Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice of Death ❯ Chapter 14
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: C-Chan2 
Here you go, another chapter. I'm sorry about the delay! ^_^'
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.26.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.5K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Work In Progress
Here you go, another chapter. I'm sorry about the delay! ^_^'
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.26.2007 | Pages: 7 | Words: 9.5K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Work In Progress
C-Chan2: I’m so sorry. I knew this took a really long time in being updated, but I was busy. I recently moved out to New Mexico.
Jim: She dragged us with her.
C-Chan2: Then we moved back. Yay!
Lloyd: Now, Jim. It’s wasn't that bad.
Jim: Who do you think you’re fooling, Lloyd?
Lloyd: Alright, it sucked. For once I agree with Jimbo.
C-Chan2: Now I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, while I figure out what the hell to write about these two idiots I have here.
Lloyd: Please help us!
C-Chan2: Lloyd, be quiet! Let them read the fic.
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Four days since Quatre’s reawaking had passed. Trowa’s pneumonia had passed as well, which came as a relief, but he was still kept in the infirmary. It was Noin’s order; the woman insisting that the prince was still sick. So without much objection, though Trowa had rather wanted to return to his own rooms, the prince stayed.
While she treated Trowa, Noin had also treated Quatre, and the blond mage was coming along nicely. He had been healed completely, though he was still wary about actually coming in contact with people. The attack had left his senses weakened and his empathy uncontrollable. It was with Noin’s help that he was building up his shields again. Though, they didn’t last very long. So visits were shortened for only a few minutes at a time.
However, he was now able to manage most of the day. He had also started to learn under Noin’s watchful eye. His first lessons being the shields he was steadily rebuilding; that along with learning how to correctly control his magic. He was a fast learner, much to Noin’s relief. That meant her lessons didn’t have to be broken down too much.
At the moment, Noin was watching over him, making sure that the boy went though building a magical barrier and taking it down. True it was a beginners’ lesson, but even with how advanced she had learned he was, he had to go through the basics. If he could do this with ease, then the more complex spells and hexes he’d master in little to no time.
The door to the small workroom the doctor had granted them, since Noin also insisted that Quatre stay in the infirmary as well, was knocked on and she turned curious eyes to it. She didn’t much like visitors when she was teaching. Distractions wouldn’t fare well for Quatre’s focus. With a sigh she double checked to see that Quatre was paying attention to his work. She was satisfied that the blue-green barrier surrounding Quatre hadn’t wavered and she went to answer the door.
She pulled it open only slightly and peeked out of the small crack. She was greeted with violet eyes, her face frowning at the slave’s appearance. How was it that he was able to wander around without his master in tow? She looked behind him then, aware that he wasn’t alone and she stopped at the brown eyes that smiled down at her.
It would seem that Merdoc had escorted him. That would explain it. With one last glance back at Quatre, who was going through the exercise once again, she pulled open the door a bit more. It was only enough for her to allow them to squeeze in and avoid any nosy nurses peeping at them.
With the door closed once again, Noin turned back to face them and was shocked when she collided into Merdoc. She stumbled and was easily caught, her blue-violet eyes looking up at him in embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry.”, she apologized.
The guard only smiled at her, helping her as she righted herself.
“It was my fault, ma’am.”, he spoke, earning himself a scowl, “My apologies…Noin. I was careless in watching where I was going. I was taking my leave, having escorted the King’s Own to his destination.”
“Oh.”, Noin breathed, somewhat disappointed.
She wouldn’t have minded if Merdoc had stayed. In fact, she found she had rather wanted his company. She gently pulled free from his hold, stepping aside so that she wasn’t blocking the door.
“Please, don’t let me keep you.”, she told him, avoiding his stare, “I’m sure you have elsewhere to be.”
Merdoc smiled sadly, a bit disappointed himself. He had been posted to guard the front gates this morning, but had been asked to bring Duo here first. If it were up to him, he’d lag behind, but he had his duties to uphold. Then again, he was sure he could manage a way to see the Lady Mage today. He did have to return for Duo after all, since the king would most likely be in an all day meeting.
“Good day to you, Noin.”, he said in parting with a bow.
Noin only nodded, still unable to look at him and Merdoc left. It was only then she looked up, staring at the door the man had just exited through. She was aware of the stares she was receiving and it was then she remembered she wasn’t alone. She turned to find Duo and Quatre looking back at her. The former only held an annoyed look, his eyebrow raised. The latter held a knowing smile and she could sense that he was reading every emotion she had forgotten to shield.
With her cheeks brightening, she quickly shielded herself, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
“Shouldn’t you be working?”, she asked the younger mage.
Quatre only giggled before returning to his exercises. Noin’s eyes then looked to Duo, who had become quite comfortable in the short space of time. What on earth could he want?
“Duo, is there a reason for your visit?”, she asked him, knowing something had to have brought him here.
Though he had visited Quatre daily, she could feel that he wasn’t here for only the blond mage. She could sense that he had another motive behind it. Something was on his mind and although she was unsure of it, she was still curious.
Duo’s violet eyes focused on her and Noin readied herself for whatever it was. Quatre was too busy with focusing on his work to pay attention to them, or so it seemed. She could tell the young man was doing both at once, which didn’t much surprise her. He wasn’t the average student after all.
Duo stood from the chair he had been sitting on and made his way over to the lone window of the room. He was unsure of what he was about to discuss with her. It held consequences, should things go astray. However, he had to take a chance and see if it was possible. Violet eyes caught sight of Dragon’s Peak and he assured himself that it was worth it. He finally turned back to Noin, the woman having waited patiently for him to speak.
“You heal, do you not?”, he asked her suddenly.
Noin was caught off guard, his question having shocked her just a bit. Why would Duo ask this? He knew that she had some healing abilities. It caused her to further wonder what Duo wanted.
“I have some skill in healing.”, she confirmed, a bit unsure.
“Then you can heal a friend of mine.”, it was meant to be a question but came as a sort of gentle command.
It not only caused Noin to frown, but Quatre lost his concentration, his shields falling for good. The two mages looked to Duo, one in uncertainty and the other in disbelief.
“Duo-”
Quatre was cut off by Noin’s question of, “And what friend is that?”
“We will keep that secret until you agree.”, Duo began, ignoring Quatre’s silent shock, “What say you, Lady Mage?”
Noin took the time she was given to think it over. Duo was obviously aware that what he was asking her could put her into trouble. She was already in trouble as it was. Of course that was only if the Adept Mages found out that she was teaching when she wasn’t supposed to. With that thought she figured what did she have to lose? She was basically in hot water already.
“It depends on what I’m supposed to heal.”, she answered, “I’d have to see this friend of yours first.”
She couldn’t help but smile herself as Duo’s usual frowning face lit up with a thankful smile. The king was lucky to have him. He was a beautiful creature, whatever he was. It was Quatre’s nervousness that drew her to look at him and she did her best to send him feelings of assurance.
He was sure that this wouldn’t go well. Noin however knew that Duo’s secret had to be kept as such between them and she was going to go about this as carefully as she could.
“When can I meet this friend of yours?”, she was asking, her attention back to Duo.
“Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long.”, was all Duo told them.
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Zechs stood in front of his uncle’s doors, trying his best to ready himself for what he was about to do. This morning he found Duo had come to greet him and he knew that the shadow was there for a reason. He didn’t have to ask, because the braided boy was asking for his assistance soon after.
He wanted Zechs’ help and though he had wanted to decline, Duo had informed him it would help Wufei. That changed his answer before he could actually think it through and now he was standing here trying to figure if he could walk away from all this.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help Wufei. He’d do anything for the young dragon. However, the plan was for him to distract his uncle. That meant spending time with the man; one thing he would rather not do.
He decided that he better do as was expected. Duo had told him he would be waiting for some sort of signal from him and he didn’t want the young man waiting too long. With a final deep breath, he was knocking on the door.
He waited for what seemed like endless minutes before he could hear footsteps shuffling toward the door. He had to stop himself from scowling as the door opened, revealing his uncle dressed only in a loosely tied robe. He clenched his jaw as his mind angrily went over the fact that the Captain of the Guard had been touching what Zechs now deemed was rightfully his.
“Zechs, what is it?”, his uncle was asking him, obviously miffed that he had been woken, “It had better be important.”
“Good morning, Uncle.”, Zechs greeted, trying his best to not growl at the man, “I heard wind that you weren’t at the council meeting and was hoping that you would want to join me on a hunt today. I’ve been told that a herd of deer has been spotted not too far out.”
Well he hadn’t really heard anything, but Treize didn’t need to know that. He was just hoping the man wouldn’t turn him down. After his idea of hunting, he could really think of nothing else to do.
His uncle merely stared at him with a raised brow, his arms crossing over his chest as he contemplated the offer. He wouldn’t mind a good hunt, but he also had some work to do. He had been up half of the night trying to make out the seal that broke Heero’s spell, which was fading fast. The rest of the night he had spent with Wufei, who seemed to have found a new sort of strength. The dragon had spent the entire time fighting him. He found it best to think of a new way to try and break the young man.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to hunt on your own.”, Treize declined, wanting to return to bed; return to Wufei.
Zechs wouldn’t let him however. As he turned to head back inside, his nephew was grabbing hold of his arm, urging him to turn back and face him. His face held a pleading look and Treize was now the least bit curious.
“Please, Uncle.”, Zechs was begging, the blond not sure if he was truly acting or not, “I insist that you join me.”
Treize pulled free of his hold, his arms crossing over his chest again as his eyes narrowed onto his young nephew suspiciously.
“Why is it that you’re so eager for my company?”, Treize questioned him, “You were never one to try and receive it before.”
Zechs had to stop and think of something to respond to that. Treize’s words were true, he never would have even thought of holding company with his uncle before. It was different now. He had fallen in love with the man’s slave, and he’d do anything if it meant helping him.
