Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice of Death ❯ Chapter 10

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

C-Chan2: I don't feel like saying anything.

Lloyd: For some reason she's being a downer.

Jim: Could it be that she had to deal with two deaths in two weeks? OW! You didn't have to hit me.

Lloyd: Don't remind her you idiot.

Jim: *sticks out tongue*

C-Chan2: You know you two, I can do an original fiction where the story line is you both hate each other only because you realize you're in love and burn with desire for each other's touch.

Jim: Man, you're evil.

Lloyd: Ew. Please Chan, spare me the details.

C-Chan2: And we're back to business. Yes, due to some terrible losses of mine I'm a bit late. I apologize. However, I couldn't leave you guys hanging and I really want to finish this thing. Too bad I'm no where near the end. Don't worry, I won't end up doing the rest of this fic half-assed, I promise. So on with the show.

Lloyd: Enjoy! ^_^

When Heero was awoken, he was greeted by the surprise of his life. Seated on the cushioned seat of the window was his slave, violet eyes staring out past the open pane to the forest just beyond it. He sat up, not sure if Duo knew he was awake or not, but also not wanting to disturb the braided boy. This rose questions; what had brought the young shadow into his room and who had brought him? There were still rules to follow and Duo couldn't have been escorted.

He pulled the sheets back to climb out of bed and the slight shuffling drew Duo's attention to him. His slave stayed silent, merely watched as Heero stood to stretch before drawing closer to him. Duo turned to staring back out of the window when Heero was beside him, and he allowed the hand that rested on top of his shoulder to stay.

"Don't worry.", he began, his voice low, "I was escorted by a guard. I told him to bring me here after I left the medical wing."

He was shocked when Heero turned him to fully face him, the king now kneeling in front of him as colbat eyes searched him over. He only shook his head to answer Heero's silent question, watching the king visibly relax in relief.

"Then what on earth could you have been doing in the medical wing?", he asked, speaking for the first time since he woke.

"I was keeping your brother company.", Duo admitted.

His voice trailed off as his eyes grew distant and Heero only lifted a hand to caress Duo's cheek. That brought Duo's attention back to him and the slave gently pushed his hand away. He was still upset with his royal Highness with what had occurred last night. He only came here to inform Heero that his stepbrother was in dire need of his company, as well as his help.

"You need to speak with Trowa as soon as you can.", Duo informed him, Heero standing from his knelt position.

Violet eyes followed him as he walked to a tall side table where a small basin of water sat. Heero quickly washed his face and dried it on a towel before turning back to look at Duo. Was Trowa sick? Even if he was there was nothing Heero could do about it.

"I'm not a healer, Duo.", he began, removing his night clothes.

Duo's eyes widened temporarily as the king began to strip in front of him as if he weren't in company and the shadow turned away. A little too late as he had already seen the man's naked backside. He kept his back to Heero, hearing the king cross the room to his wardrobe.

"I'm not asking you to heal anybody.", Duo answered.

"Then tell me again why I'm needed?", Heero questioned, pulling on a pair of pants.

He smirked in Duo's direction, his slave had turned away in an act of modesty. He also saw as Duo stiffened, already driven to feeling annoyed. It was fun to tease him.

"I would think your brother asking for your company was enough to catch your attention."

"I guess you were wrong.", Heero teased further, flopping down on a stuffed chair with a satisfied smile.

Duo on the other hand had been pushed to anger with Heero's antics and he turned to face Heero, ready to scream in objection. However his words stuck in his throat as his eyes landed on a partly dressed Heero lounging comfortably on his stuffed chair. He wore no shirt and his pants weren't even fastened. Did the man not have one ounce of decency? Duo's eyes were unwillingly glued to Heero's muscled torso and as the king stood from his chair, his eyes traveled to where pants rode dangerously low on his hips. He forced his eyes up to Heero's face then to be greeted with a smile that clearly acknowledged that he had been caught staring. He only ignored it, averting his gaze back to the open window and turning his back to the king once again.

"You should get dressed.", Duo told him, feeling the king now standing directly behind him.

"Yes, perhaps I should.", Heero drawled, now close enough to wrap his arms around Duo's waist.

His slave stiffened, unsure of what to do. His heart was thundering at the moment and his stomach was fluttering. He wanted to move away and yet, his body felt unwillingly glued to the spot. He was embarrassed to find that when king pressed closer, he pressed back to relax into the hold. Gods, this couldn't be happening.

