Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice of Death ❯ Chapter 13
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: C-Chan2 
Here you go, my Christmas gift to you all! An update! I hope you enjoy it and leave me my Christmas gift. *cough*reviews*cough* ^_^
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.25.2006 | Updated On: 04.26.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 879 | Status: Work In Progress
Here you go, my Christmas gift to you all! An update! I hope you enjoy it and leave me my Christmas gift. *cough*reviews*cough* ^_^
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 12.25.2006 | Updated On: 04.26.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.1K | Visits: 879 | Status: Work In Progress
C-Chan2: Hey there everybody!
Jim: Good lord, not again. When is this thing going to end?
Lloyd: Whenever she feels like ending it.
C-Chan2: And who knows when that will be?
Jim: So what now? Is Duo going to die or something?
C-Chan2: How can he? He's a servant of Death. In fact, he's Death's son for crying out loud.
Jim: Whatever.
Lloyd: As we ignore Jim, please listen to Chan's anouncement.
C-Chan2: *clears throat* I'm must say that the last chapter's lemon has been removed. However, it can be given to you upon special request if you somehow missed it. Just ask me for it, leave your e-mail address and BAM. . . 1x2 lemon just for you! ^_^
Lloyd: Oh, mine is TheDuke101@muses.com.
Jim: Why do you want to read it?! Again?!
LLoyd: *shrugs* I know it makes you uncomfortable.
C-Chan2: Aw. . . you two get cuter everyday!
Jim: Shut up, Chan! Just start the damn fic already.
C-Chan2: *grins* Enjoy the new chapter!
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Duo was aware that it was morning only because he was able to hear the bird calls through the window. However, he was reluctant to open his eyes. He shifted in his half sleep/half awake state, snuggling up closer to the warm body he came in contact with. With a soft sigh, he readied himself to fall into deep slumber again. However, that's when his brain made a realization; he wasn't alone.
His eyes snapped open and he pushed away from the other occupant of the bed, only somewhat relieved to find that it was Heero. He found himself blushing as he remembered just last night. It wasn't so much of what had happened that made his cheeks tint, but it was his own behavior. He had never thought that he'd act in such a way, let alone like it that much.
The king shifted and Duo laid down again, closing his eyes and pretending as if he were asleep. He didn't want to face Heero just yet. He somewhat stiffened as the king was moving again, closer to him, and then began to nuzzle his cheek. A hand was tilting his head and then soft lips were pressed against his own.
"Good morning.", the king greeted him.
Violet eyes slowly opened and Heero smiled down at his slave, running a hand through loose chestnut locks. He placed a kiss to Duo's forehead, tracing a finger over the boy's lips as he drew away.
"You knew I was awake?", Duo questioned.
Heero nodded, smirking down at his slave.
"Oh.", was all Duo could say.
Then he was trying to shift away, so that he could rise from the bed, but strong arms were wrapping about him. He was pulled back to lie down, the king pulling him closer and against his chest. He would have objected, if the man hadn't decided to press a kiss to his mouth just then.
Unwillingly, the shadow found himself melting, eagerly accepting the questing tongue as it pushed past his lips. When Heero had seemed to get enough, they broke apart, Duo breathless and the king chuckling. The shadow chanced a glare at the man's laughter. It was too early for the man to begin teasing him.
"Heero, let go of me.", he demanded, trying to push away fom the monarch.
The man kept his hold, smiling at Duo's lack of effort. He could tell that his slave wasn't trying that hard to get away. He took to nuzzling Duo's neck and smiled at the wanted results. Duo had stopped his struggling, shivering at the touch and was arching his neck back to offer the tantalizing flesh eagerly.
Heero was all too happy to accept, dipping his mouth for a taste and gaining a gasp. This would be a wonderful way to start the day. Before he could even begin, there was a knock on his door, and Heero swore under his breath. Well, there was always later.
Duo was the first from the bed, rushing to dress himself in the first thing he could find, which happened to be Heero's tunic. The king didn't bother to dress himself, only wrapped the bedsheet about his waist and headed for the bedroom doors. He pulled one open with a yawn, his eyes meeting the familiar face of one of his guards.
"Sorry if I woke you, Your Majesty.", the man apologized with a bow, "I'd been to recieve you last night, but you were a bit tied up. I found it best to leave you be till morning."
Heero couldn't help but smirk as he remembered last night, the knight in front of him giving him a wink. Then he was looking to Duo, who was busy with dressing himself to try and hide his red face. He would have more to blush about later on if Heero had his way again. He returned his attention to the guard, ready to hear whatever message he had brought for him.
"Is there something you wish to tell me, Sir?", Heero asked, wondering why he didn't know the man's name. He saw him often enough, even more than the rest of the guards that he had running about the palace.
"That I do.", Merdoc answered with a nod, "I have been sent to inform you that the Lady Mage arrived just last night and wishes to meet with you. Seems it be important."
Heero's eyes widened at the news. The mage had reached the palace last night? He hadn't expected her to reach until later this afternoon. He nodded his thanks, sending Merdoc back with the message that he'd be in the medical wing as soon as possible. Then he was rushing to dress himself, but only well enough so that he could walk through the halls. He and Duo needed a bath first.
"Duo-"
"I heard.", the shadow interrupted, now fully dressed, "Can we go after I've bathed? There's no way that I'm meeting her like this."
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Noin huffed, a bit annoyed, as she was pushed from Quatre's mind once again. As much as the boy was hurting and weakened, he kept managing to kick her out of his mind every time she got close enough. It was now frustrating and she resisted the urge to just up and quit. However, she had been hired for this specific reason and she was not leaving until she had seen this thing through.
Noin took a deep breath to calm herself, and readied to enter Quatre's mind one last time. She would be sure not to be thrown out again. Her eyes closed and her hands hovered mere inches away from Quatre's head. With another deep breath she focused, and then she was making her way in.
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Noin's eyes narrowed on the crumbling wall ahead of her, the small damage her doing. Behind it she could she the small mage working away, laying down new bricks to fix what she had managed to get down. She walked closer, this time prepared for the blast of magic that was sent her way.
Her hand rose to ward it and it went flying back, taking with it a bit more of the wall, the younger mage crying out in shock. He was scared of her and she was upset that he was. Then again, she had tried to be nice and that had gotten her rudely pushed back. Nice was no longer an option, she would now be stern and authoritive.
It was risky to do so being that Quatre was now shaken by the events that had happened to him, but she had no other choice. She used his lapse of being stunned to draw closer, coming right in front of the wall and peeping into the large hole. She was aware that he had finished three walls already, this being the last that would close him away.
That was what she was tying to avoid. In order to heal him properly, he would have to be coaxed into stepping out again. She looked down at him and he whimpered, scrambling away into a corner, wide blue eyes staring at her in fright. She'd also have to get him to trust her.
"Quatre?", she called, her voice soft.
"Go away!", the young mage screamed, trying to scramble away even more.
She sighed at his reaction. The mage who had attacked him had changed him, made him too afraid of the outside world. It would be a pain to try and get her to trust him, but she would try. She could sense that he was strong in empathy and she would use that to her advantage.
Sheilding her frustration, she was sure to project a feeling of calm, smiling as she saw Quatre visably relax. She took the chance and climbed inside, trying to express through feelings that he was safe, she was here to help not harm. It was working, but she could Feel that Quatre was still a bit unsure.
Having breeched the wall, she slowly stepped foward, stopping when Quatre jerked away. Wide and misty sea-colored eyes stared back at her in fright, and she found it best to hold her ground. She couldn't afford to come this far and fail.
"It's alright, Quatre.", she tried to assure him, her voice gentle, "I'm here to help you. I'm here to heal you."
"Help me?", Quatre repeated, a bit confused.
Noin nodded, wanting to step forward but willing herself not to. She instead made sure to continue projecting feeling's of calm, concern and trust. It was working, as Quatre continued to relax in her presence, his fear turning to curiousity as he continued to stare at her.
"I'm hurt.", the blond boy revealed, a hand rising to press against his head, "You won't hurt me, again?"
Noin smiled to him and shook her head. At least he was speaking to her.
"No.", she finally answered, risking a step forward, "I came to stop your hurt. Will you let me help you?"
She waited patiently as Quatre contemplated her offer, his eyes revealing his uncertainty. He looked past her to look beyond the wall, shrinking away as he did so. Then he was looking back at her, scared once again but not particularly of her.
"Can you heal me in here?", he asked her, and Noin sadly shook her head.
"You have step outside, Quatre."
"No!", he objected, curling up into hismelf, hiding his face away from her, "I'll get hurt again out there. It's not safe. I can't go back."
"You must go back.", Noin pleaded with him, stepping closer, "You can't stay in here forever, Quatre. You'll only hurt yourself further. Don't you want to go back to where you once were? Don't you want to return to him?"
She was waiting to use that, knowing that even while Quatre was busy locking himself away, he was still connected to the prince. Slowly, Quatre raised his head, wet blue eyes looking to Noin as she stood above him. So as not to intimidate him, she knelt beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder.
"Him?", he asked her.
Noin merely nodded her head in the direction of the unfinished wall, which Quatre obediently looked toward it. Patiently the two looked oustide, along a small path that seemed to be on a hill and it wasn't too long before a figure was walking over it. The person stood in the disatnce, coming no further but Noin could Feel he was calling.
If she had needed any proof that the two had truly bonded, she had it now. It was proven even further as Quatre shifted, attempting to stand as one of his hands rested over his heart.
"Trowa."
He was soon looking back to Noin, who gently guided him in standing from the ground, his eyes expressing his hesitance to question her.
