Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Fates Intertwined: The Threads that Bind Us ❯ Chapter 11

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

Author's Note: Nothing much, just that I finally got around to actually writing and posting this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Disclaimer: You know, and I know, that I do not own the Gundam Boys, nor do I own anything affiliated with them. However, I do own the plot and various original characters that pop up here and there.

Pairings: Please refer to the last chapter(s).

Warnings: All the same as before. Yes, even the original character if back, but I couldn't help myself. Don't worry, this is truly the last time we see him. . . . maybe.

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Milliardo wearily sat at the table that he and Treize had been given. They had stopped at an inn when they had reached the town they had been rushing toward. Disappointment met them here, or rather, it had met Milliardo. He had been so sure that Zechs would be here.

He had been here, but it was clear to see that he was long gone. The faint sense of the man that told Milliardo it was him, was slowly waning, meaning that he was no longer in the area. That meant that Milliardo would have to wait even longer to finally meet the one person he wanted to finally see face to face.

He sighed heavily, propping his chin up in his hand as he leaned on the table, a pout he hadn't planned on taking his lips. His blue eyes slowly traveled around the room, looking for the vizier who had accompanied him on this little trip. The man had gone to get him something to cheer him up. What that something was, Milliardo had no idea; he'd just have to wait until Treize returned from wherever he had disappeared to.

"Why the long face?"

His eyes looked up in a small bout of surprise at the vizier's voice. He hadn't even seen or heard the man coming. He merely shook his head, not really wanting to explain to Treize the reason for his mood, as the man joined him at the table. He heard Treize sigh, but the blond envoy ignored it.

"Come on, I brought you something that will cheer you up."

Curiousity got the best of him, and Milliardo looked up just in time to see Treize sliding a small platter of plain sugar cakes toward him. Beside it was then rested a tall pint of ale, or at least Milliardo figured that it was ale. He had never really drank the stuff. It was a common's man drink and was never served inside of the castle. Even on his journey to the Middle Continent, he had never had commoner food and drink.

His blue eyes glanced up to Treize, who merely sat smiling back at him, his own pint cradled in his hand.

"You deserve a treat.", was the man's only explanation, "I'm sure something sweet would do you good."

Milliardo was glancing down again to the platter of cakes at the words. He had had cake before, it had never really made him happy. He didn't know how he was going to enjoy them while in a state such as the one he was in now, but he figured he'd try it. It would be rude to refuse Treize's offered help. What was the harm in trying just one?

His hand reached out and took one in his hand, slowly bringing up it to his lips. He looked to Treize one last time, to be sure that it was okay. He was never one to believe his father, being that the man was a complete imbecile, but he did know that he was a bit gullible. All those tall tales he had been told as a child, that food made by the common man was unsuitable for the royal palate, made of everything else but food and tasted worse than the filfth that it was, suddenly came rushing back to him. It was filling him with doubt that such a thing would make him feel any better, but as Treize merely smiled even brighter, Milliardo figured that he was acting rediculous.

With a deep breath, he finally opened his mouth and bit into the treat.

And that's exactly what it was. Blue eyes widened as the sweet taste of the cake hit his tongue, Milliardo aware of Treize's laughter, but ignoring the man as he quickly chewed and swallowed the cake in his mouth, while reaching for another. This had to be one the most delicious things he'd ever tasted. For something so simple, it surpassed any of the fancy desserts he had ever been fed throughout his lifetime.

He didn't realize the rate that he had been eating them, and he was shocked to find his hand meet the empty plate that had once held the small cakes. He looked to Treize, who was snickering on the other side of the table, and couldn't help but blush. Especially as the man's laughter grew louder as he looked to Milliardo, though calling out for another order of the sugar cakes.

The young envoy swallowed the morsels of cake that had still been in his mouth, reaching for his ale to wash it down. He paused as the liquid hit his tongue, never having tasted something so bitter in his life, but it did hold a nice contrast to the cakes. He downed it, at a speed that surprised both himself and Treize, ready for another.

He hadn't enjoyed anything this much before, and now that he was, he wanted it to last as long as he was able to draw it out.

"Can I have more?", he asked Treize, his cup slamming down against the table.

He only hoped the man would agree.

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Treize had returned to find Milliardo pouting. It was a cute look that made the young man seem more of the boy that he had once been, or rather still was to some degree. It also reminded the vizier of his own blond prince and the cute little pouts that had been directed at him one too many times to count.

He shook those thoughts away as he presented Milliardo with the cakes, watching as the envoy looked over it a bit warily. He could tell from that alone, and the hesitant way that he reached for them, that Millirado had never eaten common food in his life. Well, it was time that he learned, since now that they were traveling, it was probably all he was going to get.

Treize's smile grew brighter as the blond-haired prince looked to him again, and he waited as Milliardo finally bit into it. Crystal blue eyes widened in complete shock and Treize couldn't help the laughter that spilled from him as he watched his traveling companion. It would seem that Milliardo liked them, that is, if the speed in which he began eating them was anything to go by.

Milliardo was done soon enough and Treize snickered as he watched the boy's confused face, before laughing out right as the blond looked up at him. The boy was reminiscent of a chipmunk, his cheeks stuffed with sugar cake, and wide blue eyes a bit disappointed that the plate was empty.

As Milliardo began to blush in embarassment, Treize turned away to call for another order of the sweets for the young royal, his eyes catching in the corner of the room, a pair of dark eyes watching them; a man dressed in a dark cloak. He made sure to make it seem as if he hadn't noticed, and turned back in time to see Milliardo draining off his ale.

"Can I have more?", Treize was asked, Milliardo slamming his mug down.

He wasn't so sure how well the younger man could hold his liqour, especially since it wasn't the light, flavored wines that the boy had to be used to, but he didn't see the harm in one more.

