Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Prophecy ❯ The Oracle's Blessing: part01 ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Lotus-chan 
Duo awakens to find he has been rescued, but Trowa and Quatre have been waiting only to reveal they knew more about his past than they originally let on. Still trying to accept his true identity, they head to Belvai where the Oracle waits to give her last prediction...
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Fantasy / Drama / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.12.2001 | Updated On: 02.18.2008 | Pages: 9 | Words: 14.5K | Visits: 347 | Status: Completed
Duo awakens to find he has been rescued, but Trowa and Quatre have been waiting only to reveal they knew more about his past than they originally let on. Still trying to accept his true identity, they head to Belvai where the Oracle waits to give her last prediction...
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Fantasy / Drama / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 11.12.2001 | Updated On: 02.18.2008 | Pages: 9 | Words: 14.5K | Visits: 347 | Status: Completed
Warnings: Shounen ai/Yaoi, AU, 1x2, 3x4.
Disclaimer: On Prologue.
AD Note: (def.) means there is a definition for this at the end.
Disclaimer: On Prologue.
AD Note: (def.) means there is a definition for this at the end.
~Third Revision
Prophecy
by: Lotus-chan
The Oracle's Blessing: Part01
"Damnit!" he exclaimed as he burst through the doors to his private study. The doors slammed against the walls and shook on their hinges making anyone within earshot wince. The messenger came stumbling out behind him, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible until his king was ready to give him his next order.
"Damnit!" he exclaimed as he burst through the doors to his private study. The doors slammed against the walls and shook on their hinges making anyone within earshot wince. The messenger came stumbling out behind him, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible until his king was ready to give him his next order.
King Barton stormed down the halls in a rage, "Damn that Treize! He's going stir up the entire Five Kingdoms over this stupid prophecy! Dorothy! Where the hell have you gone?!"
He whirled on the messenger and the boy came to an abrupt halt, scooting back immediately, to give his king a respectful bow. "Find me that fool Tsuberov and notify the head of my royal guard that I wish to see him immediately!"
He whirled on the messenger and the boy came to an abrupt halt, scooting back immediately, to give his king a respectful bow. "Find me that fool Tsuberov and notify the head of my royal guard that I wish to see him immediately!"
With a timid, "Y-yes, sire." the boy hurried off to do as he was told. King Barton fumed as he watched the boy go. He couldn't believe that Treize had sent word of something like this without consulting him first!
He currently held the largest and arguably most powerful kingdom in the Five Lands (now four) of Asia Major, and had for almost sixteen years, but the other kingdoms still treated him as if inferior. Treize had met with the other three Royal families in the continent and they had agreed, without consulting him first, that they would meet in *his* kingdom to discuss how to further relations from this point - the up-coming sixteenth anniversary of Vistaria's defeat.
It irked him that Treize had this much influence over the other kingdoms and he had so little. He hated that they would agree on discussing the future of relations and potentially the future of his own kingdom without including him... and that they believed they could simply *tell* him they would meet in *his* kingdom... Barton rammed a fist into the wall. Who did that Treize think he was?! "Such unchecked rage is very unbecoming of you, sire. I would show a little more composure in front of the menials."
King Barton looked up to see Dorothy standing some few feet away. She was dressed in her typical white gown with billowing cape. The gown was fashioned after the style used by noble-women of the day but tailored to appear more like a seer's robe. The long billowing sleeves rose up her arms until they reached her shoulders where they cut off. The dress was embroidered with different silver-pink star patterns that defined her power to anyone who didn't already know what she was. Set over her breast was a white-gold broach in the shape of an eye with a large diamond as it's pupil.
Dorothy slipped into the innocent and yet mischievous smile she'd perfected over years, once she'd attracted her King's attention. "You bellowed, sire?"
He currently held the largest and arguably most powerful kingdom in the Five Lands (now four) of Asia Major, and had for almost sixteen years, but the other kingdoms still treated him as if inferior. Treize had met with the other three Royal families in the continent and they had agreed, without consulting him first, that they would meet in *his* kingdom to discuss how to further relations from this point - the up-coming sixteenth anniversary of Vistaria's defeat.
It irked him that Treize had this much influence over the other kingdoms and he had so little. He hated that they would agree on discussing the future of relations and potentially the future of his own kingdom without including him... and that they believed they could simply *tell* him they would meet in *his* kingdom... Barton rammed a fist into the wall. Who did that Treize think he was?! "Such unchecked rage is very unbecoming of you, sire. I would show a little more composure in front of the menials."
King Barton looked up to see Dorothy standing some few feet away. She was dressed in her typical white gown with billowing cape. The gown was fashioned after the style used by noble-women of the day but tailored to appear more like a seer's robe. The long billowing sleeves rose up her arms until they reached her shoulders where they cut off. The dress was embroidered with different silver-pink star patterns that defined her power to anyone who didn't already know what she was. Set over her breast was a white-gold broach in the shape of an eye with a large diamond as it's pupil.
Dorothy slipped into the innocent and yet mischievous smile she'd perfected over years, once she'd attracted her King's attention. "You bellowed, sire?"
Barton frowned, "Yes, I called for you." He said as he confronted the deceptively young-looking woman who was his royal advisor. "Treize is to be arriving within a few days, with the Queens of the other kingdoms behind him. They said they want to discuss `relations' but I know all Treize wants to do is babble on about that damn prophecy."
Dorothy nodded to herself as she took this in, "... and you want my advice on this issue, I assume?"
"Naturally." King Barton nodded to her sarcastically.
Dorothy looked up at him from her contemplation's but her gaze soon shifted to the hallway behind her King. Only seconds later a servant came rushing down the hall, slowing to give his King and Lady a respectful bow before continuing.
Dorothy looked up at him from her contemplation's but her gaze soon shifted to the hallway behind her King. Only seconds later a servant came rushing down the hall, slowing to give his King and Lady a respectful bow before continuing.
"Perhaps we should discuss this in your study, or have you completely destroyed that room in your rage?" She said with the same mischievous smile.
The King wordlessly turned and headed back into his private study calling out behind him, "you're very funny, young one."
Dorothy stifled a chuckle and entered behind him, "how many times must I remind you, I am much older than you will ever be."
The King nodded and waved a hand as if dismissing it. "Yes, I know but your appearance doesn't help your claim."
The King nodded and waved a hand as if dismissing it. "Yes, I know but your appearance doesn't help your claim."
She smiled and sat down on a straight-back ornate chair as the King paced before his fire place. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, about this dilemma you're having. Relax. No one knows the Prince escaped your assault with his life except you and I. Only the Great Spirits know where he is at the moment and with the assassins you've sent out for him since the very discovery of his survival, it is most likely that he is already dead or soon will be." The king stopped and glared at her from across the room.
"I don't understand how you can be so damn calm about everything. I may have the largest kingdom in Asia Major but the other three kingdoms together still greatly out number me. If they knew I was hiding information from them, much less plotting to kill the Prince, what's to stop them from declaring it another violation of our peace treaty or a betrayal of the Oracle's words and declare war? It would certainly be enough. If they join forces against me, it would be a disaster... and Treize has those damn Ecomancers on his side. Just one would be enough to..."
"I don't understand how you can be so damn calm about everything. I may have the largest kingdom in Asia Major but the other three kingdoms together still greatly out number me. If they knew I was hiding information from them, much less plotting to kill the Prince, what's to stop them from declaring it another violation of our peace treaty or a betrayal of the Oracle's words and declare war? It would certainly be enough. If they join forces against me, it would be a disaster... and Treize has those damn Ecomancers on his side. Just one would be enough to..."
"Now you're getting carried away." She interrupted. Barton looked at her and she shrugged, "I thought you knew. The Gifted are mainly peaceful people. They don't want any part of an offensive declaration of violence. And even though one is enough to do quite a bit of damage should it come to that, one could only last so long and do so much before becoming too tired to continue. The Gifted may have power, but that power has it's limits."
Her smile turned triumphant when she saw her king was beginning to calm. "And as for Treize, just wait until he and the others get here and then you can dazzle them with your wonderful version of the events that took place sixteen years ago. Show them a strength of character that will make them regret conspiring against you and we'll see if Treize has much to say afterwards." King Barton began to smile as a plan developed in his mind for Treize's arrival.
Just then he heard two male voices approaching from outside the open door of his study. "... a law against it! The Burning Leaf cannot go about robbing people of their property. We tolerate their presence in this Kingdom for their support not their thievery!"