"Will you leave him, Quatre?", Noin asked him, gently pulling him closer to the single exit, "He is calling for you, can't you feel it?"
Indeed he could, and the longer he stared out into the distance, was the more he felt the pull. It was all he could do from dashing out to meet him, but he still wasn't too sure. There was danger out there and he had encountered it once before. It had nearly killed him, he didn't want to give it a second chance.
Then again, this woman was here with him and she had promised to help him. Maybe, he would be able to if she stayed beside him.
"Will you come with me?", he questioned, looking back into blue-violet eyes.
Noin smiled, her hand reaching out to gently grasp his in a supporting grip.
"I'll be with you every step of the way.", she told him.
Quatre nodded in gratitude, before he was looking back to the hill in the distance where the familiar person was waiting for him. He would brave it now, if it meant being able to return to him. With a deep breath, he squeezed Noin's hand and together they began to climb over the wall.
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Noin opened her eyes with a smile on her face, quite satisfied with her success. With Quatre no longer hiding himself away, she would be able to heal him properly, and avoid the risk of damaging him any further. She looked down as they boy shifted, sighing in relief as slowly his eyes blinked open and she greeted him with a smile.
The boy only blinked up at her, before his eyes were closing again, this time falling into a normal sleep. She could feel that he was still hurting, but that could now easily be treated.
"Quatre."
The prince's voice drew her attention to him, and she found that he was still asleep, but she knew that he was aware of his lover's return. Now that Quatre was back to their particular plane, Trowa would begin to get better and in a few days time, his sickness would be broken.
The knock on the door drew her attention to it and she smiled in greeting as the medic and Merdoc both stepped inside.
"Lady Mage.", Merdoc began, apologizing as Noin frowned at him, "Noin. May I present to you His Majesty, King Heero, and his royal companion."
Noin stood as the king entered, bowing in greeting to both him and the boy that followed him. Her eyes were quick to rest on the braided youth, her mage senses telling her that he was not as he seemed. She was brought to looking to the king again, who gently welcomed her to his castle.
"I wasn't expecting you last night.", Heero began, walking clsoer, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to greet you."
Noin wasn't sure how to react at the moment. She had heard stories of the king, of how he was cold and cruel, apathetic to almost everything. Yet, here before her was someone different. A man well-mannered and with the characteristics of a proper king. She wasn't sure which was a lie, the rumors or the king's behavior.
"It's quite alright.", she finally responded with a smile, "Merdoc was greeting enough."
"Merdoc?", Heero questioned, a bit confused.
"That would be me, Sire.", the guard put in.
Heero nodded in understanding. So that was his name. He looked to where Quatre and Trowa laid side by side, their beds only far enough to allow a person to barely step between them. The last he heard, Trowa had gotten worse, his fever having turned into pneumonia. The raspy breathing that came from his brother was proof enough and he frowned as he looked toward him. It didn't sit well with him that the prince and his slave were suffering this way.
"Tell me, Lady Mage-"
"Please.", Noin interrupted, a bit skeptical about cutting off the king, "You may call me, Noin."
"Noin.", Heero corrected, before continuing, "Do you know what happened? Will you be able to help them?"
"Can you find the mage that did it?"
That question had come from the king's slave, which Noin was bit surprised that he had spoken without consent. However, the king did nothing to reprimand him, so she tried her best to ignore it. It was odd behavior for a master and slave, and she had seen much to know that this was nothing like the others she had beared witness to.
"A letum hex; a spell made specifically for mages.", she offered, looking back to the slumbering mage, "That's what was used against him. It probes the mind and kills torturously, slowly breaking away every piece of his mind until his body fails, unable to handle the pain much longer. He was lucky to have stopped it before it did even worse damage to him. I'm only curious as to how he managed to break away."
"I did it.", Duo offered, Noin not the only person turning to him in shock, "I broke him from it, but I couldn't trace the mage that had sent it."
Heero and Merdoc had joined Noin in gaping at the young shadow, but the doctor had been here and he had seen. Duo only patiently waited for them to get over their shock, Noin studying him the best she could. He was sure that he was trying to read if he was a mage himself, but she wouldn't be able to.
She eventually gave up, unable to figure what he was, and finding that she would rather not find out. If the boy had been that strong to break such a powerful spell, then he was most likely anything but human. She turned to the king, ready to find out a few things about the two resting behind her, though she was still curious about the royal slave. It would have to wait until later, after she had braved enough to confront the young man.
She looked to the doctor, signalling that he close the door. What she was about to discuss, she was sure those in the room already knew of to some degree, but she was unwilling to let anyone else know of it. Once the door was closed, she chose to begin.
"Your Majesty, there are things I must discuss.", her voice was low enough so curious passerbys would not hear, "It is no secret to me now, that Quatre is no ordinary slave and I am sure you all knew this as well."
The silence of uncertainty that fell over the room was confirmation of her suspicions and she readied herself for a long explanation that was bound to come.
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Treize calmly left the slaves' quarters, where he had spent most of his night with the other slaves that he owned. It wasn't to say that he wasn't satisfied with Wufei, no it was quite the opposite. However, he made it a habit to visit his other slaves when he thought it neccessary. It was to remind them that they were owned as well and was never forgotten.
He made his way up the winding stairs, that which led him into a main hallway, which would eventually lead him to the stairs. Those would take him to the upper wing where his room was located. He had heard wind that the king and his slave had been together last night and in a fashion which Treize had not expected.
He found it best he get to recognizing that mage. The sooner he did that, the sooner he would be taken cared of and things would return to as it should be. He didn't want to be king, but having had some semblance of control was more than he could ever ask for. As he passed by the main hall, which held the front doors to the castle, he looked outside to the courtyard and found a most pleasing site.
The traders had arrived and that meant that they had already been to Mage's Keep. There was a possibilty that Dorothy had found a way to contact him and he thought it best to find out. Though he hated to come in contact with commeners, he would brave it for the moment.
He was greeted by the guards keeping watch and nodded to them in acknowledgement before he was climbing down the stone steps. As he came amongst the traders, it didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. At the end of the caravan was an old man, laughing raspily as he waved for the Captain of the Guard's attention.
Without hesitation, Treize made his way over, not bothering to greet the man.
"Good day to you, Lord Treize.", the man greeted, though he didn't bow, "Lovely day isn't it?"
Treize merely sneered down at the man, not the least bit enjoying that he had to keep short company with him. He was filthy and he was shady, that and he seemed to be attracting far too much attention. Whatever it was that he had for Treize, the captain was sure he didn't want anyone to take notice of.
"Old man-", he had began, but was rudely interrupted.
"Oh please, Gareth's me name. You do well to call me such."
Treize's glare didn't seem to intimidate the man in the slightest, his bony hand reaching out to grab hold of the lord and drag him behind the cart, away from prying eyes. With one last look around, Gareth was reaching into the folds of his robes, pulling out a letter. He held it out for the captian, who took it with a snarl, holding in a way which clearly revealed his reluctance to do so.
Gareth ignored his behavior, and patted the man on the back with a laugh. He was going to give it to one of his contacts, a servant inside of the castle, but the captain had come to him. He was glad to have given it directly to him. Dorothy would be pleased with him, and a happy Dorothy usually meant more business for him.
"There you are, sir.", Gareth laughed, "From Lady Dorothy herself. It seems to be awfully important."
Treize looked down at the letter, turning it every which way to inspect it, though he was rather reluctant to hold it. Finally with a sigh, he tucked it away, nodding to Gareth in thanks.
"If you run across her again, you can tell her that I've recieved it."
He turned away, glad that he could finally rid himself of the man's presence. It was bad enough that he had to converse with the old geezer, but he had been touched. Treize fought off the shudder that threatened to take him at the thought. He hated peasants.
"I'll tell her you got the message.", Gareth was calling.
The captain didn't even bother to look back, he kept going his way, wanting to return inside the castle as soon as possible. When he was safely tucked away behind the stone walls, Treize looked down at his cousin's letter. If she was sending him messages here, than it was bound to be important.
Treize stopped to open the letter, extracting the paper and unfolding it so that he could read over the words.
Brows furrowed and his jaw set as his eyes raked over the paper. It would seem that a mage had arrived in Sanq, and he could only guess that he or she was headed here. He would have to be careful with a mage present. He was sure that Dorothy's spell had faded by now, being that it had been broken, but it would be wise to have caution.
Then again, the spell that broke it might still be there. He could use this to his advantage and find out just who had cast it. With the letter folded away so that he could burn it in the privacy of his room, Treize headed off with a small smirk of satisfaction. He had some planning to do so that things would soon return to the way he liked it.
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Naberius watched the Captain of the Guard from where he crouched on all fours, hanging from the ceiling above him. He himself held a smile, as he had read the words that had been written. These humans made it far too easy to cause mischief. He wasn't exactly sure what this man's intentions were, but he was sure he'd be able to find out.
With a small chuckle to himself, he started crawling along the ceiling after Treize, who had no clue that he was being followed. He was glad that Death had allowed him freedom for the time being, he hadn't had this much fun in ages and he was sure that it was bound to get better.
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Noin was pacing, her face set in a frown as she took in all that was told to her. Quatre was indeed a mage, and though she had already figured it out, she was glad for the confirmation. It was amazing how the boy had concealed it for this long and how the prince had managed to hide his true nature as well. Love was an amazing drive. These two went to, in her opinion, dangerous lengths just to stay together.
There was no doubt about it, Quatre had no right being here and Trowa had no right in helping him deceive the rest of the castle. The boy belonged with the Magus society, he was a danger to the rest of this kingdom, especially now with his only training being self-discipline.