As if someone had heard his silent distress, Heero's bedroom door was knocked on and Duo sighed in relief. Reluctantly Heero pulled away, heading for the door and opening it to find a guard bowing in greeting. He nodded in answer and the man straightened, quickly glancing over his shoulder in curiosity. The king had opened the door barely dressed and at the sight of Duo behind Heero, he gave the king a knowing smile. Duo bristled at the implication and Heero merely smiled in return at the guard.

"Begging your pardon, Your Majesty.", the guard started, his grin widening, "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No need to feel sorry.", Heero assured him, "What news do you bring me?"

"Well, it be about that fool of a Captain.", the man answered him, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips, "He's sent me looking for you. Says it's right about time you were woke and about. The council's holding a special meeting this morning afore you head out to the fields. Me thinks the fool is steaming that you took his boy away."

Of course, he had expected Treize to do such a thing. When it came to his slaves, Treize believed he had every right to do as he pleased. Which he did, however he felt the need to remove Wufei from Treize's control if only for a short period of time. Now he'd have to deal with the council members who were most likely going to filp flop with agreeing with Treize and then himself.

"I guess I have no choice but to attend.", Heero admitted halfheartedly, "Trowa's most likely there already rousing the council to see things his way."

The king watched as the guard sadly shook his head, his face holding an almost morbid look. Heero's questioning frown was all the man needed and the guard took to providing the king with an answer.

"His Highness is in the medical wing.", he told him in a solemn voice, "He's hovering o'er his own boy. The lad's in terrible shape."

"What's wrong?", Heero questioned.

"Seems there be a bit of foul play afoot.", the guard pointed out, "He was nearly murdered last night and last I heard it, there's been talk of mage work."

It didn't take long for Heero to be fully dressed and heading in the direction of the medical wing, Duo rushing after him. The king was walking at a speed that Duo had trouble matching.

"Why didn't you tell me?", Heero demanded as Duo finally caught up.

"I did tell you.", Duo argued.

"You did no such thing, you merely told me Trowa was in the medical wing in need of my company."

"So I'm to assume you thought he was there for tea and crumpets with the High Maiden of Nonsense?"

His words made Heero stop, the king giving him a befuddled look.

"What?"

Duo had no idea what he was talking about himself, so he merely shook his head, before taking the lead. Heero followed him and was soon beside him, the two rounding the corner to find nurses busying themselves about the hall. It would seem that Trowa had every one on their toes. Then again when it came to his lover, Trowa wanted only the best care for him. Master and slave entered the room, Heero went to quickly converse with the doctor, as Duo headed for the room Quatre had been placed in.

He gently knocked before entering, slowly opening the door and peeking inside. There the prince sat on a chair placed beside the mage's bed, his hands gently grasping Quatre's as he leaned over it. The prince had fallen asleep, finally succumbing to it after fighting it all night to watch over his lover. Duo was aware of the small shadow that hovered over Quatre's bed and he rushed over to shoo it away. It left a bit reluctantly. Though it wasn't there for the blond's soul; it had only been curious. Duo got rid of it anyway, just to be on the safe side.

With the shadow gone he turned back to the bed, looking down at his friend who slept somewhat peacefully. Every now and then Quatre's body would jerk and Duo knew that he was still feeling the after effects of the attack. The medic had done all he could, but alas Quatre's mental hurt could not be soothed by him. The boy had been burned raw with the magic he had been attacked with and only magical healing would soothe away his hurt. The medic was made to believe that he had done his best and that Quatre would be fine with bed rest. Trowa and Duo knew otherwise however. There was no need to let Quatre's secret be known, though it did put their friend in a sort of danger. He could easily be attacked again or his body would go in shock, damaging him further.

Duo saw when Trowa stirred, tired green eyes groggily looking up at him. He offered the prince a gentle smile and he was soon rounding the bed to be beside him. As Duo sat on the bed, Trowa rose to sit straight in his chair, his eyes looking over his lover.

"He hasn't waken yet.", Trowa began, his voice croaking a bit, "Do you think he ever will?"

Duo couldn't say, even if he was capable of magic, there was very little he understood of it. He had no idea what to tell Trowa and he felt guilty for having no answer. He rested a comforting hand on Trowa's knee and gave the prince a sad shake of his head.

