Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice of Death ❯ Chapter 11

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

C-Chan2: I figured I owe you guys a speedy update at least speedier than previous updates. That and I've had the inspiration and didn't want to waste it.

Jim: Chan? You. . . didn't. . . you know.


C-Chan2: Didn't what?

Lloyd: Hey guys, what's going on? You updating?

C-Chan2: Yup. And watching Jim squirm.

Lloyd: About?

Jim: You're so clueless that it's sad.

Lloyd: Hey. . . I'm not clueless.

C-Chan2: You two are so cute together!

Lloyd: Chan, stop that!

Jim: Just start the damn fic!

C-Chan2: Can't yet, I have to give a few words to the readers. There's a new character popping up but he won't be included that much so don't worry. Ooh and I threw in a little something special for you guys.

Jim: Is it a note saying you're not gonna finish this?

Lloyd: Oh shut up, Jim. Roll fic!


All through lunch Heero's face had been fitted with a very satisfied smirk, causing the men surrounding him to laugh in understanding and the women to blush. He would have to admit, he was quite content. From his seat at the table, he watched as his slave helped the women work, blushing everytime he caught Heero's eyes on him. The glares that were offered had no affect on the king and Heero couldn't help himself. Just this morning he and Duo had managed a kiss, which his slave had initiated, which made it much more of a victory on his part. The braided shadow was beginning to submit, even if he was still in some sort of denial. Heero was one step closer in getting his slave to stay with him after the two weeks were up.

When lunch was over he returned to the fields, knowing that Duo was watching and his ego raised just slightly. He looked to where the braided shadow sat cleaning the wares, violet eyes looking elsewhere as if to hide the fact that he had been staring. He smiled at the gesture, but lost his smile as beyond the canopied area where the women and Duo worked, he could see a horse riding in their direction.

It was Treize's horse and that bit of information made his mood fall. What did the man want now? Duo himself had caught the look on Heero's face and he turned to look over his shoulder, rising as he took notice of the Captain's horse. Treize was coming their way. It couldn't be good. However, as the horse drew closer his face was fitted with a frown. Treize didn't have blond hair. He watched the Captain's nephew speed past the dining area, slowing his horse as he got close to the king. What was the matter?

Heero stood his ground as Treize drew closer. Now that he could see the figure on the horse better, he realized it wasn't his Captain of the Guard. The horse was brought to a stop and Heero was caught under the burning glare of sharp blue eyes. Zechs was quite upset it would seem and that meant his uncle must have done something worth being angry over.

"Zechs?", Heero both greeted and questioned.

Duo was soon beside him, the young slave having made his way over in curiosity. Heero's attention didn't waver however, his colbat eyes staring up at the young soldier, almost demanding he explain himself.

"I'd like a word, Your Majesty."

The acidic tone of Zechs' voice was a shock and Duo's frowned deepened at the sound of it. What was going on? Why was Zechs so angry? It didn't take him long to figure it out. The young lord had found out about Wufei and it would seem that the decision wasn't sitting well with him.

"Zechs-"

"If it's a word you seek, you'll have to wait.", Heero began cutting Duo off, turning away to start his work again.

Duo felt stones settle in his stomach as he watched Zechs climb from his horse, angry eyes focused on Heero with almost violent intent. This wouldn't end well for both the king and Zechs, he had to stop this before it started.

"I will not wait!", Zechs objected, easily passing by Duo who tried to stop him, "I demand to speak with you this instant!"

Heero stopped and turned at the audacity of the young man, his glare turning cold to easily match Zechs. Who did this boy think he was? He had no right to demand anything of him.

"Stand down, Zechs.", Heero warned, "We will discuss things once I am finished here."

"We will discuss it now or so help me-"

"You dare to threaten me!", Heero barked, the workers stilling.

"How could you?", Zechs questioned, ignoring Heero's threatening stance, "Don't you see the mistake you've made?"

"This converstaion has ended!", Heero announced, turning away.

"You'll turn and listen to me!"

"Zechs, please wait."

Duo's pleading voice was ignored as the blonde brushed past him once again, heading in the king's direction. Violet eyes turned to find the guards that always followed close behind Heero stood from their seat on the benches and he panicked.

"Heero!"

At the call of his name, Heero submitted and turned to find Zechs now close behind him. That and the guards making their way closer. He couldn't allow things to turn out this way, so he gently took Zechs by the shoulder to lead him off a way so that no one could hear.

"Now is not the time.", he announced in a low voice with pleading eyes, "I will explain later, in the security of my chambers."

"We will discuss it now.", Zechs pushed.

Heero sighed in exasperation, wanting to knock some sense into the younger man but knowing it would only lead to Zechs' arrest. He was sure the young man would knock back and that wouldn't end well for the young lord.

"You must understand that I wish not to discuss this where certain ears can hear.", Heero further explained calmly, wanting Zechs' temper to decrease, "Gossip spreads fast and that is not what we need at the moment. The way you're acting, the story of your concern could be twisted into something of you loving your uncle's slave or something as rediculous."

The king did not miss the blush but he also didn't look too hard into it. It could be from embarrasment and he offered the young man an apologetic smile.

"This evening after dinner, I will meet you in my chambers, we'll talk then. For now, you must calm down and trust that I am trying my best to rectify what has passed."