She felt eyes on her as she paced, and she knew that they were all staring at her, waiting for her to finally speak. She could easily ignore the others, but those violet eyes, they seemed to bore into her more than the rest. She finally turned to him, knowing that a question was bound to be asked and waited for it. The king however, took the opportunity instead.
"So what happens now?"
Noin wasn't so sure herself. Though she knew the answers that had to be given to that question.
"Being that Quatre is in fact a mage, he must be reported to the Magus Society."
"You can't do that!", the braided slave had begun, but Heero gently calmed him.
"There must be another way.", he pleaded and Noin sadly shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but that's the only way.", she responded, looking to where Quatre lay sleeping, "The Magus Society has a right to know of any unknown mages and Quatre must be taken from the rest of civilization as a precautionary method. Untrained he can do harm without intending to."
"Quatre hasn't hurt anyone!", Duo objected and Noin knew he was more than angry. She could only wonder where the king had found this one.
"I understand that he hasn't hurt anyone yet, but there is always the possibility that it just might happen.", Noin tried to explain, "I've read his Talent and he is powerful. Even in his state of withdrawel he was able to block me out and then force me away when I got near. He has power you can't even begin to imagine and he's locked that away as well. Though I can't imagine how he managed it. You can only imagine when it bursts free, the damage he can do, I can't even begin to describe. He must be reported and he must be taken away."
The room fell silent again, Duo merely glaring at her while the doctor and Merdoc stood nervously at the side. Heero was looking down at his stepbrother, his face fitted in a mask of contemplation and Noin patiently waited for him to speak. She didn't have to wait long.
"They're in love.", he murmured quietly, his arms crossing over his chest, "So much in love that it can be sickening sometimes."
He offered her a small smile as he looked to her again and Noin returned, though hers was more of a sad smile.
"I promised him that I wouldn't let Quatre be taken away from him. It would break his heart and I wouldn't be able to bear seeing him broken. I've witnessed it before, when his mother passed, I won't endure it again. He and Quatre are more than just lovers."
"They're Bonded.", Noin found herself blurting.
Heero's eyes weren't the only ones to widen, but where as he took to silent shock, Duo was much more verbal.
"Bonded!", he exclaimed, looking back to the resting pair, "How on earth did they manage that?"
"How long have they been bonded?", Heero added.
Noin shook her head with a sigh, walking closer to the prince and his lover, watching down at them with an array of emotions passing through her eyes.
"Not that long it would seem.", she revealed, reaching a hand out to test Trowa's temperature, "Trowa would have surely been harmed during the hex if it hadn't been recently. He started growing ill after Quatre's attack, which could only mean he bonded with him then. Which is only more proof of Quatre's power, he was even unconcious and injured but still managed a Bonding. He belongs with the Magus Society where he can be taught to control his Talents."
"You can't take him away!", Duo was shouting.
He stepped forward, but Heero gently pulled him back. Colbat eyes were then looking to her again and Noin knew that convincing them this was the right choice was going to be quite difficult.
"You teach him."
She hadn't prepared herself for that and she found herself spluttering at the king's words. Teach him? What in the world did the king mean? She couldn't teach him, she wasn't accredited to teach anyone. Quatre needed the guidance of the Adepts. Besides, there was a chance Quatre was stronger than her, in fact, she was pretty sure that he was. There was no way that this would work. Not to mention that if she did agree, if the Magus Society found out, she would be the one in hot water.
"Your Majesty-"
"Please don't refuse me.", the king pleaded with her, "I understand the dangers this holds for you, but you must reconsider. You can't separate two Bonded for long. I'll be willing to pay you double what was originally meant to be paid to the Magus Society and I'll see to it that you get permission to stay with Sanq during and even after your services. Just as long as you agree."
Noin was at a loss for words now. In the Magus Society, the Adepts would have claimed this as blackmail. However, she knew it was the king's attempt to do anything it took to see that his brother and his slave. . . no his lover. . . would not be parted. It was a noble attempt and she wanted to say yes.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I must decline.", she announced, her face a stony mask to hide her true feelings, "Tomorrow I shall send word to the Magus Society and await their orders."
She found she was unable to say in the room and she went to turn away, but the violet-eyed wonder was drawing her to look back at him with his anger erupting.
"How can you be so cruel!", he screamed, ignoring his master's attempts to silence him, "Don't you understand what will happen if you sperate two Bonded? They'll both break beyond repair and then just as easily die not too long after. Damn the laws and think for once. Don't you think he deserves freedom?"
Noin froze at the word, he heart clenching painfully and she glared daggers at the young man. He wasn't swayed and he glared right back, set on holding his ground.
"Freedom?", she began, knowing the fact that she was now upset was showing. She would have to shield her emotions as best as she could to avoid it bleeding out to the others in the room. "How can you ask me about freedom? I have never known freedom and to ask me who I think deserves such luxary is unfair. I can not judge if he is worth this freedom, I do not have any of my own."
With that she stormed out, pulling away from Merdoc's reaching hand and left them all behind. Heero watched as she left before he was turning a disapproving glare to his slave, who he knew was in no way sorry for what he had just caused to happen.
"Merdoc, will you please go after the Lady Mage.", he asked the guard.
"Noin."
Heero looked to the man with a raised brow, the short-bearded man shrugging his shoulders.
"Her name is Noin, Your Majesty.", he explained.
"Fine, then. Please go after Noin."
With a bow the guard was gone and Heero was looking back to Duo, who already was holding a stubborn frown, his arms crossed over his chest. With a sigh, Heero tried to will away his impending headache. It was far too early in the day to have to deal with Duo's stubborness.
"I won't apologize.", the boy announced, before Heero could even begin.
"There's no argument here.", Heero easily responded, turning Duo to face him, "You must think for a moment, Duo. If we wish to gain her assistance, we can not use anger. She is choosing what she was taught as the answer for something like this. You can't accuse her of not wanting his freedom. She can barely understand the word being a mage. You must have sympathy, and she will come around. So you will apologize or else I will not hesitate to punish you."
"I don't care what you do.", his slave was obviously set in his decision, "There's no punishment you haven't done that I couldn't handle again. I'm willing to take whatever you can give me."
Heero smirked wryly at his slave's boastfulness. Stepping closer he took hold of Duo's waist, pulling the boy closer so that he was pressed against him. He gently nuzzled the boy's ear, feeling Duo stiffen at the gesture and he chuckled. That in turn caused the boy to shiver and Heero's smile grew wider, before his lips were brushing against the shadow's ear.
"And what if I were willing to give you a well deserved spanking?"
He only grinned at his slave as Duo turned wide eyes to him in horror at the whispered words, before they were once again glaring.
"You wouldn't dare."
"How should I do it?", Heero pondered aloud, intentionally ignoring the violet-eyed boy, "Perhaps I should have you laid across my lap? Yes, I think I like that."
He got the result he wanted as he watched Duo storm out of the room, mumbling under his breath all the while. Satisfied with how things were going for the moment, the king turned back to the medic, who held a bright blush on his face. Heero hadn't whispered low enough. Clearing his throat to try and hide his embarrassment, Heero began to leave himself.
"I'll be back.", he easily told him, the medic nodding, "Be sure to take extra care of them."
He left before the man could answer and before the doctor could see his own tinted cheeks. Besides, he had things to do. The Council would need quite a bit of persuading to allow Noin to stay and he had to think of a good excuse.
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Noin had remembered that her being in the castle was to be a secret, so she had shed her Magus robes and left them behind in the Medical Wing. That left her dressed only in her leggings and tunic, which was long enough to stop a bit past the middle of her thighs, and was cinched at the waist by a common belt. She had no idea where she was storming off to, but eventually she was outside in a garden. If she hadn't been so angry, she probably would have stopped to enjoy how beautiful the flowers looked in bloom. As it was, she wasn't pleased at all.
She came to a stop at a tree, planting herself down underneath it, allowing herself to huff childishly. What did that boy know of freedom anyway? He was a slave, that exactly didn't have freedom either. She sulked then, looking down at the grass that quivered in the gentle breeze.
She knew he had more freedom than she did, even in his captivity. At least he wasn't locked away from the rest of civilization as if he were some sort of monster and at least at one point he had been free. Noin couldn't say that about herself. From the day she was born she had been in captivity. The daughter of two Adept mages, she was raised in exile and had become both a woman and mage in exile.
She had been to Sanq once before and though she would have loved to stay, she had returned right back to where it was deemed she belonged. That young slave had alot of nerve to call her cruel. What made him think that Quatre had the right to be free? She deserved it just as much as he did. Did being Bonded really make it much more important for him?
She knew that it did and it was killing her inside. She was in one hell of a predicament and the king's slave hadn't made her feel any better. With a sigh she drew her knees close to her, resting her head on top of them as her hands idly pulled at the gress she sat on. Her private moment of brooding was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing and she looked up to find gentle brown eyes staring down at her.
"It doesn't do me right to see a young woman all by herself.", Merdoc spoke, Noin trying to smile up at him, "In fact, it bothers me a great deal to see a young thing like you so upset."
She looked away from him as her attempt of a smile faded and was replaced with her solemn expression. She had reason to be upset.
"Mind if I join you?", the guard asked her.
"Not at all."
Merdoc sighed as he sat beside her, a bit akwardly in his armor, but he managed it. He looked out over the gardens and past that to the rolling green of the castle grounds. He wasn't outside much to appreciate it. He looked to the blue-haired mage then, who was still disturbing the grass, her eyes focused on the ground.
"Forgive me if it's not my place to say, but I believe that you want nothing more than to help that poor bloke."
