He only ended up running into a group of men that quickly took hold of him, his fighting effortless against the lot of them. The two that had approached him join the rest and the bald one gripped him under his chin as he was held prisoner, turning his face so that they could admire it.
"Pretty little one, ins't he?", he asked them.
The men answered with laughs, catcalls and whistles. Quatre was now trembling with shimmering eyes as he stared up at his captors. He didn't want to think of what they had planned for him.
"Take him to the brothel.", the man he had bitten ordered, "Hazib will pay a good price for him. Besides, this little beauty will bring in plenty of willing customers."
At the word brothel Quatre had began objecting, trying with all his might to fight his way free. He was unsuccessful, as these men were far stronger than he was. He was easily lifted and draped over a brute's shoulder, taken kicking and screaming off to who knows where, the camels left behind without anyone to watch over them.
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Wufei growled under his breath as he returned to find the camels left on their own. Duo was no where in sight and neither was Quatre. The braided idiot had probably coaxed Quatre away, taking the young prince only the gods knew where. The feeling of jealousy tightened his chest as he thought of the two alone somewhere and he tried not to think of it. Quatre would never behave in a a manner unbefitting him, but Duo was another story.
He looked about to see if he could find an informant. Someone had to have seen something. He caught a shady looking fellow crouching by a well, his eyes shifting back and forth as if he had something to hide. Without hesitation, Wufei was walking up to him, glowering down at the raggedly dressed man.
"Excuse me.", he called for his attention, the man gazing up at him suspisciously, "Perhaps you can help me?"
"Perhaps.", the man confirmed, looking around once more, "It depends what you need help with."
"I was wondering if you had seen two young men with those camels over there."
The man looked past him to the camels before he was looking up at Wufei again.
"I can't quite recall.", the man said with a scratch to his head, "Perhaps you can help refresh my memory?"
Wufei sighed as he reached into his robe and pulled out a small pouch, handing it to the man who greedily accepted it.
"Yeah, a pretty one with light hair and a pretty one with a braid.", was his answer as he took to counting the coins.
Wufei growled in annoyance as the man hadn't continued. It would seem he had to keep asking questions.
"What happened?", he questioned, the man only smiling up at him.
With a frown Wufei was dropping a few more coins into dirty hands, the man shrugging his shoulders.
"The braided one took off, left the other with the camels."
That was all Wufei got and he sighed as he handed the guy even more money before asking his next question.
"What happened to the other boy?"
"Hazib's men is what happened to him.", the man said with a laugh, Wufei's eyes narrowing, "Look's like the brothel has got themselves a new addition."
As the man began to cackle to himself, Wufei was panicking inside. Quatre had been kidnapped and taken away to a whorehouse. He had to find him before anything happened.
"Here.", Wufei gave the man the rest of his money, before pointing to the camels, "Keep an eye on those animals for me."
With his order given, he was off, not willing to ask for directions. He actually wasn't able to afford them. Besides, it couldn't be that hard to find a brothel. The bum watched him run off before he was cackling to himself, eyeing the four camels he had been asked to watch over. They'd make him some good coin if sold for the right price.
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Zechs grunted in pain as a fist connected with his jaw and he had to wonder over the feeling of deja vu. He hadn't realized it before, but he had owed quite a bit of money to the different loansharks in this town. If he had realized that beforehand he would have done his best to avoid stopping here. He had been spotted by a boss and had been grabbed up before he could try to run. At the moment he was brought to the woman's home, where he was greeted with a solid beating.
Shaking his head free from the grogginess he now felt, he tried to focus on the blurring image of the heavyset woman that stood in front of him. She glowered down at him with her arms folded across her chest. He was at the moment on his knees, his arms caught in a grip by two of her men.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again.", she spoke, Zechs only shrugging.
"I missed you.", he told her sarcastically.
It got him an unforgiving knee to his stomach and he was soon wheezing in pain, unable to curl up like he wanted to do. He had forgotten that she was a big girl. Her hits hurt quite a bit.
"Don't think I don't remember that you own me three pounds of gold and a pound of silver.", she growled down at him, lifting his head by a tight grip of his hair, "I expect you're here to pay me back."
"High expectations I see."
He cursed himself for his smart mouth as his stomach was connected with again, the wind knocked out of him from the force of the blow.
"Do you know what I do to those that skip out on me?", she questioned, the two men beside him snickering knowingly.
Yes, Zechs knew exactly what she did to someone like him. He had heard the horror stories and he found it best to see that he never suffered such punishment. There had to be a way out of this.
"You have my money don't you?", she was asking impatiently.
"No.", he answered truthfully, "But I do have something of equal value."
The woman let him go and Zechs was lifted to his feet, that which he was grateful for. His knees had begun to ache from being in that position for so long.
"And what's that?", she asked intrigued.
"Four camels."
She stopped to rub her chin in thought, pondering for the moment Zechs' offer. It wasn't long before she was nodding and Zechs was sighing in relief.
"Alright, lead the way."
