Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The Gift Within ❯ Chapter Two ( Chapter 2 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: siberianknight 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.22.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 296 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 05.22.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 296 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: I realize that this story is ... odd. Um, I'm still feeling my way into it, and it's definitely a work in progress. My notes don't extend much past the next few chapters -- so please bare with me, and hopefully this will turn into a good story. ^_^;
Also, I am seriously considering participating in the novella challenge this year. At the present I'm not certain how this will affect my release, if it will at all. So if they slow down again ... you'll know why. :)
Warnings: Language, slight out-of-characterness
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
*As before the names are still different, but I've started switching back and forth between them, there is a plot point for this ... so bare with me*
Character Names:
Eiichi -- Heero, Knight -- Duo, Shironeko -- Quatre, Nanashi -- Trowa, Fayte -- Honor (an OC), Lion -- Treize, Hawk -- Zechs, and Rose -- Une
-----
Knight had known something was wrong, but he tried to ignore that feeling as he headed down the vast flights of stairs which lead to the kitchen. He stopped for what seemed like the millionth time and gazed back up in the direction of Heero’s room. “I’m being paranoid.” With a swift shake of his head, he began his decent once again. However, the distant sound of breaking glass made his heart skip a beat. “Heero ...” Knight turned and began running as fast as he could up the stairs.
Heero stared wide-eyed at the man whom he had called ‘friend’ in the other world. Why was he threatening him? “WuFei ... I don’t -- I don’t understand. Why do you want to hurt me?”
WuFei’s cynical laugh filled the room and caused his already frantically beating heart to beat a bit faster. “Why?! Don’t be so coy ... Lord Eiichi.” Heero scrambled to his feet and backed up until his back brushed the stone and wood wall of his room. He looked around the room trying to find some way to escape, but found none. It appeared that he was stuck.
“I honestly don’t know why you’re so angry with me. Please ... please stop.” He was desperately trying not to cry, but the tears were quickly escaping his dark blue eyes. The tears surprised WuFei, who lowered his guard a bit. “Please ...”
“You’re -- begging? You never begged before! What kind of game is this, Yuy!?” The glow which had subsided grew once again, more intense than before. He pulled his arm back and was prepared to punch Heero, but before he could land it, he was flung across the room. WuFei crashed into the armoire and with a sickening thud slammed his head against the wall. He could see through his dazed vision that Heero was walking slowly toward him, his left hand raised and white light dancing around his fingers. His eyes had changed, they were harsher now, more like they had been before the incident.
“I never beg. You were banished, why are you here? Revenge?” In those few moments, Heero had turned into his old self, he had become Eiichi. WuFei could see that now, and this made him even more convinced that the man had been tricking him. “Get out, before I kill you.” As the door flew open, Heero turned his sharp eyes to glare at the intruder, and WuFei prayed that whoever it was could save him.
Knight looked at the room, and was surprised by the look in Heero’s eyes. “What’s going on?” The gleam in his eyes was unnatural, it was frightening.
“Knight, who let this trader inside?”
“Ei-pi?” Heero’s response was a hateful glare making Knight’s heart ache. This wasn’t his Ei-pi, and it most definitely wasn’t his Heero. “Eiichi, I’ll get the guards.”
Heero turned away from Knight as if he was disgusted with the sight of him. “You’re a guard ... idiot.” Knight’s eye twitched slightly, and he moved over to WuFei.
“Up.” WuFei tried several times to stand, but each time he fell back onto the broken bits of wood. With an agitated sigh, Knight helped the man up, and escorted him down to the dungeon. He never saw that Heero had collapsed onto the floor.
-----
“What&rsquo ;s the big fuss?” Shiro turned his large deep green-blue eyes to Knight, he had heard the glass and Knight’s scream for help.
Knight busied himself with securing WuFei’s cell instead of answering Shiro. He didn’t really want to talk about how he had overreacted when he ran for the guards, and he especially didn’t want to mention his reaction when he had found Heero passed out in the floor. His breath had stopped short in his throat as he gazed in horror at the limp body. He had lost him once, and he didn’t want to lose him again.
“Never mind. I understand how painful this is for you.” Shiro turned his head toward the now quiet WuFei, the man who could answer a very important question. Silently, Knight rested his hand on the older man’s shoulder. “I’m okay. You don’t need to worry about me.” His smile may have been bright, but Shiro’s eyes told a different story. He was in as much pain as Knight, but for a different reason. “I’ll go check on Lord Eiichi. You probably should report to Lion.”
Knight resisted the urge to tell Shiro that he would check on Heero instead. This was all so difficult for him, especially since it had only been six months since the last time they had seen one another. That same painful twinge shot through his chest as the memories flashed before his mind. It had been so unfair, and to force him to leave, that had been unforgivable in Knight’s, no, Duo’s mind. “I made this mess, now I have to live with it.”
“Sir?” One of the guards was standing near him with a questioning look upon his oval face. Knight smiled and bowed his head slightly.
“I was just talking to myself. Excuse me.” The guard watched Knight exit the dungeon then turned to Shiro.