Noin stopped in shock, her eyes turning back to look at the knight, who only offered her a smile. She frowned as she turned away, wrapping her arms about her legs and merely stared off into the distance. He was right, she wanted to help, but she knew that she couldn't.
"I understand that you must do as you're supposed to and you've been taught that it was right.", Merdoc continued, light-brown hair troubled by the breeze, "However, I can tell what you know is right, lass. You're better off going with your heart."
Noin looked to him again, not exactly sure what to think of his advice or how to answer it. She figured with the first thing that came to mind.
"My heart thinks that it's unfair.", she admitted, "But, I know what choice I should make. I'm just worried that it'll be the wrong choice at the same time. I can be severly punished if I'm caught teaching another mage, especially since I have yet to be classified as an Adept."
"Oh, I think it'll be no hard task for you."
"You haven't even seen me in action.", Noin reminded him with a small smile.
Merdoc only returned it. "Yes, but I have faith in you."
The two were interrupted as Noin took sight of someone coming toward them and she frowned a bit as she recognized it as the King's Own. What on earth was he doing out here? And why wasn't he escorted?
Duo came to a stop right in front of the two seated on the ground, his face scowling down at the both of them. Noin only waited, curious as to why the boy was here. Was he going to pester her further into helping Quatre? It was a good minute or two of uncomfortable silence before Noin was able to breathe easy again.
"I'm sorry."
Noin was nearly taken aback by the two words. He had come to apologize. Something was telling her it was not of his own free will. She wouldn't complain, it was good enough.
"There's no need to feel sorry.", she assured him, taking to standing up.
Merdoc was quick to help her and she thanked the man gently, admiring for a short while the smile he gave her. She pulled back to Duo as the boy scoffed. He had obviously wasted his time in apologizing it would seem.
"You can tell your Master that I shall do my best to fufill his wishes.", Noin announced, though she was still a bit unsure, "I only ask that he be aware that I can't promise him I'll be all too successful. I'm not trained to teach and Quatre's stronger than I'm used to."
Duo only shrugged, turning away from the woman and began to walk off. Noin and Merdoc followed, the man offering Noin his arm as he did when they first met and the mage gladly accepted it.
"Thank you.", Duo's voice called back, Noin surprised that he was showing gratitude, "I'll owe you for this."
Noin agreed. She was putting her own neck on the chopping board for these people. They would owe her big time.
------------------------------
Naberius whistled to himself as he walked along the ceiling of Treize's room. He had easily followed the man here and now he busied himself with something or the other. The Captain had long burnt the letter and had his way with his still healing slave, unaware that he had had an audience the entire time.
He was not ashamed that he had enjoyed the boy's suffering, though if Duo knew he would most likely be disgusted. The thought of the shadow made his whistling draw to an end as his jaw snapped shut in anger. He had watched his only desire taken for the first time, by a human of all things and he had fought the urge to break the rules.
It would have been so easy to take that huamn's life and then take Duo for himself, but he was unable to. Duo's father had ordered him to merely observe, he had already broken the rules by meddling, he couldn't go any farther. He pulled himself away from his musing and let himself drift to the floor.
Treize couldn't see him, unless he wanted to be seen, so he easily slipped into the bedroom without notice. He smiled as he took in the sight of the dragon, curled up to one side of the bed, his arms wrapped tightly about himself. This one was close to breaking, but before that could happen, Naberious wanted his fire to burn one last time.
He took himself closer to the bed, disgusing himself once again so that his face matched that of his target's newest lover. A gentle touch to the boy's shoulder nearly cost him a bruise, as the boy had turned to him ready to attack, his fist flying for his face. Naberius was lucky to avoid it and he easily caught the boy's arm by his wrist.
"Wufei, it's me.", he reasoned, the boy calming as he spoke, "Calm down, it's only me."
/Zechs./
Naberius could only smile as Wufei rushed into his arms, the dragon breathing an inaudible sigh as the demon pulled him closer. If the boy had grown this close to the captain's nephew, then it would be a lot easier to manipulate him using the older boy's form. He found he couldn't help himself and he pulled back, only to press his lips to Wufei, feeling the boy melt in his arms. He would have laughed, but that would have broken the spell Wufei was under at the moment.
He was beginning to enjoy himself when the dragon suddenly stiffened, and Naberius was pushed away. He swore under his breath as Wufei was now frowning at him in doubt, the sloe-eyed creature backing away from him. He should have known that Wufei could recognize the real from the fake after a while. No matter, he was a demon of deceit and illusion. Wufei would be in the palm of his hand again in no time.
"Wufei, is everything all right?", he tried to sound confused.
The slave merely backed away further, back now pressed against the headboard as he eyed the man before him suspiciously. If the boy had been able to speak, the demon was sure that he wouldn't have answered either way. He was able to hear his thoughts however and the dragon was having his doubts.
/This isn't Zechs. It doesn't feel like Zechs./
The demon nearly rolled his eyes. He had forgotten that dragons were magical as well and Wufei had clearly sensed that what was in front of him may have looked like his lover, but wasn't. He could remedy that. Without much effort he numbed Wufei's senses, the dragon frowning at the feeling. Dark eyes narrowed and Naberius smiled, trying to win Wufei's favor again.
"Wufei-"
His words was cut short as Wufei's hand slapped his away when he reached for him. The dragon was now more than suspicious, he was confused and growing angry. He would have to make sure the latter was never reached. With fast reflexes, he reached again, this time pinning Wufei against the headboard and calmly looking down at the struggling dragon.
"Wufei, love, look at me.", he begged, the boy looking away.
/It's not him. I know it's not./
Wufei's thoughts were already set to believe that he wasn't who he seemed. It had to be broken. With a gentle grip under his chin, Naberius guided Wufei's head so that he was looking to him again, the dragon stiffening as he stared into blue eyes he thought he should know. Now they danced with a fire that seemed to burn deep within them and even though he struggled, he felt himself slipping.
As ebony eyes dulled and went blank, Naberius smiled and finally let the boy go. He had to make sure the boy was truly under his control.
"Wufei, who am I?"
Empty eyes looked him over, lips moving to form a name he was unable to speak.
/Zechs./
With a sound of approval, Naberius shifted closer, the trance-induced dragon easily falling into his arms. Maybe dragons weren't that hard to break after all.
"Tell me, love. Do you remember of what we spoke of?"
Surely Wufei had to remember, it was just last night that he had encountered the dragon. Then again, distracted with pain and misery, it was easy to forget.
/Treize./
"What of him, love?", he asked, happy to see the dragon was on the right track.
/You want me to. . . kill him./
Blank eyes looked up to him then, the boy's head tilting in a curious fashion as he looked up to who he assumed was his secret lover.
/I will be punished./
"No, you and I will be free.", Naberius promised him, feeling the swell of hope rise in Wufei.
/Free./
"Yes.", the demon coaxed, hugging Wufei closer to him, "Free to be together, to run off and leave all this behind. You kill him and they'll be nothing between us."
Wufei was looking away then, still unsure of it all. Naberius took back his earlier thoughts. It wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. His eyes caught the purpling bruise on the boy's side and he reached out a hand to touch it. He had seen Treize hit him there earlier, Wufei had winced and Naberius had felt a shudder run throughout his body.
A silent cry of pain was his reward for applying pressure to it and he was quick to hide his expression of enjoyment as the dragon turned to look at him. He placed a mask of sympathy and anger in its place.
"Look, how he's hurt you.", he pointed out, this time gently stroking, "Don't you think you deserve your revenge? You do want vengence, yes?"
Slowly an ebony-locked head bobbed in agreement and Naberius stroked a caramel cheek in false affection.
"Then this is the only way."
Wufei nodded again, but was quick to return to frowning. Naberius bit back a growl of frustration at the sight of it. What was his hesitance now?
/How?/, he heard Wufei's mind ask him and he smiled.
Naberius was glad to hear that question. He reached to the small sheath that hung from his waist, pulling free a dagger and eyed it with appreciation. He had been gifted it from Duo's own father. Even the smallest scratch from its blade would reap a soul and a wound that wasn't fatal would bring Death as well.
He held it out for Wufei, and tentative fingers reached for it. The boy's hesitation was beyond annoying and the demon found himself thrusting the hilt into Wufei's hand, before he was closing his fingers about it He watched as Wufei studied it further, not quite sure if the blade was being admired or contemplated.
/It will be enough./
He was proud of the dragon's words and he reached out to stroke loose raven locks as if the boy were a pet. In a way he was, being as that was what his master thought of him.
"Hide it away.", he ordered, Wufei doing as told.
It went between the matress for now. Surely it would be moved later on. It was time to go, he could sense Treize was readying to come through the doors.
"I must go.", Naberius announced, stealing another kiss from the dragon. He had to admit, he had come to like doing so in that short space of time. "I shall come again. For now, you must sleep and never speak of this."
/Never./, Wufei assured him, his eyes drooping closed.
When the dragon was asleep, the demon carefully laid him back onto the bed, aware that the door was being opened. He was gone before the captain stepped foot inside, quite pleased with himself for his progress. Before his time in this plane was through, he'd be sure to cause a lot of trouble.
T.B.C.
C-Chan2: So, did you like?
Lloyd: Ooh, I did. Naberius is evil. I like him.
Jim: You would, you queer.
Lloyd: That's it! I'm kicking your ass today, buddy!
C-Chan2: Can you wait until we're done at least? Jeeze! Anywho people, that's the end of this chapter. Stay tuned for things to come. It gets interesting.
Lloyd: Now can I kick his ass?
C-Chan2: Do as you please.
Lloyd: Thank you. *cracking his knuckles* This is where you get yours, Jimbo.