"I couldn't say.", he answered honestly, "I wish that I could."

The two were alerted by the sound of the door opening and both looked in its direction to where Heero was now walking in. The king let colbat eyes rest for a few moments on the slumbering slave before he was looking to where his brother sat beside the bed. Trowa stood as Heero came in front of him and the king looked him over.

"You look terrible.", he told him truthfully.

Trowa only laughed tiredly, a hand rising to smooth over his messy bangs in an attempt to tidy his appearance. Heero reached out to straighten his tunic, Trowa softly thanking him for the help.

"So, do you wish to tell me just what exactly is going on here?"

Trowa first looked back to Duo, who only nodded before standing to close the door. It was now safe to talk without any nosy nurses or the curious doctor to overhear what was being said.

"You already know that Quatre's a mage.", Trowa started in a low voice, in case ears were pressed against the door.

Heero nodded, his eyes watching as Quatre suddenly jerked in his sleep, the boy's face grimacing in pain. What had happened to him? He looked back to Trowa as the prince called his name to bring his attention back to him.

"Well last night, he was attacked by another mage."

"And what reason would this mage have to kill Quatre?", Heero asked confused, "I believe I remember you saying Quatre wasn't known to be a mage except by you. Well of course his closest friends, but anyone outside of that circle couldn't have known."

He watched his stepbrother look to his slave again, who only nodded. Last night Trowa had confided in Duo, had told him about Heero's predicament and how Quatre had dealt with it. The braided shadow had told him that Heero had the right to know. Especially if the prince wanted his help in gaining Quatre help that would not end with the boy being sent away to the Magus Society.

"Heero, the day Quatre calmed you, he found something.", Trowa began slowly, still unsure if he was doing the right thing.

"Found something?", Heero asked, his face riddled with confusion, "What could he have possibly found?"

"A spell.", Duo provided, once again seated by Quatre's side.

"A Mind-Trap.", Trowa further explaining, "A spell placed to ensure that the person which it was cast on can be easily persuaded by the mage who put it there."

The prince was aware when his brother grew angry and he rested a hand on the king's shoulder to calm him. He was afraid of this reaction, it was what he wanted to avoid. Heero's cold eyes glared up at the taller man, Trowa silently pleading that Heero be calm. It was difficult to do, but eventually he was calm again.

"So I'm to assume there's something more to this?", Heero inquired, moving to begin pacing the room.

The was no need in hiding it now, it was already out there and Heero would need to understand as much as he could. The only way Trowa could think of was by repeating everything Quatre had told him.

"When a mage casts a spell, they leave a signature of sorts. A way of telling who cast it. In breaking the spell, Quatre not only could see the other mage's seal, but he left his own behind."

"Which means?", Heero further pushed, his pacing slowing just a tad.

"If the seal is recognized as his, he could be reported to the Magus Society and High Council."

"Meaning Quatre has a chance of being taken away from you.", Heero finished for his stepbrother, "I can see that that is still the case, only now Quatre's life is in danger."

Trowa sat back in his chair, his green eyes watching over his lover as he slept, his body now trembling though he was buried under blankets. Heero stopped in his pacing to make his way to the prince, standing behind him and resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. Trowa wanted to avoid losing his lover and the king understood how he felt. His eyes rose to Duo, whose violet eyes looked up at him and he felt his stomach drop. He knew how it felt, knowing that the person you loved could be taken away from you. Duo had only less than two weeks left in his stead, he'd do anything to get the boy to change his mind and stay.

"The mage who's responsible for this must have recognized Quatre's seal.", Trowa started again, drawing Heero's attention back to him, "He's trying to get Quatre out of the way. If he's recognized he'll be given the death penalty for a crime against the Royal family. So if Quatre isn't around to identify him, he'll be safe and sound."

"And still at large.", Heero reminded him, "We'll deal with this rouge mage at a later time, for now what do we can about Quatre?"

"I don't know.", Trowa admitted, "I can't afford to bring in a mage healer. It'll be too risky, the Magus Society will want to take him when their job is done."

"You'd still have a chance, you're his master."

Heero didn't even believe his own words. Master or not, the kingdom would rule Quatre unfit to be around civilization. He'd be sent without a second chance into exile, called upon only when his talents were needed and sent back without a parting glance. Trowa would be devastated and Heero wouldn't be able to stand the sight.