Her smile turned triumphant when she saw her king was beginning to calm. "And as for Treize, just wait until he and the others get here and then you can dazzle them with your wonderful version of the events that took place sixteen years ago. Show them a strength of character that will make them regret conspiring against you and we'll see if Treize has much to say afterwards." King Barton began to smile as a plan developed in his mind for Treize's arrival.
Just then he heard two male voices approaching from outside the open door of his study. "... a law against it! The Burning Leaf cannot go about robbing people of their property. We tolerate their presence in this Kingdom for their support not their thievery!"
A growl and someone snapping back, "It is not my responsibility! Speak to the proper authorities if you want your slave back but my concern is restricted to the Palace and the King! Leave me be, damnit!" At that moment Lord Tsuberov entered with a very annoyed looking Wufei at his side.
Wufei ignored him to turn his attention to his King and bowed. Tsuberov grumbled and mimicked the motion. "You called, sire?"
Wufei ignored him to turn his attention to his King and bowed. Tsuberov grumbled and mimicked the motion. "You called, sire?"
Barton raised an eyebrow, "Yes, Wufei. But what is all this I hear of thievery?"
Tsuberov stepped forward and forcefully declared, "I've been robbed, Your Majesty. A very precious, newly acquired slave was stolen from me at the border..." Wufei rolled his eyes, having heard it all before.
Barton interrupted him, "by the Burning Leaf?"
Tsuberov nodded, "Yes..."
Barton raised a hand for silence. "Then he's already dead. It is your own fault for crossing the border without informing me when you knew relations between Roma and Sank were so on edge."
Tsuberov looked taken aback, "How did you..."
Tsuberov looked taken aback, "How did you..."
Barton glared, "crossing the border, and to buy a slave no less. I should have you arrested where you stand, Tsuberov." Tsuberov was horrified and Wufei made no attempt to hide the smirk on his face. "It's no crime to buy slaves here but you know damn well that the buying and selling of slaves in the Roma Empire is expressly forbidden, and you have the nerve to ask me to do something about it?? I will not cause an international incident over one, possibly dead, slave."
Tsuberov stuttered, "forgive me, sire. I..."
"Silence.” Barton said, having run out of patience. “From this moment on I forbid you from leaving the country until I say otherwise, is that understood?" Wufei stifled a chuckle but Tsuberov noticed anyway. Gritting his teeth at the humiliation he muttered a `yes sire' under his breath to his King. Barton glared.
"You should be grateful that His Majesty is being so lenient." Tsuberov looked over to the chair where Dorothy had been sitting, content to just watch the proceedings until that moment. "Personally, I would've turned you over to Treize the moment I saw you." He glared at her but she smiled smugly at him. With a disgusted `humpf', Tsuberov attempted to gather the last of his dignity and stormed out of the chamber.
Wufei eyed Dorothy suspiciously, never bothering to so much as glance at Tsuberov when he walked right past. When the door to the study closed however, he turned his attention back to his king. "You wished to speak to me, your Majesty?" The king calmed visibly at Wufei's presence, much to Dorothy's aggravation.
Wufei eyed Dorothy suspiciously, never bothering to so much as glance at Tsuberov when he walked right past. When the door to the study closed however, he turned his attention back to his king. "You wished to speak to me, your Majesty?" The king calmed visibly at Wufei's presence, much to Dorothy's aggravation.
It bothered her to no end that the king placed so much trust in the head of his Royal Guard, not that it wasn't to be expected but the king would not stand for hearing anything cross said about the boy captain who had served him loyally from the moment of his unfortunate birth.
Dorothy had never liked him any more than Wufei liked her. "I must discuss with you the measures we will need to take to provide adequate security for a visit from the heads of the neighboring kingdoms."
Dorothy had never liked him any more than Wufei liked her. "I must discuss with you the measures we will need to take to provide adequate security for a visit from the heads of the neighboring kingdoms."
Wufei's eyes darted to Dorothy and then back, "I do not discuss matters of Palace security in front of that... woman." The king frowned and the ever-present smile on Dorothy's face faltered for the first time that evening.
"Awfully sure of yourself to answer the King in such a disrespectful manner." She huffed, indignantly.
An exasperated sigh and, "Lady Catalonia, please excuse us for the moment. I will send for you again later." She turned an astonished look on the king for a few brief seconds but quickly gathered up her composure and stood. She curtsied respectfully and turned to leave.
An exasperated sigh and, "Lady Catalonia, please excuse us for the moment. I will send for you again later." She turned an astonished look on the king for a few brief seconds but quickly gathered up her composure and stood. She curtsied respectfully and turned to leave.
As she passed by Wufei, she whispered, "Minor triumphs like this mean nothing. I will discover you yet." Wufei stared straight ahead, unconcerned with the cryptic threat as Dorothy closed the door behind her.
"This dispute you are having with each other, whatever it may be, must end. I grow tired of it." King Barton said as he took a seat on a delicately embroidered couch.
"This dispute you are having with each other, whatever it may be, must end. I grow tired of it." King Barton said as he took a seat on a delicately embroidered couch.
Wufei walked up to stand before him with a grave face, "I do not trust her, your Highness. Enough to suggest we get rid of her."
King Barton shook his head, "she says the same about you, but both of you have served me loyally for years. You from the moment you were born." Wufei flinched inwardly.
"There is no reason for me to be rid of either of you when you serve me and this kingdom so well." King Barton then grew a somewhat sinister smile that Wufei had learned he meant to be paternal and he had to fight down his disgust before it manifested on his face. "Besides, you are family, Wufei. You have my royal blood within you and that alone makes you an invaluable person. Speaking of which, where has my son gone?" Wufei swore he broke ground for achievements in self control when he was able to continue standing there as if the words his king were speaking meant little to nothing. Practice at this sort of thing was making him an excellent actor.
"The Prince left for Eco Vera yesterday, your Highness." His voice had been steady. No trace of repressed anger. That had to have earned him some points.
"There is no reason for me to be rid of either of you when you serve me and this kingdom so well." King Barton then grew a somewhat sinister smile that Wufei had learned he meant to be paternal and he had to fight down his disgust before it manifested on his face. "Besides, you are family, Wufei. You have my royal blood within you and that alone makes you an invaluable person. Speaking of which, where has my son gone?" Wufei swore he broke ground for achievements in self control when he was able to continue standing there as if the words his king were speaking meant little to nothing. Practice at this sort of thing was making him an excellent actor.
"The Prince left for Eco Vera yesterday, your Highness." His voice had been steady. No trace of repressed anger. That had to have earned him some points.
Barton frowned, "What do you mean he left yesterday for that godforsaken land??"
Wufei sighed, "It is spring, Majesty. The call for the Purification Rituals in Eco Vera have begun and the Prince has gone to offer a pilgrimage of peace to the Council of Elders (def.) in order to improve relations between our countries. He does it every year."
Barton's frown darkened. "Oh, *that* thing. Why didn't he inform me before leaving then?"
"He set out at dawn yesterday but he did leave a letter behind to tell you where he was headed." It was then that Barton remembered the letter he'd received yesterday from one of his messenger boys. He had assumed it was simply from one of the noblemen at court, not of any significant importance, and put off reading it.
"He set out at dawn yesterday but he did leave a letter behind to tell you where he was headed." It was then that Barton remembered the letter he'd received yesterday from one of his messenger boys. He had assumed it was simply from one of the noblemen at court, not of any significant importance, and put off reading it.
He nodded to himself, "Yes I remember now." A sadistic leer suddenly blossomed over his features and Wufei swallowed, dreading the direction he was sure the conversation would now take without the Prince around. "Well then, since he is not here, before we get down to business I would like to inquire about the security around my son's harem..."
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Duo drifted back to consciousness slowly. The first thing that his mind registered was a splitting headache. He groaned in response. The familiarity of this headache was unmistakable: he'd been drugged and by those damnable herbs no less. The thought only brought the memories of everything that had happened to him up until that moment crashing down onto his sensitive mind and he swore his headache went up a notch. Damn slave owners hadn't had to drug him to the point of unconsciousness for crying out loud... He had already been drained enough to begin with.
Duo then decided it was time he found out just what kind of hell-hole he'd been thrown into this time. The decision to do so was what finally made him realize how... comfortable he was... He could feel a bed beneath him, blankets, something warm underneath his head... With growing confusion Duo opened his eyes. It took a moment for him to focus in on the object directly above him but when he did, Duo's heart skipped a beat.