"Alright.", he agreed, watching Milliardo's face light up in boyish delight, "Though only a half pint. I don't need you getting drunk on me."

It wasn't long before the cakes came, along with a half of ale, and Treize couldn't help but smile as he watched Milliardo happily gorge himself. He didn't think that it would actually work, but it would seem the simplest thing managed to cheer him up.

Upon arriving to the town, the two had found that the ones they had been chasing after were long gone. That had caused Milliardo to become a bit despressed, though he wasn't the only one. Treize had wanted to finally catch up with Quatre, and yet, the boy had managed to slip past him once again.

He sipped at his own ale, his mind wandering as Milliardo happily ate and drank, his thoughts centered around Middle Continent's young prince. He had asked around if anyone had seen him, and he had learned that he had been seen indeed. Not to mention, that he had been, for a very short while, the newest addition to a brothel.

Said brothel had been somehwat wrecked, since rumor also had it that Hazib's, (the owner of the wretched place), newest whore had been stolen just as he was bought. That meant that whoever Quatre was with, they hadn't sold him to Hazib to begin with, and had taken him back. Now they were traveling again, and Treize wanted to rush out after them, but he had no idea as to where they were going.

"Barkeep!", it was Milliardo's voice, and Treize looked up at the young envoy and couldn't help the sigh that escaped him, "Another round! And more cakes!"

The noble's voice was beginning to slur, and his cheeks were tinted a light shade of red, proving to the vizier that Milliardo couldn't hold his liqour at all. He was aware that the eyes that had been watching them before, happened to still be doing so, and he wondered if their observer meant trouble.

He was distracted as he watched Milliardo stand from his seat, already drunk and heading for the bar, his drunken laughter gaining him amused looks from the rest of the patrons in the inn. He went to follow, but the figure that gracefully slipped into Milliardo's forgotten seat had him sitting again.

Prussian blue eyes met with dark eyes that had been watching him a few moments before. They were still watching him, and Treize had to wonder if the newcomer was friend or foe.

"Of course I want another pint!", Milliardo's voice had him looking to the envoy who now sat at the bar, arguing with the bartender.

"You should be more careful with him."

The stranger spoke, with a voice that entranced and drew his attention, and Treize looked back to the cloaked figure.

"He's just as vunerable as the Golden Prince you worship."

Treize frowned in suspicion at the man's words. What the hell did this man know about him, or Quatre for that matter? What exactly could he possibly want?

"I am no foe, Treize.", the man tried to assure him, but the fact that he knew his name made Treize even more suspicious, "In fact, I hope I can be seen as a friend."

"I shall be the judge of that."

The stranger only smiled, nodding in agreement with him. Then he was looking to Milliardo, and Treize took his example, the two of them watching as the long-haired blond threw back his ale.

"He is the light that leads your way, I presume? He will take you to your prince."

Treize turned back to his new company to find the man smiling at him, and he only frowned. He didn't see why this man was trying so hard to let him know that he knew exactly what Treize was doing. It was unnerving and it made him feel as if he should just head on his way as soon as possible.

Then again, he was curious.

"How do you know so much, stranger?", he inquired.

The man only smiled, his shoulders rising and falling in a modest shrug.

"Let us call it a gift of mine.", he said, his dark eyes staring back at Treize, "Shall I continue to use my gift to aid you?"

Treize stopped to ponder for a moment. So far, though he still had his suspicions, the man hadn't proved to be any trouble. He did seem to want to help, and both he and Milliardo needed said help. This sense that seemed to be pulling Milliardo in the right direction couldn't be the only thing they depended on.

Then again, who knew if this man would really help them? He could just be setting them up for some sort of trap.

"How can I trust that your help is sincere?", he questioned, aware that Milliardo seemed to have grown much more drunk and louder.

He'd have to go and stop the boy from drinking himself to death in a short while. At the moment, he wanted to know more from this mysterious stranger that had decided to grace him with his presence.

"You do not trust me?", the man asked, his voice holding hurt though a smile took his lips.

It made Treize's frown grow deeper. It was obvious that his company was amused. He didn't see what was so funny.

"I have to be sure that you aren't leading us astray.", he explained.

The man only chuckled, before he was reaching for Treize's forgotten ale.

"You can trust that I will lead you to your quarry."

Treize watched, a bit miffed that it was taken, as the man lifted the mug to his lips. The words that were muttered before he took a sip had the royal vizier's eyes widening as a gasp fell from his lips.

"It was I that sent him on his way."

The table shook as Treize stood, slamming his hands down against the table top and startling a few nearby patrons. It did nothing to affect the man that sat calmly drinking the ginger-haired man's ale, even as Treize glared dangerous daggers at him.

"Who are you!", the vizier demanded, his voice threatening, "Where have you sent him!"

He saw the man look about the room, aware that they were attracting stares and then he was sighing. Those deep brown eyes looked to Treize a bit pleadingly, and he held up a hand to coax the taller man to sit again.

"Peace, Treize.", he softly begged, the man slowly taking his seat again, "I did not mean to anger you."

Treize only snorted, though he said nothing and waited for the man to go on.

"My name is Anoki.", he began, his voice low so that only Treize could hear, "I am a wizard; one who is now on the run. I met with Prince Quatre just last night, and I helped him and his friends escape."

Friends? Quatre didn't have any friends. He had to mean the thieves that had stolen the prince away.

"No.", Anoki said with a smile, "I mean the friends he willingly left with."

Treize was struck with a moment of awe as Anoki easily read his mind, but then confusion at the words that the wizard had spoken.

"So he did run away.", was all he could say for the moment.

"Escaped from his cage is more like it.", Anoki re-worded for him, "What life was that for him? His spirit is much too free. It's what you are attracted to, yes?"

The blush that took the advisor's face had Anoki chuckling, and Treize decided to move the conversation along. They weren't here to discuss his attraction to the young prince. They were here to discuss where said prince had been sent off to. There was no time for idle chatting, besides, Milliardo seemed to be mingling amongst the crowd. Who knew what trouble the Northern envoy would find himself in?