Jim: Jimbo? *backs away as Lloyd stalks closer* Can't we all just get along? No? Well in that case. *runs off*
Lloyd: Get back here, you bastard! *chases after him*
C-Chan2: *sighs* I apologize for them and I hope you leave reviews. Consider them my Christmas gifts. Happy Holidays! ^_^
Jim: Good lord, not again. When is this thing going to end?
Lloyd: Whenever she feels like ending it.
C-Chan2: And who knows when that will be?
Jim: So what now? Is Duo going to die or something?
C-Chan2: How can he? He's a servant of Death. In fact, he's Death's son for crying out loud.
Jim: Whatever.
Lloyd: As we ignore Jim, please listen to Chan's anouncement.
C-Chan2: *clears throat* I'm must say that the last chapter's lemon has been removed. However, it can be given to you upon special request if you somehow missed it. Just ask me for it, leave your e-mail address and BAM. . . 1x2 lemon just for you! ^_^
Lloyd: Oh, mine is TheDuke101@muses.com.
Jim: Why do you want to read it?! Again?!
LLoyd: *shrugs* I know it makes you uncomfortable.
C-Chan2: Aw. . . you two get cuter everyday!
Jim: Shut up, Chan! Just start the damn fic already.
C-Chan2: *grins* Enjoy the new chapter!
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Duo was aware that it was morning only because he was able to hear the bird calls through the window. However, he was reluctant to open his eyes. He shifted in his half sleep/half awake state, snuggling up closer to the warm body he came in contact with. With a soft sigh, he readied himself to fall into deep slumber again. However, that's when his brain made a realization; he wasn't alone.
His eyes snapped open and he pushed away from the other occupant of the bed, only somewhat relieved to find that it was Heero. He found himself blushing as he remembered just last night. It wasn't so much of what had happened that made his cheeks tint, but it was his own behavior. He had never thought that he'd act in such a way, let alone like it that much.
The king shifted and Duo laid down again, closing his eyes and pretending as if he were asleep. He didn't want to face Heero just yet. He somewhat stiffened as the king was moving again, closer to him, and then began to nuzzle his cheek. A hand was tilting his head and then soft lips were pressed against his own.
"Good morning.", the king greeted him.
Violet eyes slowly opened and Heero smiled down at his slave, running a hand through loose chestnut locks. He placed a kiss to Duo's forehead, tracing a finger over the boy's lips as he drew away.
"You knew I was awake?", Duo questioned.
Heero nodded, smirking down at his slave.
"Oh.", was all Duo could say.
Then he was trying to shift away, so that he could rise from the bed, but strong arms were wrapping about him. He was pulled back to lie down, the king pulling him closer and against his chest. He would have objected, if the man hadn't decided to press a kiss to his mouth just then.
Unwillingly, the shadow found himself melting, eagerly accepting the questing tongue as it pushed past his lips. When Heero had seemed to get enough, they broke apart, Duo breathless and the king chuckling. The shadow chanced a glare at the man's laughter. It was too early for the man to begin teasing him.
"Heero, let go of me.", he demanded, trying to push away fom the monarch.
The man kept his hold, smiling at Duo's lack of effort. He could tell that his slave wasn't trying that hard to get away. He took to nuzzling Duo's neck and smiled at the wanted results. Duo had stopped his struggling, shivering at the touch and was arching his neck back to offer the tantalizing flesh eagerly.
Heero was all too happy to accept, dipping his mouth for a taste and gaining a gasp. This would be a wonderful way to start the day. Before he could even begin, there was a knock on his door, and Heero swore under his breath. Well, there was always later.
Duo was the first from the bed, rushing to dress himself in the first thing he could find, which happened to be Heero's tunic. The king didn't bother to dress himself, only wrapped the bedsheet about his waist and headed for the bedroom doors. He pulled one open with a yawn, his eyes meeting the familiar face of one of his guards.
"Sorry if I woke you, Your Majesty.", the man apologized with a bow, "I'd been to recieve you last night, but you were a bit tied up. I found it best to leave you be till morning."
Heero couldn't help but smirk as he remembered last night, the knight in front of him giving him a wink. Then he was looking to Duo, who was busy with dressing himself to try and hide his red face. He would have more to blush about later on if Heero had his way again. He returned his attention to the guard, ready to hear whatever message he had brought for him.
"Is there something you wish to tell me, Sir?", Heero asked, wondering why he didn't know the man's name. He saw him often enough, even more than the rest of the guards that he had running about the palace.
"That I do.", Merdoc answered with a nod, "I have been sent to inform you that the Lady Mage arrived just last night and wishes to meet with you. Seems it be important."
Heero's eyes widened at the news. The mage had reached the palace last night? He hadn't expected her to reach until later this afternoon. He nodded his thanks, sending Merdoc back with the message that he'd be in the medical wing as soon as possible. Then he was rushing to dress himself, but only well enough so that he could walk through the halls. He and Duo needed a bath first.
"Duo-"
"I heard.", the shadow interrupted, now fully dressed, "Can we go after I've bathed? There's no way that I'm meeting her like this."
------------------------------
Noin huffed, a bit annoyed, as she was pushed from Quatre's mind once again. As much as the boy was hurting and weakened, he kept managing to kick her out of his mind every time she got close enough. It was now frustrating and she resisted the urge to just up and quit. However, she had been hired for this specific reason and she was not leaving until she had seen this thing through.
Noin took a deep breath to calm herself, and readied to enter Quatre's mind one last time. She would be sure not to be thrown out again. Her eyes closed and her hands hovered mere inches away from Quatre's head. With another deep breath she focused, and then she was making her way in.
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Noin's eyes narrowed on the crumbling wall ahead of her, the small damage her doing. Behind it she could she the small mage working away, laying down new bricks to fix what she had managed to get down. She walked closer, this time prepared for the blast of magic that was sent her way.
Her hand rose to ward it and it went flying back, taking with it a bit more of the wall, the younger mage crying out in shock. He was scared of her and she was upset that he was. Then again, she had tried to be nice and that had gotten her rudely pushed back. Nice was no longer an option, she would now be stern and authoritive.
It was risky to do so being that Quatre was now shaken by the events that had happened to him, but she had no other choice. She used his lapse of being stunned to draw closer, coming right in front of the wall and peeping into the large hole. She was aware that he had finished three walls already, this being the last that would close him away.
That was what she was tying to avoid. In order to heal him properly, he would have to be coaxed into stepping out again. She looked down at him and he whimpered, scrambling away into a corner, wide blue eyes staring at her in fright. She'd also have to get him to trust her.
"Quatre?", she called, her voice soft.
"Go away!", the young mage screamed, trying to scramble away even more.
She sighed at his reaction. The mage who had attacked him had changed him, made him too afraid of the outside world. It would be a pain to try and get her to trust him, but she would try. She could sense that he was strong in empathy and she would use that to her advantage.
Sheilding her frustration, she was sure to project a feeling of calm, smiling as she saw Quatre visably relax. She took the chance and climbed inside, trying to express through feelings that he was safe, she was here to help not harm. It was working, but she could Feel that Quatre was still a bit unsure.
Having breeched the wall, she slowly stepped foward, stopping when Quatre jerked away. Wide and misty sea-colored eyes stared back at her in fright, and she found it best to hold her ground. She couldn't afford to come this far and fail.
"It's alright, Quatre.", she tried to assure him, her voice gentle, "I'm here to help you. I'm here to heal you."
"Help me?", Quatre repeated, a bit confused.
Noin nodded, wanting to step forward but willing herself not to. She instead made sure to continue projecting feeling's of calm, concern and trust. It was working, as Quatre continued to relax in her presence, his fear turning to curiousity as he continued to stare at her.
"I'm hurt.", the blond boy revealed, a hand rising to press against his head, "You won't hurt me, again?"
Noin smiled to him and shook her head. At least he was speaking to her.
"No.", she finally answered, risking a step forward, "I came to stop your hurt. Will you let me help you?"
She waited patiently as Quatre contemplated her offer, his eyes revealing his uncertainty. He looked past her to look beyond the wall, shrinking away as he did so. Then he was looking back at her, scared once again but not particularly of her.
"Can you heal me in here?", he asked her, and Noin sadly shook her head.
"You have step outside, Quatre."
"No!", he objected, curling up into hismelf, hiding his face away from her, "I'll get hurt again out there. It's not safe. I can't go back."
"You must go back.", Noin pleaded with him, stepping closer, "You can't stay in here forever, Quatre. You'll only hurt yourself further. Don't you want to go back to where you once were? Don't you want to return to him?"
She was waiting to use that, knowing that even while Quatre was busy locking himself away, he was still connected to the prince. Slowly, Quatre raised his head, wet blue eyes looking to Noin as she stood above him. So as not to intimidate him, she knelt beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder.
"Him?", he asked her.
Noin merely nodded her head in the direction of the unfinished wall, which Quatre obediently looked toward it. Patiently the two looked oustide, along a small path that seemed to be on a hill and it wasn't too long before a figure was walking over it. The person stood in the disatnce, coming no further but Noin could Feel he was calling.
If she had needed any proof that the two had truly bonded, she had it now. It was proven even further as Quatre shifted, attempting to stand as one of his hands rested over his heart.
"Trowa."
He was soon looking back to Noin, who gently guided him in standing from the ground, his eyes expressing his hesitance to question her.
"Will you leave him, Quatre?", Noin asked him, gently pulling him closer to the single exit, "He is calling for you, can't you feel it?"
Indeed he could, and the longer he stared out into the distance, was the more he felt the pull. It was all he could do from dashing out to meet him, but he still wasn't too sure. There was danger out there and he had encountered it once before. It had nearly killed him, he didn't want to give it a second chance.