------------------------------
Duo hummed happily to himself as he walked down the street, a pouch of coins bouncing in his hands. He had tried to keep still as Wufei had told him to do, but he couldn't help it. Thee were too many temptations and loose purses for him to ignore. So he had told Quatre he'd be back as soon as he was able and left.
He was proud of his success, his other hand patting his full pockets, and he wondered how he could spend it. He was hankering for a drink or two. It had been a while since he enjoyed some good wine. He was bouncing his way to the nearest pub when he paused in his step, the unmistakable smell of perfume invading his nose.
With his interest peaked, he turned to find a scantily dressed woman winking at him, leaning against a building. He smiled at her and easily made his way over. Well, he hadn't had company like her in a while either and he had the money to spend, so why not? He was sure the others wouldn't mind. Besides, he'd try his best not to be there too long.
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Treize looked up at the afternoon sun, hoping that they reached somewhere with an inn before sundown. He couldn't stomach the thought of sleeping out here in the open. He knew that there were bandits that roamed out here and would use the opportunity of the pitch dark to attack.
He looked to Milliardo, whose eyes were staring ahead, a determined look on his face. It would seem that Milliardo had his own reasons for trekking out here. Treize was pretty sure that Quatre was an afterthought. He sighed as his mind wondered what was happening to his prince, stopping any train of thoughts that became to gruesome for him to handle. He could only hope that the boy was safe.
"Treize."
At the call of his name, the vizier looked in Milliardo's direction again, aware that he and his horse had stopped. He stopped as well and patiently waited for him to begin again.
"Look over there."
Milliardo was pointing to the group of large rocks in the distance and he frowned as he studied them. What could be there that had caught the boy's eye? He had no choice but to follow as Milliardo took the lead and soon enough they were there and climbing off of their horses.
He watched as the young ambassador walked away from him, stopping to look down at the sand. He was soon kneeling, his fingers running through the grains, almost as if something was there. Treize was sure that nothing was, but then again something could be buried.
"They were here.", Milliardo was muttering.
Treize moved forward so that he was soon beside him, crouching so he was at level with the blond-haired boy.
"How can you tell?", he questioned, watching as Milliardo continued to stir the sand.
"I just can.", was the only explanation he recieved.
It wasn't a very good one, but he didn't complain. He sighed as he took to looking around, his eyes catching a stray piece of cloth that seemed to have been left behind. It was snagged on a rock and he stood to move toward it, his hand taking it so he could study it better. Blue eyes widened as he realized it was stained with blood.
"Milliado, we have to go.", he was ordering, his voice holding panic, "We can't stay here any longer."
As he was rushing to his horse, he was aware that the boy was staring at him in obvious confusion.
"What's the matter?", Milliardo asked him.
The older man held out the stained strip of cloth for him, the boy's face frowning as he looked at it.
"Quatre could be hurt.", Treize explained, climbing back onto his horse, "We have to find him as soon as possible."
With a nod Milliardo was follwoing Treize's example and mounted his horse without any other word. Then the two were off, heading in the direction that they hoped was right. He knew there was a chance that Quatre was alright, but he didn't want to risk it. He'd do whatever it took if it meant having his prince back beside him.
T.B.C.
Hooray for updates! Sorry this took long, but it's an updating cycle with me and I finally got around to this particular fic. Please leave reviews! I feel all sad when I don't get any. I love when you guys review, even if it's just a random word! Yes well, I shall be updating again when my cycle brings me back to this particular fic. I'll try not to take too long. Toodles for now!
Disclaimer: I wish I owned the G-boys, and luckily for them I don't. Lord only knows what I'd do with them if I did.
Pairings: I already listed them in the last chapter, so go find out there.
Warnings: Yes, a few actually. Bastardization of Heero Yuy and the out of character nature of a select few. Oh who the hell am I kidding? They're all are acting weird. Read on people, read on.
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Duo tried his best not to complain about the heat for what seemed the hundreth time. Wufei had already threatened him harm if he opened his mouth again and the braided thief wanted to avoid his skin turning black and blue. Violet eyes looked to where the foreign warrior sat on his camel, a bit more steady than before. He was getting used to riding a strange animal it would seem.
He shuddered as the air seemed to vibrate and he was aware that the strange feeling was coming from someone nearby. Automatically, his eyes narrowed suspisciously on Zechs. The older boy seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, blue eyes focused blankly on the never-ending horizon. However, the longer Duo studied him, the more he noticed that these vibrations weren't coming from him at all.
The prince was his next target. Said royal was occupied at the moment with petting and cooing to his mount. He seemed unaware that he was giving off a particular aura, almost as if he was trying to draw attention. At least to anyone who could sense these things. Duo admitted, he wasn't your average thief. In fact, as far as weird went, he was probably close to Zechs.
Of course, he didn't change looks and spew giants gobs of magic, but it was safe to say he knew it when he sensed it. He wasn't always an orphan, or so his brain had usually tried to tell him. He was sure that there was someone, he was sure he had faint traces of a woman in his memories.