"Just tell me where you sent him.", Treize pushed, eager to move this along.

"Alright, I will send you down the same path that I have turned him on.", Anoki said with a soft laugh, "However, there is something I must tell you, but you must first promise me something."

"And what is that?"

"When you reach him, you must not take him back."

Treize went to open his mouth in objection, but Anoki's stare had him falling silent, with a cold shiver crawling down his back.

"This is a journey he must see finished, to turn him back now would hold dire consequences.", the mysterious man warned, "I ask that you let him see it through, and stand beside him. He will need you."

Treize nodded and Anoki's serious mask melted into a contented face.

"Good. In that case, you must continue to travel East.", Anoki informed him with another sip of Treize's ale, "Now about the Golden Prince that you are traveling with."

Treize looked back to Milliardo, who was now sitting atop the bar and animatedly telling a man on the stool in front of him some sort of story. What could Anoki possibly have to tell him about the foreign envoy?

"He is another man's treasure. Do not be pulled by temptation."

Anoki's warning had him trying his best not to blush. How the hell did he know all this anyway? He wasn't attracted to Milliardo as much as to be "tempted" at all. In fact, he could more see the boy as a younger brother and nothing more.

"Even brother's have shared passion.", Anoki's voice rang out, and Treize couldn't stop his face from turning red.

"Would you stop doing that!", he demanded, Anoki merely grinning back at him, "Just stay out of my head!"

"I'm sorry.", the man apologized, faking sheepishness, "It's just that you think so loudly."

"Or you're just nosy.", the forked-brow man muttered, Anoki merely shrugging with a laugh.

Treize looked back to the long-haired blond, who had now caught the attention of an older man, someone who was watching the boy a bit too closely for Treize's comfort. He would have gotten up to go and retrieve him, but a hand on his own had him looking back to Anoki, who bid him to stay until he was through with his eyes alone.

"I will make this as brief as I can.", he told him, letting Treize go, "Quatre is heading East, but his path will change West once again. Though it will not be towards home and it will be against his will. You will find your purpose soon, one you can not and will choose not to refuse. You'll chase your prince more than once, and must watch him in the distance. Never take your eyes off of him, he will need you soon enough. As for the prince with you now. . . "

Anoki's words trailed off as he looked to the bar, and Treize followed his gaze. Blue eyes widned as he found Milliardo easily being led away from the bar and towards the stairs to the rooms, by the same man that the boy had been chattering with in his drunkeness.

"You have more cakes upstairs?", he could hear Milliardo's slurred question from where he sat, and he sighed.

This of course was partially his fault. He should have never offered the boy ale.

"He's the one that needs you to play hero right now."

He turned back to Anoki, who was reaching down to the floor beside him and coming back up to rest a somewhat large chest on the table.

"Promise me that you'll give this to a friend of mine when you catch up with Quatre.", he said, looking up to Trieze, "You'll know who it goes to the moment you see him."

Treize merely nodded in agreement, eager to go after Milliardo, before taking the chest up in his hands.

"Is this where we say good bye?", he questioned, and Anoki only smiled at him.

"For now.", was the man's only words as he stood from the table.

Treize blinked in shock as Anoki seemed to disappear into the thin air, as if he had never been there.

There's a chance we'll meet again.

He heard the voice, but saw no sight of the mysterious wizard, and figured that he was gone for good. None the less, he had no time to look for him. Milliardo was being dragged away by a man who most likely had every intention of taking advantage of the young blond in his drunken stupor. Treize would make sure that it never happened.

He quickly made his way to the stairs, Milliardo and his new "friend" having disappeared up them a few moments before. Luckily, he caught up with them in the hall, where Milliardo was giggling at something the man was whispering to him. Treize resisted the urge to roll his eyes, as it was obvious that Milliardo was too drunk to notice that the man was flirting with him; or to realize that he was being pushed against the wall, the man pressing in a bit too close for Treize's comfort.

The vizier came up behind them, glaring down at the chuckling blond-haired ambassador and the man who currently was trying to seduce him. He cleared his throat, gaining both their attention, and his Prussian eyes narrowed in to a sharper glare.

"Oh, hi Treize.", Milliardo greeted in drunken bliss, "Did you come for more cakes, too? This gentleman says that he has some in his room. I'm sure he'll let you join us, if you want to."

He couldn't understand his next action, all he knew was that it seemed like the right thing to do at that precise moment. Treize grabbed hold of the man by his shoulder, turning him to face him and before he could object, the stranger was struck with his fist. Milliardo only gasped in shock, barely focused blue eyes staring at the vizier in disbelief, as Treize massaged his somewhat smarting knuckles.

"Treize, what on earth-"

Treize ignored him and was acting unknowingly again. He lifted Milliardo up and flung him over his shoulder, the boy's words stopping with a startled yelp. The boy's objections were mixed with uncomfortable grunts and drunken laughter, but Treize didn't stop until they had reached an empty room. They hadn't planned on renting one, but it would seem that now they had no choice.

The blond-haired Northerner was deposited on the bed, and then Treize was returning to the door, closing and locking it behind him. When he turned back to Milliardo, he was already sitting up on the bed, trying his best to glare at the ginger-haired advisor.

"Treize, what's gotten in to you?", the boy demanded, standing from the bed and trying his best not to sway, "What you did back there was unforgivably rude."

"He was trying to seduce you.", was his only words.

He watched as Milliardo seemed to blush, but only waved him off in disbelief; it was obvious that he wouldn't believe him until he was sober.

"He only wanted to give me more cakes.", Milliardo argued, stumbling foward.

Treize reached out to steady him as the boy tripped, his face frowning as he only hiccuped and giggled at his near fall.

