Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Goodbye Yellow Brick Road ❯ Part Thirty-Four ( Chapter 34 )

Thirty-Four

"The Academy is no more," Quatre spoke. It was the day before Winter Day and Quatre had already called in the council.

The council now consisted of ten members. Heero, Duo, Trowa, Wufei, the five old men that lived, and the richest but smartest man in the country. They had already, in a strange mishap, showed the council that Duo was indeed a man and told them that he was dressed as a woman and played Heero's wife for under-cover purposes so they would not argue too much about a 'woman' being elected to council. Trowa was only really elected so that he could keep close to Quatre for the rest of his life.

Quatre would be crowned tomorrow, but everyone already took him as their king.

"The Academy destroyed?" Domus, the new member, asked aloud as the others mumbled in shock.

"Yes. Contrary to popular belief, these boys are innocent and just need guidance for their Talents," Quatre spoke, smoothing his rich robes under his palms. "I am glad we got out while we could. That place was evil. They used boys for their own sick pleasures."

Everyone was silent while trying to gauge Heero, Trowa, Duo, and Wufei's reactions. Only Duo's face twisted in a small grimace.

"We can't allow all these boys to cause destruction!" Trymuis declared.

"My thoughts exactly," Quatre replied. "Think on this: I am a very talented Spirit Artist. Heero Earth, Wufei Fire, Trowa Water, and Duo a Wind Artist. You are right, Trymuis, we cannot allow it. So listen. We have five excellent Artists here. We also have the facilities to host a small school here at the palace. Think about it. We will hold a more detailed discussion after Winter Day."

Everyone nodded.

"We also must find a permanent source of income or trade, construct and army, reconcile the towns. We need organization and fast.

"I wish you to dwell upon these things, however I release you now because it is the Eve or Winter Day. Enjoy the celebrations and your families. Til then." Quatre folded his hands on his lap and closed his eyes as the men got up and left, talking quietly among themselves.

"These actions are flat out stupid," Wufei warned. "People will be able to get at us easily this way. We are proclaiming our ignorance with what you are suggesting."

"Wufei, when you find a logical answer to our problems, then I will listen to your criticism, until then I wish you keep your mouth shut and your nose out of the affairs of kings," Quatre spoke grandly, walking away.

"You may be king, but you're still only fifteen! Just like the rest of us!" Wufei cried after him.

Quatre paused on his way to the door.

"Sixteen. My birthday is on Winter Day."

~~~

"If I am a woman, I might as well be a strong one," was Duo's logic as he gathered blankets and bread and stashed them in a large wheel barrel to hook to a horse.

He found it exceedingly hard to move in thick brown wool, but the dresses he had were beautiful and so he didn't' complain much. Not to mention all the skirts and frills were a lot warmer than men's clothing.

He fastened about him a cloak and brushed at his hair.

Heero was still talking to the council members and none of the others looked like they wanted to chat, so he decided to go through the streets and try to help the poor.

"Poor" was something he understood much too well.

Besides, weren't women always known to show acts of compassion?

At worst, he could gather an admirable reputation for Heero, being his "wife" and all.

So they were never officially married, but everyone saw them as such.

He didn't mind.

Gently he rubbed the horse's nose before they set off into the street.

He soon found himself ready to cry.

Women fell on their knees before him, kissing the hems of his skirt, blessing him, and proclaiming him a goddess of compassion. "Duet the Compassionate" and "Duet the Benevolent" were two titles he received from many people. They wept openly, unable to believe the fortune of warmth and actual food to feed their children.

He supplied them with a little medicine for the sick children and comforting words and promises that King Winner would help them.

~~~

"Heero!"

Heero lifted him into a hug, twirling him around in the empty hall.

"Where have you been, my lady?"

"I did the most amazing thing!" he spoke, eyes shinning as he released Heero and they began walking to dinner. "I went out to aid the poor and I'm just...shocked. Their gratefulness was overwhelming."

Heero smiled at the kindness of his Duo. He was so lucky to have someone so caring and sweet.

"I want to do things like that more often."

"Of course," Heero answered. "Maybe I'll go with you next time?"

"You don't have too.... I know you'll be one of the most valuable members of the council and such things can't take up your time.... It's more of a woman's job, anyway...."

"I'd never let the council come between me and you, however if you want to do this alone, I can understand that," Heero replied when he saw what joy Duo was getting out of the solo work.

Duo smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

"I love you, Heero."

~~~

"You aren't nervous, are you?" Trowa asked as he stood on Quatre's balcony, holding him close as they gazed over the hills and mountains in the distance, the blood red sun setting behind it all and painting the sky in multi-color silks.

"A little," he admitted, blushing. "I'm worried most about Wufei."

"You told him the right thing. He has no right to criticize your judgment. The answer isn't clear."

There was a long silence between the two boys.

"It's not only Wufei that worries you, is it?" Trowa asked and Quatre shook his head.

"Not only that...."

"What else then?" he continued when it became apparent Quatre wouldn't tell him of his own accord.

"I love the way you hold me," Quatre whispered, trying to keep his voice from cracking.

Trowa didn't know what to say.

"I'm going to be required to produce and heir, Trowa. It's my duty to my country...." Quatre spoke meekly as Trowa's arms suddenly wrapped tighter around his body.

"Dammit!" Trowa cursed, his entire body shaking with rage. "Why is it that when I think I can have you forever, we are torn apart?!"

He tried to keep from screaming, but it was so hard when he was so mad....

"Sh, Trowa.... Not for a while and they just can be concubines. It upsets me too, that I'll have to--"

"I probably won't live to see that day anyway," Trowa muttered, hugging him closer. "None of it matters when you know you're going to die any day...."

"Oh stop. I can have concubines and they can have the damn child!" Quatre spat, angry that Trowa was acting so stupid and so weak when he was a hundred times weaker than Trowa and still managing to keep his ground.

Trowa was surprised because Quatre hardly ever cursed and meant it.

"They'll have the child and that will be that. I only need one male! It can't be that hard. And if I don't have a male, then one of my daughters can have one for me or something! It's really not that big of a deal! I don't want to do it, you don't want to watch me, but we can't go thinking about suicide because of it! If you aren't strong for yourself, Trowa, be strong for me. Just do that, okay? For me?"

Trowa stroked his hand softly.

"Okay," he replied. "I'll try to be strong, for you."

~Til Then~