“That’s just it.”, he uttered, looking to his uncle with a shrug, “We don’t spend time together and I figured with me chosen as your heir, that I should at least spend time with you. You are my uncle and I your nephew; it’s the right thing to do.”
Treize was the one to stop and ponder now, as he studied Zechs further. It was true he had chosen Zechs as his heir, even if he was his brother’s only son. Then again, the man hadn’t exactly objected, he was quite happy. Treize had never questioned and had only been grateful that his title would carry on after him through kin, meaning he didn’t have to try and impregnate a woman.
He scowled as a dark memory flitted through his mind, but let it go as soon as he had remembered it. Now he was angered and he needed a way to vent his frustration. He wanted to kill was more like it and what better way to do so than hunt? He’d leave Wufei in the bedroom, he knew the boy would not to escape.
He opened his door wider and gestured that Zechs enter with him, the boy easily doing as he wanted.
“Today, I shall grant your request.”, he announced, missing Zechs’ sigh of relief, “We’ll head out as soon as I’m dressed.”
As his uncle left for the bedroom to get dressed, Zechs tried his best to think of a way to send Duo his signal that things were in the clear. He looked over to his uncle desk and thought about writing a letter to give to a servant, but he soon caught sight of something else. As a shadow slowly danced beneath the desk, his face lit up with a smile.
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Heero sat in his seat a bit bored with having to sit in on the council meeting. It was necessary that he be there, since he had missed quite a few meetings and needed to catch up. That as well as listen to the new subjects at hand and bring up his own. He had to tell the Council that Noin was here before they found out on their own and convince them that he needed her for an extended period of time. That was going to prove difficult.
As Lord Embleton finally seemed to be winding down, Heero thought it best to actually pay attention. He couldn’t remember what the man had brought up; he had stopped listening as soon as he opened his mouth. He watched as the rest of the men nodded in agreement with lord Embleton’s words and he hoped they didn’t look to him for his opinion.
He resisted the urge to groan as all eyes were soon on him, waiting expectantly for his answer. He nodded as well, not missing as Lord Embleton seemed to puff proudly. He was sure that what he had just decided to agree to would come back to haunt him. Hopefully, it was something that could be easily rectified.
“Shall we carry on with the rest of the meeting?”, Embleton was asking, turning to fully look at Heero, “Your Majesty, I believe you had something to discuss with us.”
With that as his cue, Heero straightened himself from his slumped position, looking about the council room at the rest of the men who were there. Trowa had wanted to come and help him win over the Council, however Noin had refused. The prince would attend no meetings until she said otherwise. The Lady Mage wouldn’t tolerate it and therefore Heero would have to do this on his own.
It didn’t matter; he was capable of speaking without Trowa’s presence. He had done it many time’s before. Clearing his throat, he stood from his chair, ready to begin.
"Gentleman.", he greeted, the men nodding in answer, "I believe its safe to assume that you all know of the prince's illness."
"Yes.", Parthus confirmed, with a shake of his head, "Extremely terrible news. I had heard that his illness was caught from mingling among the serfs."
"Yes, one is sure to catch something among that diseased ridden lot.", Embleton huffed with a sneer, "Consorting with the peasants. What else did His Highness expect?"
The chubby man began to laugh, but it was stopped short by the icy glare that the king was throwing in his direction. He should have known better to poke fun at Prince Trowa's misfortune, especially with His Majesty becoming unusually close to his step brother.
"It is a shame none the less.", he quickly worded to rectify his actions, "I hope he returns to good health as quickly as the doctor can manage."
Heero softly snorted as the man tried his best to get on his good side again, not that he had been there to start with. Embleton, he was coming to find out, was one of Treize's men and allies. He didn't much care for the green-eyed prince and Heero could see that he was enjoying his absense. He would enjoy seeing the man's mood fall when he announced that Trowa would be returning.
"He is doing nicely.", Heero told them all, murmers going about the room, "In fact, the medic believes he'll be well enough to sit in during council soon enough."
He tried his best to hide his smile as Embleton deflated at the news. His brother and the man had always been politcal rivals, though nothing as heated as the prince and Captain of the Guard. The thought of Treize pulled him to realize that the Captain wasn't present, and only for a short moment did he wonder as to why that was. He was pulled back to the meeting as a member gently cleared his throat, a signal that they were ready to move on.
"My good Council.", Heero began again, "I fear today that I bring you some unfortunate news. It would seem as if there is a disturbance within the castle, one that has required me to call forth a mage."
There were various gasps and whispers, and Heero let the men mutter about themselves for a short while. He knew that there was bound to be questions, and he patiently waited for the men to quiet down again.
"Your Majesty, why have we not been informed of this?", Parthus asked curiously, "It is of great neccessity that a matter which requires a mage be discussed with the Council before said mage is requested."
"Yes, I understand.", Heero agreed, taking to slowly pacing the room, "However, I found it the best choice to bring her as fast as possible. It was a decision made in the best interest of my people."
"And just what has this mage been called here for?", Embleton demanded.
"That is of a confidential matter.", Heero easily answered him.
It would seem Embleton was not satisfied with that answer, and his hand slammed down on his armrest in obvious anger.
"Does His Majesty not know the dangers of having a mage here?", he was loudly questioning, his face now scowling.
His outburst had caused Heero to pause in his pacing, his own body stiffening from the bold strength of the man's voice. Slowly, he turned to face Embleton and the king's eyes narrowed on the ranting man, who stiffened under the icy gaze, suddenly covered in a nervous sweat.
"Am I to assume you believe me to be stupid, Lord Embleton?", Heero questioned, his voice low and intimidating.
The man quickly took to shaking his head, not wanting to suffer whatever wrath the king could draw up. He only hoped that the young king would brush his insolence aside and return to the discussion at hand. It would seem that Heero would do no such thing, as the noble found him slowly moving closer to him.
"Then it is safe to say that you understand that as king I am capable of making such decisions?", Heero was asking him, his eyes dangerously centered onto the round man.
Embleton nodded, and Heero offered the man a smirk, before he was turning back to the rest of the Council. He looked them over, searching for any disapprovement and luckily for him, he found none.
"I understand that though I have power as king, I should have approched the Council beforehand.", Heero apologized in his own way, "That is why I come to you now."
The murmers started again, while from the corner of his eye he saw Lord Embleton glare at him suspiciously, and he waited for things to quiet down again. It didn't take long for the men to listen in again, and Heero waited a few moments more before he began.
"The Lady Mage has found that there seems to be a disturbance within the castle.", he told them, returning to his raised seat, "One that must be dealt with using the Magical talents of a mage. However, this disturbance can not be dealt with in a short period of time. In fact, the Lady Mage is uncertain as to how long it will take."
He was trying his best to not lie too much. It was true there was a disturbance. An unidentified mage was within castle walls and was trying their best to put him in danger, as well as wipe out any and all that stand in his or her way. It was best that the council not know that and the king had gotten the advice to be as vague as was possible.
"And just what is this disturbance?", was Embleton's question.
Heero nearly cringed at the words. He had forgotten that question was bound to pop up again, otherwise he would have long thought up something to appease to them. He had nothing to offer them, since he knew he would never let them know the entire truth.
"That is part of the problem.", he fibbed, leaning back into his seat, "This disturbance must be deciphered and then dealt with. It is why I ask that you allow a letter to be sent to the Magus Society, requesting indefinate leave for the Lady Mage."
He wasn't the least bit surprised by the gasps and whispers that followed his words, and he merely waited for an answer, his elbows propped on the arm of the chairs and his hands steepled in front of him. It didn't take as long as he thought it would, and soon they were all falling silent and looking to the king. Hopefully, they had come to a decision.
"Your Majesty, you must understand that we're concerned for the safety of this kingdom's people.", Embleton took the role of representative, "There's no way we can risk a mage staying amongst the rest of civilization."
"Or in other words, you're afraid of her.", Heero pointed out, watching the men stiffen at his words, "You're not worried about the people. You're much more concerned about your own necks."
He watched Parthus look away, a bit ashamed, as did the rest of them. It would seem only Embleton felt no shame at being selfish.
"I can assure you, gentleman, that as king you have my word that the Lady Mage is no threat to you.", he tried to assuage them, "She will be given private, but guarded quarters, in the Servants' Wing of the castle. She will be under constant scrutany and you have my word that as soon as her job is done, she will be sent on her way back to the Magus Society."
There was a long moment of silence, in which Heero held his breath, before Parthus took the chance to speak.
"If His Majesty, Heero, thinks it the best plan, then I suppose it is best to agree."
Heero smiled, even though Embleton seemed to stew, but the man was easily ignored. He nodded his head in thanks to Parthus, the old man gently smiling back at him, as the rest of the council began to agree.
"By tomorrow afternoon, a letter of request will be sent to the Magus Society.", another member confirmed, as well as bringing the meeting to a close, "Hopefully, there will be more to discuss during our next meeting of Council."
Nods and murmers of agreements passed amongst the small group and Heero nodded to them all. Then he watched as they stood and bowed, before filing out of the room. When they were all gone, Embleton leaving with one last suspicious look in the king's direction, Heero flopped back tiredly into his chair.
He was surprised to see that the council had so easily agreed, seeing as the last time they had all gone against him. He supposed it had to do something with Treize's absence. The sound of bells chiming noted him that it was now two hours past noon, and Heero thought it best to go looking for his slave. He had ordered that Duo stay in his own room, or even Heero's, but the violet-eyed slave had refused. He insisted on visiting Quatre and the Lady Mage this morning and nothing would make him change his mind.
Not even the quick act of physical persuasion worked. The memory of limbs entwined between the silk sheets of Duo's mattress had the king smiling. It quickly faded as he realized that though he had started in hopes of changing Duo's mind, the young shadow had turned the tables and used it as a way to get Heero to agree with him. And damn it, it had worked.
