Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Wing and the Gods of Thunder ❯ Probably a Bad Idea ( Chapter 7 )

You know, nothing really happens in this chapter. I sort of just started rambling and then the guys just started doing stuff and the chapter just sort of happened. Does that ever happen to you when you're writing?

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Chapter 7: Probably a Bad Idea

“Master Duo, awake.”

Duo rubbed his eyes and stared blearily at the speaker. “Who are you?”

“I am Loki. Perhaps you're not aware that the heroes get today off. If you lie here until Brunhilde and the Valkyries awake, you may find yourself stuck entertaining them the whole day.”

Duo sat bolt upright. “What? That's not good.” He looked around. Brunhilde was snoring lustily beside him and another battle-hardened woman was curled up by his other side. Duo pointed at her. “When did she get here?”

Loki grinned. “Don't you remember? She showed up right after Brunhilde passed out. You were taking bets that you could finish her too.”

“I was?”

“Yup.”

Duo shook his head. “That's not good. I must have been really drunk.”

“I'd say so.”

Duo staggered to his feet. “Let's get out of here. I need a healthy dose of testosterone to sort myself out.”

Loki blinked at him. “You want to get in a fight?”

“Hardly,” Duo laughed. He draped an arm over Loki's shoulders. “Let's go find my buddy Heero. He'll take care of me.”

“I think he went back to Frey's house.”

“Figures.”

The two of them left the great hall and trotted across the valley toward Frey's home.

“I was hoping I could interest you in spending a day or two with me, Duo,” Loki said. “Your many skills intrigue me.”

“Skills?” Duo chuckled. “Don't say that around the others. I doubt they'd agree.”

“Your friends Heero and Wu-Fei did express some skepticism when I mentioned it.”

“You already talked to them? Quatre wasn't there, was he?”

“No, he had left already.”

“Good. Just between you and me, Quatre tends to get a little bossy these days. You knock a guy up and he acts like he owns you after that.” Duo chuckled. “Anyway, just let me get two or three quickies from Heero and I'm at your service.”

Loki blinked in confusion. “Quickies?”

“Ah…” said Duo. “Why don't you wait outside while I, uh, chat with Heero? Look!” Duo pointed across the meadow. “You can play with Roku while you wait.”

The young tiger was bounding across the meadow toward them, periodically leaping up into the air and snapping at the abundant butterflies.

“Good morning, Papa Duo!”

“Good morning, Roku! How'd you sleep? Did you eat breakfast already?”

Roku dropped onto his haunches and wrapped his tail around his legs. “I slept great. Papa Heero didn't nudge me once even though I was purring and he said it keeps him awake but maybe he was really tired because we took a bath for hours and played mobile suit attack and I won three times and he won three times so he says next time we play is the tiebreaker. I haven't had breakfast because Mama's not up yet but the servants gave me some porridge, bacon, five sausages, three slices of bread, four boiled eggs and a bowl of goat milk for a snack. Who's this?”

“This is Loki, another god.”

“How do you do, Mr. Loki?”

Loki almost missed his introduction, because he was staring open-mouthed at Roku. “Oh, ah, how do you do, Roku? Was there any punctuation in that statement?”

Roku thought for a second. “Three periods, four commas and a question mark. Why?”

“I just missed it, that's all.” Loki grinned. “I have never met a creature like you before.”

“I'm not a creature, I'm a tiger. And sometimes a boy. And occasionally a dragon. And every now and then a bird. And I was a girl once.”

Loki was staring open-mouthed again.

Duo clapped him on the back. “Roku can shape-change, Loki. And he's a really powerful sorcerer too, but he's a total sweetheart. Roku, look after Loki for me for a little while, would you? I want to drop in on Heero for a little him and me time.”

“Ok.”

“Thanks, kid. I'll call you for breakfast.” Duo trotted off.

Loki eyed Roku curiously. “Is this form you wear your natural form?”

“Well, that's a good question. Mama is a human, but he turned into a tiger when I was born, so I was born like this. But I was a human baby the whole time Mama was making me.”

Loki sat down with a thump. “That is most interesting. I have fathered several children, none of whom are human. Perhaps you would like to meet them.”

“I would like that very much.” Roku sniffed the wind. “Do you like to chase rabbits, Mr. Loki?”