Quatre was gazing back at him drowsily from above. He was leaning tiredly against the wall but smiling. Duo's head was on his lap. Duo blinked several times to make sure he wasn't imagining things... or hallucinating. The Great Spirits only knew what kind of side affect Draconian herbs would have on him after having been on the receiving end of them so many times. But Quatre was still there, chuckling slightly when the semi-weak telepathic link between them that was a direct result of their Bond, allowed him to feel the others thoughts. "It's really me, Duo."
He couldn't believe it. Did that mean...? Quatre nodded, "You're safe with us now. We got you out of there before they reached Sank."
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Duo drifted back to consciousness slowly. The first thing that his mind registered was a splitting headache. He groaned in response. The familiarity of this headache was unmistakable: he'd been drugged and by those damnable herbs no less. The thought only brought the memories of everything that had happened to him up until that moment crashing down onto his sensitive mind and he swore his headache went up a notch. Damn slave owners hadn't had to drug him to the point of unconsciousness for crying out loud... He had already been drained enough to begin with.
Duo then decided it was time he found out just what kind of hell-hole he'd been thrown into this time. The decision to do so was what finally made him realize how... comfortable he was... He could feel a bed beneath him, blankets, something warm underneath his head... With growing confusion Duo opened his eyes. It took a moment for him to focus in on the object directly above him but when he did, Duo's heart skipped a beat.
Quatre was gazing back at him drowsily from above. He was leaning tiredly against the wall but smiling. Duo's head was on his lap. Duo blinked several times to make sure he wasn't imagining things... or hallucinating. The Great Spirits only knew what kind of side affect Draconian herbs would have on him after having been on the receiving end of them so many times. But Quatre was still there, chuckling slightly when the semi-weak telepathic link between them that was a direct result of their Bond, allowed him to feel the others thoughts. "It's really me, Duo."
He couldn't believe it. Did that mean...? Quatre nodded, "You're safe with us now. We got you out of there before they reached Sank."
Duo didn't think he had ever been any more relieved in his life and he quickly found Quatre's smile was contagious. "How the heck did you guys find me?? I thought I left you back on Asia Minor." He didn't bother to keep the amazement from his voice but deliberately kept his tone low. He didn't think he could stand any loud noise at the moment.
Quatre was not lost on this and made sure to keep his voice at a reasonable tone when he responded. "When I felt the bond between us thinning I knew you were getting farther away from us. Trowa and I went into the village to find you, only to have the people tell us you'd been taken to the docks by force."
Duo frowned. He understood their intentions but it still bothered him that they'd gone into the village after he'd pleaded with them not to. That village had been quarantined after nearly all of it's inhabitants had fallen victim to the plague. Duo'd had to do some convincing to keep the two of them out when they'd happened upon the village completely by chance. It was how this entire mess had begun.
Duo frowned. He understood their intentions but it still bothered him that they'd gone into the village after he'd pleaded with them not to. That village had been quarantined after nearly all of it's inhabitants had fallen victim to the plague. Duo'd had to do some convincing to keep the two of them out when they'd happened upon the village completely by chance. It was how this entire mess had begun.
It was Duo's duty as an Ecomantic Healer to offer his services to the people of the village but he'd wanted to keep Trowa and Quatre out. As a Healer, he wasn't susceptible to illness but despite their immortality, the other two boys still had living bodies. `Immortality' simply meant they wouldn't die, it said nothing about preventing maiming/illness/etc. and he hadn't wanted to have to worry about them when there were others who needed him.
Trowa had been the most adamant about not leaving him alone but eventually Quatre had, reluctantly, sided with Duo and they had outnumbered Trowa. Quatre sighed, not having to read Duo's mind to know where his thoughts were heading. "We agreed to let you go in alone under the sole condition that you didn't exhaust yourself. I understand why you felt you had to use every ounce of your strength to help those people but you should have been careful to take care of yourself as well. We've never condoned the complete depletion of your power and you knew that. If you'd had something left to defend yourself with, we wouldn't have had to go into the village after you."
Duo frowned and looked off to the side stubbornly. No matter how much he didn't want to admit it... It had been his one chance to show them, especially Trowa, that he didn't need a pair of bodyguards at his back every waking moment of his life and he'd screwed it up. The term `bodyguard' was actually one he used whenever he was just mad. The two boys who'd raised him all by themselves were more like big brothers to him which incidentally, only made it worse. The one time they trust him on his own... and he got kidnapped by pirates. There had to be some irony in there somewhere...
Duo shook his head, "you were telling me how you found me." He said, opting to change the subject.
Trowa had been the most adamant about not leaving him alone but eventually Quatre had, reluctantly, sided with Duo and they had outnumbered Trowa. Quatre sighed, not having to read Duo's mind to know where his thoughts were heading. "We agreed to let you go in alone under the sole condition that you didn't exhaust yourself. I understand why you felt you had to use every ounce of your strength to help those people but you should have been careful to take care of yourself as well. We've never condoned the complete depletion of your power and you knew that. If you'd had something left to defend yourself with, we wouldn't have had to go into the village after you."
Duo frowned and looked off to the side stubbornly. No matter how much he didn't want to admit it... It had been his one chance to show them, especially Trowa, that he didn't need a pair of bodyguards at his back every waking moment of his life and he'd screwed it up. The term `bodyguard' was actually one he used whenever he was just mad. The two boys who'd raised him all by themselves were more like big brothers to him which incidentally, only made it worse. The one time they trust him on his own... and he got kidnapped by pirates. There had to be some irony in there somewhere...
Duo shook his head, "you were telling me how you found me." He said, opting to change the subject.
Quatre closed his eyes tiredly, relenting. "Well, we found out you were on a pirate ship heading back to Asia Major. We got a ride on a merchant ship run by a branch leader of the Burning Leaf, claiming to be one of his and managed to get to the Sank/Roma coast first thanks to your small hurricane."
Duo flinched inwardly, they even knew about that... "He gave us the cloaks we disguised ourselves with until we were able to attack the carriage and free you." Quatre finished stifling a yawn. Duo nodded, it made sense. He sat up and had to close his eyes as the room swam and his headache reasserted itself into the forefront of his attention.
Duo flinched inwardly, they even knew about that... "He gave us the cloaks we disguised ourselves with until we were able to attack the carriage and free you." Quatre finished stifling a yawn. Duo nodded, it made sense. He sat up and had to close his eyes as the room swam and his headache reasserted itself into the forefront of his attention.
Quatre caught him as he began to sway and had him lean against the wall when he refused to lay back down. "I'm really sorry about having to use those herbs..."
Duo's eyes snapped wide open, "That was you?!" Quatre flinched, his own headache spilling over from Duo's mind pounded at the raised voice.
"I know how you hate them but we needed to be convincing. We couldn't risk you recognizing us and giving something away."
He paused at Duo's glare, "Trowa and I just thought it might be an easier in and out operation if it were done this way." Duo shook his head but let it go. The headache would only last a few hours and then he'd regain his power and could forget all about this.
He paused at Duo's glare, "Trowa and I just thought it might be an easier in and out operation if it were done this way." Duo shook his head but let it go. The headache would only last a few hours and then he'd regain his power and could forget all about this.
"Speaking of Trowa..." Duo said looking around the otherwise empty room, "where is he... and where are we?" The only other things in the room were an old wooden table and chair. Quatre and Trowa's saddle bags were sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed.
"This is an Inn on the outskirts of Roma's capitol and Trowa went out to find a horse for you. He should be back soon."
Duo nodded and looked down at his arms. The arm guards were starting to get uncomfortable. Usually they came off every night but since his unscheduled detour back to Asia Major, he had been wearing them for days- considering that the only way to open them was for a telekinetic to release the hidden locks.
Duo nodded and looked down at his arms. The arm guards were starting to get uncomfortable. Usually they came off every night but since his unscheduled detour back to Asia Major, he had been wearing them for days- considering that the only way to open them was for a telekinetic to release the hidden locks.
Quatre followed his gaze and his eyes widened. "Ah, I'm sorry Duo." He upturned Duo's right wrist, holding out his arm horizontally and positioned his own hands above and below Duo's arm. Without very much effort, Quatre concentrated on the locks inside the arm guards and within seconds there was a clicking sound. The white gold arm guard snapped open and fell into Quatre's hand.
Quatre repeated the action with his other arm and set the open arm guards on the wooden table. "Thanks," Duo said as he rubbed at the skin of his arms. He took a closer look and to his extreme annoyance it seemed as though his skin was tanning unevenly. He rubbed at the skin harder as if he could make it go away. Quatre suppressed the urge to chuckle but Duo gave him a look anyway. Quatre wasn't the only one who benefited from their telepathic link.