"He wanted to give you more than cake."

The words were muttered, but it would seem that he was heard anyway. Milliardo's forehead creased in a frown, as he looked to the taller man as if searching for any sign that the man was lying to him.

"He wanted to. . . ", Milliardo's voice trailed off as realization dawned on him.

Treize couldn't blame the envoy for the bright flush that took his face.

"You saved me.", Milliardo's voice sounded heavy with wanted sleep.

Treize only shrugged, deciding it best to lead the boy back to the bed, and he did just that.

"You're my hero.", he heard Milliardo sigh.

He froze as the boy pulled closer to him, his arms wrapping about his neck and his face soon inches away from his own. The man had no idea what to do, so he merely froze in uncertainty, looking down in to crystal blue eyes.

"A knight.", the envoy murmered, "One who deserves a kiss."

Treize moved his head back as the blond moved forward; this wouldn't end well, since it had already headed down the wrong path. Anoki had just warned him, and here he was, about to trap himself.

"Milliardo-"

His word stopped short as Milliardo pulled their lips together. The kiss was a bit sloppy, being that the young man was drunk, but Treize knew it had done enough damage; especially as his arms wrapped about the younger man's waist.

He was soon able to recognize the taste of ale and the sugar of the cakes, and it was then he realized that he had so willingly let his tongue in to Milliardo's mouth for a taste. He pulled away quickly, pushing Milliardo back a bit too harshily, so that the boy stumbled and landed on the bed.

That didn't help, as the boy had landed in a far too captivating postion. Milliardo lay on his back, chest heaving as he panted, his blond hair fanned out on the mattress beneath him. His lips, that now pouted even more from their kiss, was parted ever so slightly, as if calling to entice Treize to kiss them again. The blush on his cheeks and the lust-filled, and half kissed, gaze did nothing to help the situation, as it only made Treize feel much hotter.

And that made him feel guilty. He excused himself as fast as he could, giving the excuse that he was going to pay for the room, and left the boy behind. Once outside, he leaned against the door, sighing in relief that he had fought the urge to ravish the boy. It had been far too long, and the sudden invitation that Milliardo had given him, he had nearly accepted.

He had fought temptation and won, but to be safe, he would wait until Milliardo was sober again to deal with him. As he headed back downstairs, peeking back into the room and finding the envoy already snoring, Treize promised to never give the boy liqour ever again. He wasn't so sure that he'd hold back should this incident happen again.

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Wufei looked up from his seat on the ground, nestled in a small niche of rock and grass (as they had longed broke free of the desert), as Duo heaved a heavy sigh yet again. It was obvious that the braided thief was trying to gain their attention, and as Quatre was busy setting up a small fire and Zechs was off with horses to search for water, that left Wufei with the job of humoring the taller boy.

He scowled as Duo sighed again, violet eyes trying to look in the warrior's direction as discreetly as he could, but failing. Then again, Wufei was sure that the braided boy wanted Wufei to know he was asking for his attention. He cut off another sigh before Duo could finish it.

"Duo, what do you want!"

He didn't mean to snap, but the boy could be quite aggrivating. He rolled his eyes as Duo beamed at him and stood to bounce in his direction. He only glared at him as Duo dropped down beside him, his grin brightening as Wufei scowled at him.

"Nothing!", the thief chirped happily with a laugh, leaning back against the rock.

Wufei couldn't help the growl that escaped him, and he clenched his hands into fist so as not to strike his traveling companion. He had been warned by Quatre that any more violent acts toward Duo would get him his own knock to the head. He hadn't believed the boy until he had hit Duo a few hours earlier.

His hand rose to his head, rubbing at the still sore spot that Quatre had clocked him. He didn't think the prince could hit that hard. Either way, he had learned his lesson. Hurting Duo was no longer a choice. He would just have to grit his teeth and bear the thief's constant stupidity.

"Duo, you idiot!", at least yelling at him made him feel slightly better.

Duo merely laughed and Wufei ignored him, looking to where Quatre sat stoking the fire.

"I'm just so bored."

His eyebrow twitched as Duo began to speak. Duo's boredom usually meant throbbing headaches in the near future.

"I though maybe we could talk."

The serious tone in Duo's voice had caught his attention, and he dragged his eyes away from the blond prince to look at the violet-eyed gypsie. Duo was looking up at the sky, his face holding a thoughtful expression, before he turned curious eyes in the dark-haired warrior's direction.

"I'm curious.", Duo slowly began, "I overheard Anoki calling Heero a Soul Stealer and saying that he could never have yours. What is that and why exactly is he after yours?"

Wufei sighed, not exactly sure how to avoid that question. Well, he could always refuse to answer, but the least he could do was explain what the hell Heero was. Then he could always avoid answering the second half of Duo's question.

"A Soul Stealer is exactly what it sounds like.", he began, his eyes looking back to watch Quatre, "It's a man or woman who has perfected an art in which they can steal a person's soul, thus gaining any ability or special attribute that they own. Heero is one of the strongest, and he has gained his strength in a short period of time due to his excessive soul stealing. He wants power, in fact, he craves it. I'm not sure of what he intends to do with said power, but I can assure you that it is most likely connected to some ill-content."

"Yeah, but, what does he want with you?", Duo pushed, violet eyes showing his interest.

Wufei turned to Duo and had to let himself smile a bit, as the look he was being given reminded him of a child interested in a hero's tale or bed-time story.

"What does it matter what Heero wants?", he retaliated with a question of his own, "Whatever it is, I'll never allow him to get it."

He watched Duo frown, which quickly turned into a pout, this time reminiscent of a child who hadn't gotten his way.

"Aren't you going to at least tell me?", Duo questioned and Wufei only smirked.

"Nope."

"But I want to know!", the braided boy whined.

"Duo leave Wufei alone."