The gypsy woman from last night had helped triggered it and last night he had dreamed of a dancer. He himself was a small boy and watched her as she danced, learned as she taught him and was content when he was in her arms. He wasn't so sure who she was, he didn't want to have high hopes and call the strange woman his mother, but he knew it was someone he had once been close to.
She had taught him everything he knew and though he had forgotten it, his memories were now coming back. Such as his combat skills. He had thought that he had been taught how to dance, only to find out that he was indeed learning to defend himself. It was a smart cover, though why his knowledge of fighting had to be hidden he wasn't sure.
He was straying from his original thoughts, which involved magic and his own ability to sense it. That he hadn't really been taught but he was born with and then was tuaght how to use it. He could vaguely remember palm readings and fortune telling, but it hurt his head to try and force himself to remember. It would seem his brain would recollect at its own pace. He was fine with that, though he wasn't a very patient person.
The air seemed to calm before it was moving again and his eyes were back to Quatre. They had drifted into staring off at nothing in particular during his musing. Quatre was now occupied with trying to engage Zechs in conversation, but the oldest of the group seemed uninterested.
The braided theif only scoffed. This guy was giving him more reasons not to like him. The presence shifted and Duo shivered, focusing on the prince again. He was suddenly feeling hurt and a bit depressed. It was odd and he frowned as he contemplated what it could be. Violet-eyes continued to stare as Quatre sulked, his hand idly petting his camel's head.
"I'm sorry, Quatre.", Zechs voice broke through the silence, "I was out of it a moment ago. Were you asking me something?"
Duo couldn't have frowned any deeper as the air seemed to shift with Quatre's mood, a feeling of elation and relief taking over him. It would seem that little princey was an empath and unaware of it. There was no control in the emotions that Quatre "bled", they just came and went as Quatre felt them.
It was obvious Zechs had felt it, or else he would have never decided to give in to the prince's want for conversation. As Quatre and their guide carried on with small talk, Duo gently led his camel so that it was walking alongside of Wufei's. The warrior merely looked at him, an eyebrow raised in a silent question.
"Do you feel that?", Duo asked, not sure if Wufei was able to.
He had remembered feeling the small boom of power back in the palace's passageways. Wufei hadn't been able to feel it. What was to say he could feel this?
"Duo, if you're here to complain about the heat, I will be sure to hurt you before you can begin."
Well, that answered his question. Wufei wasn't keen on magic, in fact it would seem he could barely recognize it. Which was odd, because Duo was sure that he could feel Wufei had magic somewhere. That was a new mystery and he would try his best to solve it later. However, he was far too occupied with trying to figure out the two golden-haired teens.
"So, you didn't sense that?", he tried again, determined to have a conversation of his own.
"What? That you're an idiot?"
Duo sulked, his bottom lip unconsciously pouting at the words. Why was Wufei so mean? He couldn't still be mad at him for the whole pretending to be a girl thing?
"Come on, Fei. Can't you put the past behind you?"
Ebony eyes were glaring at him and Duo and his camel were a good distance away in no time, the thief smiling nervously. Wufei was still mad and it was best to give him his space. Besides, he could ask questions from a distance.
"Come on, Wufei.", Duo began, the Eastern boy ignoring him further, "You can't tell me that you don't feel anything strange."
The sentence caught Wufei's interest and the other boy turned to the braided thief with a raised brow. Duo took the opportunity to keep the conversation going, even though he was doing most of the talking.
"You know, like magic.", he clarified, Wufei frowning.
"Magic?", the dark-eyed boy repeated, almost as if he didn't understand.
"You do know what magic is, right?", Duo had to make sure.
He was relieved to see Wufei nod at him and he offered the boy a grin. So it wouldn't be that hard to explain.
"So when Zechs goes all freaky, you can actually feel it?", he pushed.
He was rewarded with a confused look and he figured out the answer from it. Wufei had no inkling of just how magic should "feel" and Duo was sure that it would be difficult to explain. Though it was odd, he was sure Wufei held magic. Maybe if he got the chance he'd be able to check it out. It could be that sword that the warrior seemed so attached to. It never left his side and no one could touch it.
Duo had tried just this morning before they went searching for a town and had nearly lost the hand that had reached for it. He had managed to pull it away, but was nicked on the back of his wrist. He had offered the foreigner an apology, but Wufei showed no sympathy and merely threatened not to miss should it happen again.
"So, I'm guessing that you're able to feel it?"
Wufei's out of the blue question caught him off guard, and Duo shook himself free from his thoughts to give the boy his undivided attention.
"Well, yeah.", he answered with a shrug, "I can feel it right now."
"From Zechs?"
"Yeah and Quatre, too.", Duo informed him.
He watched as Wufei turned to look at Quatre, who was busy listening to whatever it was Zechs was telling him before looking back to Duo, a bit hesitant to believe him.
"Quatre possess magic?"