Zechs wasn't sure how to react or if he could take the king on his word, but he figured he had no other choice. If he did anything stupid he'd most likely end up in a predicament he didn't want to be in. So he nodded in agreement, before apologizing for his behavior. He merely brushed the incident aside and the two were soon walking back to where Duo nervously watched them besides the horse.

"Everything's fine.", Heero assured him, Duo sighing in relief.

The last thing he wanted to see happen was the young man striking Heero in his anger, which he was sure was going to happen. However, he was aware that the matter was temporarily resolved. He just wasn't sure how long that would last. He watched Zechs climb atop his uncle's horse, nodding his head in respect to both him and the king.

"Until this evening then."

Heero only nodded in acknowledgment, and then Zechs was gone back the way he came, the two watching him go. When he was no longer in sight, Duo looked to Heero with a questioning gaze and the king merely shrugged.

"Later.", he promised returning to his work.

Duo only huffed before reluctantly heading back to his own resposibilities. This day was getting more confusing with each passing hour.


Dorothy had managed to slip past the healer without an explanation for her pain, however it wouldn't be that easy to get the information she wanted. Noin had told her that she was leaving Mages' Keep that night. It had been a lie; Dorothy despised being lied to. She had watched as Noin rode off towards Sanq a little past noon without looking back. Her curiousity, as well as her frustration, had been raised. What exactly was Noin riding off to? She needed to know.

She had tried to get something to slip from one of the Adept mages, but she had merely been scolded and sent away. She was also threatened and she hated when she was threatened. She had stormed off to her room after her failure, intent on finding someway to find out what was going on. Whatever this royal secret was, she was sure her cousin would know. She looked to her cloak, pondering it for a moment before she decided against it. Noin would definately recognize her, invisible or not, and upon being found out she would be severly punished.

With a cry of frustration, she grabbed the first thing she could and flung it across the room. It wasn't satisfying however as she had flung a pillow. There was no loud crash or shattering to make her feel better. She took refuge in her bed, flopping down onto the hard mattress and staring up at the gray stone of the ceiling. She had always wondered how they had managed making these caves into living quarters, then again they were mages. She was straying from the subject. She had to find a way into the castle without using magic and without going herself.

There was a knock on her door and she allowed the person to enter with a curt order. She recognized the young servant, the girl usally tending to her room when she was away. The young woman nodded her head in respect as she stepped into the room, her eyes wide and nervous. Though she herself was a mage and had nothing to worry about, she was only a new entrant and she had never really trusted Dorothy to begin with.

"The traders have arrived.", she announced in a small voice, "Are you going to see what they have to sell?"

Dorothy smiled as a torches lit up in her head. The traders' caravan, why hadn't she thought of it sooner? The caravan always stopped at Mage's Keep before it continued on into Sanq.

"Yes, I'll be going.", she announced, suddenly excited, "I must know what delectable trinkets they managed to sneak in."

In truth objects that were deemed unneccessary were forbidden at Mages' Keep and the merchants managed to sneak in what they could. It just so happened with a few coins placed in their palms they would willingly carry something out of Mage's Keep, as well.

"Thank you, Alana.", Dorothy said in dismissal, "I'll be there in a moment."

Alana left with another nod of respect, wanting to get out of there as soon as she was able. Dorothy waited a few more moments after the girl's departure before she went to her desk. Pulling out parchment and a quill, she quickly wrote out her message before sealing it and marking it for its intended recipient. When she was done, she headed out of her room and out of the cavernous Keep to where the wagons sat waiting.



There were overseers to make sure that everything ran smoothly and prevent any trades that were forbidden. She kept an eye on them as she made her way over to an old friend, glad to see that he had traveled with the other traders this year. He was too busy to noticed when she slithered next to him, trying his best to coax a mage into having a look at the goods that were worth selling. He was unsuccessful, the mage walking away with her newly purchased stationary and he grumbled under his breath. Dorothy saw that as the opportune moment to draw his attention.

"I'll have a look at what she refused."


At the voice her started, turning to look at who had come up beside him. His look of shock and surprise was replaced with a grin and he laughed as he rested his hand on Dorothy's in a greeting.


"Dorothy girl, it's been too long.", he laughed, turning away to grab his merchandise, "If there's anyone who'll know to appreciate true value it's you."


A quick glance at the overseer and he gently dragged her behind the wagon, proudly displaying what he had to offer once they were out of sight. Dorothy glanced down at the array of glittering stones her fingers itching to pick one, but she had come to him for other reasons, not for trinkets.


"Why Gareth.", she playfully scolded, the man grinning, "You know it's forbidden for any mage to possess a focus stone. We must learn to hone our skills on our own."


The man merely gave a rasping laugh, before he gently rested the stones down, his hand slapping Dorothy in playful banter.


"Like that ever stopped you. You tell me now, what is it you really want?", he asked, returning to a tone of business, "I just may have it."


"What I want is your service and I'll pay you quite handsomly."

At the mention of pay, Gareth perked his ears, willing to do whatever she wanted as long as it meant money.

"What is it?", he asked her, his curiousity winning out.