Wufei looked up with Duo to find Quatre hovering over them, a bowl of steaming water and clean bandages in his hands. He heard Duo grumbling beside him, but ignored the boy, in favor of staring up at the Golden Prince in all his glory. Quatre seemed to be haloed by the sun light that came streaming down, that in which he happened to be blocking from Wufei, but it was something to admire.

"But Quatre!", Duo was complaining, another pout on his face, "Why does he have to be so secretive? What is he hiding? Don't you want to know!"

Wufei watched as Quatre merely smiled gently at the braided thief, kneeling down beside him and taking out a small cloth which he dipped into the water.

"I'm sure anything Wufei wants us to know he will tell us in due time.", Quatre responded, turning to pin Wufei with a piercing gaze, "Secrets aren't meant to be kept forever."

He couldn't help the blush that took his face at that stare, and he wasn't exactly sure why he was blushing to begin with. None the less, Wufei was able to turn his eyes way from the Middle Continent's next ruler, only to be met with Duo's teasing grin. He sighed in exasperation and waited for whatever it was the braided teen was about to deliver.

"Yeah, I'm sure there's a lot of secrets that Wufei's just dying to let you know, Quatre.", the thief muttered with a laugh.

"Would you get out of here!", Wufei screamed, watching Duo jump up from his seat beside him, "Go do something useful!"

"I agree, Duo.", Quatre was saying, shooing him off, "Why don't you go unroll the sleeping packs?"

"Alright, alright!", Duo was still teasing him, "I'll leave you two alone. Just to let you know though, I won't be too far, so don't think I won't see anything."

He couldn't help but throw the rock at the idiot's fat head, Duo laughing as he ran off to avoid it.

"Dumb pain in my- ow!"

Wufei looked to Quatre, his hand rubbing at the part of his arm that had been unmercifully pinched and knew that he had broken the rules.

"I told you no more trying to hurt Duo."

"Yeah, well he deserved it."

Wufei glared off in the direction where Duo was now doing as he was told, before he was looking back to Quatre, who at that moment decided to lift the sloe-eyed boy's outer shirt.

"What are you doing!", Wufei demanded, jerking and snatching his robes back down.

His face flushed red for a moment before it was crumpling in pain. Damn it, he had probably just tore open his wound. . . again!

"I want to take care of that injury.", Quatre told him, reaching for Wufei's robes again.

This time Wufei didn't stop him as Quatre gently opened them and pushed them from his shoulders, and was then gently lifting the undershirt up and off. The two stopped as Duo's cat call echoed in their direction, and the violet-eyed gypsie barely had time to duck from the rock thrown in his direction. This time it was thrown by Quatre, and the two watched as Duo ran off to who knew where.

"Idiot."

Wufei's mumbled word earned him a disapproving stare from Quatre and he quietly apologized, his eyes looking down to the grass covered ground.

"You know, you have to learn how to ignore him.", Quatre was telling him, as he began to clean the bleeding wound.

Wufei clenched his teeth, trying his best not to hiss in pain as the prince tried to be as gentle as possible. He was beginning to wonder if the damn thing would ever heal. It had bandaged so many damn times already. The groan of discomfort he couldn't hold back, as Quatre gently prodded at it, tsking as he obviously found something he didn't like.

"You're getting an infection.", he announced.

Wufei merely shrugged at the news. He wasn't too surprised, being that although it had been bandaged, it wasn't exactly tended to correctly. He had been sweaty and they had been sleeping on sand, which so easily crept into his clothes; so whay not his bandages?

He looked to Quatre, whose face held a look of concentration as he returned to gently wiping clean the gash in Wufei's side. Wufei could also tell that he was worried, as Quatre was easy to read, though the young prince did try to hide what he was feeling at times. Now was one of those times, but the warrior could see past the sloppily placed mask.

"What is it?", he questioned, momentarirly getting Quatre to stare up at him.

"You'll need stitches, Wufei.", his face tried to show calm, but his voice carried the panic he wanted to hide, "There isn't a doctor for miles, and we barely have any medicine to fight against the infection. What if it gets worse, and it makes you sick? Wufei, what if it gets so bad that you die. . . would it be my fault? It feels like it's my fault. I-"

"Quatre!"

His stern call worked in cutting Quatre's panic attack short, and he offered the boy a comforting smile. It was nice to know that someone was looking out for him.

"I'll be fine.", he assured him, or at least tried to, "You can believe me when I say that I've lived through worse."

There was silence that followed his statement, in which Quatre dropped his gaze, and busied himself with cleaning the rag in the bowl of water. Wufei knew that something was on his mind, and his smile faded as he waited for whatever it was Quatre was about to ask him.

"You mean Heero?"

And there it was. It would seem that everyone wanted to know how he was connected to Heero, even though it was a subject that he avoided delving into, since it was a bit painful to Wufei. He offered half a smile anyway, and merely leaned back against the rock behind him, his ebony eyes staring out to the cloud speckled sky.

"Yes.", he finally answered, after a deep sigh, "Among other things."

He waited, never looking to Quatre, but knowing another question was bound to follow it.

"Back there, at the brothel, he was trying to kill you.", Quatre's voice was low, and Wufei nearly had to strain to hear him, "Anoki said that he wanted your soul. What could he possibly need it for?"

Wufei swallowed a lump in his throat as he thought about it himself. Heero hadn't wanted his soul to begin with, at least, not until after his Master's death. What his soul held, he could never allow Heero to gain possesion of, and he didn't trust anyone else with it.

"I'm not sure.", Wufei answered half truthfully.

He had a pretty good idea of why Heero wanted his soul, but he couldn't say that he was one-hundred percent accurate with his guess.

"The flames you fought in.", Quatre went on, obviously unsatisfied, "Was that a trap?"

