Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 10

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

Author's Note: Inspiration has struck again for this particular fic. That and I wanted to make another fight scene between Wufei and Heero, though I suck at fight scenes. That and I wanted to move this story along. So. . . yeah. . . even with having received only one (yes one) review, I am going to keep on writing. It would suck something major if I just ended this fic because of no reviews. I figured if I did that I'd seem petty, and I am not petty. No matter what my muses say. I just thought you'd know, that I know that gypsies are not a race of people, but a group of particular people, in case any one wanted to correct me. I'm using them as a group of people here, so don't worry, I know what I'm doing. . . I think. As you might have noticed, I changed the rating, to be on the safe side. I'm sure there's nothing 'M' material, but you never know with my mind. My original character will no longer be seen after this, but if there is the remote chance that any one likes him, you will be able to check him out in my original work, "The Demon Sealer", whenever I get around to actually typing it from paper and posting it. Moving on from the Author's note!

Disclaimer: Once again, I must rub it in my face that I do not own Gundam Wing and/or any of its characters. I do however own the plot line for this fic and the few original characters that pop up here and there. As if anyone would want to use said characters in their own work, but on the off chance it happens, ask and I will most likely say yes. Now on to the pairings.

Pairings: These shall be repeated for good measure. 13+6a, 1x3, 5x2, 5+4, 13x4, 6b+3, 6a+2, 6bx6a. 6b being Zechs and 6a being Milliardo. The pairings aren't in the order they'll happen or be mentioned and are subject to change. That is all.

WARNING: This fic contains yaoi, shounen ai, OOC, bastardization, incest (yes I said incest), AU, OC, and a bunch of stuff that I haven't thought of yet. Just let it be known that you have been warned of all that is contained within this fic and therefore have only yourself to blame if you continue on knowing you don't agree with one or more of the above. I now give you chapter ten.

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Treize turned away with another flare of red to his cheeks as Milliardo had looked back at him. He had woken a while ago to the sounds of Milliardo speaking, thinking that the boy was trying to rouse him. However, upon waking, he realized that Milliardo was merely talking in his sleep. It was plain to see that whomever he was talking to, he knew quite well, as the conversation consisted of said person "feeling" him.

He had tried to roll over and fall back asleep but the shouted and half moaned name that escaped the younger man's mouth had him flushing even more, before he was bolting upright in his sleeping pack. It wasn't just any name that Milliardo had spoken, it was a name that he had heard before; and one that the foreign prince had spoken before.

He was curious, to say the least, about this Zechs. It was blatantly clear that the two were brothers, or perhaps even cousins that looked rediculously identical. However, when Treize had first confronted Milliardo, and accused him of being his double, the boy had seemed confused and have no knowledge that there was someone walking around with his face.

Yet now, it would seem that Milliardo had every idea that Zechs existed, though the vizier wasn't quite sure how. In fact, it seemed as if Milliardo and this Zechs were closer than relatives. When the boy had woken and flushed at the realiztion that Treize had heard, the ginger-haired man had an inkling that it was true.

He wanted to ask questions, but he wasn't quite sure how to go about with that. That and everytime he mustered up a little courage to do so, he would flush at the memory of Milliardo's recent dream-talking and would think against it. He was a grown man, and yet he was acting like a young child, blushing in embarrasment every time the blond ambassador looked at him.

He was guilty however, as he realized that he had been somewhat affected by the sounds the boy had been making. He would admit, he hadn't touched another in a few years and to have heard such sounds from the young man had been uncomfortable to deal with. Now every time Milliardo looked at him, he could barely stop his mind from trying to imagine just what the boy had been dreaming about.

Such as this very moment, as Milliardo turned back to look at him in worry, crystal blue eyes glittering in the starlight. Treize bit his lip and looked away again, not wanting to stare at him much longer. He'd just have to think of something else. Like. . . like Quatre! Yes, he'd think of the young prince. He was after all going to his rescue. Of course, there was a chance that rumor would ring true that the prince had indeed run off of his own free will. If that were true, then Treize would take it upon himself of finding a fitting punishment for the boy.

There was nothing that he could really thinking, short of the prince getting a spanking. Treize felt his cheeks grow hot as his mind started reeling and he tried to shake free of the image, but it was holding fast. He almost missed the call of his name. He looked to Milliardo, who had slowed his horse and now rode beside the vizier, his face frowning in worry.

"Are you alright, Treize?", he asked the man, "Your nose is bleeding."

Treize felt his face grow hot at the words, and he quickly lifted his hand to hide the end result of his perverted mind. If the sultan ever knew what he was thinking about his precious son, well Treize had the feeling he wouldn't have a head to think such things anymore.

"I'm fine.", he muttered, his voice muffled by his hand, "It's just the desert heat."

The look on the prince's face told him that Milliardo was reluctant to accept that answer and Treize couldn't blame him. It was now night and the weather had dropped considerably. Luckily for him, the Northern envoy took his excuse without question and the two continued to ride in whatever direction Milliardo was taking them.

It wasn't long before in the distance they could see the unmistabkle signs of a town, and Treize sighed in relief. At least they could stop and rest in an actual inn there, as he felt quite vulnerable out in the open. He heard Milliado's faint whisper carry on the breeze, and Treize frowned as he recognized what he had said. He cleared his throat before he began.

"Milliardo.", he called, successfully gaining the boy's attention, "I hope you won't mind my asking, but who is this Zechs?"