“Let him be.” Shiro changed his attention from the baffled guard to WuFei, the man who held the answers to his many questions. His mind raced trying to come up with a good reason to excuse the guards, but nothing came to him. Heart heavy and head burning with the desire of knowledge, he turned to leave the prisoner.
Heero was resting comfortably upon his lush bed coverings. There was a peaceful look upon his face, and Shiro found himself envying the man. He didn’t remember the horror that had happened before he had left, in fact he couldn’t remember his past as Eiichi, Lord of Edo. Cast out by the only man above him, the man known as Lion. His true name was Treize Kushirenada, and he hailed from the western world of Europe. Heero was more powerful than Treize, but because of his position beneath him, Heero had not put up much of a fight. Shiro had always suspected that his lack of resistance had something to do with Duo, but he wasn’t certain that Duo knew that. “Ah, Shiro.” Fayte glided into the room carrying a tray with cold water and a linen cloth. “How is he?”
“Still asleep. I think maybe we should send him back ...” Fayte stared at her friend, stunned that he should suggest such a thing. They needed Eiichi, but it was true that in his current state he was of no help to them.
“Did Knight tell you what happened?” Shiro shook his head as he rung out the cloth to place it upon Heero’s head. “I wonder why.”
“I’m not sure. He had gone to get food for the two of them, that’s when all this happened.” Heero’s brow scrunched up and he raised his hand to Shiro’s, pushing away the cloth. He rolled away from the cold wetness and curled up in a tight ball. “Honor ...” Shiro’s voice was low and soft, just barely a whisper. He was risking much calling her by her real name, but this was not a topic for Fayte or Shironeko.
Honor’s bright aquamarine eyes locked with the soft green-blue of Quatre’s. Neither one needed to say anything, they both knew what they were thinking. They were all prisoners, working for a man whom frightened them. “Quatre ...”
“WuFei’s downstairs ... all I have to do is talk with him. I’m sure he’ll --”
“Laugh at you? I want him to be alive as much as you, but we can’t keep up our hopes.” Honor looked away from Quatre, she couldn’t bare to see the pain in her childhood friend’s eyes. Although she had yet to be in love and have it reciprocated, she had seen in those around her how powerful the emotion was, and how quickly one’s heart could be injured by those closest.
Quatre’s voice was still soft, yet the conviction within that gentle tone was clear as crystal. “I know he’s still alive.” There was no doubt within him that Trowa was still breathing somewhere. He could still feel him inside his heart, and within his soul. “I know that Duo felt the same way when Heero was sent away.”
“I’m not entirely certain whether he would admit that or not. He was so angry when Heero --” The sound of the door creaking open forced an end to the conversation. Honor turned her head to find Rose standing with her arms crossed. Rose was one of the two council to Lion. Like Lion, she came from the west and had a very unpredictable personality. “M’lady.” Fayte curtsied quickly. She always felt uncomfortable around Rose, simply because she was never certain how the woman would react. She liked a bit of predictability in people.
Rose inclined her head in acknowledgment to Fayte’s small salutation. “Shironeko ... don’t you have work that needs tending?”
Quatre gave a veiled glance in Honor’s direction, letting her know they would continue their conversation later. He prayed silently that Rose had not overheard what had been said between them. “Yes, m’lady.” With a quiet click the door closed behind Shiro as he left.
Fayte could feel the heat of worry rising in her cheeks and she wondered if Rose could see it. “Did you need something, m’lady?”
“I wanted to see Lord Eiichi.” She gave an expectant look to Fayte, but it was lost on her. Rose then cleared her throat trying to convey the fact that she wanted to be alone with Eiichi. However, when Fayte remained by his beside, she held her head as if a headache was approaching. “Oh for heaven’s sake girl! Leave!”
“I-I’m so sorry, m’lady. I-I didn’t know.” Fayte quickly collected the water basin and the cloth then ran out the door.
Rose approached the bed and gazed at the man who had been banished. She was surprised to find him lacking any signs of the man he once was. At twenty-six, he should have appeared much older, but he still looked quite young and naive. It was as if Eiichi had completely vanished and left behind a shell of his former self. “I wonder if you’ll regain your memories soon. It’ll be interesting to see the reaction on Duo’s face.” She smiled at the thought. “I hope this time, things go a bit differently ...”
-----
Knight knelt on one knee before Lion’s throne. “Rise.” Lion gazed down at his subordinate with a wry smirk plastered upon his impeccably perfect face. He was a smooth talker, and on the occasion could govern quite well; however, Duo had never fully trusted the man, even after he had been the one who had saved his life. “So, I heard that Lord Eiichi has returned.”
“Yes, m’lord.”
Lion chuckled at Knight’s curt response. “Funny, you normally can’t stop talking. Why so quiet?”
“No reason, sir. I thought that I was only to answer your questions.” He longed to scream that it was because he didn’t like nor trust him, but he held his tongue. Being dead wouldn’t be of much help to his friends.
“Ah. Fine then, I’ll ask you how you feel about being the one to bring him back.” Duo’s eyes narrowed. How dare he ask him a question like that! There was no simple answer, and none that he would be satisfied with. It was obvious that he was being baited.
“I volunteered.”
Lion shifted slightly in his large throne. The smile on his face looked like that of a sly fox moving in for the kill. “Yes, I know. But I really want to know what you felt when you saw him again.”