"No.", Wufei simply answered, before explaining, "It was Ao Zhan. It's a final battle between two warriors; a fight to the death. However, you can say that it was used as a trap. Both fighters must agree on Ao Zhan. Heero called up the sacred barrier without my consent, that's also why it was easy to break-"

He stopped, his eyes widening in surprised as he was greeted with an armful of the prince, who squeezed him gently. He heard Quatre's sigh of relief and was a bit confused as to why the prince was hugging him. His heart was pounding in his chest, having the boy so close, but he easily wrapped on arm around Quatre, resting his hand on top of golden locks.

"I'm so glad you're alright.", Quatre murmured, his words muffled with his face buried in Wufei's shoulder, "Who knows where we'd be if we'd lost you."

Their moment was interrupted by the trill of horses, and Wufei glanced up to find Zechs leading the horses back to the camp sight. He looked in their direction, but only raised an eyebrow at the two of them, before climbing down off of the horse he was riding. Quatre pulled away from Wufei, much to the warrior's dismay, to greet the older blond. Wufei kept seated, nodding to Zechs who drew closer so that he joined them.

"Finally taking care of that I see.", the taller blond said in observance, "Looks like you'll need to sew that shut."

Zechs knelt beside him to get a better look and Wufei merely rolled his eyes as the older boy whistled at the damage.

"And you've got an infection.", he repeated Quatre's earlier words, "Seems like it's only going to get worse."

Wufei only shrugged, having heard this once already. There wasn't much he could do until they got the medicine to treat him. He'd only have to grit his teeth and bear it.

"Another time, maybe.", Wufei worded, ready to get dressed again, "For now, bandage it up and let's get on our way."

"But I made Duo unroll the sleeping packs.", Quatre said, his face confused, "Shouldn't you rest even for a little while?"

"I have.", Wufei said, reaching for the new bandages that Quatre had brought, "And now I think it best we move on. We won't have the sunlight for too long, and the sooner we hit the mountains, the better."

He began wrapping his own bandages, but was stopped by Zechs, who took over for him. The older boy was frowning in disapproval but Wufei chose to ignore it. Anoki had managed to stop Heero, but for how long? For all he knew, the brown-haired Soul Stealer was on their trail by now. The last thing he needed was for the dark man to catch up with them.

He knew what Heero was like. He had seen the man kill those who were innocent to get to whomever he was chasing at the time. Now as no different. Besides, it would seem that Wufei wasn't the only one he was after. Wufei had seen the way Heero had looked at Duo. That look alone told him that Heero would let his attention be swayed to the braided gypsie. After all, Duo did seem promising for a man who craved power. Not to menetion, the idiot didn't look all that bad. Wufei would admit, the braided teen was a looker.

And speaking of said thief. . . Wufei looked about the camp to realize that Duo was missing. It would seem that after having run off to escape the rock that was thrown at him, their braided miscreant had yet to return.

"Has anyone seen Duo?", he questioned.

The others stopped to look about them, their brows creasing with identical frowns as they realized the violet-eyed boy was indeed missing.

"You didn't see him when you were heading back to camp?", Quatre was asking Zechs.

The older of the group only shook his head, his eyes looking to the beginning of wooded area that Duo could have possibly headed into.

"I would have brought him back with me.", Zechs told them, although he had a feeling that if he had tried, the thief would have outright refused to acompany him.

Wufei's worry grew as he followed Zechs' gaze to the woods, his gut dropping as he realized that Duo could be in some sort of trouble. He tried to mask his sudden distress, (though why he was feeling it he couldn't quite comprehend), with annoyance and he sucked his teeth as he stood from the ground.

"I guess we have no choice but to go after the blockheaded twit."

He managed to dodge Quatre's swinging fist, having forgotten the prince's earlier threat, and redressed himself in his soiled robes.

"He couldn't have gotten that far.", he told the other two, "We'll leave the horses here for now and return when we find him."

He was leading the way only because he figured that someone had to take the role of leader, not because of the nagging feeling in his chest to find Duo as quickly as possible and bring him back safe and sound to the camp. With a frown fitted on his face, Wufei disappeared into the trees, not even bothering to check if Zechs and Quatre were behind him. He was sure that they would follow him, and even if they didn't, he'd just find Duo on his own. He had to.

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Heero couldn't help but grit his teeth in nothing but pure rage as he tried his best to break free of his bonds. Whoever that man had been, he was particularly strong, as his magic had yet to wear of. The simple branches, that he could otherwise easily break without much effort, were still holding strong. And that wasn't the worst of it; he had to pee.

"Where the hell is Trowa!", he snapped aloud, struggling even harder to break free.

Though it was to no avail. He was caught tight and he was sure that there was really no way out of it. At least, not with physical strength. He concentrated as he reached deep within himself, pushing his way past vengeful souls as he searched for one in particular. It took him a while, his face scowling as he had encountered many a soul that were trying to fight their way free or looked to him for sympathy and mercy.

It was found finally, the one he wanted, curled up alone in a distant corner of himself. Heero smiled as he touched it and let the soul merge with his own, becoming one for the moment with the remnant of what had once been a young woman. It had been worth stealing her soul, and now that he had merged with her's in particular, he could finally make his way free from these damn bindings.

Blue eyes lightened to a murky white, as lavender-colored energy crackled about him, tracing the branches that held Heero captive. With a cry, Heero was free, the bindings crumbling away and the foreign man rose from the floor. He panted as he stood their, not quite from exhaustion, but mostly from rage.

Trowa was still missing, Wufei had escaped him, the prince and his little violet-eyed friend slipped from his grasp, and damnit all to the Hells; he really, really needed to pee. He looked about at the destroyed brothel, now empty as everyone had just left him there, and he decided it was best that he look for an outhouse, or something remotely similar.

He stumbled out into the deserted hall, his head a bit woozy from using that particular technique, and was able to begin his search. He made it to the back hall, before he gave up and decided to relieve himself in a potted palm. With his bladder emptying, Heero could think a bit more clearly, and he could also realize his surroundings as well.