Nonetheless, he could always repremand his slave later. At the moment, he had good news to deliver to Noin. He had managed to get the woman permission of an indefinate stay. That gave the mage time to teach Quatre all he needed to know and try to find the mage that had placed that Mind Trap on him and tried to kill his step-brother's lover.
He stood from his chair with a stretch before he was making his way out of the room. It was a good thing that Duo had gone to see Noin, now he only had to make one trip, as he was feeling rather lazy at the moment. Since Noin was set up in the Medical Wing, he'd pay his brother a visit as well. Trowa had been dying for some contact from the outside world, and he thought it best that the prince know the events of the meeting.
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Duo watched carefully, and more enthralled than he let on, as Quatre and Noin had a small duel of sorts using magic. Not so much of a duel but it was a match of who could breach who's defenses first. So far, Noin was in the lead, as Duo could see Quatre's blue-green dome was fading.
Watching them passed the time he had to wait for Zechs' signal, although he had no idea what it was going to be. He could only hope the he recognized it whenever it was sent. Not that he was actually looking for it, as violet eyes were glued onto the two mages, who was now trembling with effort to keep their barriers standing.
He was mentally rooting for Quatre, as he had yet to get used to Noin, and wanted to see the young mage have an early victory in his training. However, it seemed that that would not be the case. It was confirmed a few moments later, when Quatre's shields collapsed and Noin had him frozen still in a Binding Spell.
"That was pretty good.", she commended him, lowering her own shields, "You gave me quite a workout I'll tell you that much. I didn't think you'd last as long as you did. I actually had to use more magic than I had intended."
The blond mage was gently released from the spell, and he sagged down to the floor, smiling up at his newly found teacher. Though he was a bit disappointed that he wasn't the victor, he was grateful for her praise. It made him feel proud of himself, which he hadn't been feeling since he had been attacked. The memory of it still rattled him and a shudder passed through him as he thought back on it.
"Quatre?"
He was then looking up to his teacher, who stared down at him with a look of concern and he offered her a small smile. He had forgotten that he had yet to control blocking how he felt from others. It was obvious that Noin was aware of his small moment of distress and he had to let her know that he was fine.
"I'm alright.", he told her, taking the time to close in his emotions from her, "It's nothing."
Though she wasn't entirely satisfied with the younger mage's answer, she would let it slip by; just this once. She knew that Quatre still worried over the fact that he was almost murdered. Hell, she herself was still wary. For all she knew, that mage could be coming after her next.
"How about we call it quits for today?", she asked him.
He had been learning and practicing nearly non-stop since he had strength enough and she figured he deserved a bit of freedom. Besides, she was sure that he was missing his lover, who had already come to the room twice today. Noin had only smiled at the prince, who seemed so heartbroken and lost when he was refused entrance, looking like a kicked puppy. It was sweet and if she hadn't been made of sterner stuff, he would have probably had his way and had Quatre's attention. However, Quatre was hers for the time being and that meant she made the rules. Prince or not, Trowa had to keep his distance as much as any one else.
There was a knock at the door that had them all looking to it, and Noin bid the person to enter. She only shook her head with a sigh as no other than Trowa came inside, green eyes pleading with her as he partly closed the door. She looked to Quatre then, who also gave her a begging look and she only laughed.
"Fine, go on.", she said with a wave of her hand, "You two love-sick pups spend time together, since the rest of today I'll let Quatre off."
She heard Duo snort as her words had Quatre racing across the room and in his lover's arms in no time. It made her aware that he was still there and she turned to look at him, turning away from the now lip-locked couple. Duo was staring out of the window, obviously waiting for something and she remembered that he had asked for her help. She agreed, but had been told they'd leave when the time was right. The mage could only wonder what that meant.
She walked over in time to see Duo stiffen, his eyes having caught interest in something beyond the open window. With a quick peek over his shoulder, she easily saw the Captain of the Guard, (who she had only had a glimpse of two days ago), and a young man riding beside him. The two were heading for the woods that bordered the castle grounds, the hunting party trailing behind them steadily. She had to wonder what this meant to Duo.
The feeling of a chill running down he spine had Noin looking down to the stone floor. Her eyes widened and she couldn't help but yelp in shock as her shadow moved, the woman stumbling back as the wisp-like creature rose from the floor. Her outburst attracted Duo's attention, as well as Trowa and Quatre's, who all turned to look and see what had startled her.
"What is that thing?"
The question she had wanted to ask herself, the prince had done for her, and she was grateful for it. She wasn't too sure that anything close to words would have come from her mouth.
"A friend.", was all Duo said, his hands reaching out for whatever it was, "Don't worry, it won't harm you. Although I must admit, I'm not sure why you all can see it."
Quatre's face held a look of confusion as he studied the King's Own and the odd creature. Trowa was more amazed then shocked, but Noin was still stunned, her violet eyes wide and wary.
They watched as Duo whispered to it, the sounds too low for any of them to make out, but aware that he had said something. The soft screeches and faint whispers in response did not go unheard and the three outsiders just stared on curiously, as Duo's face took on a small smile. With a small nod, Duo was sending the shadow on its way, and then was looking at the three who stood staring at him.
"I'll explain another time.", he quickly offered them, standing from his seat, "First, we have to move quickly. Noin, I'll take you to that friend of mine now, if you don't mind escorting me."
He himself minded somewhat, but there was nothing that he could really do about it. If he wanted her to help him out, he would need to get along with her and now that he thought about it, there really was no reason for him to feel so spiteful toward her. Afterall, she was sacrificing herself and everything she knew, in the biggest way possible, just to help Quatre. She deserved some sort of civil behavior from him.
Noin herself wasn't so sure that she wanted to do anything for Duo. Especially after having witnessed the slave converse what was obviously a being of another realm. A shadow; which meant it was dark, and that meant it was from the underworld. She was a bit satisfied that she was narrowing in on just what Duo was, but she was uneasy about in what direction she was narrowing in on.
"Noin?"
Duo's voice, which held a tint of impatience, drew her from her thoughts and Noin turned her eyes to look at him.
"Shall we?", he asked, heading for the door.
The mage could only nod, unable to say anything as her voice had yet to return, and obediently followed behind him. They were stopped at the door, however, the prince blocking the way and closing the door completely shut as well.
"And just where are you two going?", he questioned them, wanting an explanation, "Just what friend are you going to go see?"
"Not now.", was all Duo offered him, ready to push the prince out of the way, "Besides, it's best if you not know."
Duo had reached around the prince and had began to pull open the door, but Trowa easily pushed it closed again, ignoring the angry glare the braided shadow threw up at him.
"Trowa-", Quatre's plea was interrupted as Trowa was asking Duo his question again.
"Where are you going?"
"What business is it of yours?", Duo snapped, his eyes narrowing.
Noin watched uneasily, and a bit curiously, as Trowa's eyes narrowed as well. Normally, a slave didn't have to listen to any other master. However, Duo it would seem wouldn't listen to even the Crown Prince himself. Hell, he rarely listened to his own master, so it didn't come as that much of a surprise.
"Does your master know of this?", the banged prince asked him.
Duo's shoulders tensed at the question, and Noin was a bit shocked at the annoyed growl that escaped Duo's throat. What in the world had possessed anyone to take this creature as a slave? It obvious that the king liked to torture himself with unneccessary trouble and headaches.
"This busines is not his nor is it yours!", Duo bit back, Quatre gasping, "Now move away from the door or I will move you!"
"Listen you-"
"It's Wufei!", Quatre interrupted, before Trowa could retaliate, "He and Noin are going to help Wufei."
Trowa pulled away from the glaring contest that he and his brother's slave were engrossed in, to look back at his lover.
"I beg your pardon?"
"The King's Own-", Noin came in to answer for Quatre, but hesiated a bit at Duo's growl. She decided to change the way she addresed him. "Duo has asked me to heal his friend. He says he is hurt and needs my assitance."
Trowa turned back to Duo, his anger drained away but his face fitted with obvious annoyance.
"Why didn't you just say that?", he questioned him, Duo merely scoffing, "Stubborn, hard-headed oaf."
Duo's anger was ripped away by the shock of the words, having never been insulted by the prince. Well, he wouldn't call it insulted, but Trowa had never called him names before. His mouth opened and closed to try and say something, but nothing came out. He was blushing for some odd reason, when Trowa's lips took on the barest form of an amused smirk.
"I am not!", Duo screamed back, blushing more in obvious embarrasment.
"Ah, yes. I forgot spoiled, rude, without manners-"
"Alright, I get it!", Duo shouted, ignoring the prince's snickering, "Will you let us go now?"
"I'm not exactly sure why, but yes.", Trowa said, slowly opening the door, "Though I'm coming with you. The last thing you need is the gossip of you found alone with the visiting mage getting about the castle. You've caused enough trouble as it is. And if I'm not mistaken, you're about to cause a hell of a lot more."
Duo merely glared, sniffing hautingly as he marched out of the room, ignoring Trowa's, as well as his lover's, giggling.
"You're lucky I actually like you.", Duo was calling back as they all left the room, "Otherwise I'd have already hit you."
They all left the Medical Wing, luckily with only the medic noticing, and Duo reluctantly letting Trowa take the lead. A few minutes after their departure, none other than the king came waltzing in, obviously in a good mood. It was lost as Heero's eyes found the door to Noin's temporary workroom open and the room itself empty.
"Doctor.", he called, the man pausing in restocking his shelves.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Where are they?"
The man froze at the question, stumbling a bit in his answer, since he realized the prince was easily exasperated.
"Why, they just left, My King.", he answered softly.
Heero tried his best not to let his eye twitch at the news, and he slowly turned to face the doctor, who stiffened in fright at the look on his face.
"Do tell.", he began, through clenched teeth, "Was Duo with them?"
The older man nodded, and swore he heard the king's teeth grinding together.
"In fact, I believe he was leading them somewhere."
Of course he was.
The medic jumped at the bellow that his king let loose, causing him to drop the vial of ointments he had in his hands.