He watched as Milliardo's eyes windened slightly at his question, and Treize had to wonder if the boy had been trying to keep him a secret. Then again, Treize had no idea why he was asking besides the excuse of curiousity. He had no intentions of telling Milliardo that he had run across this Zechs person.

"I don't know.", the boy finally answered, his voice low and his face turning away, "It's hard to explain."

Treize was about to question just how that was, when Milliardo's head snapped up and looked in the direction of the town. Something had grabbed his attention.

"Milliardo, what is it?"

His question went unanswered as the young ambassador was gone, having urged is horse into a gallop and rushed off into the dark. Treize stood stunned for a while before he snapped out of his stupor, chasing after the boy with a urgent kick to his horse's side. The mount when galloping off with a shrieking whinny, and Treize followed as best he could in the darkness. It would seem that questions would have to be saved for later, whenever what had Milliardo rushing off had been found.

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Wufei waited patiently as Hazib and his men drew closer, his brain being wracked for something to get him out of this. Of course, he could always run, but that wouldn't be honorable and besides, Quatre was counting on him; or so he hoped. The owner's glee-riddened laugh brought Wufei's attention to him and he let the man take his hand in a shake of gratitude. He had just gave Hazib his best business transaction of the night. It was a shame that it had been a bluff on his part.

"Congratulations, my friend!", the purple lad man offered him, his smile wide, "A very good buy on your part. You must be excited."

Wufei forced himself to smile, trying his best to look pleased and eager, anything to hide the distress that he was now under. All his years of schooling and his brain wanted to suddenly forget it all. He would have to blame the fact that he was currently under the stress of having to fool an obviously dangerous man to save his friend.

"You have no idea.", Wufei confirmed, the man laughing again, "He seems a very rare and exceptional buy. I couldn't let the opportunity slip by."

"Of course.", Hazib agreed, his eyes narrowing on Wufei, "Of course, you will get your money's worth. And speaking of money, the matter of your payment. . ."

As the man's words trailed off so that Wufei could figure out the intent on his own, the foreign warrior cringed inside. Hazib wasn't one to beat around the bush, he got straight to the point.

"All in good time.", Wufei said, sitting and offering Hazib a seat, "I wish to further discuss with you the boy I just purchased. You of course know your own merchandise well."

Wufei waited, a bit nervous, as Hazib stared down at him questionably, hoping that the brothel owner would take his offer. It was custom in his lands that when one pruchased something, it was discussed before and after said purchase, and Wufei was hoping that it would work. He had no idea how business transpired in the Middle Continent, but he had the vaguest idea that it was pretty much pay, take your merchandise and it ended there.

A minute passed, a very long minute at that, and then Hazib finally smiled. It turned to a laugh as the man sat on the cushioned chair that Duo had been occupying earlier, calling over a serving boy for wine.

"Of course my friend.", Hazib said, offering Wufei some wine as it was poured, "Since you can not sample the milk before you buy the cow, since you have already made a purchase, I shall tell you all you wish to know."

Wufei nervously laughed as he accepted the cup of wine, knowing that this would only stall the matter of him paying for a short while. He could only hope that Duo didn't take too long.

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Duo easily sneaked his way past the many handy men that the owner of this place had lying around. He easily mixed in with the people that were here to buy a little fun, and once he even got past a group of guards mingled in with a small group of the harem boys. It took some effort for the briaded thief to peel himself away from them, as one or two (but mostly all) had caught his eye. However, he was on a mission and that was to find Quatre and get him the hell out of here.

He ended up at a part of the brothel that was oddly empty, save the occasional servant and he rounded a corner, almost a little too quickly. Luckily for him, he slipped in behind a hanging of fabric that framed the passageway, his violet eyes peeking out at the two large guards that were standing watch at a door.

He could only assume that this was where Quatre was being kept. All the other rooms had one man posted, two meant a very special boy or girl. With his search over, he now had the task of trying to figure out how he would actually get to his blond-haired friend. He would have to distract the two men, and hope that they were distracted long enough for him to slip inside.

He jumped at the loud crash of something dropping down the hall, and realized that the two statues didn't move. Hell, that meant they new better than to let anything he could cook up distract them. Well, he could always try to get them to leave for a while. With a nod, he made up his mind and let his plan be set in motion.

He took the time to rip his shirt and make his hair look desheveled, as if he had put up a fight and then put his acting to work. With his face set in a horrified expression, his eyes watering with unshead tears, Duo rushed out towards the gaurds. With a relieved whimper, he latched himself to one of them, managing to startle the man as he pretended to tremble.

"Please, help us!", he begged, his voice high with feigned desperation, "There's a man that's gone wild in one the lounging rooms! He doesn't have any money left, so I refused him when he asked, and then he. . . and then he. . ."

He let his words trail off into fake sobs, his hands clinging to the guards vest, a smile taking him as the man stiffened. Gently, he was pushed away and he looked up with a wet face to the guard he had latched himself to.

"Stay here.", the guard ordered, before looking to his companion, "We'll take care of it."

As the two went off on their way, Duo watched them go, just to make sure that they were really leaving. After a good minute, he turned back to the door with a triumphant grin. He had to wonder why he didn't join an acting troupe; he was good! The heavy latch was pulled back and then the door was pushed open, Duo poking his head inside. Luckily for him, the room was set up like the rest of the brothel, with heavy curtains framing the doorways and hallways.

It was easy to slip inside and hide without being seen, just incase there were guards behind the door as well. With the door closed gently beside him, he stilled to listen and see if he had been caught entering. Nothing happened, and he figured that he was in the clear.