“I left as a soldier under your command and returned with my target. I had no personal feelings in this matter.” Lion noted the slight twitching of Knight’s right eye, he was lying.
“Come now ... I know that you must have still had some sort of feelings wrapped up in this. The two of you were after all --”
“As I told you, m’lord -- I had no personal feelings in this matter. I don’t really see why my feelings are important. I was sent to retrieve Lord Eiichi, and I have. He is in his room as we speak, awaiting your guiding hand to help his memories and power return.” Knight’s ire was rising, which was exactly what Lion was wanting. He wanted to see that bright spirit locked within, the spirit of Duo’s natural defiance.
“Fine ... I’ll move on. I wonder though, if you could have stayed there with him -- would you?”
Duo balled his hands into angry fists trying to quell the anger within him. “I fail to see the point of this.” Lion stood slowly and slinked down the few steps which were between him and Duo. He raised his hand up and brushed a stray hair from the other’s face.
“My dear sweet little Knight. Are you saying that you have memory problems as well? Just like your ex-lover?” Duo pulled away from his antagonizer and glared to hide the pain filling his being. This was why he hadn’t wanted to see Lion, the fact that ever since he and Heero had been caught together, this man continually ridiculed him for having a physical relationship with another man. “Well, that’s water under the bridge ... so to speak.” Duo wanted to punch him until he could no longer smile that sarcastic smile.
“If you say so, m’lord.” It was hard for him to speak without exploding with rage, but somehow Duo managed to retain Knight’s cool facade. “If we’re through now, I was wondering if I might be excused?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll go and check on our little Lord Eiichi. As you said, I must start retraining him.” Knight bowed shallowly, and then turned on his heel to leave. He wanted to run up to Heero’s room and kidnap him, but that would be a foolhardy move. Lion would know who did it, and Duo would lose his life because of it. He couldn’t die knowing that Heero was being used by that man.
-----
Heero smiled as a warm hand rested gently on his forehead. “Tsuzuki?” His voice was heavy with sleep, and it was proving difficult to open his eyes. “Why can’t I see anything?”
“Well, if you would open your eyes ... you might actually be able to see.” Heero’s forehead scrunched in confusion. That wasn’t Tsuzuki’s voice, but it did cause a gentle stirring deep within him that he couldn’t explain. The voice sighed, obviously a bit frustrated with his grogginess.
“Who are you?”
“Duo ...” Warm lips brushed his cheek and he felt the bed sink beside him as a strong body positioned itself next to his.
Heero slowly tested the name on his heavy tongue. “Duo.” For some reason saying that name brought forth a comforting sensation. He wove his strong fingers through the long lean ones of the man beside him.
“WuFei didn’t hurt you, did he?” Heero could feel the tingle of hot breath against his neck and he stretched so that the sensation would hit more of his sensitive skin.
“No. But I think I seriously hurt him ... is he okay?” Again those warm lips slid lightly against the pulsing spot on his neck where his heartbeat was the strongest. This ‘Duo’ was having a profound, yet familiar affect on him, and he was at a loss as to why.
Arms slowly moved around Heero’s body and held him tightly. He didn’t want him to let go, he felt terrified that if he did, then this person would be gone forever. “He’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you.” Slowly, Heero’s eyes opened to find Knight curled up against him, a worried light shining in his indigo eyes.
“Knight?” The smile which met Heero’s small query tore at his heart. It wasn’t obviously sad, but the veil which dropped over his eyes told him that Knight was pulling away from him. He wanted to reach out and stop him from leaving his side, but Knight rose slowly to his feet and picked up his coat.
“Sorry. I was just worried about you ... it’s midnight, so I think you should go ahead and get some rest.”
Heero stared at the other man’s back, wondering why it was that he wanted to cling to it so badly. “But -- I’ve been sleeping for awhile now, right?”
“Yeah.” His voice was so sad and distant. Duo squeezed his eyes closed trying to force the tears which burned the corners of his eyes away. He knew that he shouldn’t have come to check on Heero by himself or this late at night, but loneliness had won over common sense. “If you want, you can go to the library and read. I’ll be in my room if you need anything. It’s up the flight of stairs next to this room.”
Heero watched as Knight left. An image of that same back facing him flashed through his mind. It brought with it feelings of hatred and betrayal. He shook his head out of confusion, trying to clear his mind of the image and emotions. Not feeling terribly sleepy, he decided to take Knight’s advice and go to the library to read up on the strange new world.
------
Duo slowly closed the door behind him and gazed into his darkened room. “I’m an idiot.” He choked back the burning lump that was forming in his throat, hoping that he could will away the emotions which were still raw and tender. The longer he stood there trying to reign in his feelings, the angrier he became. “Dammit!” He hurled his coat viciously across the room. “Shit!” His voice cracked as he stalked over to his bed and grabbed the post tightly causing his knuckles to turn white. Slowly, he crumpled down to the floor unable to hold the sobs at bay any longer. He yanked on the rich down comforter and buried his face within its softness. “I was over you! I was ...” His heart was hurting so much that Duo thought that it would give out at any moment, if it did then he would be grateful for he wouldn’t have to feel the pain of loss any more. “Heero ...” His anguished whisper died into another fit of sobbing as he curled up in the floor, the comforter wrapped around him like a cocoon.