"Yeah.", Duo answered with a smile, nodding in Wufei's direction, "I can feel it from you, too."
Duo tried his best to stifle his laughter at Wufei's look of surprise and horror. He wasn't exactly sure if it was right to be laughing at the dark haired boy, he had enough bumps on his head to remind him that it never ended well. His snickering was quieted when Wufei's stoic expression returned, and the warrior seemed to look down at a free hand in speculation.
Duo was about to speak when Wufei's face went from stoic to pissed and he directed a dangerous glare to Duo, who shrank away by just the intensity of that look. Had he offended him?
"You'll do best not to read me again!", Wufei was soon snapping, his words clipped and angry, "Whatever magic you say you read is no one's business but my own!"
Before the thief could save face, Wufei was urging his camel ahead of the rest of him, his obvious anger trailing behind him.
"Duo what happened?", Quatre's question was filled with worry and curiousity.
The braided thief only smiled at him, shurgging his shoulders in form of an answer. As the prince sighed and looked after their comrad, Duo felt eyes on him and he knew there was only one other person who could be staring at him. Zechs merely watched him with a blank expression and Duo sneered.
He really didn't trust this guy and he wasn't so sure why. He hadn't done anything to them; well at least not yet. There was always room for betrayel and Duo wasn't that eager to say I told you so. Quatre had ridden ahead as well, wanting to find out what was wrong with Wufei, which left the two of them behind.
Duo turned away, not wanting to stare at Zechs any longer than he had to. Though the older boy continued to stare at him and Duo was finding it harder to ignore with each passing moment.
"What do you want!", he finally cried out, looking back to the long haired blond.
"I want nothing from you.", Zechs finally answered, and Duo scoffed ready to ride away. He was stopped however by the older boy's next sentence. "I just can't help but feeling that you'll stay true to what you are."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?", Duo demanded, not the least bit amused.
Zechs only offered him a shrug and a miniscule smirk, his camel grunting as if to break the temporary 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.", Zechs was repeating Howard's words, "I can't help but feel that it'll be something of mine you'll want to get your hands on."
Duo growled at the words, wanting nothing more than to climb down off of his camel and beat the older boy senseless. However, he was a reasonable person and knew violence would get him no where. He'd be passive for the moment.
"I can assure you that there is nothing you could own that I would want that badly."
Zechs only smirked at the words, giving Duo one last knowing look before he himself was riding after the other two ahead of them. Duo glared at him as he left and then reluctantly followed. He was beginning to dislike this Zechs guy the more he came in contact with him. If they were lucky enough, he would soon go his seperate way.
"I should be so lucky.", the braided thief was muttering to himself before urging his camel to pick up the pace.
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Milliardo checked over his pack for what had to be the hundreth time. He and Treize had decided to follow after the prince and his kidnappers. They were leaving as soon as they were able to, Treize given the task of coming up with a reason for their departure to give the king. His sister he would leave in the dark. She had already caused enough trouble as it was.
The doors to his bedroom was knocked upon and he bid his visitor to enter. It was Treize, the man slipping inside with a nod of greeting. Milliardo looked to him expectantly, knowing that he had either good or bad news. He was hoping it was the former rather than the latter.
"Well?", he pushed, unable to hold out much longer.
Treize walked closer to where Milliardo stood by his bedside, his hands reaching out to tie the young prince's pack closed. He was soon offering him a smile and Milliardo let himself relax. He had been successful and they were clear to leave.
"What did you tell him?", the ambassador inquired.
"What you told me.", the vizier answered, lifting the pack onto his shoulder.
The blond young man frowned and Treize merely began leading him out of the room and down the hall.
"I told him that your father had recieved word of Quatre's disappearance.", Treize clarified.
It dawned on him then. He did in fact tell the vizier of what Relena had done. It seemed that the man had a right to know. Though now he wondered what exactly they were supposed to do.
"What did he say?", he was too eager to know.
"He insisted that I travel with you back to the Northern Continent to settle things before trouble started. So we have permission to leave after all."
They soon found themselves outside of the palace, Treize leading the way to the stables where their horses were being prepared for them. The older man shooed the stablehands away, leaving the young ambassador and himself to do the work that was left. Milliardo watched Treize as he worked, wanting to further question but unsure if he should.
He knew that it was smart to go North and deal with his father, but his heart had another agenda. He couldn't help but keep feeling that whoever he had been sensing lately was out there with the young prince. He wanted to find him and finally put an end to his yearning, but how could he do that now with this new order?
His blue eyes watched as Treize finished tacking his horse, climbing up on the cinnamon colored stallion and patting it affectionately between its ears.
"Lord Treize.", he called, gaining the man's attention.
"Please, just Treize.", he insisted, looking to Milliardo with a frown, "Once we travel it would be best no one figure that we're nobles."
He nodded at the man's words, finishing up with his horse, but hesitating to climb on. He still wanted to know what Treize's intentions were. Was he really going to go North instead of searching for the sultan's son?