"What if we called a mage here to help without them knowing what they'd be doing until the last minute?", Heero offered, Trowa looking up to him with a questioning look.

"Heero, that's too dangerous.", Duo argued, standing from the bed, "We can't take that risk."

"What other choice do we have?", Heero countered, gesturing to the frail blond on the bed, "Look at him, Duo. He can't last much longer without the help he deserves."

Three pair of eyes were now staring down at Quatre's weakened frame. Trowa's hand reached out to take hold of Quatre's before he was looking up at his brother, green eyes watering.

"I don't want to lose him.", he confessed, looking back to his lover.

"I won't let you.", Heero promised, "I'll try my best."

"Well I believe it's safe to assume that His Majesty will not be attending the council meeting this morning.", a council member announced, a pudgy man dressed in his finest.

He loosed a kerchief from his sleeve to sop at the sweat beading on his forehead, and other council members nodded in agreement. Treize merely stewed in his chair, his fingers impatiently tapping on the arm of it. Heero was not going to get away with this. He had no right, king or not, to remove his slave from his control. As the councilmen began to chatter amongst themselves, he took the king's absence as an opportunity to persuade the council in his favor. Clearing his throat to grab their attention, Treize stood from his chair once all eyes were on him.

"Captain?", the pudgy man inquired, "Is there something you wish to discuss?"

"Of course I do, my Lord Embleton. Are we not here for discussions after all?"

The bobbing heads of agreement were an easy start, and Treize found that it would be rather easy to get his way with both the king and the prince out of the way. Why hadn't he thought to hold council without them more often?

"I'm sure you all remember the events of last night?", Treize began, slowly beginning to circle the room.

"Yes.", another councilman put in with a sad shake of his head, "A shame for Lord Montesquieu, having his slave taken and his title stripped away."

At Treize's cold look in his direction, the man gave a small squawk of alarm, before he was fumbling for words.

"A terrible shame for you as well, Captain.", he quickly stated to save face.

Treize offered him a humble smile, the man sighing in relief.

"No need to feel sorry for me, Lord Parthus.", Treize lied, now behind the man's chair, "Though, I would like to remind the council that it is unlawful to have one's slave taken from you. That only the master of said slave may say what will become of his property."

The men sat silent for the moment, but as Treize's hands rested on Parthus' shoulder to give him an encouraging and painful squeeze, the man nodded his head in agreement. The others followed suit once Treize's cold glare swept across the room.

"Then tell me, how is it that the king could so easily steal mine away?", Treize inquired, moving to circle the room again.

"Well he is the king.", Embleton began, his voice small, "He is the law."

"Ah, yes. His word is law. However, gentleman, do I not recall that we as a council can easily veto the king's order."

"Only if the majority of the council disagree with the king's decision.”

"So you all agree with King Heero, then?", Treize asked them.

He was greeted with hesitant nods and shakes of the heads and the occasional shrug of the shoulders. This was going to take a bit longer than he previously thought. His eyes zeroed in on Embleton, who was nervously sopping the sweat from his brow.

"You, Lord Embleton, must surely understand.", Treize began, causing the man to stiffen.

He drew closer, standing beside the man and resting a hand on a quivering shoulder. They were intimidated. Good, that's just how he liked it.

"Being masters yourselves, you all must have one ounce of sympathy for me."

"And Lord Montisque.", a councilman pitched in.


Treize merely waved the reference aside.

"Yes, yes, him too. Imagine for a moment that His Majesty has just ordered you to stay distanced from your slave, to give up the power over him for which is rightfully yours."

He then bent close to Embleton, the man sweating profusely in his nervous state and Treize smiled darkly.

"Imagine not having the warm body of your young girl to return to after a hard day and waking the next morning in a cold bed."

As Treize straightened himself, the man cleared his throat, dabbing his forehead and face in an attempt to hide his burning cheeks.

"The Captain has made his point quite clear.", Embleton began, "However, no further decisions can be made without the presence of the king."

Treize would have objected if the doors hadn't opened and revealed the king himself and his slave. The two had stopped on the way here to freshen up and dress accordingly. Duo wasn't happy with his clothes, though the black pants he was clad in were full length, they were unbelievably form fitting. He had wanted a shirt but Heero had refused and not wanting to risk being later then they already were, Duo reluctantly agreed.