“That's not something I normally do.”

“That's too bad. It's really fun, especially when they run really fast.”

Loki looked around. “Is there a rabbit nearby?”

Roku nodded. “Lots of them.”

“How long do you think Duo will be talking with his friend?”

“Oh, they're not talking, they're being naughty. But probably not very long. I think Papa Heero is hungry and he always kicks Papa Duo out of bed when he's hungry.”

“Being naughty?”

“You know, having sex.” Roku lowered his voice. “It makes Mama unhappy that I know what they're doing, so I don't usually say it that way.”

Loki stared. “He's having sex with his male friend?”

Roku shrugged. “Yeah, but they don't make babies. You need a little magic for that.”

Loki shook his head. “We gods like to believe we are omniscient, but it seems there are still things for us to learn.”

Roku nodded. “There's always more stuff to learn.”

“Perhaps we should go see if anyone else has arisen.”

“Ok.”

They walked back to Frey's house, although Roku took several detours along the way to investigate various rabbit holes, chase squirrels into trees, snap at butterflies and follow various brightly colored bugs as they went about their business. When they finally reached Frey's house, nearly an hour later, Loki was exhausted.

“No wonder he eats so much,” Loki muttered. “He expends more energy just existing than the heroes do in battle.”

In the house, they found that Frey, Quatre and Trowa were up.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Quatre greeted Roku. “What have you been up to?”

“Just playing. This is Mr. Loki. Papa Duo brought him.”

“He did? Where is he?”

“With Papa Heero.”

“Ah.” Quatre inclined his head toward Loki. “Good morning, Loki. It's nice to see you again.”

Loki bowed politely. “Good morning to you, Master Sorcerer. Lord Odin sends his greetings and wonders if you would care to take a tour of Midgard with him?” Loki winked. “In truth, he wants to hide out from Freya for a few days and he thinks the time might be well spent studying your amazing abilities.”

Trowa frowned. “I don't trust Odin's intentions.”

“And well you shouldn't,” Loki agreed with a grin. “Odin lusts after your pretty friend rather openly.”

Trowa growled.

Quatre patted his arm. “Now, now. I think it would be very interesting. I'm sure Odin won't mind if you come to.”

“Oh, I'm sure he would,” Loki laughed, “so all the more reason for your friend to join you. It amuses me when Odin is put out.”

Frey frowned slightly. “Loki, are you sure this request came from Odin himself? You're not up to no good again, are you?”

“Who me?”

Everyone stared at Loki as he batted his eyes innocently.

“Man, that creeps me out!” Quatre exclaimed. “He could be Duo's twin.”

“Yeah,” Trowa agreed. “It is creepy.”

Frey fixed a stern eye on Loki. “Loki…”

“The request did come from Odin,” Loki said. “Although it's possible he did say that I shouldn't mention the part about Freya or hoping to couple like a newlywed with Quatre.”

Frey put a hand over his face and sighed. “You should learn quickly not to trust Loki, my friends. He finds it amusing when we other gods suffer grave injuries or torment.”

“How is that not amusing?” Loki said with a wide grin. “If you all didn't aspire to such perfection, it wouldn't be as funny.”

Treize entered at that moment looking very tired. “Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Treize!” Frey trilled. His entire demeanor changed on the spot from annoyed to bubbling cheerfulness. “Will your lovely companion be joining us soon?”

“No, I'm afraid not. He's having morning sickness. Roku, do you have more crackers?”

“Sure, Mr. Treize.” Roku shifted to human form and retrieved two packets of crackers. “I have about twenty more of these.”

“You packed quite a few.”

Roku shrugged. “There was room.”

Treize stared at him. Quatre and Trowa stared at him. Then all three burst out laughing.

Frey stared from one to the other. “Pray tell, what is the source of your amusement?”

Quatre pointed a shaking finger at Roku. “He said `there was room'!” He doubled over, giggling helplessly.

Frey's look of confusion did not go away. “But why is that funny?”

Trowa drew in a deep breath and held it. For a moment, he managed to stop laughing. “As far as we can tell, Roku's storage space is infinite.” A giggle escaped him. He stifled it. “So, to say `there was room'…” Another giggle escaped him. And then another. And then a loud guffaw and he doubled over, too, clutching his knees.