"What's troubling you, Milliardo?", the ginger-haired advisor was asking.
It was obvious that he was aware of Milliardo's troubled state and the boy tried to smile at him in assurance, but he wasn't able to. He was still pondering in which direction they'd be traveling. The only way he'd find out was if he asked.
"Are we really going North?", he questioned, his eyes locking with a deeper blue.
"Do you wish to go home?", Treize asked him.
Milliardo was shaking his head, watching closely as the man smiled at him, the gesture for some odd reason causing his cheeks to flush.
"Then we will travel in search of our quarry. If we find the missing prince than we can avoid unneccessary trouble."
Relieved and glad for the answer, Milliardo finally took to mounting his horse, signalling to Treize that he was ready with a nod. With word to the stablehands to announce their departure, the two were off, ready to set search for the missing prince.
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Trowa was glaring up at Heero's back as he trailed behind the man. They had long left the kingdom to go after their bounty, exiting the city gates with orders for Vernard to continue on as usual. The ringmaster wasn't pleased that his main attraction was leaving, but he didn't complain and Trowa left.
He and Heero had been traveling for most of the day now. The sun was beating down on them. He was hot, tired and dying of thirst. He let loose a low growl as he watched Heero drink from their single water skin, perched comforatably atop his horse. The bastard had only bought one, leaving Trowa to walk behind. It was trouble keeping up in the sand, since Heero didn't think to keep a reasonable pace.
The acrobat could only hope that they reached a town soon. He was tempted to slit Heero's throat to quench his thirst. He was after all a demon, he wasn't above drinking blood. Heero's horse came to a stop and Trowa followed his lead, falling to his knees in the sand. He was panting as he leaned forward on his hands, too weak to keep himself up. There was probably a reason as to why they had suddenly stopped, but he didn't care to guess what it was.
"That's a lovely position your in."
He glared up at the brown-haired swordsman, who only smiled down at him in a lecherous fashion.
"Then again, I rather you on your back."
He couldn't help himself as he jumped up with an aggravated cry, aiming to knock Heero from his horse. He was stopped a few paces away as Heero's weapon stretched out and aimed for his neck, the large blade pressing delicately against the skin. He was now panting from anger rather than exertion, his green eyes glaring a promise of death.
It would seem that the warrior was unfazed, as he only took to laughing at the banged performer, using his sword to tilt Trowa's head up by the chin. He didn't appreciate being toyed with and if it wasn't for the fact that Heero had the power to damn him back to hell, he'd risk killing the bastard.
"I want you to track them.", Heero was soon speaking, his sword withdrawing and returned to its sheath hanging from the horse.
Trowa said nothing, merely waited for Heero to further explain himself. What did he mean by that?
"Go on, track them.", Heero ordered him, "I've lost their trail."
"And what the hell am I suppossed to do?", Trowa snapped at him.
Heero was scoffing, climbing down from his horse and walking closer to the banged boy. Trowa grunted as he was grabbed behind his neck and pushed to the ground, his face nearly being buried in the sand.
"Sniff them out and follow their scent."
Offended, he attacked the blue-eyed man, successfull in tackling him to the ground. The two scuffled for a few moments before they paused, Trowa the victor as he found himself straddled atop Heero. The man was unable and unwilling to move, as sharp fangs hovered over his throat, ready to rip it open if he dared to move against him.
"You're more of an animal than I thought.", he was laughing.
His words gained him a blow to the head, his lip bursting from the force of the hit. Trowa watched down at him, not sure how to react as Heero only laughed again. Did he truly like pain? The demon's temporary pause was taken advantage of, and Trowa soon found himself lying with his back to the sand, Heero hovering above him.
The swordsman licked the blood from his lips, before he was grinning down at his newly acquired servant.
"As I recall, I gave you an order.", he slowly began.
Trowa only spit in his face, Heero sighing in obvious annoyance as he wiped it away. Trowa's eyes were soon tearing as Heero's hand ripped across his face, heavier than he had remembered it and leaving an unbearable sting in his cheek. He was able to bite back the cry of pain as it came again.
"Playtime is over.", the man's voice had taken a serious tone, "Now you'll do your best to follow orders or else you'll be making amends with a demon who you've wronged not too long ago."
They were moving again, and Trowa was now lying on his stomach, Heero's knee pressed against his back to keep him still. One hand pressed his face closer to the sand and Trowa promised himself that he'd get even when he had the chance.
"Now find their scent.", Heero was ordering again, "I know you can, malumcinis.(1)"
With one last growl, Trowa did as told, letting his nose take in what little smells there were to find in a desert. He could easily smell the horse and Heero's arousal, and not too long after he caught faint traces of blood. Someone was wounded, which he was lucky for, otherwise he and Heero would have nothing to go on.
"East.", he spoke, Heero giving a sound of appreciation, "They're going East."
"Good boy.", the swordsman provoked, patting Trowa's head as if he was a dog, "Now get up and let's go. I want to find them before nightfall."