-----
Shiro sat across from WuFei’s cell. He had specifically asked to keep watch that night, since there needed to be a magic-user near a prisoner such as this. The cell had been set up to prevent any chance of WuFei using his magic, but there was always a risk, for he had escaped once before. That had been when it had happened. Trowa had led one of the groups sent out to search for the escapee, and they had found him; however, there had been a fight, and he had never returned. The few guards who made it back, had stated that Nanashi had been killed; although, Quatre had never believed them. He could remember all the counseling which Lion had insisted upon, trying to get him to see reality. However, no amount of trickery would stop that certainty which resided within his heart that Trowa was still alive.
It had been over two years now since that fateful night, and Quatre finally had his opportunity to question the man who had no ties to Lion. The man who could hopefully put an end to the debate. Yet, WuFei refused to meet Quatre’s gaze. “I’m a bit thirsty ... would you mind fetching me some water?” The lone guard smiled and left the dungeon. They were finally alone. “WuFei, I have something to ask you.” His reply was a snort. Quatre had thought that the country’s number one enemy terrorist would respond in such a manner, but he was not about to give up. “It’s about Trowa.”
“I don’t know a Trowa.” WuFei’s behavior was borderline hostile which sparked a bit of anger within Quatre. He had hoped that when Nanashi’s real name was spoken, WuFei would respond.
“You do. Here his name was Nanashi But his true name was Trowa.” WuFei turned his gaze to the side wall of his cell. He adjusted his arms slightly, tired of wearing the heavy cuffs. “Please ... don’t make me beg.”
“Why do you want to know so badly?”
“Be-because I ... love him.” WuFei finally turned his dark eyes to Quatre. He stared at the blonde boy who looked no more than fourteen.
“Funny -- he had said there was one whom he loved, but he was in his mid-twenties. You look too young.” Quatre slowly rose and then closed his eyes. He mumbled something and then a light glow surrounded him. WuFei was surprised to see the boy grow into a full grown man, and he was even more surprised by the amount of magical power which he could sense from Quatre.
“I am that one.” He was a very beautiful man of roughly six feet tall, his wavy blonde hair shaggy and falling slightly in his eyes. There was a delicate air about his build, but WuFei knew that was deceitful. The man was very strong.
“I see. So you hide your true power level by adjusting your age ... this is the first time I’ve actually see a child of Oz capable of doing that.” Quatre’s smile was humorless as he moved closer to the cell.
“Will you tell me now? Please ... my name is Quatre -- did he ever speak of me?”
WuFei’s face lit up in surprise. “Had I known your name in the first place, I would have told you ... I suggest unless you want your guards rushing down here to see why there’s a spike of magical energy, that you revert to your other form.” Quatre nodded and quickly changed back into his younger self. “Now what was it that you needed to know?”
“Is he alive?” Quatre’s stomach began to churn slightly with anticipation. It wasn’t until that moment that he doubted his heart.
“I -- haven’t seen him in a year and a half. I’m sorry.” Quatre’s heart sunk. He should have expected something like this, but he hadn’t said that Trowa was dead, just that he hadn’t seen him. “If I knew where he was, I would tell you.”
“It’s alright. When you last saw him, was he well?” WuFei’s sly smile was enough to tell Quatre that Trowa had been in excellent health. Finally his heart was more at ease. “Thank you.”
“Are you reading my mind?”
“No ... you would know it if I were. Since you also have the gift. Although, I’m surprised that you’re not going to try and bribe me with the promise of seeing Trowa.”
“I have more pride than that. If I want out ... I’ll get out myself.” Something in his voice sent chills down Quatre’s spine. This man was a definite mystery, and one that needed to be watched over carefully.
-----
Heero opened a large text which simply had the inscription of Oz on its binding. He was curious as to what it pertained to, and why the others wanted him to read it. The introductory paragraph answered his question.
The children of Oz, those who are capable of wielding powers beyond that of a normal person. “Oz?” Heero chuckled softly, the name reminded him of his favorite childhood movie. When these people began to emerge in society, they were seen as devils, witches, demons. They went against everything which standard religion had taught; however, they were the ones whom the world turned to in a time of war.
After several generations passed, these wielders of power became respected, and were given high positions in the world government. The people now look to the children of Oz for guidance and leadership. This history is about how they rose to such a high and respectable position in society.
Heero sat there for hours reading the large tome discovering that these people had been through horrible trials and tribulations in order to arrive where they were at that moment. He had been told that he was one of these people, but he couldn’t remember anything other than his normal boring life on Earth. The markings on his arms were still invisible, and he didn’t feel as if he had any kind of special power. In truth, he was starting to think again that this was all some sort of nightmare from which he couldn’t awaken.
The book closed with a soft thump, his eyes were burning and they kept threatening to close. Heero tried to focus on the room, but his vision was too blurred. He stretched his tired and stiff muscles then stood, only to fall backwards into his seat once more. “Guess I’ll just sleep here.” With one last look at the room, heavy lids lowered slowly over his dark blue eyes. His last conscious thought was that he would be stiff when he awakened later.