"Very funny." Duo looked back at the arm guards with disdain, suddenly remembering how exposed he'd felt on the ship, wearing something that loudly proclaimed what he was. Quatre's smile faded slightly when he felt Duo's thoughts. He vividly remembered that scene on the ship after it had docked and feeling Duo's discomfort at being surrounded by so many Burning Leaf. Abruptly, Duo slipped the rose leaf earring off, throwing it across the room and pulled the top of his robes off, throwing them aside as well.
He glared at the Ecomancers rose leaf vine designs on his robes. "I don't ever want to feel that exposed again." he said, knowing Quatre would know what he meant. As he'd thought, Quatre nodded with understanding and went to the foot of the bed. He retrieved a brush from his saddle bags and crawled back behind Duo. Duo smiled again when he realized what Quatre was doing.
Quatre repeated the action with his other arm and set the open arm guards on the wooden table. "Thanks," Duo said as he rubbed at the skin of his arms. He took a closer look and to his extreme annoyance it seemed as though his skin was tanning unevenly. He rubbed at the skin harder as if he could make it go away. Quatre suppressed the urge to chuckle but Duo gave him a look anyway. Quatre wasn't the only one who benefited from their telepathic link.
"Very funny." Duo looked back at the arm guards with disdain, suddenly remembering how exposed he'd felt on the ship, wearing something that loudly proclaimed what he was. Quatre's smile faded slightly when he felt Duo's thoughts. He vividly remembered that scene on the ship after it had docked and feeling Duo's discomfort at being surrounded by so many Burning Leaf. Abruptly, Duo slipped the rose leaf earring off, throwing it across the room and pulled the top of his robes off, throwing them aside as well.
He glared at the Ecomancers rose leaf vine designs on his robes. "I don't ever want to feel that exposed again." he said, knowing Quatre would know what he meant. As he'd thought, Quatre nodded with understanding and went to the foot of the bed. He retrieved a brush from his saddle bags and crawled back behind Duo. Duo smiled again when he realized what Quatre was doing.
Behind him, Quatre loosened the rest of Duo's messy braid, slipping the silver ribbon, that had surprisingly remained intact, out of his hair and began brushing it. In his mind, Duo thanked Quatre. This was a kind of mutual understanding between the two of them. Whenever Duo was upset and the opportunity allowed for it, Quatre could always make him feel better by doing this for him. Duo knew that Quatre loved brushing his hair and he never had any objections.
It was not to last. Just then the door opened and Trowa walked in carrying two buckets of warm water and wash clothes. He set them down in the middle of the room and closed the door. "Wash quickly. We need to leave as soon as possible."
It was not to last. Just then the door opened and Trowa walked in carrying two buckets of warm water and wash clothes. He set them down in the middle of the room and closed the door. "Wash quickly. We need to leave as soon as possible."
Duo looked up, "I'm moved by your sentimental display of concern, Trowa. Don't worry I'm fine. I'll just walk off my splitting headache, per usual. Not fatal, after all."
Trowa raised an eyebrow but Duo noticed how the corner of his lips twitched in an almost-smile and declared his triumph. "I'm glad to see you're alright Duo but wash up quickly. We're heading to Belvai immediately."
This time it was Duo's turn to be caught off-guard. "Belvai? Why?"
Trowa turned to Quatre, "you haven't told him?" Quatre shook his head, slipping out from behind Duo. "Not yet."
Trowa's gaze lingered on him meaningfully and Quatre sighed. "He was bound to find out sooner or later."
Trowa's gaze lingered on him meaningfully and Quatre sighed. "He was bound to find out sooner or later."
Duo looked from Trowa to Quatre and back suspiciously, "what's going on?"
Quatre looked at him somewhat guiltily, "There are some things you need to know that we neglected to tell you in the past, Duo."
Duo turned his attention on Quatre when he spoke and regarded him with skepticism. This cloak and dagger shit was not only annoying but unusual of them. "Like what?"
Quatre bit his lip, "Well, you've heard of the Oracle's Prophecy, ne?"
Duo raised an eyebrow, "which one?"
It wasn't a *complete* attempt at sarcasm. Through the duration of the Oracle's several-hundred-year life span she had made almost as many prophecy's. Some minor predictions that were centered around one life-time or less and some major foretellings that affected whole kingdoms and their futures.
It wasn't a *complete* attempt at sarcasm. Through the duration of the Oracle's several-hundred-year life span she had made almost as many prophecy's. Some minor predictions that were centered around one life-time or less and some major foretellings that affected whole kingdoms and their futures.
Duo's train of thought brushed Quatre's mind and he frowned slightly, "I mean the Vistarian Prophecy."
`Oh'.
"Well, yeah. I know it. Everyone and their grandma's heard of that one." Quatre sighed inwardly and decided that beating around the bush would only prolong the conversation- and Trowa would not appreciate that.
"Duo, we told you long ago that we knew nothing about you when we found you. You simply lived with Silvia and the two of us for five years before becoming a Traveling Healer and accepted that way of life without question. The truth is that we do know more about you than we've let on but we were forbidden from telling you until now."
"Duo, we told you long ago that we knew nothing about you when we found you. You simply lived with Silvia and the two of us for five years before becoming a Traveling Healer and accepted that way of life without question. The truth is that we do know more about you than we've let on but we were forbidden from telling you until now."
Before Duo could interrupt him he said, "and it has *everything* to do with Silvia's prophecy. Despite the claims of the Sank Kingdom, the Vistarian Prince is alive and well because I'm staring at him right now. Do you remember the lines in the Prophecy that say Vistaria will be attacked at the birth of a Prince and `two guardians sent by eternity' will save him? It meant two immortals: Trowa and I."
Duo's eye's had grown wider and wider the more Quatre spoke and by the time Quatre paused for breath, Duo had been rendered speechless. He was still shaking his head in disbelief when Quatre continued. "Have you never thought it odd that you were *born* a Healer? Such a thing is still completely unheard of even today. Ecomancer's, if one is born as such will only be born with one elemental, maybe on a very rare occasion two but you were gifted with all four from the start. A part of the prophecy that is often neglected is the mention of the Vistarian Prince as a Healer. The Oracle herself took mention of that out of her writing when she realized how dangerous that information was. Either way, it is another undeniable coincidence between you and her prophecy, ne?"
Duo sat there in stunned silence for a few minutes, pondering what Quatre had just said. Abruptly, he erupted in laughter. "You're joking right? Do you honestly think I'm some legendary Prince??"
Duo's eye's had grown wider and wider the more Quatre spoke and by the time Quatre paused for breath, Duo had been rendered speechless. He was still shaking his head in disbelief when Quatre continued. "Have you never thought it odd that you were *born* a Healer? Such a thing is still completely unheard of even today. Ecomancer's, if one is born as such will only be born with one elemental, maybe on a very rare occasion two but you were gifted with all four from the start. A part of the prophecy that is often neglected is the mention of the Vistarian Prince as a Healer. The Oracle herself took mention of that out of her writing when she realized how dangerous that information was. Either way, it is another undeniable coincidence between you and her prophecy, ne?"
Duo sat there in stunned silence for a few minutes, pondering what Quatre had just said. Abruptly, he erupted in laughter. "You're joking right? Do you honestly think I'm some legendary Prince??"
Trowa glared. "I was there when your Queen mother handed you over to Quatre as a baby while her kingdom burned to the ground outside. She was already dying from the plague when we found her. We made a promise to her that day to protect you with our lives until you could fulfill Lady Silvia's predictions. I can still remember the way she looked at her son with a new mothers pride..." he ended his sentence with an air of disappointment.
Trowa knew he had gone a bit too far, which only gave his words more weight considering his character, but the words he left unsaid were what rang in their minds afterwards. `How could he write off the existence of such a person so easily?'
Duo looked like he'd been slapped in the face. Trowa didn't crack jokes, and neither had he ever said something like that to him. Quatre wasn't joking him either... they were serious. "What the hell…?"
Duo looked like he'd been slapped in the face. Trowa didn't crack jokes, and neither had he ever said something like that to him. Quatre wasn't joking him either... they were serious. "What the hell…?"
Trowa crossed his arms, "Did you ever wonder why it was we never stay in one place too long? Not even one continent for too long? It isn't just the Burning Leaf, Duo. King Barton has had assassin's out in search of you since the fall of your kingdom. To stay one step ahead of them, we've had to keep moving."