He heard someone clear their throat, and he looked over his shoulder, to find the one person he had been looking for. He smiled as green eyes glared at him. At least he had found him, even though Trowa looked about ready to kill the next thing he could get his hands on. Those eyes were already slitted in their demonic form, blood dripping past clench fingers, as sharp claws dug into the flesh of his plams.

Heero let himself finish, before he was tucking himself away, and then turning to his newest slave.

"I was wondering what happened to you.", Heero stated, his voice holding a tone for normal conversation.

"A damned wizard, that's what!"

Heero couldn't help but smirk as fangs flashed with Trowa's outburst, the malumcinis struggling to fight against the unbreakable bonds. Well, at least until Heero had tried his hand at it.

"You've run into him as well?", he asked kneeling next to Trowa, "Wish I had been paying attention. That bastard was powerful. . . can you imaging merging with-"

"Who gives a flying shit!"

Heero was actually stunned to silence, but his face held his stoic mask instead of his surprise. Trowa was more than pissed, and it would seem that it would stay that way for quite awhile. Though an angry Trowa was a damned sexy Trowa, and Heero couldn't help but grin in a lecherous fashion.

He went to reach out, but his hand stopped half way, his eyeborw arching at Trowa's demand.

"Don't touch me!", the green-eyed demon snapped with a threatening growl.

"Don't you want my help?", Heero inquired, and Trowa sneered at him with a look of disgust.

"Not until you wash your hands."

Heero only snorted, but stood to go find some sort of water anyway. He'd humor the damned imp, if it helped him get to actually touch the pretty little body that was at the moment trapped. He could easily take advantage of the teen, as Trowa was already bound and could easily be taken, but he liked the demon's violent side.

"And hurry up, will you!", Trowa's voice called after him as he made his way down the hall, "I have to pee!"

Another snort was all Heero gave and then he was rounding a corner in his search for water. Even if he found it right away, he'd stall a bit. It would teach his little servant that he was the one in charge.

He managed to find a fountain, and took to washing his hands it, looking about the room that it was in. This must have been the harem, if the cushion and low lying day beds were any indication at all. When he was done he walked about the room, stalling for time as he let his feet carry him over the tiled floor, enjoying the lingering scent of perfume and oils.

Then his steps faltered, as a touch to his sense had him shivering in delight. Something of interest was nearby, and the familiar feeling brought a vision of the long-haired blond that Trowa was obssessed with killing. His demonic slave would be glad to hear the news. It looked like he would get to see some bloodshed after all.

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Trowa struggled to fight his way free, cursing Heero a thousand times over, as the Northerner had left him there longer than was neccessary. Yet, no matter how much he fought the damn binds, he couldn't break them, and he was now pissed.

A roar of frustration tore from his throat as he failed to release himself from the magically bound branches, then he was falling limp in defeat, panting since he had tired himself out with fighting his wooden chains. He had tried burning them, but they never ignited, and what he could scratch at with his claws never even took a mark.

That perverted jackass was suppossed to have been back by now. Wait until he did return. Trowa would give him what he deserved; a thorough ass kicking.

Cat like eyes widened at the familiar, and recently mosted hated, brush of magic. He snarled, a growl rumbling low in his chest as he struggled to free himself yet again. Then he was freezing as confusion hit him full force. This magic felt different, and yet, it was still the same. He tried to center on it, but was merely confusing himself further.

The only way to now ease his befuddled mind was to see for himself. His own demonic energy wasn't breaking him free, and neither was his physical strength, since his make shift chains were specifically designed to trap "evil". He most definately fell under that catergory. That's why he needed Heero. Though the man had no good intention instilled within him, he somehow managed to have the ability of a Holy Man, or whatever they were calling them these days. However, the large weapon wielder was no where to be seen.

"Where the hell is he!", Trowa bellowed to no one in particular.

"Right here!"

Trowa had no other warning as he felt power surround him and then he was free, dropping to the ground as the branches around him disintergrated. His sharp eyes only glared up at Heero, who slowly sauntered over to him, an amused smile fitted on his face. Trowa had to resist the urge to claw at said face and wipe that rediculous smile from it. Now wasn't the time for that, though. He had business to take care of.

He stood from floor, Heero turning and ready to lead the way, but Trowa headed in the opposite direction.

"The exit's this way.", the blue-eyed warrior reminded him and Trowa only scoffed.

"I know."

He stopped in front of the same potted plant that Heero had used himself much earlier, as he was unable to ignore the call of nature much longer.

"We'll go when I'm finished."

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Zechs swore under his breath as he trudged through the forest, having nearly tripped on another overgrown tree root. He was trying his best to figure out what on earth had led the braided thief out here? Why had he even left the camp, escaping the trajectory of a rock or not, without informing someone he'd be coming out this far.

They were already a good half hour away from the campsite, and Zechs was beginning to wonder if they'd even find him. He wasn't one to look on the bright side, and yet he really wasn't pessimistic for that matter, but he was beginning to doubt that Duo would be found anytime soon. There was a chance that the boy had managed to hurt himself and was now lying unconcious on the forest floor.

He made sure not to announce that, as the last time he worded that he thought Duo dead, had nearly landed him an introduction with the blade of Wufei's sword. It had been stopped merely by luck, as Zechs' senses had acted in time to ward the warrior away with a small blast of magic.

He had been scolded by Quatre, and remined that Wufei was injured, and the Eastern boy had been equally reprimanded. After Wufei's injury was checked, they were off again, Wufei storming off ahead of them. Quatre lagged behind with him, his blond head bowed in obvious distress, and his bottom lip being knawed away at.