"DUO!"
------------------------------
The small group stopped in their tracks a few steps away from Treize's chambers, to glance at each other curiously at the faint sound that echoed throughtout the castle walls. It was oddly familiar and yet. . . they only shrugged and continued on. Trowa took the job of gently knocking on the door, as the rest kept watch to see if the guards, who had obviously left for lunch, was returning.
No one was coming and no one answered the door, which meant that it was safe to enter. Noin was a bit miffed that this was something that was obviously wrong, since it was done in secret, but it was also obvious that it was important to not only Duo, but Trowa and Quatre as well. And if the prince himself was taking part in all this, well. . . well it didn't exactly make it right. Nonetheless, she would heal the one that needed healing.
They entered the first room, which was lighted by the sun pouring into the window as well as the fire that was lit in the fireplace. Though all in all, it wasn't doing a very good job, as the room still seemed dark. The room held an unexplainable chill, even with the roaring fire. Not only did that tell Noin that there was something off about the owner of his room, but she couldn't help but feel it as well. There was something dark and sinister that lurked here, or had lurked here, as it was not faint.
"Even his room is cold and uninviting.", Trowa observed, his hands picking up a random figurine, "It's a wonder how any other human being can deal with him."
"Believe me, we non-human creatures can't deal with him either.", Duo snorted, as his violet eyes looked around, "Where do you suppose we'd find Wufei?"
"In there."
The words were said by both Noin and Quatre, who looked to each other as they spoke them. The two mages had been staring at the doors that obviously led to the bedroom, and being empaths, they could feel that Wufei was on the other side. Neither wanted to say that he was in a lot of pain.
They couldn't hide the solemn looks of their faces and Duo took that as his cue to barge in. He charged over to the double doors, and pushed them open without so much of a second thought. His steps faltered at what he found.
Wufei was laying on the bed on his side, his back facing the door, easily displaying the half healed marks of the whipping he had received a few days ago. Duo winced at the sight of them, his eyes tracing the criss-crossed patterns of the welts, and his stomach dropping at the thought that the dragon had had to endure such torture.
The gasp behind him came from Quatre, whose aquarmarine eyes widened and watered at the sight of their friend, his hand rising to cover his mouth as his head slowly shook in disbelief. Trowa and Noin were silent, though the prince's green eyes flashed with an anger that Duo had only witnessed once. That was when Heero had insulted the man's lover, but this anger was for entirely different reason.
"Had I known it would be such a big job, I would have brought some supplies.", Noin murmured aloud, as she stepped closer to Duo.
Her blue-violet eyes looked into his, her face fitted with a frown.
"I'm glad that you brought me here.", she told him, Duo merely nodding, "His wounds aren't the only thing that needs healing."
She left his side to make her way to the bed, her face grimcing as she continued to study the painful wounds on the boy's back. She could sense that they were inflicted upon him with magic, so it would never really heal unless magic was used. She could easily sense that the boy was a magical creature, but he was weakened at the moment, so he wasn't healing himself as he should have been.
He hadn't stirred at all yet, that is, not until Noin reached out for him and gently rested a hand on his shoulder. He started with a jerk, his body turning so that he was now crouching on the bed in a defensive position, ebony eyes wide and untrusting. Noin had to block the torrent of emotions that were rushing from the young dragon, hoping that Quatre had done the same. He was much more sensitive to it after that attack, and even though he had healed, he had yet to strengthen himself fully.
"It's alright.", she tried to coax him, her voice as gentle as possible, "I'm a friend. I'm here to help you. You're hurt, right?"
The dark-haired boy only frowned, looking over her shoulder to see his two closest friends and the prince. Then his eyes were back on the strange woman, who was slowly inching toward him. His muscles tensed, ready to retreat, but he fought the urge to flee. If she had come with Quatre and Duo, then she had to be a friend as she claimed. It was still hard to trust her though, after these past few days.
"Wufei, will you let me help you?", Noin asked, slowly seating herself on the large bed.
Wufei shifted away towards the edge of the bed, up near the headboard. He was still a bit uneasy.
"Wufei?", Noin called again, not having gotten an answer, "Shall I help you? Please tell me."
"He can't.", Trowa answered, his voice heavy with his anger, "His voice was stolen from him."
Noin looked back to them with a frown of misunderstanding, and her student and the King's Own nodded in agreement with the prince's words. How on earth had his voice been stolen from him? She turned back to study Wufei further, and she couldn't help but feel her heart sink as she took in the marking of a scar on the boy's throat. Whoever owned this poor boy was a cruel master indeed.
It was a shame, that even as a mage, she did not have the skill of telepathy. Whatever this boy was saying, if he was saying anything at all, she couldn't hear. She would need someone to be his mouth.
"Quatre, you can hear him?"
"Yes.", the boy answered obediently.
"Good.", Noin said with a nod, "You be his mouth then. Your Highnes, please shut and lock the doors. We don't need anyone knowing that we're here."
Trowa nodded and left the rest to begin doing as he was asked. Noin had a point, if they were caught here, they'd be in more than trouble and even as the prince, there would be nothing he could do to get out of it.
As Trowa went about with that, Noin focused on Wufei, who was now curled up and watching her warily. His eyes then looked to Quatre and Duo, and she had the feeling that he was speaking to them.
"What did he say?", she questioned, eager to know.
Any and every word he spoke could help her figure out what was wrong and how to heal him.
"He merely asked for you name.", Duo told her, though he wasn't the assigned mouth.
It didn't matter, either way she was getting whatever Wufei told them.
"I am Noin, High Class Mage of the Magus Society.", she introduced herself formally, "I am here to heal you and your wounds."
Wufei's head tilted in contemplation and then his eyes looked to Quatre, and Noin followed them to look at her student as well. Trowa had returned and was by his side again.
"He's says he needs no healing.", the blond mage echoed, "What use is there to heal skin which will be broken again?"
Noin frowned at that and looked back at the boy sternly, who only answered her with a stern look of his own. Damned, stubborn dragons, they never knew when to just accept what was given.
"You will rather stay in pain?", she questioned him and Wufei gave an inaudible snort.
"Why stop it temporarily, to only have it start again when my keeper returns?"
When Quatre was done speaking for him, Noin gave a huff and stood from the bed. She circled it, making her way to Wufei, who snarled at her with his teeth bared. It was his way of warning her that she was crossing a dangerous line and he wouldn't hold back from harming her.
She ignored it and merely stared down at him as she came right up beside him, knowing that had the boy a voice, he'd be growling loud enough to shake the walls. Dragons were not quiet creatures.
"At least let me give you the chance to speak again.", she tried, her face softening, "Do you not wish to have your lover actually hear you say 'I love you'?"
Wufei's snarl fell and a look of complete shock took over, ebony eyes widened and looking up at Noin. The woman slowly smiled down at him.
"I'm a mage.", she explained, knowing he was asking the question of how, "I can read and sense these things. Don't worry either, your secret is safe with me. Now shall I heal you, or will you continue to prove to me just how stubborn a dragon can be?"
Wufei thought it over, a bit unsure of what to do. He had been without his voice for so long, to have it back again would be. . . he could find no words to describe it. Then again, what if it didn't work? He would have raised his hopes to have them snatched away. He looked to his friends, and received nods and smiles of encouragement that he agree to it. They wanted him to be happy.
Though still a bit unsure, he looked up at the Lady Mage, who silently waited for his answer. Slowly, he nodded his consent and Noin took to sitting beside him.
"I'm glad you agreed.", she softly murmured, her fingers raising to gently touch the scar on Wufei's throat, "Now, I warn you that this is an old wound. This is going to hurt far worse than I can try and explain it."
The dragon cringed at that, but merely closed his eyes and nodded; a sign for her to get on with it. Noin took a deep breath and with a nod of her own, she focused on the task in front of her. In order for this to have any chance of working, she'd have to reopen the scar.
Wufei's eyes clenched tighter, his mouth opening in an inaudible scream of anguish as it was done, and Noin apologized for it. She cursed as she found his throat was beginning to bleed and she had nothing to stop it with. Lucky for her, Trowa was soon there, pressing a handkerchief to stop the blood from trailing down his throat.
She nodded her thanks and then focused on guiding the matter of muscles to knit together again correctly and as quickly as possible. Though she didn't want to rush it, it would seem that Wufei was in more pain than she expected him to be. She focused, her mind's eye to watching as his voice box was slowly but surely healed. He would be able to be heard soon enough.
Then it hit her and she swore, her hand reaching for Wufei's mouth, but not fast enough. As muscles and skin healed completely, an unbearably load, pain-stricken roar erupted from Wufei's throat. It shook the room and had everyone covering their ears at the sound of it. He would most definately be heard throughout the castle.
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The hunting party had been congratulating the Captain on his fine catch. A young buck had been taken down, and Treize felt a bit better, having taken his stress and anger out on the innocent animal. It was as they were loading the carcass up onto a cart, that the load sound of a roar broke through the sky, the men looking about in awe.
"A dragon!", one exclaimed, looking about for any form of an attacking creature, "That sounds like a dragon!"
Treize's eyes narrowed onto the castle, as Zechs' face went blanch at the mention of just what creature it was. That roar had sounded all too familiar.
Before he could even think of stopping him, Zechs' uncle had mounted his horse and was galloping off toward the palace.
"Uncle, wait!", he cried after him, but to no avail.
He was soon on his own horse, ready to ride on after him, and hopefully stop him. If that roar had come from who he thought it had, then he and the others would be in quite a predicament.
T.B.C.
C-Chan2: Whoo! I finished another chapter! XD
Jim: Took you long enough.
Lloyd: Yeah, but it's not her fault. Remember all that crap she had to deal with?
C-Chan2: Yeah, so stop picking on me! I'm sorry for the delay folks. I hope you liked this chapter. I know it's moving a little slow, but it's all coming together and hopefully to an end in a few(3-4) chapters. Leave reviews and I'll love you forever.