He looked back toward the buckets of cooling water and regretted the time all this had taken. He'd known it wouldn't be easy to convince Duo but Trowa had still wished for quick acceptance, no matter how unlikely. Especially considering the person he was asking it from...
Quatre looked at him curiously, wondering what was going through his mind. It wasn't the first time he regretted not having the same mental link with Trowa that he had with Duo. Unfortunately, the link was only a side affect of the Bonding and even if he'd wanted to, he could've never bonded with Trowa. Unlike the other two in the room, Trowa was 100% human.
Quatre looked at him curiously, wondering what was going through his mind. It wasn't the first time he regretted not having the same mental link with Trowa that he had with Duo. Unfortunately, the link was only a side affect of the Bonding and even if he'd wanted to, he could've never bonded with Trowa. Unlike the other two in the room, Trowa was 100% human.
"We need to go to Belvai to seek the Oracle's advise on how to continue now that we've revealed your past to you. We also need to ask her about Quatre's bond to you. We don't know how it might affect you once you reach the age he had when he was cursed." Trowa said turning back to them.
Duo was shaking his head, unwilling to believe this load of complete bullshit was true. A part of him knew he was in denial... because the truth behind everything they'd told him was hard to ignore. But it still seemed so outrageous, like something out of a cheesy tavern ballad… or a nightmare. Duo looked back up in time to see Trowa throw him a pair of brown pants and a beige long sleeved shirt from his saddle bags, reminding him that he'd lost his clothes on the other continent.
Duo was shaking his head, unwilling to believe this load of complete bullshit was true. A part of him knew he was in denial... because the truth behind everything they'd told him was hard to ignore. But it still seemed so outrageous, like something out of a cheesy tavern ballad… or a nightmare. Duo looked back up in time to see Trowa throw him a pair of brown pants and a beige long sleeved shirt from his saddle bags, reminding him that he'd lost his clothes on the other continent.
"You can finish contemplating and accepting what we've told you on the ride to Belvai. For now, wash up and get dressed. We're leaving as soon as your done." With that Trowa turned and headed back out of the room.
Quatre sighed after he was gone and looked at Duo apologetically. "Trowa hasn't slept well since you disappeared on us. You'll understand if he's a bit grouchy." He purposely left out the part about Trowa being out of his mind with worry and nearly homicidal to whoever approached them on the ship after Quatre had been half-conscious for two days. The same two days Duo had spent in a comatose-like sleep that, without a bonded to take off the edge, would've killed him.
Quatre sighed after he was gone and looked at Duo apologetically. "Trowa hasn't slept well since you disappeared on us. You'll understand if he's a bit grouchy." He purposely left out the part about Trowa being out of his mind with worry and nearly homicidal to whoever approached them on the ship after Quatre had been half-conscious for two days. The same two days Duo had spent in a comatose-like sleep that, without a bonded to take off the edge, would've killed him.
Quatre had been extremely lenient in berating Duo for that because he had felt Duo's reasons and understood. Duo however, completely missed what was on Quatre's mind as he nodded to his Bonded's explanation of Trowa's behavior and stared at something behind their saddle bags. Quatre smiled, feeling Duo's elation when he realized it was his long lost boots.
----------
Eyeing the guards that Wufei had posted at the doors per usual, Dorothy pulled open one of the massive doors that led into her Kings private quarters with much less grace than she would have preferred. She had always regretting never obtaining the gift of telekinesis, with which tasks like these would be so much easier. Regardless, she entered the room and pulled the door closed behind her.
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Eyeing the guards that Wufei had posted at the doors per usual, Dorothy pulled open one of the massive doors that led into her Kings private quarters with much less grace than she would have preferred. She had always regretting never obtaining the gift of telekinesis, with which tasks like these would be so much easier. Regardless, she entered the room and pulled the door closed behind her.
The room was beautifully furnished, ultimately fit for a king. The marble tiled floors gleamed in crimson sunlight that streamed in from several widows, having been filtered through fine red curtains that billowed in the slight breeze. Every piece of furniture was delicately designed dark wood with a touch of gold. From the handles of a vast wardrobe to the legs of a cushioned chair beside an equally impressive desk. Everything that was not wood colored or gold, was wine red. Down to the draperies that hung tastefully, tied back to the four posts of a massive bed.
She had seen it all before. It was not the first time her king had summoned her directly to his chambers, but there was something different this time. However many times she had been called to his rooms, never had he called her directly after finishing with a young maiden. Said maiden was sobbing hysterically over the covers of the king's bed, nude and bloody after having survived the king's twisted idea of foreplay. Dorothy glanced at her only briefly, and with complete apathy moved past the bed to the balcony. `It is only midday and already he needs a whore to curb his sadistic appetite,' she thought not without some disdain.
King Barton stood on his balcony, looking out at his kingdom as if in deep contemplation of something. Mindless of the fact he was clothed in nothing but his robe, Dorothy walked up next to him, "You disgust me, your Highness."
She had seen it all before. It was not the first time her king had summoned her directly to his chambers, but there was something different this time. However many times she had been called to his rooms, never had he called her directly after finishing with a young maiden. Said maiden was sobbing hysterically over the covers of the king's bed, nude and bloody after having survived the king's twisted idea of foreplay. Dorothy glanced at her only briefly, and with complete apathy moved past the bed to the balcony. `It is only midday and already he needs a whore to curb his sadistic appetite,' she thought not without some disdain.
King Barton stood on his balcony, looking out at his kingdom as if in deep contemplation of something. Mindless of the fact he was clothed in nothing but his robe, Dorothy walked up next to him, "You disgust me, your Highness."
King Barton laughed, "that's what I like about you, Dorothy. You're not afraid to speak your mind." He looked at her side ways, "and you're not afraid to approach me either, even after seeing the wretch on my bed."
Dorothy smirked, ignoring the bait. "The Prince will be very angry when he returns only to learn you've sullied another of his harem girls."
King Barton snorted at the comment. "He can do nothing. It is his own fault he completely ignores them. Whether I lie with every one of them or not, he doesn't seem to be in any hurry to choose a bride."
Her smirk broadened, "not that you want him to anyway." She finished for him.
Barton looked at her sharply but his features softened. "You certainly know how to read people."
Barton looked at her sharply but his features softened. "You certainly know how to read people."
With an air of confidence that any other person might have kept in check in front of their King, Dorothy leaned against the balcony railing to look out at the landscape. "You keep me around for a reason, don't you? Besides, even if I weren't Psychic, I know the reason you called me up here is simply because you are still worried about that prophecy..."
"Hn." King Barton held his hands behind his back, recovering a regal posture that was second nature to him and turned to look out at the landscape as well. "It worries me that no assassin has come forth to claim the bounty yet. That I have not so much as heard a word of the Prince's existence since the day his kingdom became mine. Time is running out."
Dorothy considered her words before she replied. "I will not lie to you, your Highness. The idea that he may still be alive is no comfort but we can do nothing for the moment but wait. The only consolation I *can* offer is to say that your spy's within the Burning Leaf will prove useful once the anniversary of Vistaria's fall has arrived. I am certain movement in the prophecy will have begun by then."
Dorothy considered her words before she replied. "I will not lie to you, your Highness. The idea that he may still be alive is no comfort but we can do nothing for the moment but wait. The only consolation I *can* offer is to say that your spy's within the Burning Leaf will prove useful once the anniversary of Vistaria's fall has arrived. I am certain movement in the prophecy will have begun by then."
The King nodded. "I also worry about Treize. He's a cunning devil and capable of just about anything. The last thing I need is him here, stirring up trouble at a time like this. My Kingdom may be the largest on the content but his empire spans the islands on the cost and certain colonies on Asia Minor. All together, the size and power behind his empire rivals mine. If it were only that, perhaps I could be reassured... but on top of everything, he has the Oracle's favor."
Dorothy bristled at the mention of the Oracle. Barton noticed but decided to continue, despite. "You see, with the Oracles favor Treize has a great influential power he would never have otherwise. The Oracle has lived in one of *his* cities for century's making it the only holy city outside of Eco Vera. That power has made him arrogant and I've become certain that he secretly conspires against me. Hell, the Oracle may very well support him in that issue and if she does... it's only a matter of time before my kingdom falls, no matter how powerful I've become. The Oracle has too much power for her word to be taken lightly. She answers to no one, not even a King."
Dorothy nodded in agreement but her face was set in an unusual scowl. Barton noticed and decided to inquire about it this time. "I've realized that whenever anyone speaks of the Oracle, you become very uncomfortable. Why is that?"