Dorothy held up the sealed letter, waving it almost enticingly as if it was much more than a letter. It worked to grab his attention, for Gareth now stared at it as if it were something he was itching to get his hands on.

"Your caravan passes through the King's court, am I right?", she asked and Gareth nodded, "And if I remember correctly, you have certain friends inside of the castle, do you not?"

Gareth nodded again. He did indeed have friends inside of the palace. Servants who helped him by gathering a bit of treasure of the kings that he would then sell to other kingdoms. He hadn't been caught as of yet and he was pretty sure that the king's guards were too stupid to catch on.

"What is it that you want me to do?", he questioned, willing to aid her.

She handed him the letter, watching as he giggled in glee as he took it into his hands. He always did like doing something decietfully sneaky.

"Can you manage to get this delievered to Lord Treize?"

He snorted and only waved her question aside.

"Of course I can.", he smugly stated, tucking the letter away, "You just leave this to me. Now, how about you and I get down to real business?"

Dorothy looked down to the stones, admiring each one as her eyes passed over them. It wouldn't hurt to buy just one. She nodded once and Gareth eargerly held the box out for her. Dorothy let her hand hover over them, her eyes closing as she concentrated on trying to feel for the right one. She waited patiently and before long a jewel shot up out of the box, her hand closing around it as it hit against her plam. She turned her hand over, opening her eyes and smiling as she looked down at the deep red ruby. It was fitting, she was out for blood after all.

"Hide this in an order of parchment.", she ordered, holding it out for Gareth, "You'll get your money before your caravan leaves. And don't forget, that letter must reach Lord Treize."

"Don't you worry, Dorothy.", Garteh called out as she walked away, patting the letter in confidence, "I'll get it to him without any trouble. It was a pleasure doing business with you."

His hand held up the ruby and he smiled as it gleamed in the sunlight.

"A real pleasure."


Duo flopped down tiredly on the cushioned floor of the slave's quarters. He had asked to be taken here, not wanting to have to climb stairs to get to his own rooms. Heero had merely agreed with a smile, as well as called him lazy, and let the braided shadow get his way. Though now that he thought about it, he found perhaps he should have returned to his rooms. It wasn't the same being here, now that both Wufei and Quatre weren't present. His mind strayed to the dragon and he wondered if the boy was alright. He had been trying to communicate with him telepathically, but was unable to. It was almost as if something was blocking him. Maybe Wufei was the one behind it; perhaps he didn't wish to speak to anyone at the moment.

His thoughts were disrupted by the knock on the door and he looked up in time to see the familiar face of the servant girl as she meekly stepped inside. She carried with her his clothes for the evening and it would seem that she was here to help him get ready. If anything he would need a bath first, he had worked himself sweaty today. Once his work with the women had been done, Heero had ordered that he help in the fields, for his punishment wasn't over. He done as he was told, grumbling the entire time. A bath would also help him relax, he was stressed as of late. However, he was quite capable of doing such on his own. So before the girl could faint from nervousness and embarrasment he sent her off, telling her to return in a half hour's time to help him after he was dressed.

When she was gone he made his way to the bathing room, resting the clothes beside the towels. It didn't take him long to undress and soon enough he was leaning back in the large stone tub with a sigh as the warm water caressed his skin. He closed his eyes to relax even further, but found himself tensing instead as the water rippled around him, almost as if some one had climbed in. He opened his eyes as he sat up but he found that he was still alone. That couldn't be right, it felt like someone was in there with him. His eyes kept searching as he began to slowly bathe himself, now aware that he was being watched. He started as the torches snuffed out, leaving the room in the dim light of the setting sun. Whatever was there was making him nervous. His pupils enlarged as he adjusted his eyes to the dark, looking about the room for any signs of the intruder.

"I know you're here.", he spoke aloud, now frantiaclly searching, "What do you want? Show yourself."

"You know you're causing quite a stir back home."

At the deep and sensual voice, Duo shivered, not so much in fear as in recognition. The body that pressed against him caused him to jump and he would have pulled away if it wasn't for the hands that took hold of his arms to keep him in his place.

"You always were the troublemaker.", the newcomer commented with a laugh.

Duo gasped as he was quickly turned and was greeted with a familiar face as the torches lit once again. A man with fiery eyes and ebony hair smiled down at him and he pushed him away, his arms going about himself to cover his naked human form in an act of modesty.

"Naberius.", Duo hissed, his eyes glaring, "Don't you have one ounce of decency?"

"No.", the man answered honestly, stepping out of the tub, "But you knew that much already, didn't you?"

In truth he did, but that still was no excuse for the demon entering his bath of his own free will. What exactly was he here for? He wasn't let free from the Underworld without a reason. In fact, he wasn't let out at all. That meant he had managed to get out without it being know, meaning his father was very distracted by his son's absence. Who knew what trouble Naberius had planned out?

"Naberius-"

"Oh calm down, I was sent.", the demon said picking up a towel from the table across the room and wrapping it about his waist, "Your father wanted to make sure you were alright. From the looks of things you're more than alright. Enjoying your stay as a slave to a human king?"

Duo glared at the demon's teasing tone, turning away to try and ignore him as he continued to bath himself. He was in fact not enjoying his stay here and he would be more than happy when his father came to get him. Why the man had sent Naberius here was beyond him, it was absolutely pointless.