As he was finally released, Trowa stood from the ground, his eyes narrowing on the man he was growing to despise more and more with each passing moment. He'd have to be patient. He'd get the chance to kill Heero soon enough.
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In a land not too far West from the Middle Continent, a woman sat in what had to be a throne, her face holding a look of pure boredom. She had reason to hold such a face as there was nothing to do. Her morning ritual had finished; waking, bathing, eating and she had even checked on her vast amount of riches.
So now she was bored and she sat back in her throne with a little huff, blue-violet eyes looking for something to catch her interest. She was dressed as any Queen would be, in clothes befitting royalty, though it was cut in a style suited to deal with the climate. It was hot and ludicrously humid in a jungle and she would not stand to be in flowing robes at this temperature.
Her attention was drawn to the two women that entered, both dressed in long skirts of white, the upper part of their bodies barely covered by the necklaces of gold that hung from their necks. Both were blond and blue eyed, one older with hair coming to touch her shoulder and in her hands she held a mirror. The other woman's hair fell down her back, and she was younger than the next, no older than eighteen.
The queen's mood brightened at the sight of them and she sat up straight as they moved toward her. They never appeared unless they had something to tell her and she was eager to hear whatever it was the two had to say.
"Your Majesty Noin.", the older one greeted with a bow.
The other woman followed suit and Noin smiled down at them, waving away the gesture.
"What is it, Une?", she was asking, eager for something to occupy her time.
"We thought it best that you know.", the other was answering.
Noin's face frowned in confusion at the words. Thought it best she know what? Had something happened?
"What is it, Dorothy?"
The two women stared back at her stoically for the moment, before Une was moving forward, the mirror she held in here hand displayed for the Queen to see. Noin watched her reflection begin to ripple, before it was clearing into a view of a desert. Her eyes widened as she recognized a familiar face, blond hair and blue eyes. Had she found her?
"Quatrina?", Noin was standing from her throne in disbelief, "Have you found her?"
Her eyes widened even more so as she realized the person she looked upon was not who she thought it was. This was a boy with an uncanny semblance to her servant; one she had let slip from her years ago. One she had been ruthlessly searching for until she could stand it no longer.
"Who is he?", she was asking, walking closer to the two women.
"His name is Quatre.", Dorothy was announcing.
The similarity in the names was all she needed and Noin's face turned red with anger as she let out a scream of pure rage. Her hands took the mirror from Une, who didn't even flinch and whose face kept its stoic expression, before throwing it to the marbled floor. There it shattered and Noin glared down at the broken pieces.
How dare she?! Was it not bad enough that she had stole away from Noin eighteen years ago? That she had refused Noin her right to become ruler of all the Continents because she had said it was not right. She had claimed that power could not be owned by solely one person and had refused to use her magic for anything unjust.
Noin had been beyond infuriated when she had woke one day to find her strongest sorceress gone, and now she was infuriated once more. A son! That bitch had run off and had a child; and a male child at that. Noin took to storming back and forth, two pair of blue eyes watching her calmly. She knew that they had more to tell her, but were merely waiting for her to calm down.
"Just tell me!", she demanded, stopping to look at them.
The two sorceresses bowed their heads in submission to her command.
"Blood is not the only thing he shares with her.", was Une's message.
Noin stopped at the words, looking back and forth between her two servants. The child shared more than his mother's blood? A knowing smile broke out over her lips and the Queen couldn't help but laugh. Boy or not, this Quatre could be quite useful.
"Bring him to me.", Noin was commanding, returning to her throne, "I wish to meet this child of Quatrina's. Besides, it had been too long since you two had a third."
The two woman bowed and Noin let herself relax in her throne, a satisfied smile plastered on her face. Quatrina might have escaped her, but her son would soon be playing right into her hands.
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Quatre felt a shiver travel down his spine and he shuddered at the feel of it. It had felt as if someone was watching him, but since he was at the moment by himself, he was sure that it was all in his head. They had finally reached another town, set up in an oasis, and Quatre had been asked to stay close to the camels.
Well, it had been him and Duo, but the braided thief had said he had some things to do. Quatre had a feeling it had to deal with other people's coin purses, as there were many who walked around with their's filled to the point of nearly bursting. A camel was bellowing softly and he took to petting it, a sigh escaping his lips.
Wufei had gone off in search of more supplies and provisions, while Zechs had left to see if there was anyone willing to buy their camels. As much as he wanted to keep them, he was told that they would be hitting mountains soon and horses would travel them better than the camels would.
He pet his own camel, the animal gently sniffing the palm of his hand before its tongue was licking him. He couldn't help the giggle, since it had tickled him and he gently pulled the camel's head closer so that he could hug onto it. It didn't object and allowed the human boy to embrace it.
Quatre continued to interact with the animals, oblivious to the attention that he was getting from a small group of men under the shelter of an awning. They shared a laugh between themselves, before two of them were moving forward, their eyes focused on the young man.