"I know you're there."

The soft spoken and yet masculine voice, told him otherwise. Duo swore to himself as realized that he probably hadn't been as stealthy as he thought he'd been.

"Are you going to hide there all night?", he was asked, the voice holding amusement, "Or are you going to come out so that I can see you? I know that you came here for your friend, Duo."

Huh. Whoever this was knew who he was. He also knew that he had come here for Quatre and Duo was almost hesitant to lable him as an ally. He could now feel the magic that surrounded the entire room, and Duo had a feeling that whoever it was that was speaking to him was responsible. Nonetheless, he didn't feel threatened, so he decided it wouldn't hurt to meet face to face.

He stepped out from behind the curtain and turned to face the speaker. He met with dark eyes and a gentle smile, one that was welcoming. Duo let his eyes wander, noting that the man dressed to match the rest of the building's attracting occupants and couldn't help but smile, ready to flirt.

"Peace, Duo.", the man said before he could begin, his eyes gleaming in amusement, "I am not a whore. I merely dress and keep them. Besides, I believe that I am a bit too old for you, yes?"

Duo shrugged at that. The man didn't look old and hell, Duo did like them a bit older than him. That meant they had more experience.

"Nah.", he answered with a grin, "I think you're just right."

The dark haired man chuckled at Duo's words, letting himself continue with his work, as he had been mending a garment before Duo had entered.

"I mean, you don't look that old.", the boy continued, sauntering closer to the man, "What are you, like thirty?"

"Try two hundred and fourty seven."

Duo's eyes widened at the number and the man only smiled at him, before looking down to the cloth in his hand again. Two hundred and forty seven? What the hell was he taking to look that young? Hell, he looked really good for his age and since he was that old, well, he had to a have alot of experience.

"Duo, now is not the time.", the man told him with a stern voice, before it softened again, "Another time, perhaps?"

Duo smiled at the words and the obvious invitation. When all this traveling and what not was done, he'd be sure to find his way back here.

"What's your name then?", he was asking, "Since you know mine and all."

"Anoki.", the man answered, resting the garment down, "Though let's get to the matter at hand. You came for your friend, have you not?"

Duo nodded, and Anoki stood from his seat.

"Well, he is not here.", he announced and Duo's mouth fell open.

"What!"

Duo's cry was shushed, and he merely growled in anoyance. How the hell could he not be here?

"Then why were there two guards at the door?", Duo asked, a bit miffed, "I mean, did I trick them into leaving their post for nothing?"

Anoki only sighed, moving to rest a calming hand on Duo's shoulder.

"Think, will you.", he urged the young thief, "Why would Hazib keep his recent and most prized prostitute so far away from him?"

Duo pouted at the words, his arms crossing over his chest in a childish display. It had Anoki smiling at his behavior.

"Yeah, but the guards.", was the boy's only argument.

"I'm guarded so that I don't escape.", Anoki explained, shock taking Duo's eyes, "I'm very much important to Hazib."

Duo felt the flare of power and it caused him to shiver, and then he could feel his mind being entered, coaxed into a state of relaxation. He shook it off, his eyes narrowing on Anoki and what the man was being used for. He would easily bend the mind of the unwilling and could persuade customers into spending their money; convince those men and women that didn't want to give their bodies to do so.

"Why?", Duo asked, a bit confused.

Anoki seemed like a nice enough person, there had to be a reason as to why he would willingly commit something as atrocious as this.

"I have my reasons.", the dark-eyed man answered sadly, the regret in his eyes evident, "But enough of this, I wish to speak wth you quickly and send you on your way. I shall tell where to find Quatre when we are through."

He guided Duo the few steps to the vanity before offering him one of the chairs that sat in front of it.

"Sit."

Duo followed orders, not eaxctly sure why he was wasting time here, when he should be trying his best to find Quatre. Who knew how long Wufei could keep Hazib busy. Then again, Anoki did say he would tell him where to go once he was done. He watched as Anoki took his seat and his hand reached for the bowl of water that sat there, which was meant to wash one's face in.

"You are of magic, yes?", the man asked him and Duo nodded.

He frowned as the water was trhown onto the mirror, his eyes staring in his awe as amazingly the water merely rippled along the glass surface. It stilled to the picture of himself, younger than he was now and accompanied with a shadowed figure; it was obviously female.

"You know how you came to have this magic?", Anoki was asking.

To that he began to nod, but then thought against it and shook his head. He wasn't exactly sure if he knew or not. He had been having dreams lately and to try and explain it all to Anoki, he feared he didn't have the time.

"Slowly it comes to you, but you are uncertain.", Anoki took the words right out of his mouth, "Be certain that you were blessed with a matriarchal gift."

Matriachal? Did that mean. . . Duo could only wonder and listen to whatever it was Anoki had to tell him.

"Yes, your mother.", Anoki answered, though Duo never asked the question, "Her only child was a boy, still she had no choice to give you the skills taught only to the women of your people; gypsies."

He was a gypsie? Huh, go figure. He left his private thoughts to listen once again.

"You fight as you dance, no? A talent of the gypsies and you can you see into the future or rather sense what is to some, bad or good, a feeling I should say. You can cast small curses and can ward them as well. Your power does not stop there, as you were given a gift by your father as well."

"You knew who my parents were?", Duo finally spoke for the first time in a short while.

"Yes, but I shall speak of them another time.", Anoki said, his voice urgent, "Now I speak of you. You have a great journey ahead of you Duo and near the end of it, you will be given more power by one you hold dear."