Jim: I guess you won't be getting any reviews then, cause who would want to be loved by you?
C-Chan2: Oh shut up, Jim.
Lloyd: See you with the next update. We'll try not to be too long. ^_^
Jim: She dragged us with her.
C-Chan2: Then we moved back. Yay!
Lloyd: Now, Jim. It’s wasn't that bad.
Jim: Who do you think you’re fooling, Lloyd?
Lloyd: Alright, it sucked. For once I agree with Jimbo.
C-Chan2: Now I hope you guys enjoy the chapter, while I figure out what the hell to write about these two idiots I have here.
Lloyd: Please help us!
C-Chan2: Lloyd, be quiet! Let them read the fic.
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Four days since Quatre’s reawaking had passed. Trowa’s pneumonia had passed as well, which came as a relief, but he was still kept in the infirmary. It was Noin’s order; the woman insisting that the prince was still sick. So without much objection, though Trowa had rather wanted to return to his own rooms, the prince stayed.
While she treated Trowa, Noin had also treated Quatre, and the blond mage was coming along nicely. He had been healed completely, though he was still wary about actually coming in contact with people. The attack had left his senses weakened and his empathy uncontrollable. It was with Noin’s help that he was building up his shields again. Though, they didn’t last very long. So visits were shortened for only a few minutes at a time.
However, he was now able to manage most of the day. He had also started to learn under Noin’s watchful eye. His first lessons being the shields he was steadily rebuilding; that along with learning how to correctly control his magic. He was a fast learner, much to Noin’s relief. That meant her lessons didn’t have to be broken down too much.
At the moment, Noin was watching over him, making sure that the boy went though building a magical barrier and taking it down. True it was a beginners’ lesson, but even with how advanced she had learned he was, he had to go through the basics. If he could do this with ease, then the more complex spells and hexes he’d master in little to no time.
The door to the small workroom the doctor had granted them, since Noin also insisted that Quatre stay in the infirmary as well, was knocked on and she turned curious eyes to it. She didn’t much like visitors when she was teaching. Distractions wouldn’t fare well for Quatre’s focus. With a sigh she double checked to see that Quatre was paying attention to his work. She was satisfied that the blue-green barrier surrounding Quatre hadn’t wavered and she went to answer the door.
She pulled it open only slightly and peeked out of the small crack. She was greeted with violet eyes, her face frowning at the slave’s appearance. How was it that he was able to wander around without his master in tow? She looked behind him then, aware that he wasn’t alone and she stopped at the brown eyes that smiled down at her.
It would seem that Merdoc had escorted him. That would explain it. With one last glance back at Quatre, who was going through the exercise once again, she pulled open the door a bit more. It was only enough for her to allow them to squeeze in and avoid any nosy nurses peeping at them.
With the door closed once again, Noin turned back to face them and was shocked when she collided into Merdoc. She stumbled and was easily caught, her blue-violet eyes looking up at him in embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry.”, she apologized.
The guard only smiled at her, helping her as she righted herself.
“It was my fault, ma’am.”, he spoke, earning himself a scowl, “My apologies…Noin. I was careless in watching where I was going. I was taking my leave, having escorted the King’s Own to his destination.”
“Oh.”, Noin breathed, somewhat disappointed.
She wouldn’t have minded if Merdoc had stayed. In fact, she found she had rather wanted his company. She gently pulled free from his hold, stepping aside so that she wasn’t blocking the door.
“Please, don’t let me keep you.”, she told him, avoiding his stare, “I’m sure you have elsewhere to be.”
Merdoc smiled sadly, a bit disappointed himself. He had been posted to guard the front gates this morning, but had been asked to bring Duo here first. If it were up to him, he’d lag behind, but he had his duties to uphold. Then again, he was sure he could manage a way to see the Lady Mage today. He did have to return for Duo after all, since the king would most likely be in an all day meeting.
“Good day to you, Noin.”, he said in parting with a bow.
Noin only nodded, still unable to look at him and Merdoc left. It was only then she looked up, staring at the door the man had just exited through. She was aware of the stares she was receiving and it was then she remembered she wasn’t alone. She turned to find Duo and Quatre looking back at her. The former only held an annoyed look, his eyebrow raised. The latter held a knowing smile and she could sense that he was reading every emotion she had forgotten to shield.
With her cheeks brightening, she quickly shielded herself, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
“Shouldn’t you be working?”, she asked the younger mage.
Quatre only giggled before returning to his exercises. Noin’s eyes then looked to Duo, who had become quite comfortable in the short space of time. What on earth could he want?
“Duo, is there a reason for your visit?”, she asked him, knowing something had to have brought him here.
Though he had visited Quatre daily, she could feel that he wasn’t here for only the blond mage. She could sense that he had another motive behind it. Something was on his mind and although she was unsure of it, she was still curious.
Duo’s violet eyes focused on her and Noin readied herself for whatever it was. Quatre was too busy with focusing on his work to pay attention to them, or so it seemed. She could tell the young man was doing both at once, which didn’t much surprise her. He wasn’t the average student after all.
Duo stood from the chair he had been sitting on and made his way over to the lone window of the room. He was unsure of what he was about to discuss with her. It held consequences, should things go astray. However, he had to take a chance and see if it was possible. Violet eyes caught sight of Dragon’s Peak and he assured himself that it was worth it. He finally turned back to Noin, the woman having waited patiently for him to speak.
“You heal, do you not?”, he asked her suddenly.
Noin was caught off guard, his question having shocked her just a bit. Why would Duo ask this? He knew that she had some healing abilities. It caused her to further wonder what Duo wanted.
“I have some skill in healing.”, she confirmed, a bit unsure.
“Then you can heal a friend of mine.”, it was meant to be a question but came as a sort of gentle command.
It not only caused Noin to frown, but Quatre lost his concentration, his shields falling for good. The two mages looked to Duo, one in uncertainty and the other in disbelief.
“Duo-”
Quatre was cut off by Noin’s question of, “And what friend is that?”
“We will keep that secret until you agree.”, Duo began, ignoring Quatre’s silent shock, “What say you, Lady Mage?”
Noin took the time she was given to think it over. Duo was obviously aware that what he was asking her could put her into trouble. She was already in trouble as it was. Of course that was only if the Adept Mages found out that she was teaching when she wasn’t supposed to. With that thought she figured what did she have to lose? She was basically in hot water already.
“It depends on what I’m supposed to heal.”, she answered, “I’d have to see this friend of yours first.”
She couldn’t help but smile herself as Duo’s usual frowning face lit up with a thankful smile. The king was lucky to have him. He was a beautiful creature, whatever he was. It was Quatre’s nervousness that drew her to look at him and she did her best to send him feelings of assurance.
He was sure that this wouldn’t go well. Noin however knew that Duo’s secret had to be kept as such between them and she was going to go about this as carefully as she could.
“When can I meet this friend of yours?”, she was asking, her attention back to Duo.
“Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long.”, was all Duo told them.
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Zechs stood in front of his uncle’s doors, trying his best to ready himself for what he was about to do. This morning he found Duo had come to greet him and he knew that the shadow was there for a reason. He didn’t have to ask, because the braided boy was asking for his assistance soon after.
He wanted Zechs’ help and though he had wanted to decline, Duo had informed him it would help Wufei. That changed his answer before he could actually think it through and now he was standing here trying to figure if he could walk away from all this.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to help Wufei. He’d do anything for the young dragon. However, the plan was for him to distract his uncle. That meant spending time with the man; one thing he would rather not do.
He decided that he better do as was expected. Duo had told him he would be waiting for some sort of signal from him and he didn’t want the young man waiting too long. With a final deep breath, he was knocking on the door.
He waited for what seemed like endless minutes before he could hear footsteps shuffling toward the door. He had to stop himself from scowling as the door opened, revealing his uncle dressed only in a loosely tied robe. He clenched his jaw as his mind angrily went over the fact that the Captain of the Guard had been touching what Zechs now deemed was rightfully his.
“Zechs, what is it?”, his uncle was asking him, obviously miffed that he had been woken, “It had better be important.”
“Good morning, Uncle.”, Zechs greeted, trying his best to not growl at the man, “I heard wind that you weren’t at the council meeting and was hoping that you would want to join me on a hunt today. I’ve been told that a herd of deer has been spotted not too far out.”
Well he hadn’t really heard anything, but Treize didn’t need to know that. He was just hoping the man wouldn’t turn him down. After his idea of hunting, he could really think of nothing else to do.
His uncle merely stared at him with a raised brow, his arms crossing over his chest as he contemplated the offer. He wouldn’t mind a good hunt, but he also had some work to do. He had been up half of the night trying to make out the seal that broke Heero’s spell, which was fading fast. The rest of the night he had spent with Wufei, who seemed to have found a new sort of strength. The dragon had spent the entire time fighting him. He found it best to think of a new way to try and break the young man.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to hunt on your own.”, Treize declined, wanting to return to bed; return to Wufei.
Zechs wouldn’t let him however. As he turned to head back inside, his nephew was grabbing hold of his arm, urging him to turn back and face him. His face held a pleading look and Treize was now the least bit curious.
“Please, Uncle.”, Zechs was begging, the blond not sure if he was truly acting or not, “I insist that you join me.”
Treize pulled free of his hold, his arms crossing over his chest again as his eyes narrowed onto his young nephew suspiciously.
“Why is it that you’re so eager for my company?”, Treize questioned him, “You were never one to try and receive it before.”
Zechs had to stop and think of something to respond to that. Treize’s words were true, he never would have even thought of holding company with his uncle before. It was different now. He had fallen in love with the man’s slave, and he’d do anything if it meant helping him.
“That’s just it.”, he uttered, looking to his uncle with a shrug, “We don’t spend time together and I figured with me chosen as your heir, that I should at least spend time with you. You are my uncle and I your nephew; it’s the right thing to do.”