Then again, this woman was here with him and she had promised to help him. Maybe, he would be able to if she stayed beside him.
"Will you come with me?", he questioned, looking back into blue-violet eyes.
Noin smiled, her hand reaching out to gently grasp his in a supporting grip.
"I'll be with you every step of the way.", she told him.
Quatre nodded in gratitude, before he was looking back to the hill in the distance where the familiar person was waiting for him. He would brave it now, if it meant being able to return to him. With a deep breath, he squeezed Noin's hand and together they began to climb over the wall.
------------------------------
Noin opened her eyes with a smile on her face, quite satisfied with her success. With Quatre no longer hiding himself away, she would be able to heal him properly, and avoid the risk of damaging him any further. She looked down as they boy shifted, sighing in relief as slowly his eyes blinked open and she greeted him with a smile.
The boy only blinked up at her, before his eyes were closing again, this time falling into a normal sleep. She could feel that he was still hurting, but that could now easily be treated.
"Quatre."
The prince's voice drew her attention to him, and she found that he was still asleep, but she knew that he was aware of his lover's return. Now that Quatre was back to their particular plane, Trowa would begin to get better and in a few days time, his sickness would be broken.
The knock on the door drew her attention to it and she smiled in greeting as the medic and Merdoc both stepped inside.
"Lady Mage.", Merdoc began, apologizing as Noin frowned at him, "Noin. May I present to you His Majesty, King Heero, and his royal companion."
Noin stood as the king entered, bowing in greeting to both him and the boy that followed him. Her eyes were quick to rest on the braided youth, her mage senses telling her that he was not as he seemed. She was brought to looking to the king again, who gently welcomed her to his castle.
"I wasn't expecting you last night.", Heero began, walking clsoer, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to greet you."
Noin wasn't sure how to react at the moment. She had heard stories of the king, of how he was cold and cruel, apathetic to almost everything. Yet, here before her was someone different. A man well-mannered and with the characteristics of a proper king. She wasn't sure which was a lie, the rumors or the king's behavior.
"It's quite alright.", she finally responded with a smile, "Merdoc was greeting enough."
"Merdoc?", Heero questioned, a bit confused.
"That would be me, Sire.", the guard put in.
Heero nodded in understanding. So that was his name. He looked to where Quatre and Trowa laid side by side, their beds only far enough to allow a person to barely step between them. The last he heard, Trowa had gotten worse, his fever having turned into pneumonia. The raspy breathing that came from his brother was proof enough and he frowned as he looked toward him. It didn't sit well with him that the prince and his slave were suffering this way.
"Tell me, Lady Mage-"
"Please.", Noin interrupted, a bit skeptical about cutting off the king, "You may call me, Noin."
"Noin.", Heero corrected, before continuing, "Do you know what happened? Will you be able to help them?"
"Can you find the mage that did it?"
That question had come from the king's slave, which Noin was bit surprised that he had spoken without consent. However, the king did nothing to reprimand him, so she tried her best to ignore it. It was odd behavior for a master and slave, and she had seen much to know that this was nothing like the others she had beared witness to.
"A letum hex; a spell made specifically for mages.", she offered, looking back to the slumbering mage, "That's what was used against him. It probes the mind and kills torturously, slowly breaking away every piece of his mind until his body fails, unable to handle the pain much longer. He was lucky to have stopped it before it did even worse damage to him. I'm only curious as to how he managed to break away."
"I did it.", Duo offered, Noin not the only person turning to him in shock, "I broke him from it, but I couldn't trace the mage that had sent it."
Heero and Merdoc had joined Noin in gaping at the young shadow, but the doctor had been here and he had seen. Duo only patiently waited for them to get over their shock, Noin studying him the best she could. He was sure that he was trying to read if he was a mage himself, but she wouldn't be able to.
She eventually gave up, unable to figure what he was, and finding that she would rather not find out. If the boy had been that strong to break such a powerful spell, then he was most likely anything but human. She turned to the king, ready to find out a few things about the two resting behind her, though she was still curious about the royal slave. It would have to wait until later, after she had braved enough to confront the young man.
She looked to the doctor, signalling that he close the door. What she was about to discuss, she was sure those in the room already knew of to some degree, but she was unwilling to let anyone else know of it. Once the door was closed, she chose to begin.
"Your Majesty, there are things I must discuss.", her voice was low enough so curious passerbys would not hear, "It is no secret to me now, that Quatre is no ordinary slave and I am sure you all knew this as well."
The silence of uncertainty that fell over the room was confirmation of her suspicions and she readied herself for a long explanation that was bound to come.
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Treize calmly left the slaves' quarters, where he had spent most of his night with the other slaves that he owned. It wasn't to say that he wasn't satisfied with Wufei, no it was quite the opposite. However, he made it a habit to visit his other slaves when he thought it neccessary. It was to remind them that they were owned as well and was never forgotten.
He made his way up the winding stairs, that which led him into a main hallway, which would eventually lead him to the stairs. Those would take him to the upper wing where his room was located. He had heard wind that the king and his slave had been together last night and in a fashion which Treize had not expected.
He found it best he get to recognizing that mage. The sooner he did that, the sooner he would be taken cared of and things would return to as it should be. He didn't want to be king, but having had some semblance of control was more than he could ever ask for. As he passed by the main hall, which held the front doors to the castle, he looked outside to the courtyard and found a most pleasing site.
The traders had arrived and that meant that they had already been to Mage's Keep. There was a possibilty that Dorothy had found a way to contact him and he thought it best to find out. Though he hated to come in contact with commeners, he would brave it for the moment.
He was greeted by the guards keeping watch and nodded to them in acknowledgement before he was climbing down the stone steps. As he came amongst the traders, it didn't take him long to find what he was looking for. At the end of the caravan was an old man, laughing raspily as he waved for the Captain of the Guard's attention.
Without hesitation, Treize made his way over, not bothering to greet the man.
"Good day to you, Lord Treize.", the man greeted, though he didn't bow, "Lovely day isn't it?"
Treize merely sneered down at the man, not the least bit enjoying that he had to keep short company with him. He was filthy and he was shady, that and he seemed to be attracting far too much attention. Whatever it was that he had for Treize, the captain was sure he didn't want anyone to take notice of.
"Old man-", he had began, but was rudely interrupted.
"Oh please, Gareth's me name. You do well to call me such."
Treize's glare didn't seem to intimidate the man in the slightest, his bony hand reaching out to grab hold of the lord and drag him behind the cart, away from prying eyes. With one last look around, Gareth was reaching into the folds of his robes, pulling out a letter. He held it out for the captian, who took it with a snarl, holding in a way which clearly revealed his reluctance to do so.
Gareth ignored his behavior, and patted the man on the back with a laugh. He was going to give it to one of his contacts, a servant inside of the castle, but the captain had come to him. He was glad to have given it directly to him. Dorothy would be pleased with him, and a happy Dorothy usually meant more business for him.
"There you are, sir.", Gareth laughed, "From Lady Dorothy herself. It seems to be awfully important."
Treize looked down at the letter, turning it every which way to inspect it, though he was rather reluctant to hold it. Finally with a sigh, he tucked it away, nodding to Gareth in thanks.
"If you run across her again, you can tell her that I've recieved it."
He turned away, glad that he could finally rid himself of the man's presence. It was bad enough that he had to converse with the old geezer, but he had been touched. Treize fought off the shudder that threatened to take him at the thought. He hated peasants.
"I'll tell her you got the message.", Gareth was calling.
The captain didn't even bother to look back, he kept going his way, wanting to return inside the castle as soon as possible. When he was safely tucked away behind the stone walls, Treize looked down at his cousin's letter. If she was sending him messages here, than it was bound to be important.
Treize stopped to open the letter, extracting the paper and unfolding it so that he could read over the words.
Brows furrowed and his jaw set as his eyes raked over the paper. It would seem that a mage had arrived in Sanq, and he could only guess that he or she was headed here. He would have to be careful with a mage present. He was sure that Dorothy's spell had faded by now, being that it had been broken, but it would be wise to have caution.
Then again, the spell that broke it might still be there. He could use this to his advantage and find out just who had cast it. With the letter folded away so that he could burn it in the privacy of his room, Treize headed off with a small smirk of satisfaction. He had some planning to do so that things would soon return to the way he liked it.
------------------------------
Naberius watched the Captain of the Guard from where he crouched on all fours, hanging from the ceiling above him. He himself held a smile, as he had read the words that had been written. These humans made it far too easy to cause mischief. He wasn't exactly sure what this man's intentions were, but he was sure he'd be able to find out.
With a small chuckle to himself, he started crawling along the ceiling after Treize, who had no clue that he was being followed. He was glad that Death had allowed him freedom for the time being, he hadn't had this much fun in ages and he was sure that it was bound to get better.
------------------------------
Noin was pacing, her face set in a frown as she took in all that was told to her. Quatre was indeed a mage, and though she had already figured it out, she was glad for the confirmation. It was amazing how the boy had concealed it for this long and how the prince had managed to hide his true nature as well. Love was an amazing drive. These two went to, in her opinion, dangerous lengths just to stay together.
There was no doubt about it, Quatre had no right being here and Trowa had no right in helping him deceive the rest of the castle. The boy belonged with the Magus society, he was a danger to the rest of this kingdom, especially now with his only training being self-discipline.
She felt eyes on her as she paced, and she knew that they were all staring at her, waiting for her to finally speak. She could easily ignore the others, but those violet eyes, they seemed to bore into her more than the rest. She finally turned to him, knowing that a question was bound to be asked and waited for it. The king however, took the opportunity instead.
"So what happens now?"