Duo frowned at that. He didn't know of anyone that he held dear. Hell, if anything that would be his parents, but he only figured that they were both dead. The next person he could think of was Howard, but the old man had never felt of magic.

"It is a gift that will bear a great price.", Anoki warned, "Besides this, you will confront light and darkness, and reach for one while fighting the other. Though you will hold this light for a short while, you must let it go as it is not yours. You will have another."

That sounded similar to what Howard had told him. Now he'd have to heed the warning, as he had now gotten from two people. The voice of the guards outside had them both looking to the door, and Duo was taken hold of by the wrist and pulled to the back of the room.

"I had wished to speak with your other friend, but I see that I will not have the time.", Anoki spoke as they walked, stopping in front of a wall covered with drapes.

All these flowing curtains were beginning to grate at Duo's nerves. Anoki shoved them aside and pressed on a brick, the wall slowly sliding open.

"Your warrior friend, keep him close will you?", Anoki asked him, looking back to him and letting him go, "He may not show it, but he'll need you later."

Duo snorted at that. Wufei would never need him in any way. Hell, the guy didn't even like him. Though he nodded for Anoki's sake, no matter how obvious it was that the older man was delusional. He was pushed through the now open door to a dim, torch-lit passageway and Anoki urged him to start moving.

"Follow this until you reach the end and be sure to turn right.", he directed him, the door slowly closing again, "When you've reached a dead end, count three bricks down from the top and seven bricks away from the right wall."

Duo nodded in both thanks and in parting, before he was trotting on his way.

"Good luck!", Anoki was calling after him, and then the door was closed completely.

He would need it. The man's words were still swimming through Duo's head, but he decided to push them aside and then ponder them later. For the moment, he had to find Quatre.

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Wufei continued to drink and talk with man, trying his best to prolong the actual moment he had to pay. He silently cursed Duo in his head, wondering what was taking the braided idiot so long. His head could easily come up with reasons and it only angered him. He should have let Duo bid and then distact the owner instead, while he went looking for Quatre. The gods know he would have done it much faster than the thief.

He was in the middle of pouring Hazib another cup of wine, when the man's hand slammed down on the table, causing Wufei to stop and look up at him. The clearly impatient face was staring back at him, and Wufei stiffened as the muscled men that had been patiently waiting beside them stepped closer. It would seem that they were tired of waiting.

"You have stalled long enough, my friend.", Hazib began, his voice low and serious, "But, I believe that it is time you payed the amount you promised. Failing to do so would result in dire consequences."

One of the men surrounding them purposely cracked his knuckles, further emphasising Hazib's intended message. Wufei took the hint; either he payed up or they'd make him pay. His free hand idily rested on the hilt of his sword and his other hand rested the wine bottle down.

"You can pay me, can you not?", Hazib prodded, leaning back in the chair.

Wufei watched as his fingers impatiently tapped on the table top and he let his eyes then connect with Hazib's. It was obvious that there was no way out of this and Wufei had wanted to avoid fighting. He'd do anything for a way out of this.

His body tensed as the sound of whistling air rang low and he stood from his seat, his blade drawing in time to block the heavy blade that had been swinging for it. Hazib stumbled backward in his seat as Wufei came eye to eye with familiar colbat blue. Dammit, when he had said anything, he should have been more specific.

"Yuy.", he growled out, the two pushing away from each other.

Heero only glared back at him, the two taking defensive stances, their weapons poised and ready. How the hell had he found them?

"Thought I wouldn't find you?", Heero asked.

Wufei sensed the attack before Heero moved, and he easily danced out to the side, watching Heero's sword crash into the table. He took the chance to swing his own weapon, swearing as Heero was able to move his blade fast enough to counter him. As their swords clanged, their eyes narrowed again, Heero's face holding a scowl.

"You won't get away from me this time.", the chocolate-haired warrior promised him.

Wufei smiled at that, his adrenaline rushing at the thought of battle, even though fear he wouldn't admit to settled in the pit of his stomach. At least he had gotten a way out of paying, as Hazib was now cowering in a corner somewhere. However, as promising as this fight sounded, he couldn't risk an actual fight. He'd have to run again. Heero wouldn't get what he wanted so easily.

"You'll never have it.", Wufei taunted him, his face set in a frown.

Heero's scowl melted away into an amused smile, sending a cold shock down Wufei's spine.

"We'll see about that."

Wufei barely had time to move away, as Heero twsited his weapon free from his block, and had the large blade arcing up to cut at him. A back flip luckily had him out of harm's way by an inch, but he had to duck as the weapon swung with the intention of cutting his head off. He took the advantage of his position, and let his sword thrust toward Heero's open abdomen, but it was knocked aside at the last moment.

He swore as he rolled out of the way, Heero's weapon crashing down on the spot where he had once been, the wooden floor splintering. Duo had better hurry, he didn't know how long he'd be able to keep this up.

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Quatre sat nervously waiting, hoping against all hope that someone came to his rescue before his buyer was escorted to his new room. He had hoped that Anoki would have stayed with him, but they had been seperated and he was led here while Anoki was returned to the room where they had met.

As it had done the last time, the door locked from the outside, so any attempt to escape was hopeless. Even the windows were barred and Quatre knew of no other way out after that. He stilled and looked at the door, as the muffled sounds of a scuffle sounded outside of the door. It was followed by a long silence, which had Quatre straining his ear to catch even the vaguest sound.