The men were surprised at the sight of the king and even more so at the sight of his slave. Slaves weren't usually brought to Council, in fact they weren't brought at all. Many eyes averted their gaze as soon as it landed on the braided boy, memories of what happened just last night too fresh to ignore.

"Your Majesty.", Treize greeted, his eyes narrowing in on the violet-eyed slave, "We didn't think you were coming."

Duo only glared at the man, wanting nothing more than to wipe the smug smile off of Treize's face. He heard Heero's gentle command to be seated and Duo did just that, making his way to the raised part of the room fitted with a smaller version of Heero's throne. He rested himself on the large cushion located by the foot of the chair, his eyes never having lost contact with the Captain of the Guard's.

“I see that you've started the meeting without me.”, Heero observed, drawing Treize's attention back to him, “As I recall, my presence is required for every and all meetings of Council.”

“We were merely recalling the unfortunate event for Lord Montesquieu last night.”, Treize's provided.

“And what happened to you as well, I'm sure.”

Heero had already turned to make his way to his own chair, so he wasn't able to catch the cold look that Treize threw in his direction. By the time he had turned around and was seated in his chair, Treize had long fitted his face with a mask of indifference.

“Why of course, Your Majesty. In fact, Embleton and the rest of the councilmen believe that should be our first order of business.”

Heero's eyes then turned to the pudgy and wet councilman, who nervously stood from his chair and cleared his throat. He looked around the room for the support, but was met with fearful eyes and the occasional averted stare. It would seem that he had only the Captain behind him.

“Your Majesty, we feel it best to discuss your sudden change of law.”

“I did nothing of the sort.”, Heero boasted, straightening in his chair and leering down at the room of middle-aged and old men.

He and Treize were the youngest of the lot. Him being the age of twenty and Treize at thirty. The councilmen were divided, some nodding, some shaking their heads in disagreement and Heero sighed tiredly. This was going to be frustrating and he was sure he'd have a headache at the end of the day.

“You ordered that Montesquieu be stripped of his title and lands, and his slave removed from his charge.”, Parthus reminded him, his voice small.

“Yes, I do recall such a thing.”, Treize agreed, watching Heero give in.

“So what do you propose then?”, the king asked.

“Well, I believe that the council should decide what's to be done.”, Treize told them, Embleton nodding in agreement.

“A vote is to be taken.”, the pudgy man put in.

Heero quickly looked around the room, his eyes catching the bobbing heads of men he was at the moment classifying as first grade idiots.

“All in favor of granting both Captain Treize and Lord Montesquieu what is rightfully their's say aye.”

The chorus of “ayes” that echoed throughout the room was all it took and Treize smiled in Duo's direction with a triumphant smirk. Heero only sighed in defeat, he had expected for this to happen. What he hadn't expected was Duo to stand from his seat, he had almost forgotten the boy was there.

“You can't all be serious!”, the boy exclaimed, staring at the men in disbelief, “You'd allow this monster the responsibility of a living creature? Can't you see the danger you're placing Wufei in?”

“Duo-”

“You're all a bunch of dunderheaded imbeciles!”

“Your Majesty, you can't certainly be allowing your slave to speak in such a manner to fellows of high status, let alone without your permission?”, Embleton puffed in shock.

“I can do as I damn well please, you overstuffed bafoon!”

Heero merely sat, hiding his smile as Embleton spLuttered at the insult, the rest of the council raising a commotion at Duo's interference. He would stop the boy eventually, he just wanted to see who else he'd insult. It would seem that Duo was done, for he turned to the king, his eyes pleading.

“The decision of the council is final.”, Embleton fumed, his face now red with anger and embarrassment, “The king's order will be withdrawn and TrEize will regain control of his slave. As for Lord Montesquieu, he will receive his slave as well as his title and lands. The council is now drawn to a close.”

At those words the rest of the court began to disperse, Embleton merely sniffing haughtily as he passed by the shadow. Then it was only Treize, Heero and Duo left, the shadow turning to glare at the man who offered him a mocking laugh.

“Treize, you may go and release your slave from solitary confinement.”, Heero ordered, wanting to rid the man from his presence.

The Captain only offered him a bow before he was leaving the room, well aware that violet eyes were still locked on him. Once he was gone, Duo's eyes were then accusingly looking in Heero's direction, demanding an explanation.

“How could you allow that to happen?”, he demanded, the king merely shrugging.