Treize was the one to stop and ponder now, as he studied Zechs further. It was true he had chosen Zechs as his heir, even if he was his brother’s only son. Then again, the man hadn’t exactly objected, he was quite happy. Treize had never questioned and had only been grateful that his title would carry on after him through kin, meaning he didn’t have to try and impregnate a woman.
He scowled as a dark memory flitted through his mind, but let it go as soon as he had remembered it. Now he was angered and he needed a way to vent his frustration. He wanted to kill was more like it and what better way to do so than hunt? He’d leave Wufei in the bedroom, he knew the boy would not to escape.
He opened his door wider and gestured that Zechs enter with him, the boy easily doing as he wanted.
“Today, I shall grant your request.”, he announced, missing Zechs’ sigh of relief, “We’ll head out as soon as I’m dressed.”
As his uncle left for the bedroom to get dressed, Zechs tried his best to think of a way to send Duo his signal that things were in the clear. He looked over to his uncle desk and thought about writing a letter to give to a servant, but he soon caught sight of something else. As a shadow slowly danced beneath the desk, his face lit up with a smile.
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Heero sat in his seat a bit bored with having to sit in on the council meeting. It was necessary that he be there, since he had missed quite a few meetings and needed to catch up. That as well as listen to the new subjects at hand and bring up his own. He had to tell the Council that Noin was here before they found out on their own and convince them that he needed her for an extended period of time. That was going to prove difficult.
As Lord Embleton finally seemed to be winding down, Heero thought it best to actually pay attention. He couldn’t remember what the man had brought up; he had stopped listening as soon as he opened his mouth. He watched as the rest of the men nodded in agreement with lord Embleton’s words and he hoped they didn’t look to him for his opinion.
He resisted the urge to groan as all eyes were soon on him, waiting expectantly for his answer. He nodded as well, not missing as Lord Embleton seemed to puff proudly. He was sure that what he had just decided to agree to would come back to haunt him. Hopefully, it was something that could be easily rectified.
“Shall we carry on with the rest of the meeting?”, Embleton was asking, turning to fully look at Heero, “Your Majesty, I believe you had something to discuss with us.”
With that as his cue, Heero straightened himself from his slumped position, looking about the council room at the rest of the men who were there. Trowa had wanted to come and help him win over the Council, however Noin had refused. The prince would attend no meetings until she said otherwise. The Lady Mage wouldn’t tolerate it and therefore Heero would have to do this on his own.
It didn’t matter; he was capable of speaking without Trowa’s presence. He had done it many time’s before. Clearing his throat, he stood from his chair, ready to begin.
"Gentleman.", he greeted, the men nodding in answer, "I believe its safe to assume that you all know of the prince's illness."
"Yes.", Parthus confirmed, with a shake of his head, "Extremely terrible news. I had heard that his illness was caught from mingling among the serfs."
"Yes, one is sure to catch something among that diseased ridden lot.", Embleton huffed with a sneer, "Consorting with the peasants. What else did His Highness expect?"
The chubby man began to laugh, but it was stopped short by the icy glare that the king was throwing in his direction. He should have known better to poke fun at Prince Trowa's misfortune, especially with His Majesty becoming unusually close to his step brother.
"It is a shame none the less.", he quickly worded to rectify his actions, "I hope he returns to good health as quickly as the doctor can manage."
Heero softly snorted as the man tried his best to get on his good side again, not that he had been there to start with. Embleton, he was coming to find out, was one of Treize's men and allies. He didn't much care for the green-eyed prince and Heero could see that he was enjoying his absense. He would enjoy seeing the man's mood fall when he announced that Trowa would be returning.
"He is doing nicely.", Heero told them all, murmers going about the room, "In fact, the medic believes he'll be well enough to sit in during council soon enough."
He tried his best to hide his smile as Embleton deflated at the news. His brother and the man had always been politcal rivals, though nothing as heated as the prince and Captain of the Guard. The thought of Treize pulled him to realize that the Captain wasn't present, and only for a short moment did he wonder as to why that was. He was pulled back to the meeting as a member gently cleared his throat, a signal that they were ready to move on.
"My good Council.", Heero began again, "I fear today that I bring you some unfortunate news. It would seem as if there is a disturbance within the castle, one that has required me to call forth a mage."
There were various gasps and whispers, and Heero let the men mutter about themselves for a short while. He knew that there was bound to be questions, and he patiently waited for the men to quiet down again.
"Your Majesty, why have we not been informed of this?", Parthus asked curiously, "It is of great neccessity that a matter which requires a mage be discussed with the Council before said mage is requested."
"Yes, I understand.", Heero agreed, taking to slowly pacing the room, "However, I found it the best choice to bring her as fast as possible. It was a decision made in the best interest of my people."
"And just what has this mage been called here for?", Embleton demanded.
"That is of a confidential matter.", Heero easily answered him.
It would seem Embleton was not satisfied with that answer, and his hand slammed down on his armrest in obvious anger.
"Does His Majesty not know the dangers of having a mage here?", he was loudly questioning, his face now scowling.
His outburst had caused Heero to pause in his pacing, his own body stiffening from the bold strength of the man's voice. Slowly, he turned to face Embleton and the king's eyes narrowed on the ranting man, who stiffened under the icy gaze, suddenly covered in a nervous sweat.
"Am I to assume you believe me to be stupid, Lord Embleton?", Heero questioned, his voice low and intimidating.
The man quickly took to shaking his head, not wanting to suffer whatever wrath the king could draw up. He only hoped that the young king would brush his insolence aside and return to the discussion at hand. It would seem that Heero would do no such thing, as the noble found him slowly moving closer to him.
"Then it is safe to say that you understand that as king I am capable of making such decisions?", Heero was asking him, his eyes dangerously centered onto the round man.
Embleton nodded, and Heero offered the man a smirk, before he was turning back to the rest of the Council. He looked them over, searching for any disapprovement and luckily for him, he found none.
"I understand that though I have power as king, I should have approched the Council beforehand.", Heero apologized in his own way, "That is why I come to you now."
The murmers started again, while from the corner of his eye he saw Lord Embleton glare at him suspiciously, and he waited for things to quiet down again. It didn't take long for the men to listen in again, and Heero waited a few moments more before he began.
"The Lady Mage has found that there seems to be a disturbance within the castle.", he told them, returning to his raised seat, "One that must be dealt with using the Magical talents of a mage. However, this disturbance can not be dealt with in a short period of time. In fact, the Lady Mage is uncertain as to how long it will take."
He was trying his best to not lie too much. It was true there was a disturbance. An unidentified mage was within castle walls and was trying their best to put him in danger, as well as wipe out any and all that stand in his or her way. It was best that the council not know that and the king had gotten the advice to be as vague as was possible.
"And just what is this disturbance?", was Embleton's question.
Heero nearly cringed at the words. He had forgotten that question was bound to pop up again, otherwise he would have long thought up something to appease to them. He had nothing to offer them, since he knew he would never let them know the entire truth.
"That is part of the problem.", he fibbed, leaning back into his seat, "This disturbance must be deciphered and then dealt with. It is why I ask that you allow a letter to be sent to the Magus Society, requesting indefinate leave for the Lady Mage."
He wasn't the least bit surprised by the gasps and whispers that followed his words, and he merely waited for an answer, his elbows propped on the arm of the chairs and his hands steepled in front of him. It didn't take as long as he thought it would, and soon they were all falling silent and looking to the king. Hopefully, they had come to a decision.
"Your Majesty, you must understand that we're concerned for the safety of this kingdom's people.", Embleton took the role of representative, "There's no way we can risk a mage staying amongst the rest of civilization."
"Or in other words, you're afraid of her.", Heero pointed out, watching the men stiffen at his words, "You're not worried about the people. You're much more concerned about your own necks."
He watched Parthus look away, a bit ashamed, as did the rest of them. It would seem only Embleton felt no shame at being selfish.
"I can assure you, gentleman, that as king you have my word that the Lady Mage is no threat to you.", he tried to assuage them, "She will be given private, but guarded quarters, in the Servants' Wing of the castle. She will be under constant scrutany and you have my word that as soon as her job is done, she will be sent on her way back to the Magus Society."
There was a long moment of silence, in which Heero held his breath, before Parthus took the chance to speak.
"If His Majesty, Heero, thinks it the best plan, then I suppose it is best to agree."
Heero smiled, even though Embleton seemed to stew, but the man was easily ignored. He nodded his head in thanks to Parthus, the old man gently smiling back at him, as the rest of the council began to agree.
"By tomorrow afternoon, a letter of request will be sent to the Magus Society.", another member confirmed, as well as bringing the meeting to a close, "Hopefully, there will be more to discuss during our next meeting of Council."
Nods and murmers of agreements passed amongst the small group and Heero nodded to them all. Then he watched as they stood and bowed, before filing out of the room. When they were all gone, Embleton leaving with one last suspicious look in the king's direction, Heero flopped back tiredly into his chair.
He was surprised to see that the council had so easily agreed, seeing as the last time they had all gone against him. He supposed it had to do something with Treize's absence. The sound of bells chiming noted him that it was now two hours past noon, and Heero thought it best to go looking for his slave. He had ordered that Duo stay in his own room, or even Heero's, but the violet-eyed slave had refused. He insisted on visiting Quatre and the Lady Mage this morning and nothing would make him change his mind.
Not even the quick act of physical persuasion worked. The memory of limbs entwined between the silk sheets of Duo's mattress had the king smiling. It quickly faded as he realized that though he had started in hopes of changing Duo's mind, the young shadow had turned the tables and used it as a way to get Heero to agree with him. And damn it, it had worked.
Nonetheless, he could always repremand his slave later. At the moment, he had good news to deliver to Noin. He had managed to get the woman permission of an indefinate stay. That gave the mage time to teach Quatre all he needed to know and try to find the mage that had placed that Mind Trap on him and tried to kill his step-brother's lover.