"I'm starting to believe that you don't want to come home.", Naberius pushed, "I'd stay too if I were falling in love."

Duo bristled at the words and he turned to loudly object but stopped at the serious face that looked back at him. He had thought that the fire-eyed demon was teasing, but it would seem that wasn't the case.

"Do you love him?", he asked, Duo aware of the hurt he could hear on Naberius' voice.

He had always known that Naberius had an interest in him, in fact it was his father who had on several occasions pushed that he accepted the demon's offer. However, Duo had resisted, since he had never been interested in coupling. Besides, Naberius was a demon, they weren't capable of love. Humans, he had come to realize, were capable of many emotions. Love seemed to be the most prominent and he found in his human body he was capable of feeling those emotions as well. Especially. . .

"Love?", he questioned, still somewhat lost in his thoughts.

"You do, don't you?"

Duo let himself think of the king, his heart swelling at the mere thought of the man and then his chest tightened in fear.

"No.", he answered, obviously lying, "I could never love him."

"Well that's good news.", Naberius began, watching as Duo looked to him with a questioning gaze, "That means if he were to die it wouldn't affect you in any way."

Duo felt his breath catch in his throat at the words, his body growing limp as Naberiuis offered him a sad smile.

"What do you mean?", he finally questioned, his voice breathless.

Naberius only shrugged as shadows encased him, the towel wrapped around his waist soon replaced with black pants and tunic.

"The only way you return to our world, is if Death comes for you himself." he provided, beginning to circle the tub as his eyes narrowed in on the shadow nestled in the water, "Of course he would never come unless it was a soul worth reaping himself. He would gladly walk the earth to reap the soul of the man who dared to enslave his only son."

Duo's eyes widened at the words and he turned to look at the demon, only catching a sad smile as the ebony-haired man disappeared in a flash of fire and smoke. He knew there was no ordinary reason why his father had entrusted a demon to overlook his safety. The knock at the door alerted him to the servant girl's arrival and he merely looked to her with blank eyes.

"Supper is approaching.", she announced, Duo merely nodding, "Shall I help you dress?"

He was at a loss for words so he only shook his head. When the girl left him alone, he sat in the water for several moments more. Naberius couldn't have been telling the truth, his father would never have it set to hurt Heero. The king's death was not meant to happen for some long years. With the water going cold, Duo was brought back to the world and he climbed out. In a dazed like fashion he dried and dressed himself, before heading out to the main room where the girl was waiting for him. He sat patiently as she worked, unaware that she held a worried look as she tended to him.

He was once again shirtless, though this time his pants weren't as tight as before, though they rode lower on the hips and were fitted with a length of weaved gold that served as a belt. The only covering his torso received were the gold armlets and wristbands. He couldn't even pull himself away to complain as he always did and he sat silently as the girl brushed his hair, already done lining his eyes with kohl. That had surprised her the most, as he usually argued against it and usually triumphed.

"Is something wrong?", she cautiosuly questioned.

She was succesful in gaining Duo's attention and though she was losing her nerve, she pushed herself to go on.

"It just seems that you're a bit distarcted."

Yes, he was distracted. How could he not be? Today a demon had approached him, made him come to terms with some truths that he had been denying all along and had then informed him of some terrible news. He was most definately distracted.

"I'm alright.", he lied, pulling his knees up to hug onto them, resting his head down on top of them as well, "I'm just tired is all. How long will this take?"

"I'm done.", she announced, running the brush through one last time, "His Majesty has ordered that your hair not be braided tonight."

Duo merely growled in annoyance. He hated when his hair wasn't braided, now that he had hair, it was far too long and bothersome. If he had the nerve he'd cut the damn thing and be rid of it for good. However, as much of an annoyance that it was, he liked his hair.

"Fine." he gave in with an exasperated tone, "You can tell His Royal Pain that he can come for me. And tell him to hurry, I'm hungry."

With a nod the girl ran off, leaving Duo alone to brood while he waited. In truth he wasn't hungry at all, his stomach was knotted from the ill-fated news he had received just moments earlier. He only hoped that he would be able to hide his discomfort from the king, he wasn't up to the questioning he was bound to recieve.



Duo was hiding something, Heero could tell. He had distanced himself from the king, which was quite upsetting for the choclate-haired royal. They were beginning to make progress, now it seemed as if they were returning to square one. The shadow was brooding over something or the other, and avoided answering any questions Heero asked. With a sigh he sat back in his chair, no longer interested in the food that sat in fron of him. Duo wasn't eating either, the bread that Heero had offered him was being pulled into tiny uneaten pieces at the moment. His eyes ventured across the room, pausing for a second on Trowa's empty table. His brother was still hovering over Quatre and according to the medic was taking ill himself. Going with very little sleep, refusing to leave Quatre's side and barely eating was beginning to take a toll on the prince.

His eyes then traveled to where Treize sat, his slave no where to be found. Heero couldn't imagine the state the poor boy was in, he didn't want to. It had to be horrible if the look of satisfaction on Treize's face was anything to go by. Though a member of the council had witnessed the ten lashings, Heero was sure Wufei's punishment went beyond that once the councilman was gone. He felt eyes looking in his direction and he drew his attention to where Zechs sat amongst the knights. He sat calmly as the rest of the men laughed and drank in merriment, his face fitted with a stoic mask. He only nodded to him, a sign showing that he did not forget about their little arrangment. His attention turned back to his slave, aware that Duo had finished tearing his bread and was now pulling at strands of his hair. This could not go on any longer, he needed to get Duo to calm down from whatever state he was in.