Noin wasn't so sure herself. Though she knew the answers that had to be given to that question.
"Being that Quatre is in fact a mage, he must be reported to the Magus Society."
"You can't do that!", the braided slave had begun, but Heero gently calmed him.
"There must be another way.", he pleaded and Noin sadly shook her head.
"I'm sorry, but that's the only way.", she responded, looking to where Quatre lay sleeping, "The Magus Society has a right to know of any unknown mages and Quatre must be taken from the rest of civilization as a precautionary method. Untrained he can do harm without intending to."
"Quatre hasn't hurt anyone!", Duo objected and Noin knew he was more than angry. She could only wonder where the king had found this one.
"I understand that he hasn't hurt anyone yet, but there is always the possibility that it just might happen.", Noin tried to explain, "I've read his Talent and he is powerful. Even in his state of withdrawel he was able to block me out and then force me away when I got near. He has power you can't even begin to imagine and he's locked that away as well. Though I can't imagine how he managed it. You can only imagine when it bursts free, the damage he can do, I can't even begin to describe. He must be reported and he must be taken away."
The room fell silent again, Duo merely glaring at her while the doctor and Merdoc stood nervously at the side. Heero was looking down at his stepbrother, his face fitted in a mask of contemplation and Noin patiently waited for him to speak. She didn't have to wait long.
"They're in love.", he murmured quietly, his arms crossing over his chest, "So much in love that it can be sickening sometimes."
He offered her a small smile as he looked to her again and Noin returned, though hers was more of a sad smile.
"I promised him that I wouldn't let Quatre be taken away from him. It would break his heart and I wouldn't be able to bear seeing him broken. I've witnessed it before, when his mother passed, I won't endure it again. He and Quatre are more than just lovers."
"They're Bonded.", Noin found herself blurting.
Heero's eyes weren't the only ones to widen, but where as he took to silent shock, Duo was much more verbal.
"Bonded!", he exclaimed, looking back to the resting pair, "How on earth did they manage that?"
"How long have they been bonded?", Heero added.
Noin shook her head with a sigh, walking closer to the prince and his lover, watching down at them with an array of emotions passing through her eyes.
"Not that long it would seem.", she revealed, reaching a hand out to test Trowa's temperature, "Trowa would have surely been harmed during the hex if it hadn't been recently. He started growing ill after Quatre's attack, which could only mean he bonded with him then. Which is only more proof of Quatre's power, he was even unconcious and injured but still managed a Bonding. He belongs with the Magus Society where he can be taught to control his Talents."
"You can't take him away!", Duo was shouting.
He stepped forward, but Heero gently pulled him back. Colbat eyes were then looking to her again and Noin knew that convincing them this was the right choice was going to be quite difficult.
"You teach him."
She hadn't prepared herself for that and she found herself spluttering at the king's words. Teach him? What in the world did the king mean? She couldn't teach him, she wasn't accredited to teach anyone. Quatre needed the guidance of the Adepts. Besides, there was a chance Quatre was stronger than her, in fact, she was pretty sure that he was. There was no way that this would work. Not to mention that if she did agree, if the Magus Society found out, she would be the one in hot water.
"Your Majesty-"
"Please don't refuse me.", the king pleaded with her, "I understand the dangers this holds for you, but you must reconsider. You can't separate two Bonded for long. I'll be willing to pay you double what was originally meant to be paid to the Magus Society and I'll see to it that you get permission to stay with Sanq during and even after your services. Just as long as you agree."
Noin was at a loss for words now. In the Magus Society, the Adepts would have claimed this as blackmail. However, she knew it was the king's attempt to do anything it took to see that his brother and his slave. . . no his lover. . . would not be parted. It was a noble attempt and she wanted to say yes.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I must decline.", she announced, her face a stony mask to hide her true feelings, "Tomorrow I shall send word to the Magus Society and await their orders."
She found she was unable to say in the room and she went to turn away, but the violet-eyed wonder was drawing her to look back at him with his anger erupting.
"How can you be so cruel!", he screamed, ignoring his master's attempts to silence him, "Don't you understand what will happen if you sperate two Bonded? They'll both break beyond repair and then just as easily die not too long after. Damn the laws and think for once. Don't you think he deserves freedom?"
Noin froze at the word, he heart clenching painfully and she glared daggers at the young man. He wasn't swayed and he glared right back, set on holding his ground.
"Freedom?", she began, knowing the fact that she was now upset was showing. She would have to shield her emotions as best as she could to avoid it bleeding out to the others in the room. "How can you ask me about freedom? I have never known freedom and to ask me who I think deserves such luxary is unfair. I can not judge if he is worth this freedom, I do not have any of my own."
With that she stormed out, pulling away from Merdoc's reaching hand and left them all behind. Heero watched as she left before he was turning a disapproving glare to his slave, who he knew was in no way sorry for what he had just caused to happen.
"Merdoc, will you please go after the Lady Mage.", he asked the guard.
"Noin."
Heero looked to the man with a raised brow, the short-bearded man shrugging his shoulders.
"Her name is Noin, Your Majesty.", he explained.
"Fine, then. Please go after Noin."
With a bow the guard was gone and Heero was looking back to Duo, who already was holding a stubborn frown, his arms crossed over his chest. With a sigh, Heero tried to will away his impending headache. It was far too early in the day to have to deal with Duo's stubborness.
"I won't apologize.", the boy announced, before Heero could even begin.
"There's no argument here.", Heero easily responded, turning Duo to face him, "You must think for a moment, Duo. If we wish to gain her assistance, we can not use anger. She is choosing what she was taught as the answer for something like this. You can't accuse her of not wanting his freedom. She can barely understand the word being a mage. You must have sympathy, and she will come around. So you will apologize or else I will not hesitate to punish you."
"I don't care what you do.", his slave was obviously set in his decision, "There's no punishment you haven't done that I couldn't handle again. I'm willing to take whatever you can give me."
Heero smirked wryly at his slave's boastfulness. Stepping closer he took hold of Duo's waist, pulling the boy closer so that he was pressed against him. He gently nuzzled the boy's ear, feeling Duo stiffen at the gesture and he chuckled. That in turn caused the boy to shiver and Heero's smile grew wider, before his lips were brushing against the shadow's ear.
"And what if I were willing to give you a well deserved spanking?"
He only grinned at his slave as Duo turned wide eyes to him in horror at the whispered words, before they were once again glaring.
"You wouldn't dare."
"How should I do it?", Heero pondered aloud, intentionally ignoring the violet-eyed boy, "Perhaps I should have you laid across my lap? Yes, I think I like that."
He got the result he wanted as he watched Duo storm out of the room, mumbling under his breath all the while. Satisfied with how things were going for the moment, the king turned back to the medic, who held a bright blush on his face. Heero hadn't whispered low enough. Clearing his throat to try and hide his embarrassment, Heero began to leave himself.
"I'll be back.", he easily told him, the medic nodding, "Be sure to take extra care of them."
He left before the man could answer and before the doctor could see his own tinted cheeks. Besides, he had things to do. The Council would need quite a bit of persuading to allow Noin to stay and he had to think of a good excuse.
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Noin had remembered that her being in the castle was to be a secret, so she had shed her Magus robes and left them behind in the Medical Wing. That left her dressed only in her leggings and tunic, which was long enough to stop a bit past the middle of her thighs, and was cinched at the waist by a common belt. She had no idea where she was storming off to, but eventually she was outside in a garden. If she hadn't been so angry, she probably would have stopped to enjoy how beautiful the flowers looked in bloom. As it was, she wasn't pleased at all.
She came to a stop at a tree, planting herself down underneath it, allowing herself to huff childishly. What did that boy know of freedom anyway? He was a slave, that exactly didn't have freedom either. She sulked then, looking down at the grass that quivered in the gentle breeze.
She knew he had more freedom than she did, even in his captivity. At least he wasn't locked away from the rest of civilization as if he were some sort of monster and at least at one point he had been free. Noin couldn't say that about herself. From the day she was born she had been in captivity. The daughter of two Adept mages, she was raised in exile and had become both a woman and mage in exile.
She had been to Sanq once before and though she would have loved to stay, she had returned right back to where it was deemed she belonged. That young slave had alot of nerve to call her cruel. What made him think that Quatre had the right to be free? She deserved it just as much as he did. Did being Bonded really make it much more important for him?
She knew that it did and it was killing her inside. She was in one hell of a predicament and the king's slave hadn't made her feel any better. With a sigh she drew her knees close to her, resting her head on top of them as her hands idly pulled at the gress she sat on. Her private moment of brooding was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing and she looked up to find gentle brown eyes staring down at her.
"It doesn't do me right to see a young woman all by herself.", Merdoc spoke, Noin trying to smile up at him, "In fact, it bothers me a great deal to see a young thing like you so upset."
She looked away from him as her attempt of a smile faded and was replaced with her solemn expression. She had reason to be upset.
"Mind if I join you?", the guard asked her.
"Not at all."
Merdoc sighed as he sat beside her, a bit akwardly in his armor, but he managed it. He looked out over the gardens and past that to the rolling green of the castle grounds. He wasn't outside much to appreciate it. He looked to the blue-haired mage then, who was still disturbing the grass, her eyes focused on the ground.
"Forgive me if it's not my place to say, but I believe that you want nothing more than to help that poor bloke."
Noin stopped in shock, her eyes turning back to look at the knight, who only offered her a smile. She frowned as she turned away, wrapping her arms about her legs and merely stared off into the distance. He was right, she wanted to help, but she knew that she couldn't.
"I understand that you must do as you're supposed to and you've been taught that it was right.", Merdoc continued, light-brown hair troubled by the breeze, "However, I can tell what you know is right, lass. You're better off going with your heart."