He was, to say the least, a little distraught by the entire thing, and Zechs couldn't blame him. Since Quatre was the empath, he could easily feel every emotion that they were all feeling, and Wufei's was obviously the strongest. Zechs didn't need empathy to see it. This sudden anguish that the Eastern warrior was feeling with the thief's disappearance was something to question, as Zechs was sure that Wufei had never shown nothing more than impatience and annoyance with the braided teen.

"Wufei's panicking."

Quatre's voice was a quiet murmer, one filled with hurt and worry, and Zechs had to fight against the urge to feel exactly the same. Just because Quatre now knew of his ability didn't mean he could control it. That left Zechs having to fight off bleeding emotions and trying to keep his right of mind around the, at the moment, emotionally unstable prince.

"Duo!"

Wufei's voice, coated with desperation and trepidation, was hard to ignore and Zechs looked up to find Wufei hacking away at the surrounding brush. It was then he realized that something was wrong, something much worse than the braided thief's disappearance.

He turned to Quatre then, grabbing hold of the younger blond and turning him to face him, a bit too roughly it would seem. Quatre stumbled at the force of his pull, and he apologized quickly as he helped Quatre right himself.

"Feel for him.", he demanded.

Aquarmarine eyes looked up at him in confusion, and Zechs narrowaed his own blue eyes, conveying a silent message that Quatre needed to trust him.

"Use your empathy and feel for him.", he further explained.

He watched Quatre shake his head in doubt, before looking to where Wufei was mutilating an innocent bush.

"I can't-", his words were stopped by Zechs before he could even finish.

"Yes, you can!", the taller blond snapped, Quatre's wide-eyed gaze snapping back to him.

"Wufei's emotions are too strong.", the smaller boy tried to argue.

Zechs wouldn't take that as an excuse however. Quatre could do it, all he needed to do was focus.

"Concentrate."

He saw Quatre turn his head to look at Wufei again, but he took hold of the prince's chin, and gently turned it back so that the boy was staring up at him.

"I know you can do this, Quatre.", he encouraged him gently, "Now ignore Wufei and concentrate!"

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Quatre stared up at Zechs, a bit unsure that he would be able to do what the older boy was asking, but he realized he had no choice. If he didn't try, Wufei would most likely loose himself in the forest as well, looking for their braided companion.

"Now, Quatre!", Zechs was pushing him.

With a nod of his head, he closed his eyes, trying his best to block out Wufei's feelings and reaching out for Duo's. The only thing he had to go on was that he knew Duo was always smiling, and he let himself look for a happy feeling. He found longing, but that seemed to be coming from Zechs.

He reached farther, now trying his best to block out Zechs' emotions as well, searching his best for something that felt like Duo. He stopped short as he realized lonliness, hidden hurt, and something that felt of feigned euphoria. He lingered on it, trying to make out a face to attach it to, and surprisingly enough, he was able to.

His eyes slowly opened once he had studied who it was, and Qautre couldn't help but feel saddened.

"Duo.", that's who it had been.

The name fell from his lips in a sympathetic tone, and Quatre looked up to Zechs.

"You found him?"

Quatre only nodded at the question, letting Zechs call to Wufei the good news, which had the warrior running to them and grabbing hold of the Golden Prince.

"Where is he Quatre?", his grip was a bit painful, but Quatre beared it.

"North, probably ten minutes away.", Quatre's head bowed, his bangs hiding his face in shadows.

The tone in Quatre's voice wasn't missed.

"Is everything alright?"

Quatre shook his head and when he looked up, his face was wet with tears.

"No.", he finally answered, with a shuddering breath, "He's hurting."

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Duo let his violet eyes look about the desecrated camp that he had been led to. What had been leading him, he wasn't sure, but he had willingly followed it. This is what he had found, and it was soon after he realized that it was here that he was supposed to find.

Well, he had found it and now he wished that he hadn't.

He swallowed a lump in his throat, as he layed curled up on his side, hiding under an over-turned wagon. He had wrapped himself in a sheer afghan, which was embroidered in gold, and held it tightly against him.

Memories that had been locked away for so long, had emerged and Duo sniffled as new tears fell from his already puffy eyes. This had been his family, his friends, and his own kind. This very wagon had been his mother's and this shawl was hers as well.

Though memory had returned to him, he couldn't quite remember what had happened here, though he knew it was horrible. One glance at the upturned wagon had him bawling his eyes out, and seeking the comfort inside it that he had experienced as a child. It didn't help much, but it was something.

He realized that it was getting late, and that he should have been heading back to camp, but he couldn't find the will. He wanted to spend just a few more hours here, at least until he didn't feel quite so sad anymore.

The barren campsite wasn't helping him feel any better, as it kept reminded him that he was the only one left, the last of his people. He was pretty sure that there were other gypsies, but this particular group had been his, and he had been a part of it. Now. . . well now he had nothing.

He lifted the mauve-colored shawl over his head, hiding his face away underneath it and shutting his eyes so that he couldn't see the emptiness of the camp through the sheer fabric.

He wondered, for a moment, if he had ever truly been happy. With his memories repressed, was happiness the emotion that he had autmatically used as a mask? Giddy and carefree; that was what he had thought most of his life had been like. Now he knew otherwise, and he was beginning to feel worse as he realized more and more of his past.

A small sob escaped him, and he curled up even tighter in a fetal position, trying to comfort himself. There was nothing he could do but wait here, and let his memories continue to slowly return to him. That as well as hope that he wasn't as alone as he felt right now.

As he lay somewhat hidden in the broken wagon, he wasn't able to see the pair of yellow eyes watching him, nor the jowls dripping with saliva as black tongues licked razor-sharp teeth. He didn't even know that he wasn't quite so alone as he thought.

T.B.C.

I'm sorry that this took so long. You see, work gets in the way and I only have the weekend to write fics. Not much time then either, but I managed. I wanted to update this, I had inspiration and the need to post another chapter. Hopefully, you guys will tell me what you thought and I can continue to be motivated to write this here fic of mine.