Quatre could only gasp as he soon found himself surrounded, wide blue eyes looking up to the two strangers. They were both large men, one wearing a cream colored turban, the other with a bald head and heavy beard. He shrunk away, having the distinct feeling that they didn't mean well and wishing that Duo hadn't left him by himself.
"Hello.", he greeted meekly, his hand never pausing in petting the camel.
"Hello.", the turban clad gentleman greeted, the other chuckling, "I haven't seen you in these parts. You must be traveling."
Quatre only nodded, not liking the situation in the slightest. His eyes looked to see if Wufei, Zechs or even Duo was close by. He was out of luck as he realized they had yet to return. He could only wonder what was taking them so long.
"My friends and I were wondering.", the man was beginning again, a sleazy smile on his face, "Perhaps you'd like to join us for a drink or two?"
Quatre had remembered the last time he had accepted such an offer and he hastily shook his head, taking a step away from the two strangers.
"I'm sorry, but I can't.", he declined as politely as he could, "My friends won't be long and I can't leave our camels unattended."
"Come now, I'm sure they won't mind.", the bald one put in, "The camels won't go anywhere and we can use a bit of company."
They reached and Quatre shuffled away, taking to hiding behind his camel.
"No! Go away!"
They only laughed at him and before he could run he was caught, the young prince struggling to be let free. He began screaming for help, but his mouth was covered and he took the opportunity to bite down.
"Aah! You little bugger!", the turban guy swore as teeth bit into his hand.
He had let go of Quatre and the blond took the opportunity to try and run. He only ended up running into a group of men that quickly took hold of him, his fighting effortless against the lot of them. The two that had approached him join the rest and the bald one gripped him under his chin as he was held prisoner, turning his face so that they could admire it.
"Pretty little one, ins't he?", he asked them.
The men answered with laughs, catcalls and whistles. Quatre was now trembling with shimmering eyes as he stared up at his captors. He didn't want to think of what they had planned for him.
"Take him to the brothel.", the man he had bitten ordered, "Hazib will pay a good price for him. Besides, this little beauty will bring in plenty of willing customers."
At the word brothel Quatre had began objecting, trying with all his might to fight his way free. He was unsuccessful, as these men were far stronger than he was. He was easily lifted and draped over a brute's shoulder, taken kicking and screaming off to who knows where, the camels left behind without anyone to watch over them.
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Wufei growled under his breath as he returned to find the camels left on their own. Duo was no where in sight and neither was Quatre. The braided idiot had probably coaxed Quatre away, taking the young prince only the gods knew where. The feeling of jealousy tightened his chest as he thought of the two alone somewhere and he tried not to think of it. Quatre would never behave in a a manner unbefitting him, but Duo was another story.
He looked about to see if he could find an informant. Someone had to have seen something. He caught a shady looking fellow crouching by a well, his eyes shifting back and forth as if he had something to hide. Without hesitation, Wufei was walking up to him, glowering down at the raggedly dressed man.
"Excuse me.", he called for his attention, the man gazing up at him suspisciously, "Perhaps you can help me?"
"Perhaps.", the man confirmed, looking around once more, "It depends what you need help with."
"I was wondering if you had seen two young men with those camels over there."
The man looked past him to the camels before he was looking up at Wufei again.
"I can't quite recall.", the man said with a scratch to his head, "Perhaps you can help refresh my memory?"
Wufei sighed as he reached into his robe and pulled out a small pouch, handing it to the man who greedily accepted it.
"Yeah, a pretty one with light hair and a pretty one with a braid.", was his answer as he took to counting the coins.
Wufei growled in annoyance as the man hadn't continued. It would seem he had to keep asking questions.
"What happened?", he questioned, the man only smiling up at him.
With a frown Wufei was dropping a few more coins into dirty hands, the man shrugging his shoulders.
"The braided one took off, left the other with the camels."
That was all Wufei got and he sighed as he handed the guy even more money before asking his next question.
"What happened to the other boy?"
"Hazib's men is what happened to him.", the man said with a laugh, Wufei's eyes narrowing, "Look's like the brothel has got themselves a new addition."
As the man began to cackle to himself, Wufei was panicking inside. Quatre had been kidnapped and taken away to a whorehouse. He had to find him before anything happened.
"Here.", Wufei gave the man the rest of his money, before pointing to the camels, "Keep an eye on those animals for me."
With his order given, he was off, not willing to ask for directions. He actually wasn't able to afford them. Besides, it couldn't be that hard to find a brothel. The bum watched him run off before he was cackling to himself, eyeing the four camels he had been asked to watch over. They'd make him some good coin if sold for the right price.
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Zechs grunted in pain as a fist connected with his jaw and he had to wonder over the feeling of deja vu. He hadn't realized it before, but he had owed quite a bit of money to the different loansharks in this town. If he had realized that beforehand he would have done his best to avoid stopping here. He had been spotted by a boss and had been grabbed up before he could try to run. At the moment he was brought to the woman's home, where he was greeted with a solid beating.