He stood from his chair with a stretch before he was making his way out of the room. It was a good thing that Duo had gone to see Noin, now he only had to make one trip, as he was feeling rather lazy at the moment. Since Noin was set up in the Medical Wing, he'd pay his brother a visit as well. Trowa had been dying for some contact from the outside world, and he thought it best that the prince know the events of the meeting.
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Duo watched carefully, and more enthralled than he let on, as Quatre and Noin had a small duel of sorts using magic. Not so much of a duel but it was a match of who could breach who's defenses first. So far, Noin was in the lead, as Duo could see Quatre's blue-green dome was fading.
Watching them passed the time he had to wait for Zechs' signal, although he had no idea what it was going to be. He could only hope the he recognized it whenever it was sent. Not that he was actually looking for it, as violet eyes were glued onto the two mages, who was now trembling with effort to keep their barriers standing.
He was mentally rooting for Quatre, as he had yet to get used to Noin, and wanted to see the young mage have an early victory in his training. However, it seemed that that would not be the case. It was confirmed a few moments later, when Quatre's shields collapsed and Noin had him frozen still in a Binding Spell.
"That was pretty good.", she commended him, lowering her own shields, "You gave me quite a workout I'll tell you that much. I didn't think you'd last as long as you did. I actually had to use more magic than I had intended."
The blond mage was gently released from the spell, and he sagged down to the floor, smiling up at his newly found teacher. Though he was a bit disappointed that he wasn't the victor, he was grateful for her praise. It made him feel proud of himself, which he hadn't been feeling since he had been attacked. The memory of it still rattled him and a shudder passed through him as he thought back on it.
"Quatre?"
He was then looking up to his teacher, who stared down at him with a look of concern and he offered her a small smile. He had forgotten that he had yet to control blocking how he felt from others. It was obvious that Noin was aware of his small moment of distress and he had to let her know that he was fine.
"I'm alright.", he told her, taking the time to close in his emotions from her, "It's nothing."
Though she wasn't entirely satisfied with the younger mage's answer, she would let it slip by; just this once. She knew that Quatre still worried over the fact that he was almost murdered. Hell, she herself was still wary. For all she knew, that mage could be coming after her next.
"How about we call it quits for today?", she asked him.
He had been learning and practicing nearly non-stop since he had strength enough and she figured he deserved a bit of freedom. Besides, she was sure that he was missing his lover, who had already come to the room twice today. Noin had only smiled at the prince, who seemed so heartbroken and lost when he was refused entrance, looking like a kicked puppy. It was sweet and if she hadn't been made of sterner stuff, he would have probably had his way and had Quatre's attention. However, Quatre was hers for the time being and that meant she made the rules. Prince or not, Trowa had to keep his distance as much as any one else.
There was a knock at the door that had them all looking to it, and Noin bid the person to enter. She only shook her head with a sigh as no other than Trowa came inside, green eyes pleading with her as he partly closed the door. She looked to Quatre then, who also gave her a begging look and she only laughed.
"Fine, go on.", she said with a wave of her hand, "You two love-sick pups spend time together, since the rest of today I'll let Quatre off."
She heard Duo snort as her words had Quatre racing across the room and in his lover's arms in no time. It made her aware that he was still there and she turned to look at him, turning away from the now lip-locked couple. Duo was staring out of the window, obviously waiting for something and she remembered that he had asked for her help. She agreed, but had been told they'd leave when the time was right. The mage could only wonder what that meant.
She walked over in time to see Duo stiffen, his eyes having caught interest in something beyond the open window. With a quick peek over his shoulder, she easily saw the Captain of the Guard, (who she had only had a glimpse of two days ago), and a young man riding beside him. The two were heading for the woods that bordered the castle grounds, the hunting party trailing behind them steadily. She had to wonder what this meant to Duo.
The feeling of a chill running down he spine had Noin looking down to the stone floor. Her eyes widened and she couldn't help but yelp in shock as her shadow moved, the woman stumbling back as the wisp-like creature rose from the floor. Her outburst attracted Duo's attention, as well as Trowa and Quatre's, who all turned to look and see what had startled her.
"What is that thing?"
The question she had wanted to ask herself, the prince had done for her, and she was grateful for it. She wasn't too sure that anything close to words would have come from her mouth.
"A friend.", was all Duo said, his hands reaching out for whatever it was, "Don't worry, it won't harm you. Although I must admit, I'm not sure why you all can see it."
Quatre's face held a look of confusion as he studied the King's Own and the odd creature. Trowa was more amazed then shocked, but Noin was still stunned, her violet eyes wide and wary.
They watched as Duo whispered to it, the sounds too low for any of them to make out, but aware that he had said something. The soft screeches and faint whispers in response did not go unheard and the three outsiders just stared on curiously, as Duo's face took on a small smile. With a small nod, Duo was sending the shadow on its way, and then was looking at the three who stood staring at him.
"I'll explain another time.", he quickly offered them, standing from his seat, "First, we have to move quickly. Noin, I'll take you to that friend of mine now, if you don't mind escorting me."
He himself minded somewhat, but there was nothing that he could really do about it. If he wanted her to help him out, he would need to get along with her and now that he thought about it, there really was no reason for him to feel so spiteful toward her. Afterall, she was sacrificing herself and everything she knew, in the biggest way possible, just to help Quatre. She deserved some sort of civil behavior from him.
Noin herself wasn't so sure that she wanted to do anything for Duo. Especially after having witnessed the slave converse what was obviously a being of another realm. A shadow; which meant it was dark, and that meant it was from the underworld. She was a bit satisfied that she was narrowing in on just what Duo was, but she was uneasy about in what direction she was narrowing in on.
"Noin?"
Duo's voice, which held a tint of impatience, drew her from her thoughts and Noin turned her eyes to look at him.
"Shall we?", he asked, heading for the door.
The mage could only nod, unable to say anything as her voice had yet to return, and obediently followed behind him. They were stopped at the door, however, the prince blocking the way and closing the door completely shut as well.
"And just where are you two going?", he questioned them, wanting an explanation, "Just what friend are you going to go see?"
"Not now.", was all Duo offered him, ready to push the prince out of the way, "Besides, it's best if you not know."
Duo had reached around the prince and had began to pull open the door, but Trowa easily pushed it closed again, ignoring the angry glare the braided shadow threw up at him.
"Trowa-", Quatre's plea was interrupted as Trowa was asking Duo his question again.
"Where are you going?"
"What business is it of yours?", Duo snapped, his eyes narrowing.
Noin watched uneasily, and a bit curiously, as Trowa's eyes narrowed as well. Normally, a slave didn't have to listen to any other master. However, Duo it would seem wouldn't listen to even the Crown Prince himself. Hell, he rarely listened to his own master, so it didn't come as that much of a surprise.
"Does your master know of this?", the banged prince asked him.
Duo's shoulders tensed at the question, and Noin was a bit shocked at the annoyed growl that escaped Duo's throat. What in the world had possessed anyone to take this creature as a slave? It obvious that the king liked to torture himself with unneccessary trouble and headaches.
"This busines is not his nor is it yours!", Duo bit back, Quatre gasping, "Now move away from the door or I will move you!"
"Listen you-"
"It's Wufei!", Quatre interrupted, before Trowa could retaliate, "He and Noin are going to help Wufei."
Trowa pulled away from the glaring contest that he and his brother's slave were engrossed in, to look back at his lover.
"I beg your pardon?"
"The King's Own-", Noin came in to answer for Quatre, but hesiated a bit at Duo's growl. She decided to change the way she addresed him. "Duo has asked me to heal his friend. He says he is hurt and needs my assitance."
Trowa turned back to Duo, his anger drained away but his face fitted with obvious annoyance.
"Why didn't you just say that?", he questioned him, Duo merely scoffing, "Stubborn, hard-headed oaf."
Duo's anger was ripped away by the shock of the words, having never been insulted by the prince. Well, he wouldn't call it insulted, but Trowa had never called him names before. His mouth opened and closed to try and say something, but nothing came out. He was blushing for some odd reason, when Trowa's lips took on the barest form of an amused smirk.
"I am not!", Duo screamed back, blushing more in obvious embarrasment.
"Ah, yes. I forgot spoiled, rude, without manners-"
"Alright, I get it!", Duo shouted, ignoring the prince's snickering, "Will you let us go now?"
"I'm not exactly sure why, but yes.", Trowa said, slowly opening the door, "Though I'm coming with you. The last thing you need is the gossip of you found alone with the visiting mage getting about the castle. You've caused enough trouble as it is. And if I'm not mistaken, you're about to cause a hell of a lot more."
Duo merely glared, sniffing hautingly as he marched out of the room, ignoring Trowa's, as well as his lover's, giggling.
"You're lucky I actually like you.", Duo was calling back as they all left the room, "Otherwise I'd have already hit you."
They all left the Medical Wing, luckily with only the medic noticing, and Duo reluctantly letting Trowa take the lead. A few minutes after their departure, none other than the king came waltzing in, obviously in a good mood. It was lost as Heero's eyes found the door to Noin's temporary workroom open and the room itself empty.
"Doctor.", he called, the man pausing in restocking his shelves.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Where are they?"
The man froze at the question, stumbling a bit in his answer, since he realized the prince was easily exasperated.
"Why, they just left, My King.", he answered softly.
Heero tried his best not to let his eye twitch at the news, and he slowly turned to face the doctor, who stiffened in fright at the look on his face.
"Do tell.", he began, through clenched teeth, "Was Duo with them?"
The older man nodded, and swore he heard the king's teeth grinding together.
"In fact, I believe he was leading them somewhere."
Of course he was.
The medic jumped at the bellow that his king let loose, causing him to drop the vial of ointments he had in his hands.
"DUO!"
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The small group stopped in their tracks a few steps away from Treize's chambers, to glance at each other curiously at the faint sound that echoed throughtout the castle walls. It was oddly familiar and yet. . . they only shrugged and continued on. Trowa took the job of gently knocking on the door, as the rest kept watch to see if the guards, who had obviously left for lunch, was returning.