Noin looked to him again, not exactly sure what to think of his advice or how to answer it. She figured with the first thing that came to mind.
"My heart thinks that it's unfair.", she admitted, "But, I know what choice I should make. I'm just worried that it'll be the wrong choice at the same time. I can be severly punished if I'm caught teaching another mage, especially since I have yet to be classified as an Adept."
"Oh, I think it'll be no hard task for you."
"You haven't even seen me in action.", Noin reminded him with a small smile.
Merdoc only returned it. "Yes, but I have faith in you."
The two were interrupted as Noin took sight of someone coming toward them and she frowned a bit as she recognized it as the King's Own. What on earth was he doing out here? And why wasn't he escorted?
Duo came to a stop right in front of the two seated on the ground, his face scowling down at the both of them. Noin only waited, curious as to why the boy was here. Was he going to pester her further into helping Quatre? It was a good minute or two of uncomfortable silence before Noin was able to breathe easy again.
"I'm sorry."
Noin was nearly taken aback by the two words. He had come to apologize. Something was telling her it was not of his own free will. She wouldn't complain, it was good enough.
"There's no need to feel sorry.", she assured him, taking to standing up.
Merdoc was quick to help her and she thanked the man gently, admiring for a short while the smile he gave her. She pulled back to Duo as the boy scoffed. He had obviously wasted his time in apologizing it would seem.
"You can tell your Master that I shall do my best to fufill his wishes.", Noin announced, though she was still a bit unsure, "I only ask that he be aware that I can't promise him I'll be all too successful. I'm not trained to teach and Quatre's stronger than I'm used to."
Duo only shrugged, turning away from the woman and began to walk off. Noin and Merdoc followed, the man offering Noin his arm as he did when they first met and the mage gladly accepted it.
"Thank you.", Duo's voice called back, Noin surprised that he was showing gratitude, "I'll owe you for this."
Noin agreed. She was putting her own neck on the chopping board for these people. They would owe her big time.
------------------------------
Naberius whistled to himself as he walked along the ceiling of Treize's room. He had easily followed the man here and now he busied himself with something or the other. The Captain had long burnt the letter and had his way with his still healing slave, unaware that he had had an audience the entire time.
He was not ashamed that he had enjoyed the boy's suffering, though if Duo knew he would most likely be disgusted. The thought of the shadow made his whistling draw to an end as his jaw snapped shut in anger. He had watched his only desire taken for the first time, by a human of all things and he had fought the urge to break the rules.
It would have been so easy to take that huamn's life and then take Duo for himself, but he was unable to. Duo's father had ordered him to merely observe, he had already broken the rules by meddling, he couldn't go any farther. He pulled himself away from his musing and let himself drift to the floor.
Treize couldn't see him, unless he wanted to be seen, so he easily slipped into the bedroom without notice. He smiled as he took in the sight of the dragon, curled up to one side of the bed, his arms wrapped tightly about himself. This one was close to breaking, but before that could happen, Naberious wanted his fire to burn one last time.
He took himself closer to the bed, disgusing himself once again so that his face matched that of his target's newest lover. A gentle touch to the boy's shoulder nearly cost him a bruise, as the boy had turned to him ready to attack, his fist flying for his face. Naberius was lucky to avoid it and he easily caught the boy's arm by his wrist.
"Wufei, it's me.", he reasoned, the boy calming as he spoke, "Calm down, it's only me."
/Zechs./
Naberius could only smile as Wufei rushed into his arms, the dragon breathing an inaudible sigh as the demon pulled him closer. If the boy had grown this close to the captain's nephew, then it would be a lot easier to manipulate him using the older boy's form. He found he couldn't help himself and he pulled back, only to press his lips to Wufei, feeling the boy melt in his arms. He would have laughed, but that would have broken the spell Wufei was under at the moment.
He was beginning to enjoy himself when the dragon suddenly stiffened, and Naberius was pushed away. He swore under his breath as Wufei was now frowning at him in doubt, the sloe-eyed creature backing away from him. He should have known that Wufei could recognize the real from the fake after a while. No matter, he was a demon of deceit and illusion. Wufei would be in the palm of his hand again in no time.
"Wufei, is everything all right?", he tried to sound confused.
The slave merely backed away further, back now pressed against the headboard as he eyed the man before him suspiciously. If the boy had been able to speak, the demon was sure that he wouldn't have answered either way. He was able to hear his thoughts however and the dragon was having his doubts.
/This isn't Zechs. It doesn't feel like Zechs./
The demon nearly rolled his eyes. He had forgotten that dragons were magical as well and Wufei had clearly sensed that what was in front of him may have looked like his lover, but wasn't. He could remedy that. Without much effort he numbed Wufei's senses, the dragon frowning at the feeling. Dark eyes narrowed and Naberius smiled, trying to win Wufei's favor again.
"Wufei-"
His words was cut short as Wufei's hand slapped his away when he reached for him. The dragon was now more than suspicious, he was confused and growing angry. He would have to make sure the latter was never reached. With fast reflexes, he reached again, this time pinning Wufei against the headboard and calmly looking down at the struggling dragon.
"Wufei, love, look at me.", he begged, the boy looking away.
/It's not him. I know it's not./
Wufei's thoughts were already set to believe that he wasn't who he seemed. It had to be broken. With a gentle grip under his chin, Naberius guided Wufei's head so that he was looking to him again, the dragon stiffening as he stared into blue eyes he thought he should know. Now they danced with a fire that seemed to burn deep within them and even though he struggled, he felt himself slipping.
As ebony eyes dulled and went blank, Naberius smiled and finally let the boy go. He had to make sure the boy was truly under his control.
"Wufei, who am I?"
Empty eyes looked him over, lips moving to form a name he was unable to speak.
/Zechs./
With a sound of approval, Naberius shifted closer, the trance-induced dragon easily falling into his arms. Maybe dragons weren't that hard to break after all.
"Tell me, love. Do you remember of what we spoke of?"
Surely Wufei had to remember, it was just last night that he had encountered the dragon. Then again, distracted with pain and misery, it was easy to forget.
/Treize./
"What of him, love?", he asked, happy to see the dragon was on the right track.
/You want me to. . . kill him./
Blank eyes looked up to him then, the boy's head tilting in a curious fashion as he looked up to who he assumed was his secret lover.
/I will be punished./
"No, you and I will be free.", Naberius promised him, feeling the swell of hope rise in Wufei.
/Free./
"Yes.", the demon coaxed, hugging Wufei closer to him, "Free to be together, to run off and leave all this behind. You kill him and they'll be nothing between us."
Wufei was looking away then, still unsure of it all. Naberius took back his earlier thoughts. It wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. His eyes caught the purpling bruise on the boy's side and he reached out a hand to touch it. He had seen Treize hit him there earlier, Wufei had winced and Naberius had felt a shudder run throughout his body.
A silent cry of pain was his reward for applying pressure to it and he was quick to hide his expression of enjoyment as the dragon turned to look at him. He placed a mask of sympathy and anger in its place.
"Look, how he's hurt you.", he pointed out, this time gently stroking, "Don't you think you deserve your revenge? You do want vengence, yes?"
Slowly an ebony-locked head bobbed in agreement and Naberius stroked a caramel cheek in false affection.
"Then this is the only way."
Wufei nodded again, but was quick to return to frowning. Naberius bit back a growl of frustration at the sight of it. What was his hesitance now?
/How?/, he heard Wufei's mind ask him and he smiled.
Naberius was glad to hear that question. He reached to the small sheath that hung from his waist, pulling free a dagger and eyed it with appreciation. He had been gifted it from Duo's own father. Even the smallest scratch from its blade would reap a soul and a wound that wasn't fatal would bring Death as well.
He held it out for Wufei, and tentative fingers reached for it. The boy's hesitation was beyond annoying and the demon found himself thrusting the hilt into Wufei's hand, before he was closing his fingers about it He watched as Wufei studied it further, not quite sure if the blade was being admired or contemplated.
/It will be enough./
He was proud of the dragon's words and he reached out to stroke loose raven locks as if the boy were a pet. In a way he was, being as that was what his master thought of him.
"Hide it away.", he ordered, Wufei doing as told.
It went between the matress for now. Surely it would be moved later on. It was time to go, he could sense Treize was readying to come through the doors.
"I must go.", Naberius announced, stealing another kiss from the dragon. He had to admit, he had come to like doing so in that short space of time. "I shall come again. For now, you must sleep and never speak of this."
/Never./, Wufei assured him, his eyes drooping closed.
When the dragon was asleep, the demon carefully laid him back onto the bed, aware that the door was being opened. He was gone before the captain stepped foot inside, quite pleased with himself for his progress. Before his time in this plane was through, he'd be sure to cause a lot of trouble.
T.B.C.
C-Chan2: So, did you like?
Lloyd: Ooh, I did. Naberius is evil. I like him.
Jim: You would, you queer.
Lloyd: That's it! I'm kicking your ass today, buddy!
C-Chan2: Can you wait until we're done at least? Jeeze! Anywho people, that's the end of this chapter. Stay tuned for things to come. It gets interesting.
Lloyd: Now can I kick his ass?
C-Chan2: Do as you please.
Lloyd: Thank you. *cracking his knuckles* This is where you get yours, Jimbo.
Jim: Jimbo? *backs away as Lloyd stalks closer* Can't we all just get along? No? Well in that case. *runs off*
Lloyd: Get back here, you bastard! *chases after him*
C-Chan2: *sighs* I apologize for them and I hope you leave reviews. Consider them my Christmas gifts. Happy Holidays! ^_^