Dorothy bristled at the mention of the Oracle. Barton noticed but decided to continue, despite. "You see, with the Oracles favor Treize has a great influential power he would never have otherwise. The Oracle has lived in one of *his* cities for century's making it the only holy city outside of Eco Vera. That power has made him arrogant and I've become certain that he secretly conspires against me. Hell, the Oracle may very well support him in that issue and if she does... it's only a matter of time before my kingdom falls, no matter how powerful I've become. The Oracle has too much power for her word to be taken lightly. She answers to no one, not even a King."
Dorothy nodded in agreement but her face was set in an unusual scowl. Barton noticed and decided to inquire about it this time. "I've realized that whenever anyone speaks of the Oracle, you become very uncomfortable. Why is that?"
Her lips thinned but she crossed her arms under her breasts and stared straight out at the busy early evening landscape. "Silvia and I competed for the chance to become Oracle many centuries ago. The old fool who came before us choose her over me, despite the fact that I was more powerful than she at the time. I have never forgotten that humiliation."
Barton raised an eyebrow, "I knew you were old but not that you were as old as the Oracle. Without the Oracles power, how is it that you are immortal?"
Dorothy smirked, "That's my secret."
Without warning, Dorothy's mind was struck with a vision so fleeting she almost didn't catch it. She swayed on her feet briefly and had to steady herself by putting a hand on the railing. The vision led to the idea and Dorothy's eyes widened as she called herself ten kinds of fool for never having realized how easy it was. For not having come up with it only until centuries later. Barton looked at her curiously, "Lady Catalonia?"
Without warning, Dorothy's mind was struck with a vision so fleeting she almost didn't catch it. She swayed on her feet briefly and had to steady herself by putting a hand on the railing. The vision led to the idea and Dorothy's eyes widened as she called herself ten kinds of fool for never having realized how easy it was. For not having come up with it only until centuries later. Barton looked at her curiously, "Lady Catalonia?"
Dorothy looked at him with a mixture of excitement and elation, "I have the perfect solution to both of our problems!" Barton looked at her warily. Dorothy could only smile with mischievous delight, "Send a battalion of men into Belvai!"
King Bartons eyes widened, "You've gone mad, woman! Treize would most certainly raise hell if he knew I sent troops into his..."
She was shaking her head. "Disguise them as escorts, no one will ever know the difference!"
Barton was incredulous, "what the hell for? Are you saying we assassinate the Oracle?" Her eyes gleamed. "By the Three Spirits, you *have* gone mad!" Barton exclaimed, horrified. "Every Kingdom on the continent would be after my head for even thinking it!" Dorothy laughed and Barton backed a step as the unholy laughter sent chills down his spine.
"You *can't* kill the Oracle. She's an immortal, remember? What I am suggesting is that you send a battalion of men, disguised as escorts, to take *me* into Belvai. Once I'm there, I will force Silvia to forfeit her power to me. If she refuses, I will have your men there to threaten her. She may be an immortal, but no one would want to spend an eternity maimed or in small assorted pieces."
"You *can't* kill the Oracle. She's an immortal, remember? What I am suggesting is that you send a battalion of men, disguised as escorts, to take *me* into Belvai. Once I'm there, I will force Silvia to forfeit her power to me. If she refuses, I will have your men there to threaten her. She may be an immortal, but no one would want to spend an eternity maimed or in small assorted pieces."
Barton was beginning to smile the more Dorothy went on, he liked the direction this was going. "Continue..."
Her smirk was one of triumphant glee. "Well, after I become the new Oracle the most influential kingdom will be yours. I serve you and the Sank kingdom, of course and would return the moment I have the power that is rightfully mine." And to put the final icing on the cake, "I would bring the holy city to Sank and Treize would no longer have that one above you..."
Barton was smirking by the time she finished and wasted no time in declaring, "You have my blessing. Take any men you want and go. Go now!"
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The Prince of Sank knocked on the large double doors of the great hall. The Oracle's Temple was almost as vast as a palace and it had taken the guards at the entrance a full fifteen minutes to send someone in and find the Oracle to ask whether she would see him before they let him pass.
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The Prince of Sank knocked on the large double doors of the great hall. The Oracle's Temple was almost as vast as a palace and it had taken the guards at the entrance a full fifteen minutes to send someone in and find the Oracle to ask whether she would see him before they let him pass.
When the Oracle was concerned, no rank held any weight, whether a pauper or king wished to see her. If she would not agree to it, her decision would be respected. But he knew she would see him. Not only had he sent word ahead but considering their past relationship, he doubted she would turn him away.
The Oracle was the only person in his life who had ever brought him any peace. She had been like a mother when he had none. Someone he could trust when his life was filled with nothing but people of questionable loyalty, as well as being a sort of guide to him. In his position it was difficult to find time to do what he wanted and his visits as of late had become far and in between. No, she would definitely not turn him away.
He was brought out of his train of thought when he heard footsteps stop on the other side of the doors. The large double doors that had to weigh several hundred pounds a piece opened simultaneously without hesitation, and seemingly of their own accord, to reveal a young woman on the other side spreading her hands apart in perfect sync to the moving doors. She lowered her hands when the doors were open all the way and smiled at the boy before her, "Heero, it's been so long." She walked toward him and took him into her embrace.
He let a small smile slip over his features and held her in return. "Yes, it has." She pulled away and beckoned him inside. Lady Silvia Noventa, the great Oracle of Belvai had not changed in the slightest since Heero had last seen her. She was still the same caring affectionate woman he had come to care for almost like a mother over many years, despite it becoming much more difficult for him to think of her that way due to her appearance. Silvia was an immortal and much older than he would ever be but it still felt as if he was catching up to her in age. Time simply stood still around her.
She smiled back at him, "Is it Heero *Yuy* now? How did your father feel about that?"
The Oracle was the only person in his life who had ever brought him any peace. She had been like a mother when he had none. Someone he could trust when his life was filled with nothing but people of questionable loyalty, as well as being a sort of guide to him. In his position it was difficult to find time to do what he wanted and his visits as of late had become far and in between. No, she would definitely not turn him away.
He was brought out of his train of thought when he heard footsteps stop on the other side of the doors. The large double doors that had to weigh several hundred pounds a piece opened simultaneously without hesitation, and seemingly of their own accord, to reveal a young woman on the other side spreading her hands apart in perfect sync to the moving doors. She lowered her hands when the doors were open all the way and smiled at the boy before her, "Heero, it's been so long." She walked toward him and took him into her embrace.
He let a small smile slip over his features and held her in return. "Yes, it has." She pulled away and beckoned him inside. Lady Silvia Noventa, the great Oracle of Belvai had not changed in the slightest since Heero had last seen her. She was still the same caring affectionate woman he had come to care for almost like a mother over many years, despite it becoming much more difficult for him to think of her that way due to her appearance. Silvia was an immortal and much older than he would ever be but it still felt as if he was catching up to her in age. Time simply stood still around her.
She smiled back at him, "Is it Heero *Yuy* now? How did your father feel about that?"
Heero frowned, slipping back into a much more familiar attitude in response to that question. "He didn't argue for very long after I claimed I wanted it done in my mothers honor on the anniversary of death. It's difficult for a man to oppose something like that, even someone like... him." Silvia nodded and turned to look in front of her as she walked into the Great Hall. She still remembered the day Heero's mother had died in child birth. She felt there was truth in what Heero had said; wanting to take his mother's maiden name instead of his fathers in her honor but, she had also sensed an incredible hostility towards his fathers name...
They reached an area in the chamber where several seating pillows were arranged in a pattern. Silvia picked up her elegant golden gown and sat down upon one she thought looked comfortable. When Heero sat down beside her she put a hand over his comfortingly. "I think it wonderful of you to have honored your mother in such a way. I'm sure that she looks upon her son from the nether world with pride."
They reached an area in the chamber where several seating pillows were arranged in a pattern. Silvia picked up her elegant golden gown and sat down upon one she thought looked comfortable. When Heero sat down beside her she put a hand over his comfortingly. "I think it wonderful of you to have honored your mother in such a way. I'm sure that she looks upon her son from the nether world with pride."
Heero's frown turn inward and he shook his head, "How could you even be sure there is a nether world? Do you now have the power to speak to the dead?"
Silvia chuckled, "You of all people should know that is not possible. The nether world is (def.) Shinigami's realm. The power of the Spirit of Outerspace does not reach so far."