He was standing at the sound of the lock being pulled back, and Quatre held his breath as the door soon began to swing open. He had no idea who it was, but he knew that there was no where for him to go, lest it be someone rather than who he wanted it to be. Finally the door swung open completely , and his breath was released in his relief as Duo smiled back at him.

"Duo!", he couldn't help but smile, rushing forward as the thief walked in.

He threw his arms about the braided boy, not knowing what else to do and having the urge to hug him.

"I knew you'd come for me.", he sighed, pulling back to look into smiling eyes, "But what took you so long?"

"Well, I had to find you didn't I?"

Quatre only smiled at Duo's words, and hugged him again for good measure. This was the happiest moment of his life. He was escaping a rather horrible fate and he had no one else to thank but the boy that now stood in front of him. Well, him and Anoki. The thought of the sorcerer sent a pang of sadness through Quatre's heart, which was followed by a feeling of being trapped. Though as soon as it had come, it passed and Quatre didn't want to think further on it. He looked up to Duo as his wrist was taken hold of, oddly enough a bit roughly, but he let it slide.

"We have to go.", Duo urged, beginning to pull him toward the door, "There isn't much time."

Quatre had begun to follow willingly and obediently, but soon his stomach twisted and his head throbbed, as a feeling malicious intent washed over him. He stopped, jerking Duo to a stop as well and he pulled his wrist free to press his hand against his head.

"Wait.", he begged, wanting this feeling to pass.

"We can't wait.", Duo insisted impatiently, grabbing hold of Quatre again, "We have to leave now!"

Quatre gasped as the feeling came again, this time accompanied by obvious anger and impatience. He grew wary then, as he realized he was feeling what ever Duo was feeling, brought on by his contact with the thief. He pulled the boy to a stop again, trying to wrench free of the now bruising grip that his friend had on him.

"Duo, let go.", he begged, his eyes looking up to a now scowling face, "You're hurting me."

A dark smile took Duo's lips as his fingers tightened even more, and Quatre whimpered at the pain. What had gotten into Duo? Why was he acting this way? With a hard shove against Duo's chest, he was able to break free, stumbling back away from the violet-eyed thief.

"Duo, why you acting this way?"

As Duo laughed, Quatre felt nauscious as his empathy decided to kick in and he sensed the dark feelings that was oozing from Duo. It was then he realized, that this couldn't be his friend.

"You're not Duo.", he whispered, backing away as the imposter stepped forward, his voice raising, "Who are you!"

The two were pulled to a wall that began to swing open, revealing a mirror image of the boy that stood just in front of Quatre. The prince gasped as he watched the real Duo step inside, violet eyes widening as he took in the sight before him.

"Well I'll be damned.", the thief muttered in disbelief, "I think I'm going crazy."

The doppleganger began to laugh, Quatre turning back to him, his eyes widening as he found violet eyes now green. He couldn't have found them all the way out here.

"Lucky me.", Duo's double laughed, his form falling away into grains of sand, "I get to kill two of you."

It fell away to reshape into a familiar form, Trowa laughing at Quatre's frightened look. Quatre himself didn't know what to do, he had seen how fast Trowa had moved before, so now he hesitated to run.

"Quatre, move!"

Duo's voice seemed far away, and Quatre could only stare as Trowa began to move forward, his body locking in fright. He would have probably screamed if his voice had been working and he would have run, had his body not been petrified. His eyes were still locked on Trowa's and it was then he noticed that the young man, or monster maybe, had trapped him.

Just as Trowa was a few steps away from him, Quatre found the banged boy's attack stopped, Duo having come to his rescue with a dagger running across Trowa's face. It had the creature stumbling back with a pained mixture of a growl and a scream, one that broke Quatre of whatever spell he was under. His wrist was grabbed once again, this time in a much gentler but urgent hold, and he was being pulled out of the room.

"Come on, Quatre!", Duo urged him, as they ran out into the hall, "We have to get out of here!"

Quatre stopped with a shout as Duo was suddenly knocked aside, coming face to face with an obviously angered and bleeding face.

"You and your friend will pay for that!", Trowa promised before he was lunging forward.

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Trowa had been almost estatic at the opportunity he had been given. Two kills in one night; he'd be statisfied for a while. However, things had turned against him, as that damn braided meddler had managed to stop him from his kill. His anger flared as he paused momentarily, his hand feeling the wound he'd been inflicted now bleeding, and he decided that there was no more time for fun and games.

With inhuman speed he was rushing after them and then was in front of them, knocking the violet-eyed wretch aside and rendering him unconscious as he collided with the wall. He'd have fun killing him slowly later, but right now, he'd deal with princey here. With a snarl fitted on his face, he growled in his rage as he glowered at the golden-haired boy.

"You and your friend will pay for that!", he promised him before he was lunging forward.

He never had the chance to finish his attack, as he was flung back by a force he couldn't see. He grunted in pain as he hit the floor, lifting his head to look at the trembling boy that stared back at him with wide and amazed eyes. Had he done that? Trowa decided he didn't care who had done it. It wasn't going to stop him.

He stood, ready to lunge again, but was flung back before he could even start. This time he crashed into the decor that littered the hallway, finding himself buried under various things. With a cry of pure frustration, he rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing on the prince again. He was met with glaring violet, the boy now standing guard in front of Quatre.

So, he hadn't been unconscious at all and he was the one warding him off. He didn't think that the boy had magic at all, let alone magic that strong. Either way, Trowa was sure he couldn't fight him forever.