“There was nothing I could have done, Duo.”, Heero explained.

“You could have tried something! Anything!”

“And then they'd only vote against it.”, Heero explained, standing from his throne.

He moved closer to his slave, taking hold of the braided shadow by his shoulders and staring down into angry violet eyes.

“You have to understand.”, Heero tried to explain, “As king I can make a decision but in the end, it's the council that has the final word. My word is law only if they make it so. I wish there was something more I could do, but there isn't. I know you want to help Wufei, but you'll have to be patient. These things take time.”

He wanted to be stubborn, to argue with the king like he was prone to doing when he first arrived, but the honesty in Heero's voice easily convinced him that the king was telling the truth. That he would try his best with time. Unfortunately he would have to be satisfied with it. However. . .


“He's going to do something horrible to him.”, Duo said, his anger fading to be replaced with concern, “We can't let him.”

He'd have to catch the members of the council before they got too far.

“Wait here.”, he commanded before he was rushing for the door.

Duo tried his best to comply but was soon fast behind him. Heero entered the hall, finding that the councilmen were still gathered outside the door caught in light conversation. At the king's entrance they fell silent, their eyes looking to him in explanation for his haste.

“Gentlemen, might I make a small suggestion?”

At the king's question the men looked back and forth between one another before they all turned to Treize. The man stood leaning against the wall, his arms crossed casually over his chest. He gave a single nod and the rest followed suit.

“I only ask that with Wufei back in his stead, that Captain Treize shows restraint in his punishment.”

Duo took that moment to peek out from behind the door, watching as the councilmen murmured amongst themselves and Treize stiffened at the proposal.

“I do believe that I have the right to do as I please.”, the man argued, the men nodding in agreement.

“Yes, of course.”, Heero agreed with a shrug of his shoulders, “However, I believe that in the boy's best interest we merely give him peace of mind. Treize need only show restraint of his anger, which I'm sure he must have. There's a fine line between punishment and cruelty.”

At the words the men were nodding and murmuring in agreement with the king. It wasn't long before Embleton was facing the Captain of the Guard and clearing his throat to signify that the council had reached a decision.

“The king is right.”, he announced, replacing his kerchief after a final mop of his head, “The boy will be returned to you, but you must punish him with restraint. Nothing more than a lashing of fifty strokes.”

The gasp was heard and all eyes turned to the door of the council room, but found no one there. Duo had pulled back in time to hide himself behind the door. Eyes were averted back to Treize, who didn't bother in hiding his dislike of this decision.

“Ten.”, Heero offered and Embleton nodded.

“Ten it is then and no more than that.”, Embleton finished, nodding to Treize and bowing to the king in parting, “Good day to you all, we shall see each other when we hold council once again.”

The men finally went there separate ways, Treize leaving with a sharp glare in the direction of the room behind Heero. When he was gone the king turned back to the door, offering Duo a small smile as the braided slave peeked out from behind the door.

“Thank you.”, Duo offered, stepping out from behind the door.

He slowly made his way to where Heero stood, the king merely shrugging.

“No need to thank me. Wufei didn't deserve what could have befallen him if I hadn't stepped in, if you hadn't convinced me to do so.”

“Would you have left him to Treize's hand if I hadn't?”, Duo asked out of curiosity.

Heero frowned in thought. Well, now that he thought about it, he didn't think so.

“No.”, he admitted truthfully, “If it were up to me, then he wouldn't be receiving ten lashes either. In fact, he wouldn't be Treize's any longer as well. As for Quatre, I've already sent word to the Magus Society for a mage.”

It was easier now to fully understand Heero's behavior before he had learned he was under a spell. This was the Heero that Trowa had told him of, the one who actually held compassion for others. Thank you didn't seem enough to say and without thinking he stepped forward.

Heero was entirely shocked as Duo pressed his lips to his, the king unsure of what to do. It didn't take him long to decide and he took hold of Duo, his eyes sliding closed as he returned the kiss. Duo found himself unable to resist and he took the first step in deepening the kiss, Heero eagerly doing the same. They stood lip locked for what seemed like hours but were only a few moments, before Duo gently pulled away. He looked up into colbat eyes, the king offering him a smug smile.

“You say anything to ruin this moment and I swear-”

“Point taken.”, Heero interrupted, catching Duo's lips in a kiss again.