Silvia chuckled, "You of all people should know that is not possible. The nether world is (def.) Shinigami's realm. The power of the Spirit of Outerspace does not reach so far."
Heero gave her a stubborn look, "How do you even know such a being exists?"
For the first time, her smile became mischievous. "I've met him."
Heero's eyes widened, "What?!" Silvia laughed. The reaction had been priceless.
"I met Shinigami several hundred years ago, Heero. It was not at the best of times but I did meet him." Silvia smiled, sensing the conflict in Heero's mind as he tried to digest that.
She knew he had believed there was no Shinigami for a very long time and for her to tell him otherwise must've been somewhat disarming. She could sense the unwillingness to believe battling against the unconditional faith he had in her. In a way, that near blind trust he had in her word was flattering. She shook her head at all the thoughts coming from his mind as if to clear her head of them, "Heero, there was an urgency of some sort in your mind when I hugged you a few minutes ago. Was there something you wanted to tell me?"
Changing the subject had the desired effect. Her telepathic senses allowed her *feel* him push the conflicting thoughts aside to be sorted through later, in favor of something he deemed much more important. "Yes, there was. When I was leaving for Eco Vera I was surprised to hear you were still in Belvai. Why haven't you gone to Torelle for the Purification Ritual yet?"
She knew he had believed there was no Shinigami for a very long time and for her to tell him otherwise must've been somewhat disarming. She could sense the unwillingness to believe battling against the unconditional faith he had in her. In a way, that near blind trust he had in her word was flattering. She shook her head at all the thoughts coming from his mind as if to clear her head of them, "Heero, there was an urgency of some sort in your mind when I hugged you a few minutes ago. Was there something you wanted to tell me?"
Changing the subject had the desired effect. Her telepathic senses allowed her *feel* him push the conflicting thoughts aside to be sorted through later, in favor of something he deemed much more important. "Yes, there was. When I was leaving for Eco Vera I was surprised to hear you were still in Belvai. Why haven't you gone to Torelle for the Purification Ritual yet?"
She looked at him skeptically, "There are travelers on their way to see me who should be here shortly. The Spirit of Outerspace has told me that it is of utmost importance that I see them and when the Great Spirit speaks, I obey. However, I do not think it is my late attendance to the yearly ritual that is what has concerned you so..."
Heero shook his head, "I had hoped to find you in Torelle but I came here when I heard you hadn't left. I came because I need your opinion, advise, and most importantly your support for something I've been planning."
Heero shook his head, "I had hoped to find you in Torelle but I came here when I heard you hadn't left. I came because I need your opinion, advise, and most importantly your support for something I've been planning."
Silvia's expression became serious, "and that is?"
Heero matched her grave expression with one of his own. "To overthrow the King."
Silvia sighed but nodded. "I knew this was coming..."
Heero continued, "I have not yet worked out all the details but I want it done as quietly as possible. I don't want to get the entire Sank Kingdom involved. The last thing they need is a bloody revolution or a war."
She nodded, "I agree."
Heero raised an eyebrow, "with...?"
Heero raised an eyebrow, "with...?"
"All of it. Your father is an evil tyrant who must not sit on the throne for much longer. To be perfectly blunt, he tries to interfere with the fulfillment of destiny and he will continue to interfere if he is allowed to live." She finished gravely.
Heero closed his eyes and clenched his fists involuntarily. "I wished you would not call him that." Silvia raised a hand to her mouth and said an apology. She finally realized where the hostility in him was coming from. It was nothing more and nothing less then a deep burning hatred toward his father, King of the Sank Kingdom.
"You have my deepest apologies, I had not realized... I will no longer refer to him in the same manner." She said regretfully.
"You have my deepest apologies, I had not realized... I will no longer refer to him in the same manner." She said regretfully.
She brought her hand back to his and they relaxed, "thank you." he said quietly.
She nodded mutely, "You have the Oracle's support to overthrow the King, my Prince. But that support will not be coming from me in the future."
He frowned curiously, "what do you mean?"
She sighed inwardly, "I feel a hostile presence approaching from afar. This will be my last day on this Earth."
Heero's eyes flew wide, "What are you talking about??"
She looked straight at him, "I mean that there is something telling me, warning me that my death will come before the day is through."
Heero pushed aside his cape to put a hand on the hilt of his sword. "If someone plots to harm you, tell me. I swear I will..."
Heero pushed aside his cape to put a hand on the hilt of his sword. "If someone plots to harm you, tell me. I swear I will..."
"No!" Heero stopped and looked into Silvia's pleading eyes. "No, Heero. You will not risk your life for me, you will not die protecting me, you will do nothing! Do you understand me?!" Heero's hand fell away from his weapon and he stared at her with an expression of shock on his unguarded face.
Silvia answered the question that was on his mind before he asked it, "No, I am not trying to protect you from harm; that is not it. If you stay here, there is a good chance you will die meaninglessly. Your destiny is to do far greater things than protect the life of someone who will die anyway."
Heero couldn't speak. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was mutely shaking his head as a thousand possible reasons for this ran through his mind, trying to explain what he knew he couldn't have heard.
Heero couldn't speak. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was mutely shaking his head as a thousand possible reasons for this ran through his mind, trying to explain what he knew he couldn't have heard.
Silvia reached out and hugged him very motherly, saying in a silent voice, "I understand it now. Holding you, I understand. My death is necessary and will only happen once I find the new Oracle. I will not be murdered, such a thing is not possible. Once I give up the power that makes me immortal, the years I have lived will catch up with me and I will die. It is that simple. But you must not worry. I have lived far longer than any one has a right to and I have no fear of death. I will be fine and the new Oracle will also support your desire to overthrow your... the King."
She pulled away smiled despite the tears welling up in her eyes, "You must not argue with me. Besides, you are destined for great things and your death at this point will not accomplish anything. Your (def.) True Bonded waits for you somewhere out there and so does Wufei. You cannot leave this plot for him to continue alone." Heero's brows furrowed. There were too many things to absorb. A bonded waits for him? He never thought he would ever find one. A bonded for him would have to be an Ecomancer and his kingdom was swarming with the Burning Leaf. It was impossible... Difficult enough as it was to hide his own power from his people, including the father who took pride in the false belief that his entire family was and had been for generations, purely human.
"How did you know Wufei was involved?" he asked, trying to focus on something he could handle.
She pulled away smiled despite the tears welling up in her eyes, "You must not argue with me. Besides, you are destined for great things and your death at this point will not accomplish anything. Your (def.) True Bonded waits for you somewhere out there and so does Wufei. You cannot leave this plot for him to continue alone." Heero's brows furrowed. There were too many things to absorb. A bonded waits for him? He never thought he would ever find one. A bonded for him would have to be an Ecomancer and his kingdom was swarming with the Burning Leaf. It was impossible... Difficult enough as it was to hide his own power from his people, including the father who took pride in the false belief that his entire family was and had been for generations, purely human.
"How did you know Wufei was involved?" he asked, trying to focus on something he could handle.
Silvia's smile became wistful, "I feel his presence in you, and I had already known since before he was born that your brother would help you in achieving some great purpose. It is the reason I begged King Barton to spare his life. I knew his birth was linked to the fate of the Sank Kingdom, as was yours." She remembered that day all too clearly. King Barton's lecherous abuse of his power had gotten a well respected noblewoman from Higashi pregnant at the same time his wife, Queen back then, was also with child. Fearing the political scandal, he framed the women of some crime and sentenced her and the unborn child to death.
It had either been coincidence or the will of the Great Spirits but the Oracle had been visiting the Sank Kingdom when this happened. She had sensed the importance of this child's future and begged the King for its life. By appealing to him, predicting that the child would be a great warrior, serve him well, and was after all of royal blood, she was able to save him.
It had either been coincidence or the will of the Great Spirits but the Oracle had been visiting the Sank Kingdom when this happened. She had sensed the importance of this child's future and begged the King for its life. By appealing to him, predicting that the child would be a great warrior, serve him well, and was after all of royal blood, she was able to save him.
Unfortunately, despite the King's mercy on the baby, he feared what might happen if the woman were allowed to live and then return to the Higashi Kingdom to tell of her rape and near murder. Silvia had been unable to say anything to save her life after her son was born.
She had made certain to tell Wufei the truth about his birth when she believed he was old enough to handle it. Wufei had known his father was the King and that his mother had been a noblewoman but knew little more than that other than his mother had died long ago. The King had forbidden anyone from telling Wufei the details of her death.