------------------------------

Duo had woke a few moments later, after blacking out from a head first crash into the wall, to find Quatre being charged yet again. He didn't know how he had managed it, but with the thought to protect running through his mind, he watched as Trowa was flung back. Awe and confusion struck him for only a moment and he watched as Trowa readied to try again.

He didn't wait for the creature to begin moving, he only thought to ward with his mind and Trowa was flying back again. Now he stood, slowly as he was a bit dizzy, and made his way to Quatre. He stood in front of the prince, his eyes watching as Trowa fought his way through the debris, readying for another attack.

"Duo?", Quatre began to question, and had stepped foward, but Duo easily pushed him back.

"Just stayed behind me.", he warned, his eyes never leaving Trowa, "I'll try to get us out of here."

He watched as Trowa began to run toward them and he let his ward take hold a good distance away, but Trowa easily broke through it. Duo's eyes widened at that, and he stumbled back in shock, nearly tripping over Quatre. He tried again, but Trowa didn't even stumble, passing through that one as well.

"Damn it!", he swore, trying and failing one more time.

He had no idea what to do as Trowa closed in on them, but right before he reached them, the banged boy was thrown back. This time it was by a large amount of magic, which had Trowa writhing on the floor in agony as he landed.

"Malumcinis.", the voice behind them was familiar, "You are not welcome here."

Duo looked back with Quatre to find Anoki standing there with a scowl. He was no longer dressed in his robes, but now wore pants that seemed to be made of hide, his skin painted with odd designs, which seemed to Duo as some kind of war paint. He didn't know what Anoki was, or where he was from, as he had never seen this style of dress before. The feather in the man's hair was now accompanied by beads and a headband of the same material as his pants adorned his head. This style seemed even more foreign than Wufei's, but Duo would have to ponder it later, as now was not the time.

He pulled Quatre out of the way as Anoki stepped forward, as Trowa managed to stand in an upright position, his green eyes narrowed on the stranger. Duo watched as he went to lunge forward, but Anoki merely crouched down, his right hand slamming into the floor. It cracked and parted, before claw like branches broke free, wrapping about Trowa's form and closing around him. The boy struggled as he was trapped, trying to break free, but it was of no use.

Dark eyes glared at him, before they turned away, looking to where Duo and Quatre stood.

"How did you know to find us?", Duo questioned, taking in Anoki's new look.

It really was odd.

Anoki only looked back to the still fighting demon, before he was looking back to Duo and the young prince.

"I felt him and I knew what he intended.", he explained, before he was ushering them down the hall, "Come, we must find your friend. He is in danger."

"Danger?", Quatre gasped, as Duo frowned.

"We must hurry.", was all Anoki told them, and then they were on their way, Trowa left behind.

------------------------------

Heero smiled in triumph as he managed to nick Wufei on his thigh, the boy crouching momentarily to study his new injury. Heero had noticed that the boy's reaction had been slowed, and he reasoned that it was due to the wound on his side that he tried his best to hide. Though Heero had seen him clutch it earlier, so he had known it was there long before it had began bleeding, their fighting having obviously aggrivated and reopened it.

Now the boy would have to worry about his leg as well, and Heero couldn't be more grateful for the advantage this gave him. Not that he needed it, as he was sure that even without his injuries, he would have beaten the boy.

With a laugh he moved foward, his sword ready to give a killing blow, but Wufei blocked it. His weapon was pushed back and the ebony-haired warrior had time to roll out of the way, avoiding Heero's second attempt of attack. He growled in annoyance at that, his eyes narrowing in on his opponent. He was tired of playing nice; it was time he did things his way.

His sword began to glow red, before bursting into flames, and Heero smirked as he watched Wufei's face blanch. There was no escaping this. With a cry he thrust it into the floor, the flames rushing from his blade to encircle them, trapping them both inside a barrier of fire. He would like to see the Eastern boy try and get his way out of this one.

"No more running.", he told the boy, who merely scowled at him.

With his sword pulled free of the floor, Heero lifted it so that the flat of its blade rested casually on his shoulder. He watched as Wufei stood, his injuries ignored as he took a stance, his sword held up and ready to be used. It only made sense that Wufei would become defensive, he was after all, trapped inside a sparring circle.

"I never agreed to this!", the boy growled out.

Heero merely scoffed. Though it wasn't how things went, he didn't want nor did he need Wufei's agreement, he would rather do things his way. Besides, he'd been waiting on Wufei long enough, the boy couldn't run forever and now that he had him, he wouldn't let him go.

"Your master promised me a fight.", Heero reminded him, Wufei's face scowling even more, "And when he died, I realized that what I fought for, he no longer had. You won't escape me this time, Wufei. It will be mine!"

He was then springing foward, his attacks faster than before, as he tried his best to make Wufei falter. It would seem that though the boy seemed weakened, he could easily block his attacks. There was a moment where Heero had gone on the defensive, but that lasted for a short while and then the colbat eyed fighter was the on the attack again.

He smiled in triumph as his sword managed to give Wufei's left arm a beautiful gash, and as the boy was distracted with that, his leg was easily kicking at the boy's other arm. His weapon was knocked away, sliding across the floor and past the flames, making it unreachable.

He heard Wufei swear and he chuckled, bringing the boy's attention back to him. There was no way that Wufei was going to win this one, not without his precious sword.

"If you give up, I can make it quick.", Heero offered him, smiling in amusment at the sneer thrown his way, "I'll kill you as quickly as I can."

He watched Wufei fall into a fighting stance, his ebony eyes set in stubborn determination. So, he was still going to fight?