Treize was the first to recover. He inclined his head to Roku. “Forgive us, Roku, but you have to admit that was rather amusing.”

Roku made a face. “I didn't mean it that way.”

“I know. I better take these to Zechs before he starts retching again.”

Freya swept into the room as Treize left. “What is all the laughter about?” she demanded. “What amusement are you sharing in my absence?” She glared around at them accusingly.

Frey offered her a deep bow. “It was only a minor jest among our guests, dear sister. Do not be put out.”

Freya's eyes fell on Loki. She extended an imperious finger. “What is he doing in my house?”

Loki bowed. “Good morning, Freya. As usual the finest Asgard dawn cannot rival you for beauty.”

Freya appeared slightly mollified. “Well, I suppose it would be impolite to throw you out. Since you're here, you may as well join us for breakfast. Where are our other guests?”

“I'm afraid Treize and Zechs will not be joining us,” Frey said. “Zechs is unwell.”

“How unfortunate,” Freya said, although it was not clear if she was referring to Zechs' illness or Treize's absence.

“I believe Wu-Fei is visiting with Heimdall for a few days and the others have not yet arisen,” Frey continued.

“Yes we have,” Heero growled. He stomped into the room with Duo trotting lightly at his side.

“Very well,” Freya said. She clapped her hands and servants began bringing in food and drink.

“Look! Porridge!” Roku exclaimed.

“Use a spoon, please,” Quatre said absently.

“Is there honey to go with that?” Duo asked. He plopped down next to Roku and the two of them began shoveling spoonfuls of thick porridge into their mouths, interspersed with strips of bacon, fat sausages, the occasional boiled egg and slices of toast with butter and jam.

“I have invited Duo to spend a few days with me,” Loki said to Frey. “And young Roku has expressed an interest in meeting my children. I would be honored to entertain them while Quatre and Trowa tour Midgard with Odin.”

Frey stared at him suspiciously. “What evil plans are you making, Loki?”

“None at all,” Loki said with bright-eyed innocence. “I just thought we might visit among the minor gods and perhaps look in on a few giants, in addition to visiting my children.”

Quatre frowned at him. “My son is very precious to me. Nothing you're planning is likely to cause him any harm, is it?”

Duo leaned over and whispered loudly to Loki, “The answer is `Absolutely nothing' and you better mean it.”

Loki blinked at Quatre. “Absolutely nothing and I mean that sincerely.”

Quatre glared at Duo. “I'll blame you if anything happens.”

“Oh shit!”

“Nothing will happen to me, Mama,” Roku put in. “I promise I'll use big magic if I get into any trouble.”

“Big magic?” questioned Frey.

“Roku considers shape-changing, transformations and stuffing things into his storage space little magic,” Heero replied absently.

Frey's eyes went round. “So what constitutes big magic?”

“I'm pretty sure we don't want to know,” Heero said. He lifted an eyebrow at Loki. “So I advise making sure he doesn't feel compelled to use any.”

Loki nodded. “I'll keep that in mind.”

After breakfast, Loki, Duo and Roku left together, with Roku shifted back into his tiger shape.

“I hope they don't run into any trouble,” Quatre said worriedly.

“You heard Roku,” Trowa replied. “They'll be all right.”

“I hope so, because we don't actually know what starts Ragnarok and having Roku use a really powerful spell could cause problems.”

“Oh. I hadn't thought of that.”

“Let's pack a few things and go over to Valhalla to look for Odin.”

“You guys going somewhere?” Heero asked.

“Yeah. Odin invited us on a tour of Midgard.” Quatre grinned. “Well, actually, he invited me, but Trowa doesn't trust him so he's going too.”

“That's probably a good idea.”

“What will you do while we're gone?”

Heero shrugged. “The heroes get today off and tomorrow's a training day. I'm not entirely sure why they need to rest, so I was planning to round up Wu-Fei and have a light sword practice. I might go horseback riding after that.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I wasn't planning to have fun.”

“Lighten up, Heero.”

“Whatever. Frey, can you tell me how to get to Heimdall's house?”

“It will be my pleasure to take you there,” Frey said cheerfully. “Freya, I will leave you in charge of our remaining guests until I return.”