It had been several hours since Heero had fallen asleep, and Duo was amused to see a small trail of drool running from the corner of his open mouth. He carefully wrapped one arm around the other’s shoulders, and then another beneath Heero’s legs. With a huff, the sleeping Heero was lifted into warm arms and carried to his bed.
Duo gently pulled the covers up to Heero’s chin, and brushed his hair away from his eyes. Against his better judgment, his finger began to trace the contours of that face which haunted his dreams. “If I said I wanted to be with you ... what would you say?” Heero groaned softly and shifted closer to the warm hand caressing his cheek. Pain grasped at Duo’s heart, telling him that it was only hurting him more being this close to what he can never have again. “‘night, Heero.” He quietly closed the door behind him and turned to find Fayte staring up at him. “I was just ... Hee -- Eiichi fell asleep in the library. I put in him in his bed.” The accusing look in her eyes was fleeting, but caused Duo to worry nevertheless.
“Oh, well ... I was just on my way to wake you.” Fayte tried to find somewhere to focus her eyes other than the rich purple-blue of Knight’s. “We’ve been summoned by Lion.”
“Really?” Duo rested his hand on Honor’s shoulder, and gave her a gentle push in the direction of Lion’s quarters. “Then let’s go see him and get it over with.”
“Knight, I think that it has something to do with --”
“With me and Eiichi? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. He probably wants to humiliate me before his breakfast. Sort of like an appetizer.” Honor hung her head not knowing whether or not she should tell him exactly why Lion had summoned both of them. It was highly unusual for Fayte to leave her area of the castle, but this was an important matter or so she had been told.
Shyly, Honor raised her eyes up to Duo’s face and stared at him for a few moments. She had always had a crush on him, which had slowly developed into more, but she knew that his heart was Heero’s. Lion’s intentions were going to hurt him, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. “Duo,”
“Shh. You’ll be heard.” Honor stopped and waited for Duo to face her. She was going to have to say something. “What?”
“He -- he wants us to ...” Duo moved closer to her and placed a gentle finger under her quivering chin. He pushed her face upward so he could see into her eyes. They had grown up together and knew everything about each other. She had even been his first kiss, but shortly thereafter, he had discovered that he liked boys over girls. After his realization, Honor had become the sister he had never had, and he hated to see her so upset.
“What?” The sound of Duo’s gentle voice caused Honor to burst into tears. She clung desperately to his shirt and waited for the overwhelming sobbing to subside. Duo chuckled softly as she pulled away and revealed a nasty wet spot on his crisp linen shirt.
“Don’t laugh. This isn’t funny, Duo. Lion wants you to marry me.” Upon hearing her words, Duo’s face took on a dark angry look. Honor backed away slightly, afraid of the eruption which she was certain was coming; however, he took several calming breaths and then turned in the direction of Lion’s rooms. “Duo?”
“C’mon. So he’s going to play a game with my emotions? Does he honestly think that by marrying me off to a girl it’ll cure me of my so-called unhealthy appetite for Heero?” Duo’s laugh was cold and menacing. In fact his whole nature at the moment was terrifying Honor. She scurried after him, her short legs trying to keep up with his long angry strides. “I’m sick of being played with.” With a shove, Duo threw open the large oak doors leading into the series of rooms which made up Lion’s living quarters. “Lion!” His piercing bellow shook the whole room. Honor stopped in the doorway and watched as he stalked around the room trying to find the man in question. “Where the hell is he?!”
“He’ll be here shortly ...” His assistant, Zechs or Hawk as he was known to the other Oz members, stood lazily in the doorway leading to Lion’s bedchambers.
“So he summons us, and doesn’t show up?” Duo was still shouting, and his face was starting to turn a deep red. Honor ran to his side and grabbed his arm. She gave him a stern look that she prayed told him to calm himself until Lion arrived. “I’m fine,” he gave her hand a gentle squeeze to emphasize his whispered reassurance.
“I hope so.” Honor stepped away from him, and gazed at Hawk, annoyance starting to build within her as well.
“I was sent to apologize for his lordship’s tardiness, but it seems that you may already know what he has to say.” His clear blue eyes focused on Honor with an accusing gleam. To her the glare she gave him should have been bone chilling, but he merely smiled at her. “If you’ll both excuse me, I have some work I must attend to. Helping run a country is no easy task.”
“Duo ...” Honor bounced up and down as she whined slightly from worry.
“Shh. Let me talk to him.”
“Oh, that’ll work,” Honor rolled her eyes, completely disgusted with the situation. “Duo, you’ll just get angry and then violent. I know you.” The light chuckle which emerged from Duo didn’t help calm Honor’s fears any. He was always like this, hiding how he truly felt inside, and passing everything off as a light joke. It had never really bothered her until now, when both their futures were at stake. As much as she cared for him, she wanted a husband that would love her in return, and wouldn’t view sex as a chore. She knew that he would be that way, if forced to marry, and if she didn’t put up some sort of protest as well, he could possibly come to resent her as well. She didn’t want to lose her best friend.