"I don't need a weapon to kick your ass.", Wufei hissed, Heero's brow raising.

Where had this sudden brashness come from? He only knew Wufei to use scholarly language. Maybe he picked it up from that braided cutie he was now hanging around. The thought reminded him that he had payback to deliver to that smart mouth when he was done here, but not before he had put it to good use.

With a soft laugh, Heero embedded his weapon into the ground, and then was taking a stance of his own. He didn't need a weapon either.

"I'll make this fair.", he told Wufei, the boy snorting.

"There's nothing fair about Ao Zhan that wasn't agreed on.", Wufei snarled, patiently waiting for his attack, "Now are we going to fight, or are you going to keep talking?"

Heero said nothing in response to that, though inwardly he smiled at Wufei's impatience. Well, if he wanted to die, then Heero would willingly volunteer to do the job.

He rushed forward with a kick, not the least bit surprised when Wufei blocked it, and then backed in time to avoid a hit aimed for his face. Wufei's other hand was striking right behind it, but Heero easily blocked that as well, taking hold of the boy's wrist and twisting. He smiled as Wufei was flipped forward, the boy landing on the ground with a pained grunt.

He was rolling out of the way before Heero's foot could come crashing down on him and on his feet in time to block the series of kicks that Heero was sending him. Heero smiled as the boy missed one, his foot making contact with the boy's head, sending him him twirling to the ground.

He watched as Wufei stilled for a few moments, obviously in pain. He had landed on his injured side and was now cradling it protectively. Heero waited until he was standing again, wanting him to keep trying until he gave up. Wufei was crouched in a defensive stance once again and Heero took the invitation.

He moved forward, a series of punches and kicks aimed for Wufei, who somehow managed to block them all. Heero gave the boy an opening, waiting for Wufei to take it and smiled as he did. With Wufei's attempt to attack him, he easily reached out, index and middle finger applying pressure to a point in Wufei's left arm. It had the boy's arm falling limp, and Heero took Wufei's short moment of being stunned to kick him square in his chest.

The young warrior went flying back, landing a few inches away from the brightly burning walls, coughing and panting to regain the air that had been knocked from him. Heero slowly walked closer, his blue eyes staring down at the smarting boy, who only glared up at him in defience. It would he seem he wasn't ready to give up yet.

"Get up.", Heero ordered him, his voice low.

Luckily for him, Wufei did as told and stood from the ground, with his right hand clutching his usless left arm. It would only lay limp at his side for an hour at most, as Heero had merely hit a pressure point to stun it rather than paralyze it for good.

"Good.", Heero said, his fists clenching, "I want to make sure you died fighting."

He watched as Wufei's right hand let go of his arm, the boy holding it up to his chest with his pinky and index finger standing, the other three fingers folded. It was a stance the boy had never taken before, and Heero had to wonder what exactly it was for. He could wonder later, at the moment, he had to knock the boy down again.

He moved forward with the intention of sending a punch, but he was shocked as Wufei blocked him, his leg kicking Heero's arm aside. Then with a cry, he was hitting against Heero's chest with the heel of his hand, sending a large amount of pressure to Heero's chest. He could only feel himself flying back, as the force of the hit had been powerful and Heero had no way of stopping himself.

He was knocked out of the circle, the flames dying as he flew past them, and landed on the wooden floor hard enough to splinter it. His hand trembled as he reached for his chest, his mouth coughing up blood. A crazed smile took his lips as he realized what Wufei had done. He had all the more reason to hunt him now.

He struggled to get up, but found he couldn't. Not because he was too injured, but because he was soon restrained by odd bindings that grew out of the ground, pinning him to the floor. His eyes glared as a man was soon hovering over him, a foreigner from much farther lands than he was.

"Who the hell are you?", he growled out, pissed that he couldn't move.

"That should not concern you, soul stealer."

At the man's words Heero sneered, having his secret blurted out in the open. Well, it wasn't that much of secret, but he didn't just tell any one what he was.

"You've become too greedy.", the man warned him, his expression bored, "This soul, and that which comes with it, is and never will be yours."

"We'll see about that.", he challenged, wanting the last word.

He was granted it, as the man only turned away from him, returning to Wufei that was now joined by the blond prince and the thief.

"Come.", he heard the man tell them, "It's time we left."

Heero watched, unable to do anything, as they left the room. Hopefully, he'd break free of this soon. He was going to get Wufei no matter what it took!

------------------------------

Wufei was able to sigh a breath of relief when Duo, Quatre, and a stranger came to his rescue. Though he had managed to knock Heero back and break the bind of the Ao Zhan, he was sure that Heero would have gotten up to fight no matter if he was hurt or not. All in all, he had used up quite a bit of energy on that last attack, never having used it in battle before.

He was aware of a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into violet eyes filled with worry. He forced a smile to try and assure the braided thief that he was fine, but it would seem that Duo wasn't going to be convinced easily.

"Wufei!"

That was all the warning he got from Quatre, who rushed forward to embrace him, jarring his reopened wound. It had barely been beginning to close when his fight with Heero aggrivated it. Quatre pulled back at his groan of pain, the prince apologizing with wide and worried eyes.

"Are you alright?", the boy was asking him, taking note of Wufei's arm, "What happened to your arm?"

"It's fine.", Wufei tried to calm him, "He hit a pressure point, but I'll be fine in about an hour."

He turned to Duo then, who still watched him with a worried eye, and frowned at the thief.

"What took you so long?"