Gently he rested a hand on Duo's shoulder, startling the boy out of his daze. Violet eyes looked up to him in question before they quickly turned away. Heero said nothing, only gently urged Duo to stand, which thankfully the boy did without his usual resistance. Though that in itself was odd, and as the king looked up to find Treize looking in their direction with a brow raised inquisitivly, he knew that others were thinking so too. He only ignored the Captain of the Guard, guiding Duo to the servants entrance instead of to the grand doors they had entered through. The path took him closer to the table where Zechs was seated and when he reached the blond boy, he leaned in close so that the young knight could hear him over the ruckus.

"Give me some time and then you may meet me in my suite.", Heero told him before leaving without listening for Milliardo's response.

It didn't take him long to reach his chambers and he was surprised that Duo had allowed himself to be led there. Further reason to believe that there was something wrong. Maybe Duo needed a little fresh air? He didn't ask his slave any questions, just pulled him in the direction of his balcony. It didn't have a view as Duo's room did, but it worked all the same. Duo came to as they stepped outside, his face frowning as he looked back into the room before he was looking up at Heero with a silent question. It was the king's turn to ask questions however, and he wanted answers. He gently took Duo's face in his hands, looking into dimmed violet eyes, he wanted to see them shine again.

"Duo, what is it?", he asked him, "What's been bothering you?"

Duo only shook his head and gently removed Heero's hands from his face. He then turned away from the blue-eyed man, heading for the banister of the balcony and looking over the king's private gardens. Heero was soon joining him, looking to the braided shadow for an answer to the question.

"Nothing's wrong.", Duo lied, trying to reassure both the king and himself, "I'm just a bit tired. Perhaps I should return to my room."

"You're not going anywhere until you've told me what you've been brooding over.", Heero insisted.

Duo turned to his master with a scowl, his patience falling low. It would seem that though he had tried to avoid it, a fight with the king was bound to happen.

"I'm not telling you anything!", Duo said in defiance, turning away to glare down at the innocent flowers.

"So you admit that there's something wrong!", Heero pushed, his own annoyance rising.

"I admit nothing!"

"Just tell me!", Heeero demanded, turning Duo to face him, "Tell me what's wrong!"

"I'm worried!", Duo cried out, finally giving in, "I'm worried and I'm . . . scared."

With that said, Duo looked away as if ashamed. Heero gently took him by the shoulder with one hand, while the other cupped Duo's chin to lift the boy's eyes to his.

"There's nothing to worry about.", Heero told him softly, "Everything's going to turn out just fine. We'll come up with something to help Wufei and a mage is on his way for Quatre."

And what about you? He wanted to ask Heero, but he knew that he would have to explain himself afterwards. So he opted for another question instead.

"How can you be so sure?", he inquired, "What if everything doesn't turn out right in the end?"

"That's the risk we'll just have to take.", Heero explained with a smirk, "You just have to have hope."

Hope, another human emotion that he had never really possessed before. He had to have hope that Quatre would come around and that Wufei would be alright. Hope that Heero. . .Heero. . .

Heero was shocked when Duo rushed forward, his arms wrapping around the king in an embrace as his head rested on his shoulder. It took the king a moment to get out of his state of surprise, but when he did he eargerly wrapped his arms around his slave, quite content that they were once again making progress.


Noin slowed her horse as she rode up to the town gates of Sanq, nodding her head in greeting to the guards that stood watch.

"What do you want, mage?", one of them asked, his distaste for what she was evident with his tone.

"I've been called to Sanq for assitance.", she answered him, pulling out the scroll and holding it out.

The second guard stepped forward, cautiously Noin had noticed but she chose to ignore it, and took the scroll from her hand. He quickly unrolled it, his eyes reading over the words as she patiently waited. When he was done he turned to his partner, nodding in consent that she could pass. The gate was opened and Noin waited for the instructions she was sure to come.

"You've been summoned by an innkeeper.", the guard explained, waving her through, "Old Gaffer's Inn is where you're headed. Keep following this path straight until you reach it. The keeper's name is Jasper."

She thanked him before she left, following his direction on how to find the place. However, once she reached she didn't head inside. She instead climbed off her horse and led it to the stables, allowing the stable boy to tend to it. Then she was circling around back as she had been instructed to do by the letter the Adept Mages had given her.

"I'm guessing you be that mage which was sent for."

The voice startled a small yelp of surpirse out of her and she turned to find a guard lurking in the shadows. She let herself calm down a bit before she nodded her head in greeting. The guard bowed, offering her a smile of apology.

"I didn't mean to be scaring you, ma'am. I apologize."

"No need.", Noin told him, "I should have been more alert. My name is Noin. Are you here to lead me to the castle?"

"That'll be me, ma'am."

"Noin.", she corrected, "Please call me Noin."

"Certainly, Noin."

"May I ask your name?", she inquired, the guard a bit shocked.