Duo walked over to a chair and plopped down into it. He gazed at Honor who had her arms crossed against her chest and the look of an angry mother upon her face. “I won’t. I promise. Besides, you can’t talk your way out of anything. Just let me do the talking. Promise?”
Honor’s lower lip jutted out slightly and after a few moments she finally acquiesced. “Fine. I’ll just stand next to you.”
“Good girl.” He smiled at her as she walked over next to him and sat in the adjacent chair. They were kept waiting for a while before Lion finally decided to grace them with his presence.
“Ah, my two favorite people. How are you? Well, I hope.” Duo closed his eyes and began to count backwards from ten, trying to calm himself. He hadn’t expected his temper to flare once more when he finally came face to face with Lion. “I guess you want to hear what I have to say, no chitchat?”
“Please, we’ve been waiting for at least an hour for you to show up.” Honor’s voice was soft, and she was afraid that Duo would get mad at her for speaking. A quick glance in his direction told her that he was too busy trying to work out exactly what to say.
“Very well then.” Lion procrastinated for a few moments by pouring himself a glass of wine. He then joined the others in the small circle of chairs which were laid out before a large fireplace. “I’ve brought both of you in here to ask something of you.” His eyes met Duo’s, the harsh look upon Knight’s face caused him to smile. He already knew and was trying to work out a way to get around it. “I want you to marry, Knight.”
“Really?” Duo had tried to keep the sarcasm from entering into his voice, but winced as he realized that it had been impossible.
“Yes. I believe you’ll be quiet happy with the person whom I’ve chosen for you.” Both Honor and Duo waited anxiously for him to state what they expected, but he instead got up and began to pace about the room.
“Well?” Duo finally questioned, his impatience getting the better of him.
Lion smiled down at the two, he always enjoyed making people squirm. “I’ve already arranged the wedding. It’ll be held at the end of the week. My dear sweet Fayte, you should hurry and start working on your wedding gown. I’m giving you what you’ve always wanted ... Duo.”
Gundam Wing belongs to Hajime Yadate, Yoshiyuki Tomino, and Bandai
geovisit();
Also, I am seriously considering participating in the novella challenge this year. At the present I'm not certain how this will affect my release, if it will at all. So if they slow down again ... you'll know why. :)
Warnings: Language, slight out-of-characterness
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
Character Names:
Eiichi -- Heero, Knight -- Duo, Shironeko -- Quatre, Nanashi -- Trowa, Fayte -- Honor (an OC), Lion -- Treize, Hawk -- Zechs, and Rose -- Une
Knight had known something was wrong, but he tried to ignore that feeling as he headed down the vast flights of stairs which lead to the kitchen. He stopped for what seemed like the millionth time and gazed back up in the direction of Heero’s room. “I’m being paranoid.” With a swift shake of his head, he began his decent once again. However, the distant sound of breaking glass made his heart skip a beat. “Heero ...” Knight turned and began running as fast as he could up the stairs.
Heero stared wide-eyed at the man whom he had called ‘friend’ in the other world. Why was he threatening him? “WuFei ... I don’t -- I don’t understand. Why do you want to hurt me?”
WuFei’s cynical laugh filled the room and caused his already frantically beating heart to beat a bit faster. “Why?! Don’t be so coy ... Lord Eiichi.” Heero scrambled to his feet and backed up until his back brushed the stone and wood wall of his room. He looked around the room trying to find some way to escape, but found none. It appeared that he was stuck.
“I honestly don’t know why you’re so angry with me. Please ... please stop.” He was desperately trying not to cry, but the tears were quickly escaping his dark blue eyes. The tears surprised WuFei, who lowered his guard a bit. “Please ...”
“You’re -- begging? You never begged before! What kind of game is this, Yuy!?” The glow which had subsided grew once again, more intense than before. He pulled his arm back and was prepared to punch Heero, but before he could land it, he was flung across the room. WuFei crashed into the armoire and with a sickening thud slammed his head against the wall. He could see through his dazed vision that Heero was walking slowly toward him, his left hand raised and white light dancing around his fingers. His eyes had changed, they were harsher now, more like they had been before the incident.
“I never beg. You were banished, why are you here? Revenge?” In those few moments, Heero had turned into his old self, he had become Eiichi. WuFei could see that now, and this made him even more convinced that the man had been tricking him. “Get out, before I kill you.” As the door flew open, Heero turned his sharp eyes to glare at the intruder, and WuFei prayed that whoever it was could save him.
Knight looked at the room, and was surprised by the look in Heero’s eyes. “What’s going on?” The gleam in his eyes was unnatural, it was frightening.
“Knight, who let this trader inside?”
“Ei-pi?” Heero’s response was a hateful glare making Knight’s heart ache. This wasn’t his Ei-pi, and it most definitely wasn’t his Heero. “Eiichi, I’ll get the guards.”
Heero turned away from Knight as if he was disgusted with the sight of him. “You’re a guard ... idiot.” Knight’s eye twitched slightly, and he moved over to WuFei.
“Up.” WuFei tried several times to stand, but each time he fell back onto the broken bits of wood. With an agitated sigh, Knight helped the man up, and escorted him down to the dungeon. He never saw that Heero had collapsed onto the floor.