Duo felt he could have pulled away, but at the moment he found he didn't quite care anymore. Not only was Heero changing, but he found that he himself was changing as well. He'd figure it out later, for the moment he was far too occupied.

Zechs didn't think that he'd find himself back here and he looked around the dungeon as if it were his first time being here. Duo was the last person he visited and then he had had been allowed by the guards due to his position. However, this time the guards were strict. At the moment he was sneaking through the maze like passageway, trying to find the room which contained his uncle's slave. As he rounded a corner, he quickly ducked behind a pillar, peeking out from behind it. A single guard was standing watch in front of a room and Zechs could only guess that it was no other than Wufei's. With Wufei's door under guard, how was he to get in?

He was aware of the sound of footsteps, coming in the opposite direction and he peeked out even further, frowning as he found his uncle sauntering up to the guard and ordering him out of the way. What was going on? Treize had been ordered to stay as far away from Wufei as was possible. Had the king gone back on his word?

“The council.”, he muttered under his breath, “Damned idiots the lot of them.”

He watched as Wufei was dragged from the room, his uncle smiling in satisfaction. With his uncle and the dragon disappearing down the hall, Zechs turned back the way he came. He had to find the king and see what had gone on. He had heard of what had happened to the prince's slave, so he knew that Trowa couldn't have possibly been present. However, if Treize now had Wufei, that meant Council had been held. Heero owed him an explanation.

Dorothy sat nursing her pain in her small room, her forehead pressed against the cool rock wall. It was in fact carved into the cave walls, hallowed out so that it would provide shelter. The Magus Society were labeled uncivilized and therefore lived that way in Dorothy's opinion. Never mind she bathed and ate hot meals as any other civilized person did. There was a knock on her door and she allowed whoever it was to enter, wincing as it creaked upon opening.

“You look like hell.”, the person told her, Dorothy merely groaning.

She felt like hell, the backlash of magic had taken a toll on her. She had only regained control of her motor skills an hour ago. She slowly turned to face her roommate, whose blue eyes looked down at her in worry. She noticed in her hand a piece of parchment, the royal seal not being missed. Had they found out?

“What's that?”, she questioned, motioning to the parchment in her friends hand.

It was hidden away quickly in the folds of her roommate's robe, the woman turning to busy herself about the cramped room.

“Nothing that should concern you.”, she answered, beginning to pack a small bag, “I just came to tell you that I'd be leaving for a while.”

With her interest raised, Dorothy stood from her bed, slowly and awkwardly walking to the blue-haired woman.

“Why Noin, you wouldn't leave without telling me where you were off to.”

“I've been summoned or rather the Adept Mages found me fit for the position.”, she explained, “I'm to leave tonight and that's as much as you'll get from me.”

“Surely you know what you're summoned for.”, Dorothy pushed, curious as to what was written on the parchment Noin was so eager to keep a secret.

“No, I was merely told that I was needed elsewhere.”

Fine. She would find out another way where Noin was going. It was most likely back to Sanq and if the seal was anything to go by, back to the palace.

“Noin-”

“I can't discuss this any further.”, the woman said with finalization, “I've already said too much. I have to go, I'm wanted back in front of the Adepts for briefing.”

And with that she was gone. Dorothy smiled as the door closed behind her. Noin would have to return from Sanq and then she'd take the opportunity to learn what was really going on. Her smile was lost as it felt as if something was scraping the inside of her skull and she groaned in agony. First she'd need to see a healer. She had already thought up an excuse to give if she was questioned. She'd deal with this after she felt better.

T.B.C.

Lloyd: Tada! Wasn't that great?

Jim: It wasn't bad.

C-Chan2 and Lloyd: *gasp* You actually liked it?

Jim: Well, I was actually hoping Chan would forget her idea about writing about us. . . you know. . . in an akward situation if I said I did.

Lloyd: Oh ew. . . I almost forgot. Chan you're not really. . . Chan?

C-Chan2: *staring off into space with a creepy smile*

Jim: Good lord, she's thinking about it right now.

Lloyd: *snapping fingers* Chan snap out of it!

C-Chan2: Oh, well I hope you liked it people. Leave reviews and all that. I'm off to start writing about Jim and Lloyd. *leaves*

Lloyd: Chan wait. . . just think about this for a minute.

Jim: Please people, help out here. Chan wait!!!

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