No one was coming and no one answered the door, which meant that it was safe to enter. Noin was a bit miffed that this was something that was obviously wrong, since it was done in secret, but it was also obvious that it was important to not only Duo, but Trowa and Quatre as well. And if the prince himself was taking part in all this, well. . . well it didn't exactly make it right. Nonetheless, she would heal the one that needed healing.
They entered the first room, which was lighted by the sun pouring into the window as well as the fire that was lit in the fireplace. Though all in all, it wasn't doing a very good job, as the room still seemed dark. The room held an unexplainable chill, even with the roaring fire. Not only did that tell Noin that there was something off about the owner of his room, but she couldn't help but feel it as well. There was something dark and sinister that lurked here, or had lurked here, as it was not faint.
"Even his room is cold and uninviting.", Trowa observed, his hands picking up a random figurine, "It's a wonder how any other human being can deal with him."
"Believe me, we non-human creatures can't deal with him either.", Duo snorted, as his violet eyes looked around, "Where do you suppose we'd find Wufei?"
"In there."
The words were said by both Noin and Quatre, who looked to each other as they spoke them. The two mages had been staring at the doors that obviously led to the bedroom, and being empaths, they could feel that Wufei was on the other side. Neither wanted to say that he was in a lot of pain.
They couldn't hide the solemn looks of their faces and Duo took that as his cue to barge in. He charged over to the double doors, and pushed them open without so much of a second thought. His steps faltered at what he found.
Wufei was laying on the bed on his side, his back facing the door, easily displaying the half healed marks of the whipping he had received a few days ago. Duo winced at the sight of them, his eyes tracing the criss-crossed patterns of the welts, and his stomach dropping at the thought that the dragon had had to endure such torture.
The gasp behind him came from Quatre, whose aquarmarine eyes widened and watered at the sight of their friend, his hand rising to cover his mouth as his head slowly shook in disbelief. Trowa and Noin were silent, though the prince's green eyes flashed with an anger that Duo had only witnessed once. That was when Heero had insulted the man's lover, but this anger was for entirely different reason.
"Had I known it would be such a big job, I would have brought some supplies.", Noin murmured aloud, as she stepped closer to Duo.
Her blue-violet eyes looked into his, her face fitted with a frown.
"I'm glad that you brought me here.", she told him, Duo merely nodding, "His wounds aren't the only thing that needs healing."
She left his side to make her way to the bed, her face grimcing as she continued to study the painful wounds on the boy's back. She could sense that they were inflicted upon him with magic, so it would never really heal unless magic was used. She could easily sense that the boy was a magical creature, but he was weakened at the moment, so he wasn't healing himself as he should have been.
He hadn't stirred at all yet, that is, not until Noin reached out for him and gently rested a hand on his shoulder. He started with a jerk, his body turning so that he was now crouching on the bed in a defensive position, ebony eyes wide and untrusting. Noin had to block the torrent of emotions that were rushing from the young dragon, hoping that Quatre had done the same. He was much more sensitive to it after that attack, and even though he had healed, he had yet to strengthen himself fully.
"It's alright.", she tried to coax him, her voice as gentle as possible, "I'm a friend. I'm here to help you. You're hurt, right?"
The dark-haired boy only frowned, looking over her shoulder to see his two closest friends and the prince. Then his eyes were back on the strange woman, who was slowly inching toward him. His muscles tensed, ready to retreat, but he fought the urge to flee. If she had come with Quatre and Duo, then she had to be a friend as she claimed. It was still hard to trust her though, after these past few days.
"Wufei, will you let me help you?", Noin asked, slowly seating herself on the large bed.
Wufei shifted away towards the edge of the bed, up near the headboard. He was still a bit uneasy.
"Wufei?", Noin called again, not having gotten an answer, "Shall I help you? Please tell me."
"He can't.", Trowa answered, his voice heavy with his anger, "His voice was stolen from him."
Noin looked back to them with a frown of misunderstanding, and her student and the King's Own nodded in agreement with the prince's words. How on earth had his voice been stolen from him? She turned back to study Wufei further, and she couldn't help but feel her heart sink as she took in the marking of a scar on the boy's throat. Whoever owned this poor boy was a cruel master indeed.
It was a shame, that even as a mage, she did not have the skill of telepathy. Whatever this boy was saying, if he was saying anything at all, she couldn't hear. She would need someone to be his mouth.
"Quatre, you can hear him?"
"Yes.", the boy answered obediently.
"Good.", Noin said with a nod, "You be his mouth then. Your Highnes, please shut and lock the doors. We don't need anyone knowing that we're here."
Trowa nodded and left the rest to begin doing as he was asked. Noin had a point, if they were caught here, they'd be in more than trouble and even as the prince, there would be nothing he could do to get out of it.
As Trowa went about with that, Noin focused on Wufei, who was now curled up and watching her warily. His eyes then looked to Quatre and Duo, and she had the feeling that he was speaking to them.
"What did he say?", she questioned, eager to know.
Any and every word he spoke could help her figure out what was wrong and how to heal him.
"He merely asked for you name.", Duo told her, though he wasn't the assigned mouth.
It didn't matter, either way she was getting whatever Wufei told them.
"I am Noin, High Class Mage of the Magus Society.", she introduced herself formally, "I am here to heal you and your wounds."
Wufei's head tilted in contemplation and then his eyes looked to Quatre, and Noin followed them to look at her student as well. Trowa had returned and was by his side again.
"He's says he needs no healing.", the blond mage echoed, "What use is there to heal skin which will be broken again?"
Noin frowned at that and looked back at the boy sternly, who only answered her with a stern look of his own. Damned, stubborn dragons, they never knew when to just accept what was given.
"You will rather stay in pain?", she questioned him and Wufei gave an inaudible snort.
"Why stop it temporarily, to only have it start again when my keeper returns?"
When Quatre was done speaking for him, Noin gave a huff and stood from the bed. She circled it, making her way to Wufei, who snarled at her with his teeth bared. It was his way of warning her that she was crossing a dangerous line and he wouldn't hold back from harming her.
She ignored it and merely stared down at him as she came right up beside him, knowing that had the boy a voice, he'd be growling loud enough to shake the walls. Dragons were not quiet creatures.
"At least let me give you the chance to speak again.", she tried, her face softening, "Do you not wish to have your lover actually hear you say 'I love you'?"
Wufei's snarl fell and a look of complete shock took over, ebony eyes widened and looking up at Noin. The woman slowly smiled down at him.
"I'm a mage.", she explained, knowing he was asking the question of how, "I can read and sense these things. Don't worry either, your secret is safe with me. Now shall I heal you, or will you continue to prove to me just how stubborn a dragon can be?"
Wufei thought it over, a bit unsure of what to do. He had been without his voice for so long, to have it back again would be. . . he could find no words to describe it. Then again, what if it didn't work? He would have raised his hopes to have them snatched away. He looked to his friends, and received nods and smiles of encouragement that he agree to it. They wanted him to be happy.
Though still a bit unsure, he looked up at the Lady Mage, who silently waited for his answer. Slowly, he nodded his consent and Noin took to sitting beside him.
"I'm glad you agreed.", she softly murmured, her fingers raising to gently touch the scar on Wufei's throat, "Now, I warn you that this is an old wound. This is going to hurt far worse than I can try and explain it."
The dragon cringed at that, but merely closed his eyes and nodded; a sign for her to get on with it. Noin took a deep breath and with a nod of her own, she focused on the task in front of her. In order for this to have any chance of working, she'd have to reopen the scar.
Wufei's eyes clenched tighter, his mouth opening in an inaudible scream of anguish as it was done, and Noin apologized for it. She cursed as she found his throat was beginning to bleed and she had nothing to stop it with. Lucky for her, Trowa was soon there, pressing a handkerchief to stop the blood from trailing down his throat.
She nodded her thanks and then focused on guiding the matter of muscles to knit together again correctly and as quickly as possible. Though she didn't want to rush it, it would seem that Wufei was in more pain than she expected him to be. She focused, her mind's eye to watching as his voice box was slowly but surely healed. He would be able to be heard soon enough.
Then it hit her and she swore, her hand reaching for Wufei's mouth, but not fast enough. As muscles and skin healed completely, an unbearably load, pain-stricken roar erupted from Wufei's throat. It shook the room and had everyone covering their ears at the sound of it. He would most definately be heard throughout the castle.
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The hunting party had been congratulating the Captain on his fine catch. A young buck had been taken down, and Treize felt a bit better, having taken his stress and anger out on the innocent animal. It was as they were loading the carcass up onto a cart, that the load sound of a roar broke through the sky, the men looking about in awe.
"A dragon!", one exclaimed, looking about for any form of an attacking creature, "That sounds like a dragon!"
Treize's eyes narrowed onto the castle, as Zechs' face went blanch at the mention of just what creature it was. That roar had sounded all too familiar.
Before he could even think of stopping him, Zechs' uncle had mounted his horse and was galloping off toward the palace.
"Uncle, wait!", he cried after him, but to no avail.
He was soon on his own horse, ready to ride on after him, and hopefully stop him. If that roar had come from who he thought it had, then he and the others would be in quite a predicament.
T.B.C.
C-Chan2: Whoo! I finished another chapter! XD
Jim: Took you long enough.
Lloyd: Yeah, but it's not her fault. Remember all that crap she had to deal with?
C-Chan2: Yeah, so stop picking on me! I'm sorry for the delay folks. I hope you liked this chapter. I know it's moving a little slow, but it's all coming together and hopefully to an end in a few(3-4) chapters. Leave reviews and I'll love you forever.
Jim: I guess you won't be getting any reviews then, cause who would want to be loved by you?
C-Chan2: Oh shut up, Jim.
Lloyd: See you with the next update. We'll try not to be too long. ^_^