No one had really tried to learn his name.

"Sir Merdoc at your service, ma'am.", he introduced himself, brown eyes sparkling.

"Noin.", the mage insisted and he apologized, "We'll it's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Merdoc."

"The pleasure is mine. Now follow me and I'll make sure you get there no problem at all."

As Merdoc offered her his arm, she took it with a smile, allowing herself to be led off. It was the nicest anyone had ever treated her and she was going to enjoy it.


Back on Heero's balcony, Duo wasn't sure when he and Heero had began kissing. And as if that wasn't confusing enough, he wasn't sure when they had left the balcony, it had been a sort of haze. So now they stood, clinging to each other just inside the open balcony doors, mouths meshed in a kiss that had Duo melting. Soon they were moving and for some odd reason Duo didn't care where they were going. At least that is until he and Heero fell backwards and his back was met with the familiar feel of a mattress. He pulled away, both men panting as they stared at each other. Heero only offered Duo a smile before he was moving in to kiss Duo again. However, his slave wouldn't allow it, for he placed a hand on Heero's chest to gently push him away.

"Heero-"

Whatever he had wanted to say was stopped as the king took his lips again, his tongue plunging into Duo's mouth. The new intrusion made the slave stiffen, but it wasn't too long before he had decided that he liked this new way of kissing. His own tongue was tentatively mimicing what Heero's did and Heero encouraged him when the king pulled him closer. So close that Duo had to pull away in surprise as something was now poking him on his thigh. He had to wonder what it was and wide eyes looked down between them, stopping at Heero's groin where a very obvious bulge was located. Oh. . . so that's what it was.

Heero only gave a laugh at the expression on Duo's face, leaning in to softly kiss along Duo's jaw until he reached the boy's ear. He took to teasing the lobe with his teeth, enjoying when Duo shuddered against him.

"You fan a fire in me, Duo.", he whispered huskily, smirking as Duo exhaled with a shaky breath, "You make me burn with desire."

He pressed himself against Duo, the boy whimpering as he did so, aware of Duo's own excitement pressing against him. Duo was shocked by his own reaction, never having thought he'd find himself in this predicament. He hadn't wanted it to happened, had tried to avoid it. He had promised the king on several occasion that he would never be found in his bed and here he was. He had to stop this.

Lucky for him he didn't have to, the doors to Heero's suite were knocked on causing the king to stop. He groaned in annoyance, dropping his head to Duo's shoulder. Whoever was at the door had the worst timing. He just wouldn't answer, they'd get the message and would come back later.

"Heero!"

It was suppossed to be a cry of objection, but it sounded like a cry of pleasure as Heero bit down on a very sensitive area of his neck. He didn't even know that area on his neck could have an effect such as that. His hips rose on their own and he stifled whatever noise his throat had decided to produce at the wonderful feeling that it had caused him. Heero only chuckled, his tongue languily tasting the skin he had wanted to try for the longest now. If he did say so himself the boy was delicious. He let his teeth scrape gently against where Duo's pulse sat, the shadow stifling another moan as he thrust his hips up agaisnt the king. They were interrupted once again by the knocking of his door and Heero growled in frustration.


"What if it's Zechs?", Duo reasoned, Heero merely grumbling under his breath.

Duo had to find a way to stop this from going any further or at least his mind wanted him to. His body was still squirming under Heero's as if it were ready and willing. The two waited to see if their visitor would knock again, both of them stilling as if that would make them hear better. Silence greeted them for a long while and after a few more moments Heero shrugged.

"I guess they're gone.", he announced with a smile, ready to return to ravishing his slave, "Now where were we?"

Duo's protest died as Heero's mouth took his again, his tongue eagerly meeting the king's. That was as far as they were able to go, for Heero's bedroom door was soon opened.

"Your Majes. . ."

Zechs' voice faded as he took in the sight on the bed, his cheeks tinting in embarrassment. Now he knew why no one answered the door when he had been knocking.

"I'm so sorry.", he apologized, turning his back to them, "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Good, now go away we're busy.", Heero told him, trying to pull Duo back into a kiss.

"Heero control youself.", the boy scolded, wriggling out from underneath him.

Heero only sighed in exasperation, falling back onto his bed as Duo climbed out of it to make his way to Zechs. Who knew how long it would take them to ever be in that position again. He watched as his slave led Zechs back out to the main room and he willed himself to follow them. The faster he got rid of the blond boy the faster he could return to his. He made his way to where his liquors sat, pouring himself a cup of wine before he looked to Milliardo and gestured in offering.


The young man only shook his head, his cheeks burning even more as he made eye contact with the king. Heero let him sweat, it was punishment enough for bursting in uninvited. Zechs and Duo sat on his only couch, the braided shadow apologizing to Zechs for having to see them in such a manner. He joined them, dropping down into his favorite stuffed chair, trying to relax himself. He was quite uncomfortable actually, there were things left undone that made it very difficult to concentrate on anything other than said problem.

"Earlier today you said you wished to have a word with me.", Heero began, wanting to get this over with, "Well here we are. Anything in particular you wanted to speak of?"

"I was going to demand that you explain how you allowed the council to give Wufei back to my uncle.", Zechs started, his voice calm, "Though, I realized there was nothing you could really do once I had cooled down a bit."