“What&rsquo ;s the big fuss?” Shiro turned his large deep green-blue eyes to Knight, he had heard the glass and Knight’s scream for help.
Knight busied himself with securing WuFei’s cell instead of answering Shiro. He didn’t really want to talk about how he had overreacted when he ran for the guards, and he especially didn’t want to mention his reaction when he had found Heero passed out in the floor. His breath had stopped short in his throat as he gazed in horror at the limp body. He had lost him once, and he didn’t want to lose him again.
“Never mind. I understand how painful this is for you.” Shiro turned his head toward the now quiet WuFei, the man who could answer a very important question. Silently, Knight rested his hand on the older man’s shoulder. “I’m okay. You don’t need to worry about me.” His smile may have been bright, but Shiro’s eyes told a different story. He was in as much pain as Knight, but for a different reason. “I’ll go check on Lord Eiichi. You probably should report to Lion.”
Knight resisted the urge to tell Shiro that he would check on Heero instead. This was all so difficult for him, especially since it had only been six months since the last time they had seen one another. That same painful twinge shot through his chest as the memories flashed before his mind. It had been so unfair, and to force him to leave, that had been unforgivable in Knight’s, no, Duo’s mind. “I made this mess, now I have to live with it.”
“Sir?” One of the guards was standing near him with a questioning look upon his oval face. Knight smiled and bowed his head slightly.
“I was just talking to myself. Excuse me.” The guard watched Knight exit the dungeon then turned to Shiro.
“Let him be.” Shiro changed his attention from the baffled guard to WuFei, the man who held the answers to his many questions. His mind raced trying to come up with a good reason to excuse the guards, but nothing came to him. Heart heavy and head burning with the desire of knowledge, he turned to leave the prisoner.
Heero was resting comfortably upon his lush bed coverings. There was a peaceful look upon his face, and Shiro found himself envying the man. He didn’t remember the horror that had happened before he had left, in fact he couldn’t remember his past as Eiichi, Lord of Edo. Cast out by the only man above him, the man known as Lion. His true name was Treize Kushirenada, and he hailed from the western world of Europe. Heero was more powerful than Treize, but because of his position beneath him, Heero had not put up much of a fight. Shiro had always suspected that his lack of resistance had something to do with Duo, but he wasn’t certain that Duo knew that. “Ah, Shiro.” Fayte glided into the room carrying a tray with cold water and a linen cloth. “How is he?”
“Still asleep. I think maybe we should send him back ...” Fayte stared at her friend, stunned that he should suggest such a thing. They needed Eiichi, but it was true that in his current state he was of no help to them.
“Did Knight tell you what happened?” Shiro shook his head as he rung out the cloth to place it upon Heero’s head. “I wonder why.”
“I’m not sure. He had gone to get food for the two of them, that’s when all this happened.” Heero’s brow scrunched up and he raised his hand to Shiro’s, pushing away the cloth. He rolled away from the cold wetness and curled up in a tight ball. “Honor ...” Shiro’s voice was low and soft, just barely a whisper. He was risking much calling her by her real name, but this was not a topic for Fayte or Shironeko.
Honor’s bright aquamarine eyes locked with the soft green-blue of Quatre’s. Neither one needed to say anything, they both knew what they were thinking. They were all prisoners, working for a man whom frightened them. “Quatre ...”
“WuFei’s downstairs ... all I have to do is talk with him. I’m sure he’ll --”
“Laugh at you? I want him to be alive as much as you, but we can’t keep up our hopes.” Honor looked away from Quatre, she couldn’t bare to see the pain in her childhood friend’s eyes. Although she had yet to be in love and have it reciprocated, she had seen in those around her how powerful the emotion was, and how quickly one’s heart could be injured by those closest.
Quatre’s voice was still soft, yet the conviction within that gentle tone was clear as crystal. “I know he’s still alive.” There was no doubt within him that Trowa was still breathing somewhere. He could still feel him inside his heart, and within his soul. “I know that Duo felt the same way when Heero was sent away.”
“I’m not entirely certain whether he would admit that or not. He was so angry when Heero --” The sound of the door creaking open forced an end to the conversation. Honor turned her head to find Rose standing with her arms crossed. Rose was one of the two council to Lion. Like Lion, she came from the west and had a very unpredictable personality. “M’lady.” Fayte curtsied quickly. She always felt uncomfortable around Rose, simply because she was never certain how the woman would react. She liked a bit of predictability in people.
Rose inclined her head in acknowledgment to Fayte’s small salutation. “Shironeko ... don’t you have work that needs tending?”
Quatre gave a veiled glance in Honor’s direction, letting her know they would continue their conversation later. He prayed silently that Rose had not overheard what had been said between them. “Yes, m’lady.” With a quiet click the door closed behind Shiro as he left.
Fayte could feel the heat of worry rising in her cheeks and she wondered if Rose could see it. “Did you need something, m’lady?”
“I wanted to see Lord Eiichi.” She gave an expectant look to Fayte, but it was lost on her. Rose then cleared her throat trying to convey the fact that she wanted to be alone with Eiichi. However, when Fayte remained by his beside, she held her head as if a headache was approaching. “Oh for heaven’s sake girl! Leave!”