Freya saw them to the door and watched as they strolled across the valley toward Valhalla. When they arrived, Quatre and Trowa entered the great hall and Heero and Frey continued toward Heimdall's house.

Many of the heroes were still rolled up in their furs, snoring lustily. Those who had arisen were eating a leisurely breakfast and chatting idly. Odin himself was standing beside one of the great fire places with a small pack resting at his feet. He smiled when he saw Quatre.

“I see you received my invitation, Quatre,” Odin said.

“Yes. I hope you don't mind, but my friend Trowa would like to join us. He has a scholarly interest in Midgard.”

Odin regarded Trowa with a slightly sour expression. “Of course. All are welcome.”

“Thanks,” Trowa replied sweetly.

“We will take my horse, Sleipnir. He can easily carry all of us.” He led the way back outside, put his fingers to his lips and emitted a piercing whistle. A moment later, a large gray horse came galloping toward them, racing across the plains of Asgard like the wind.

“Is it just that his legs are moving so fast, or does that horse have eight legs?” Trowa whispered to Quatre.

“I think it has eight legs,” said Quatre, staring in astonishment.

Sleipnir galloped up to them and skidded to a halt in front of Odin.

Odin patted him on the nose. “Hello, Sleipnir. Feel like taking the three of us for a ride?”

Sleipnir tossed his head up and down and pranced on six of his eight legs.

“Very good,” said Odin. He eyed Quatre. “Why don't you sit in front, Quatre? I'll sit behind you to steady you and Trowa can sit behind me and hold on. That seems like the safest arrangement.”

Trowa frowned and started to say something but Quatre shook his head at him.

“That sounds fine for now,” Quatre said. He looked up at the towering stallion. “How do we get up?”

Without a word, Odin grabbed Quatre by the waist and lifted him onto the back of the horse. Then he leaped gracefully up behind him and put his arms around Quatre's waist. “There, wasn't that easy?”

Trowa took three quick steps, leaped into the air, did a flip with a half-twist and landed behind Odin. “Very easy,” he said. He clamped his hands firmly on Odin's waist.

Odin squeaked. “Your grip is a little tight, Trowa.”

“I don't want to fall off. I saw how fast Sleipnir runs.”

“I see,” Odin grumbled. He rapped his heels against Sleipnir's sides. “To Midgard, Sleipnir!”

Sleipnir spun around and dashed back down the valley, running so fast that the wind brought tears to their eyes. Then he leaped into the air and galloped up into the clouds.

“Are all animals in Asgard capable of flying?” Quatre shouted over the wind.

“Only the magical ones,” Odin shouted back. “Sleipnir is one of Loki's children and is part god, part animal.”

“Where are we going?” Trowa asked.

“To one of the larger cities. We will land well away from it and proceed there on foot. I like to go among the mortals disguised as an old man so they will not fear me.”

“How can they not recognize you?” said Quatre.

“Mortals only see what they expect to see,” Odin laughed. “But the king of this city knows who I am and he will take good care of us during our stay. We will have plenty of the best food, drink and entertainment, plus we can go sailing if we like.”

“Sailing?” Trowa said. “That sounds like fun.”

“If it interests you,” Odin said quickly, “I will speak to the king as soon as we arrive. No doubt you will become bored with the dry discussions of magic between Quatre and me.”

“No doubt,” Trowa muttered under his breath.

They landed in a meadow half a day's walk from a large walled city on a bay with long wharfs sticking out into the water. They could smell the city when they landed.

Trowa wrinkled his nose. “It's worse than the moat at Camelot.”

Quatre coughed slightly and nodded. “I wouldn't have thought it possible.”

“Come, let's not dally!” Odin cried. “Exciting days and long pleasant nights await us.” He planted a big, floppy-brimmed hat on his head and wrapped a scarf around the lower half of his face. Then he put an arm around Quatre's shoulders. “I look forward to learning so much more about you,” he whispered.

Trowa clenched his fists. “I look forward to kicking your immortal butt!” he growled.

“What was that?” said Odin as he led the way toward the city with his arm still around Quatre.

“Nothing!” Trowa snapped. He stroked the staff draped across his chest. “You'll help me keep an eye on that untrustworthy jerk, right?”

“Of course, Master,” the staff hissed. “I can still bite him if you wish.”

“Let's hold on to that thought, shall we?”