"You're very concerned about you uncle's proper. . .", Heero had started but had then caught the glare Duo was throwing in his direction, ". . .slave. What would you suggest we do?"

"Anything and everything we can.", Zechs answered, "My uncle doesn't deserve him."

"He owns him none the less.", Heero provided, not helping in the slightest.

"I know that.", Zechs snapped, standing to begin pacing.

Duo watched him as he did so, wanting to say something to help ease the boy's concern, but he had no idea what to say. He himself had been wracking his brain trying to figure out how to help the dragon be free of the Captain's clutch. He was aware when Zechs stopped to speak, his eyes staring off into space as his voice took on a solemn tone.

"I remember when my uncle first brought him here.", he began, slowly seating himself again, "I was only thirteen then. He told me that he was going to be made a slave. I had never seen anyone like Wufei and I was curious. My uncle must have mistaken my curiousity for lust, because he offered to give him to me, but I refused. I didn't want to own a slave and I told him I never would. So he kept Wufei for himself and I regret being so stubborn. If I had known what would soon befall him, I would have taken him just to keep him safe."

"You weren't stubborn.", Duo reassured him, resting a hand on his shoulder, "You stuck to your beliefs. How could you have possibly known that your uncle would treat him this way?"

"Because Wufei isn't his first slave.", Heero provided.

Duo looked to him with a questioning gaze, feeling Zechs tense beside him.

"He isn't?", the shadow asked and Treize's nephew shook his head.

"There were others."

The shadow looked back to Zechs at the blond's words. Just how many other slaves had Treize owned?

"There were three before Wufei, well three personal slaves at least.", Zechs provided almost as if reading Duo's mind, "Two he had during childhood, meant to serve as a personal servant and one as a playmate. They were sold when he grew tired of them. The last he recieved as gift from his father when he had turned eighteen."

"Her name was Une.", Heero added, knowing the tale as well as Milliardo did.

"He kept her for seven years and that woman suffered everything he could think to do to her.", Zechs continued, his voice taking on an ominous tone, "That's when he was given what he deemed terrible news."

"And that was?", Duo questioned, though something told him he didn't want to know.

"Women slaves are given a medicine which they are ordered to drink every day.", Heero interrupted again, "It changes the body internally and prevents unwanted outcomes."

Duo frowned at Heero's words, not quite sure what the king was trying to say. Changed a woman internally? How so? He looked between the two for an explanation and he recieved it from Milliardo.

"The medicine makes women infertile.", Zechs clarified, before further telling the story, "Une had stopped taking it, so that when my uncle took her, she soon found herself with child."

This Une had been impregnated? And by Treize of all people. Duo felt his stomach knot. This wasn't the end of the story and he had the unmistakable feeling that it didn't end well.

"What happened to Une? Did she have the child?", he asked hopefully.

He watched as Zechs closed his eyes, turning away as if to hide his emotional reaction. Duo felt his heart clench as he looked to Heero who only avoided his gaze. What had happened?

"He took her before the council.", Heero put in, breaking the silence, "He claimed that she had been taken by another and now she was carrying a bastard child. In desperation, Une tried to explain herself. She said she had purposely stopped taking the medicine in hopes that having a child would free her from slavery."

"But the council wouldn't listen.", Zechs joined again, "They believed his lies and decided that she would have the highest punishment for a slave who betrays their master."

Duo didn't have to hear it, he knew exactly what had happened. He just refused to believe it.

"She was put to death, Duo.", Heero told his slave, watching the shadow's eyes widen in disbelief, "Her and her unborn child were killed. I had tried to get her a lesser sentence, but it was to no avail. Death by torture was her punishment and she endured it. I was there when she gave her last breath."

How could anyone do such a thing? Duo was mortified and he stood from where he sat, his head light and his breath short. Treize was a mad man that had to be stopped. Who would have an innocent woman killed in such a manner, let alone their own unborn child, and think nothing of it? He obviously felt no remorse, because it would seem he found Wufei not too long after. The dragon was in more danger than he thought. Sending Wufei back into Treize's hands was as if they were sending him to his death.

Duo's eyes widened as he came to the realiztion that perhaps Heero was not the only death his father would come for. Dragons were known to be immortal but they were as vunerable to murder as any other creature. Desperate eyes turned to Heero and he wasn't sure what he wanted the king to do. Heero saw the distress in Duo's eyes and he quickly stood to make his way to his slave, wrapping his arms around him.

He wasn't sure why, but Heero's embrace helped and Duo let his own arms wrap around the king. The solid weight of Heero pressed against him seemed to calm him, something sturdy in a world that was crumbling around him. He turned his eyes to Zechs, who was by the open doors of the balcony, blue eyes staring up at the stars. The blond knight must have been feeling worse than Duo. He had fallen in love with the dragon, someone that wasn't his to begin with but had managed to get. Wufei could be taken from him at any moment. The thought alone made Duo worried and he could believe nothing else but that it was tearing at Zechs inside with fear.

"Isn't there a way we can help him?", Duo asked both the king and knight.

"What can we do?", Zechs countered bitterly, turning to look back at the two, "No matter what we do, the council will agree with Treize. No matter what Heero decrees, they'll veto it and Wufei will never be free of my uncle's hands. He'll die like others before him and just like him. Especially after a betrayel to his master."