Shaking his head free from the grogginess he now felt, he tried to focus on the blurring image of the heavyset woman that stood in front of him. She glowered down at him with her arms folded across her chest. He was at the moment on his knees, his arms caught in a grip by two of her men.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again.", she spoke, Zechs only shrugging.
"I missed you.", he told her sarcastically.
It got him an unforgiving knee to his stomach and he was soon wheezing in pain, unable to curl up like he wanted to do. He had forgotten that she was a big girl. Her hits hurt quite a bit.
"Don't think I don't remember that you own me three pounds of gold and a pound of silver.", she growled down at him, lifting his head by a tight grip of his hair, "I expect you're here to pay me back."
"High expectations I see."
He cursed himself for his smart mouth as his stomach was connected with again, the wind knocked out of him from the force of the blow.
"Do you know what I do to those that skip out on me?", she questioned, the two men beside him snickering knowingly.
Yes, Zechs knew exactly what she did to someone like him. He had heard the horror stories and he found it best to see that he never suffered such punishment. There had to be a way out of this.
"You have my money don't you?", she was asking impatiently.
"No.", he answered truthfully, "But I do have something of equal value."
The woman let him go and Zechs was lifted to his feet, that which he was grateful for. His knees had begun to ache from being in that position for so long.
"And what's that?", she asked intrigued.
"Four camels."
She stopped to rub her chin in thought, pondering for the moment Zechs' offer. It wasn't long before she was nodding and Zechs was sighing in relief.
"Alright, lead the way."
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Duo hummed happily to himself as he walked down the street, a pouch of coins bouncing in his hands. He had tried to keep still as Wufei had told him to do, but he couldn't help it. Thee were too many temptations and loose purses for him to ignore. So he had told Quatre he'd be back as soon as he was able and left.
He was proud of his success, his other hand patting his full pockets, and he wondered how he could spend it. He was hankering for a drink or two. It had been a while since he enjoyed some good wine. He was bouncing his way to the nearest pub when he paused in his step, the unmistakable smell of perfume invading his nose.
With his interest peaked, he turned to find a scantily dressed woman winking at him, leaning against a building. He smiled at her and easily made his way over. Well, he hadn't had company like her in a while either and he had the money to spend, so why not? He was sure the others wouldn't mind. Besides, he'd try his best not to be there too long.
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Treize looked up at the afternoon sun, hoping that they reached somewhere with an inn before sundown. He couldn't stomach the thought of sleeping out here in the open. He knew that there were bandits that roamed out here and would use the opportunity of the pitch dark to attack.
He looked to Milliardo, whose eyes were staring ahead, a determined look on his face. It would seem that Milliardo had his own reasons for trekking out here. Treize was pretty sure that Quatre was an afterthought. He sighed as his mind wondered what was happening to his prince, stopping any train of thoughts that became to gruesome for him to handle. He could only hope that the boy was safe.
"Treize."
At the call of his name, the vizier looked in Milliardo's direction again, aware that he and his horse had stopped. He stopped as well and patiently waited for him to begin again.
"Look over there."
Milliardo was pointing to the group of large rocks in the distance and he frowned as he studied them. What could be there that had caught the boy's eye? He had no choice but to follow as Milliardo took the lead and soon enough they were there and climbing off of their horses.
He watched as the young ambassador walked away from him, stopping to look down at the sand. He was soon kneeling, his fingers running through the grains, almost as if something was there. Treize was sure that nothing was, but then again something could be buried.
"They were here.", Milliardo was muttering.
Treize moved forward so that he was soon beside him, crouching so he was at level with the blond-haired boy.
"How can you tell?", he questioned, watching as Milliardo continued to stir the sand.
"I just can.", was the only explanation he recieved.
It wasn't a very good one, but he didn't complain. He sighed as he took to looking around, his eyes catching a stray piece of cloth that seemed to have been left behind. It was snagged on a rock and he stood to move toward it, his hand taking it so he could study it better. Blue eyes widened as he realized it was stained with blood.
"Milliado, we have to go.", he was ordering, his voice holding panic, "We can't stay here any longer."
As he was rushing to his horse, he was aware that the boy was staring at him in obvious confusion.
"What's the matter?", Milliardo asked him.
The older man held out the stained strip of cloth for him, the boy's face frowning as he looked at it.
"Quatre could be hurt.", Treize explained, climbing back onto his horse, "We have to find him as soon as possible."
With a nod Milliardo was follwoing Treize's example and mounted his horse without any other word. Then the two were off, heading in the direction that they hoped was right. He knew there was a chance that Quatre was alright, but he didn't want to risk it. He'd do whatever it took if it meant having his prince back beside him.
T.B.C.
Hooray for updates! Sorry this took long, but it's an updating cycle with me and I finally got around to this particular fic. Please leave reviews! I feel all sad when I don't get any. I love when you guys review, even if it's just a random word! Yes well, I shall be updating again when my cycle brings me back to this particular fic. I'll try not to take too long. Toodles for now!