Duo sighed, before offering him a tired smile. It was obvious that he had been fighting his own battles.

"Come."

The newcomer drew their attention and they turned to look at him as he left a trapped Heero to walk toward them.

"It's time we left."

Although Wufei didn't know this man, he didn't question him, he only followed. It was obvious that he was a friend, as Duo and Quatre had both shown up with him. He left without a glance back at Heero, though he knew his rival was glaring daggers at his back. Heero would stop at nothing until he got him, and Wufei wondered just how long he would be able to outrun and barely escape him.

He had to draw it out as long as he could. If Heero managed to succeed than his promise to his master and the man's death would be in vain. No, Heero would never get it. Not as long as there was still breath within him.

------------------------------

Zechs looked up at the building that he had been drawn to for some reason. He had let his senses guide him and he had been led here. There was screaming coming from inside, and he had to wonder what was going on. Screams were to be normal when coming from a brothel, but these were not screams of pleasure. It was obvious fear and that was why he hesitated outside, wondering what exactly was inside.

He was nudged from behind, and he gently pushed the horse's head away. He had managed to steal two of them on his way here, knowing that they would need them to travel. With the camels gone, he couldn't trade for them, so stealing was his next option. It was lucky for him that these horses were left tied to a post outside of a tavern. The owners were most likely too drunk to ride and would only see their horses gone when they woke in the morning. That gave them plenty of time to leave this place and never look back.

He realized four figures exiting the building, and he sighed in relief as he recognized three of them. The fourth he had a feeling he would know soon enough. As they drew closer, he realized that the feeling that had coaxed him here, was coming from the stranger, and he studied him silently.

"What took you?", the man asked with a smile.

"Thank everything that you're here!", Duo exclaimed, his body sagging tiredly, "Can we get out of here? Crazy guy with the big sword and evil monster boy are inside. I think it's best we hightail it out if here as fast as we can."

Wufei was grunting in agreement, before he was grunting in pain, and it was then Zechs realized that he was hurt. He could only wonder what had happened in there, but he would wait until later, for now it was time that they moved on.

"Duo, you ride with Wufei.", Zechs ordered, handing the braided boy one of the reigns, "Quatre, you'll ride with me."

He was ready to climb on, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him, and he turned to look at the dark stranger that now stared at him with a serious expression. The gaze had a cold sweat take him and he had the feeling that this guy was no ordinary man.

Master of the Dark Magic.

Oh yeah, he wasn't normal alright. Not if he could speak directly to Zechs' mind.

Be patient with those that misunderstand you. Though your Art be dark, your heart holds light and all who doubt it will see its truth soon enough.

He had to wonder why everyone they met seemed to talk to them in riddles and verse, but let it slide. He'd wonder about it some other time, when they weren't running for their lives. He waited to see if the man would let him mount the horse, and luckily the stranger nodded in consent.

He shifted as he climbed up behind Quatre, as the prince hadn't waited for him to climb up first. It didn't matter however, they would get where they were going all the same. He was ready to say goodbye to their new ally, when a strong and familiar feeling hit him, his head turning back as if he could see past the various buildings into the desert beyond.

Without thought, he was truning his horse to head in that direction, but the man held up a hand to stop him. The horse obeyed, even though Zechs wanted to charge off. The man's voice was then entering his mind again.

No, you must go forward. You will meet soon enough when the time is right. For now, you must go.

Zechs merely stared at the stranger, who calmly stared at him in return, and knew that he had no choice. The man was easily controling the horse at this moment to stay put, and that meant he could make the horse ride away with Zechs' commands having no effect.

He turned his horse again, back in the direction he had started, and looked to the strange man again. He nodded to him, the only thing he could think of and waited for the others to say or signal their goodbyes as well.

"Anoki.", he heard Quatre call, it was the man's name, "Will you stay here?"

The man smiled at Quatre, his hand rising to take hold of the prince's.

"I think I shall take the chance and run myself.", the man announced, Zechs watching Quatre smile in relief, "I have been held captive too long, and freedom will do me well. Travel safely and remember my words."

Zechs was about to snap the reigns when Anoki's voice was calling out again.

"Young Master!"

He followed Anoki's stare to Wufei, who was seated behind Duo, his face holding a confused look. His mouth went to open, obviously ready to object, but Anoki held a hand up to silence him.

"You heard the old man speak true, when he said you were to become a teacher. There is no master to learn from and there is none you can find, because the master now, is you. What you hold now, you must teach, but choose your student wisely."

Wufei seemed to contemplate this a moment, but soon enough nodded in agreement. Then Zechs was looking to Anoki, who held a satisfied smile on his face.

"Can we leave now?", he asked.

Zechs didn't care if he sounded impatient, he wanted to distance himself from this place as quickly as he was able. Anoki merely waved them off, and Zechs signalled his horse to ride off, Duo and Wufei behind them on the other horse. He would have looked back, but he could tell that Anoki was already gone, having disappeared into the night.

He would take the man's example, they would disappear from this town as well. The pulling feeling came again, and he resisted the urge to turn back, knowing if he did, things would go wrong. When they had reached their destination, he would stop and wait for him. For now, he had no choice but to run from him, too.

T.B.C.

I pulled an all nighter with this chapter. I had to write it as I had managed to find inspiration, after a one review slump of writer's block. I hope you liked it and please tell me if you did. I want to know what you think, it helps me out and gives me the push to write more. Don't you want me to write more? (eerie silence) Why do I even bother? You're lucky I have a mission to see this damn thing through. Ja for now!