Heero's eyes narrowed on the boy at the words and he pondered for a moment if he had heard correctly. Since when had Wufei betrayed Treize in anyway? The boy was under Treize's constant, scrutanous eye. Save the few times he ran off on his own. Not to say he knew the dragon personally, but he did know that Wufei would never do such a thing. Though there was always room for doubt. He had to be sure.

"Betrayed him how?", he questioned.

"How else?", was the curt retort and Heero's jaw clenched.

"With whom?"

That questioned wasn't answered and both Heero and Duo notice that Zechs avoided looking in their direction.

"Zechs look at me.", Heero ordered.

The boy complied and made eye contact with the king. That was all Heero needed, reading the answer to the question in crystal blue eyes. He swore under his breath, leaning against Duo for a few moments to calm hismelf. If this ever was found out there would be hell to pay and no matter how hard he tried, there would be nothing he could do about it.

"As far as I'm concerned we never had this conversation.", Heero began, looking to Zechs.

The boy merely scoffed while turning his back to the man, and Duo was ready to object. He gently clamped a hand over Duo's mouth as it opened, looking down at his slave with a stern look.

"We never had this conversation.", he repeated for good measure.

With a huff Duo nodded in agreement, threatening to bite Heero's hand as the king pulled it away. Heero ignored the gesture and let go of Duo for the moment to retreat to Zechs' side. The boy stiffened as he rested a hand on his shoulder and Heero gently removed it, his hands clasping behind his back. He let himself stare out of the open balcony doors to the stars as well, not sure if Zechs even wanted his company at the moment.

"I'll try to find a way.", he promised the boy, not knowing what else to do, "But you must promise me that you do not lie with him until then."

Zechs turned to face Heero, his eyes fired up with anger at the king's words. How could this man stand here and tell him what to do? If he wanted to see Wufei then damn it all he'd see him and lie with him as much as he pleased to.

"Think for once, will you.", Heero began before the boy could verbally object, "What if you're caught? Then what? He'd be accused and sent to his death. You'll have more mercy due to your status, you'll only lose your uncle's fortune. However, you'll have to live the rest of your life knowing that you ruined what could have been between you and the one you love."

"What do you know about love?", Zechs spat icily.

Heero ignored the tone, his colbat eyes looking back to where Duo stood watching them. He turned back to the young man with a small smile and Zechs felt his anger wane.

"I know all too well."

At the king's words the blond looked in Duo's direction and as he looked into violet eyes he knew that Heero understood. He sighed wearily, ready to head to bed and try his best to sleep. This was the most nerve-wracking day he had ever endured.

"I believe, Your Majesty, that I shall take my leave."

Heero only nodded, watching as Zechs bowed before walking to the door. He offered the braided slave a bow as well and soon the two were left alone. Heero had turned back to staring out at the stars of his balcony and Duo slowly joined him, his eyes focusing instead on the floor.

"Who is your love then?", Duo inquired, though he had heard Heero claim it already, "Since you seem to know love so well."

He wasn't surprised when he was taken a hold of and turned to be pulled into a kiss. His arms rose to grasp onto Heero's as the king's wrapped about his waist. Heero pulled away to smile down at his slave, not too sure if this was real. It wasn't too long ago that Duo wanted nothing to do with him. He figured he'd keep his mouth shut and count his blessings.

"Do I truly have to answer it?", Heero countered, leaning in for another kiss.

Duo had leaned back to escape it, violet eyes staring up at him in an almost pleading manner. Though Heero was aware of the cocky teasing that was hidden in those violet depths.

"I want to hear you say it.", Duo admitted and Heero smiled, "Tell me. . . please."

The King's Own was pulled into another kiss, which he wasn't able to escape from, or rather which he hadn't tried to escape from. The two parted, lips brushing together as Heero gave in to Duo's request.

"I love you.", he murmered, Duo smiling at the words, "Now that you've heard me tell you that I love you, why don't you let me show you?"

"Show me?", Duo questioned, his brows furrowing slightly.

With a chuckle Heero pulled Duo's hands to his lips to place a kiss to each one before he was leading the boy back inside. He had been waiting for this far longer than he liked.


T.B.C.


C-Chan2: Bwahahahahaha! I am evil. I give you only a half-assed lime and false hope! Bwahahahaha!

Lloyd: Chan! That's not fair. . . it was getting to the good part.

Jim: O_O You mean you were actually into it?

Lloyd: What? I'm secure enough about my sexuality to enjoy this. I know what I really like.

Jims: Yeah, dudes.

Lloyd: Why you-

C-han2: Oh, go get a room you two. Anywho. . . I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I did start off with writer's block hence why it took awhile but the story is still going. I'll try and make things interesting since it feels as if I'm slipping. So stay tuned and you'll get a next chapter as soon as I'm able to give you one.

Jim: That'll be in about six months.

C-Chan2: You're gonna pay for that. *brandishes pen* Let the yaoifullness begin! *runs off laughing maniacally*

Lloyd: Now look what you did.

Jim: Oh shut up, let's just go stop her before she does something stupid.

Lloyd: Bye! Leave reviews!