She had made certain to tell Wufei the truth about his birth when she believed he was old enough to handle it. Wufei had known his father was the King and that his mother had been a noblewoman but knew little more than that other than his mother had died long ago. The King had forbidden anyone from telling Wufei the details of her death.
Silvia had revealed the truth to both Wufei and Heero a few years earlier. It had finally explained to both of them why Wufei had no title and had not been publicly acknowledged as the King's son, even though it was no secret that Heero and Wufei were brothers. As far as King Barton knew, Wufei still had no idea he had ordered the death of his mother.
Just then a man entered through the open doors of the chamber and bowed deeply, "Oracle..."
Just then a man entered through the open doors of the chamber and bowed deeply, "Oracle..."
Silvia turned to look at him and before he could continue, asked, "Are there three of them?"
The messenger looked up and nodded, "yes, Great One. They wait outside the Temple for your word."
She nodded, "Let them pass. I have been expecting them."
"As you wish." He bowed again and ran out of the chamber toward the entrance hall.
Silvia turned back to Heero when he was gone. "Wufei undoubtedly waits for your return and you must not fail him. Promise me you will leave for the Eco Verian capitol immediately and not stay to play the recklessly brave hero."
Heero glared at the ground but she raised his chin with a single finger and pleaded with him again, "Please. Promise me." Heero felt as if he were at war with his own emotions. He felt he could do something for her if he stayed... but she seemed so resigned to her fate, so convinced it was necessary, so determined to refuse his help...
Heero glared at the ground but she raised his chin with a single finger and pleaded with him again, "Please. Promise me." Heero felt as if he were at war with his own emotions. He felt he could do something for her if he stayed... but she seemed so resigned to her fate, so convinced it was necessary, so determined to refuse his help...
He gave a small sigh and hesitantly let the binding words escape him, "I promise..." She smiled at him and leaned forward to plant a small kiss on his forehead. She knew how difficult it had been for him to say that. She would've known even if she hadn't been able to sense it.
Heero stood up, straightening out his uniform armor and reached his hands down to her. She took them and stood gracefully with his help. With conflicting emotions and a heavy heart, he bowed to her and turned to go. "Wait Heero, before you go there is one more thing I must tell you."
Heero stood up, straightening out his uniform armor and reached his hands down to her. She took them and stood gracefully with his help. With conflicting emotions and a heavy heart, he bowed to her and turned to go. "Wait Heero, before you go there is one more thing I must tell you."
He turned and raised an eyebrow, "what is it?"
She approached him again and spoke softly as if suddenly afraid there might be someone around to hear, "You said before that you wanted my advise on what you are plotting, well I will now tell you this: You must not act upon your plot to overthrow the King until you have met with one more person."
Heero's brows furrowed, "what do you mean?"
Heero's brows furrowed, "what do you mean?"
Silvia's eyes darted to the open door and back again, sensing the steady approach of her new visitors. "The Vistarian Prince lives. You must not act upon your plot until you find him first. Otherwise, you will interfere with a greater destiny than your own and you and all of your co-conspirators may be killed in the process."
Heero was astonished, "He lives?"
Silvia nodded, "You must wait on your plot and present yourself as his ally and he will insure your victory. Do not make yourself his enemy for he will come with Shinigami's favor and Shinigami is a very vengeful spirit."
It was one continuous surprise after another, "How am I supposed to find him then?"
"That, you do not need to worry about. He will find you. The Spirit of Outerspace tells me you will cross-paths three times from this moment forward. In that time you must gain his trust and show him you are not an enemy or he *will* crush you along with all those who've wronged him. The most useful clue I can give you to identifying him is that on the third time you cross paths, you will know him because he will appear to you as a slave in black attire." And just as swiftly as the wave of her prediction had come, it left her. She raised a hand to her head as she felt her dominating spirits power leave her again. "That is all I know..."
Heero understood how it worked and didn't question her, "Thank you for telling me."
"That, you do not need to worry about. He will find you. The Spirit of Outerspace tells me you will cross-paths three times from this moment forward. In that time you must gain his trust and show him you are not an enemy or he *will* crush you along with all those who've wronged him. The most useful clue I can give you to identifying him is that on the third time you cross paths, you will know him because he will appear to you as a slave in black attire." And just as swiftly as the wave of her prediction had come, it left her. She raised a hand to her head as she felt her dominating spirits power leave her again. "That is all I know..."
Heero understood how it worked and didn't question her, "Thank you for telling me."
She nodded, "You should go now. Leave quickly and remember your promise."
Heero sighed inwardly. He bowed to her, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissed her above her knuckles. "I... I will miss you..." His bangs shadowed his eyes in that moment of confession as he paused in mid bow, lingering above her delicate hand. She smiled sadly but was unable to put her feelings into words. She loved him dearly and did not want to leave him but she knew this would be for the greater good and that he understood that. So instead of speaking it, she threw her essence around him and allowed him to feel what she felt for a few brief moments. He looked up at her with raw emotion reflected on his face when he felt her in his mind.
It was simply too much. He backed away from her power. "I understand, Silvia. But it doesn't make it any easier."
It was simply too much. He backed away from her power. "I understand, Silvia. But it doesn't make it any easier."
She nodded, "good bye, Heero." He looked at her for a lingering moment when she spoke those words. This was the woman who, besides his brother, had been the only person he had ever truly trusted. The woman who'd been like a mother to him. Words failed him at that moment. She would die. Soon. And he had just promised to do nothing about it. To let it happen. Her expression became deeply saddened in response to his thoughts. "I'm sorry." A pause, "please tell Wufei the same. I love you both."
`That's what makes this so difficult'. Heero stood transfixed for a few more moments before he nodded almost to himself, "good bye, Silvia." He walked out of the chamber and never saw her again.
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Heero almost ran down the hallways toward the entrance hall. Silvia knew he was a man of his word and she was holding him to that. If only she hadn't made him promise... Heero shook the thoughts out of his mind. What was important now was that he reach Eco Vera as she had wished him to before any suspicions arise. Heero had told no one about his little detour to come see the Oracle, having first assumed he would see her in Eco Vera's capital. He would have to rush there from this point on.
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Heero almost ran down the hallways toward the entrance hall. Silvia knew he was a man of his word and she was holding him to that. If only she hadn't made him promise... Heero shook the thoughts out of his mind. What was important now was that he reach Eco Vera as she had wished him to before any suspicions arise. Heero had told no one about his little detour to come see the Oracle, having first assumed he would see her in Eco Vera's capital. He would have to rush there from this point on.
So lost in his thoughts was he that Heero almost missed the three people walking up the hallway towards the direction he was coming from.
He had never seen any of them in his life; a taller boy with brown hair and green eyes, another with blonde hair and blue-green eyes and one between them. It was the boy between them that caught his attention and made him slow as he ran past. The boy was breathtaking, with long chestnut-brown hair and rare violet-blue eyes. It was those violet-blue depths that held his gaze and almost made him slow to a complete stop as he approached. The other boy also looked at him as he passed and their eyes made silent contact for what felt like fleeting seconds before a bend in the hallway caused him to disappear out of sight.
Heero stopped and looked back even though he could no longer see him. There had been something about him. Something in his aura, his power that had caught his attention. From the way they were dressed he could only assume they were travelers... but what in the world could Silvia have wanted with them? They had to be the ones she was expecting. He almost made himself return but quickly changed his mind. A bunch of travelers was the last thing he needed to worry about at the moment, no matter how... odd they felt. He shook off that small voice that told him to go back and investigate in favor of his current priorities. Eco Vera was waiting for him.
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He had never seen any of them in his life; a taller boy with brown hair and green eyes, another with blonde hair and blue-green eyes and one between them. It was the boy between them that caught his attention and made him slow as he ran past. The boy was breathtaking, with long chestnut-brown hair and rare violet-blue eyes. It was those violet-blue depths that held his gaze and almost made him slow to a complete stop as he approached. The other boy also looked at him as he passed and their eyes made silent contact for what felt like fleeting seconds before a bend in the hallway caused him to disappear out of sight.
Heero stopped and looked back even though he could no longer see him. There had been something about him. Something in his aura, his power that had caught his attention. From the way they were dressed he could only assume they were travelers... but what in the world could Silvia have wanted with them? They had to be the ones she was expecting. He almost made himself return but quickly changed his mind. A bunch of travelers was the last thing he needed to worry about at the moment, no matter how... odd they felt. He shook off that small voice that told him to go back and investigate in favor of his current priorities. Eco Vera was waiting for him.
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