“I-I’m so sorry, m’lady. I-I didn’t know.” Fayte quickly collected the water basin and the cloth then ran out the door.
Rose approached the bed and gazed at the man who had been banished. She was surprised to find him lacking any signs of the man he once was. At twenty-six, he should have appeared much older, but he still looked quite young and naive. It was as if Eiichi had completely vanished and left behind a shell of his former self. “I wonder if you’ll regain your memories soon. It’ll be interesting to see the reaction on Duo’s face.” She smiled at the thought. “I hope this time, things go a bit differently ...”
Knight knelt on one knee before Lion’s throne. “Rise.” Lion gazed down at his subordinate with a wry smirk plastered upon his impeccably perfect face. He was a smooth talker, and on the occasion could govern quite well; however, Duo had never fully trusted the man, even after he had been the one who had saved his life. “So, I heard that Lord Eiichi has returned.”
“Yes, m’lord.”
Lion chuckled at Knight’s curt response. “Funny, you normally can’t stop talking. Why so quiet?”
“No reason, sir. I thought that I was only to answer your questions.” He longed to scream that it was because he didn’t like nor trust him, but he held his tongue. Being dead wouldn’t be of much help to his friends.
“Ah. Fine then, I’ll ask you how you feel about being the one to bring him back.” Duo’s eyes narrowed. How dare he ask him a question like that! There was no simple answer, and none that he would be satisfied with. It was obvious that he was being baited.
“I volunteered.”
Lion shifted slightly in his large throne. The smile on his face looked like that of a sly fox moving in for the kill. “Yes, I know. But I really want to know what you felt when you saw him again.”
“I left as a soldier under your command and returned with my target. I had no personal feelings in this matter.” Lion noted the slight twitching of Knight’s right eye, he was lying.
“Come now ... I know that you must have still had some sort of feelings wrapped up in this. The two of you were after all --”
“As I told you, m’lord -- I had no personal feelings in this matter. I don’t really see why my feelings are important. I was sent to retrieve Lord Eiichi, and I have. He is in his room as we speak, awaiting your guiding hand to help his memories and power return.” Knight’s ire was rising, which was exactly what Lion was wanting. He wanted to see that bright spirit locked within, the spirit of Duo’s natural defiance.
“Fine ... I’ll move on. I wonder though, if you could have stayed there with him -- would you?”
Duo balled his hands into angry fists trying to quell the anger within him. “I fail to see the point of this.” Lion stood slowly and slinked down the few steps which were between him and Duo. He raised his hand up and brushed a stray hair from the other’s face.
“My dear sweet little Knight. Are you saying that you have memory problems as well? Just like your ex-lover?” Duo pulled away from his antagonizer and glared to hide the pain filling his being. This was why he hadn’t wanted to see Lion, the fact that ever since he and Heero had been caught together, this man continually ridiculed him for having a physical relationship with another man. “Well, that’s water under the bridge ... so to speak.” Duo wanted to punch him until he could no longer smile that sarcastic smile.
“If you say so, m’lord.” It was hard for him to speak without exploding with rage, but somehow Duo managed to retain Knight’s cool facade. “If we’re through now, I was wondering if I might be excused?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll go and check on our little Lord Eiichi. As you said, I must start retraining him.” Knight bowed shallowly, and then turned on his heel to leave. He wanted to run up to Heero’s room and kidnap him, but that would be a foolhardy move. Lion would know who did it, and Duo would lose his life because of it. He couldn’t die knowing that Heero was being used by that man.
Heero smiled as a warm hand rested gently on his forehead. “Tsuzuki?” His voice was heavy with sleep, and it was proving difficult to open his eyes. “Why can’t I see anything?”
“Well, if you would open your eyes ... you might actually be able to see.” Heero’s forehead scrunched in confusion. That wasn’t Tsuzuki’s voice, but it did cause a gentle stirring deep within him that he couldn’t explain. The voice sighed, obviously a bit frustrated with his grogginess.
“Who are you?”
“Duo ...” Warm lips brushed his cheek and he felt the bed sink beside him as a strong body positioned itself next to his.
Heero slowly tested the name on his heavy tongue. “Duo.” For some reason saying that name brought forth a comforting sensation. He wove his strong fingers through the long lean ones of the man beside him.
“WuFei didn’t hurt you, did he?” Heero could feel the tingle of hot breath against his neck and he stretched so that the sensation would hit more of his sensitive skin.
“No. But I think I seriously hurt him ... is he okay?” Again those warm lips slid lightly against the pulsing spot on his neck where his heartbeat was the strongest. This ‘Duo’ was having a profound, yet familiar affect on him, and he was at a loss as to why.
Arms slowly moved around Heero’s body and held him tightly. He didn’t want him to let go, he felt terrified that if he did, then this person would be gone forever. “He’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you.” Slowly, Heero’s eyes opened to find Knight curled up against him, a worried light shining in his indigo eyes.
“Knight?” The smile which met Heero’s small query tore at his heart. It wasn’t obviously sad, but the veil which dropped over his eyes told him that Knight was pulling away from him. He wanted to reach out and stop him from leaving his side, but Knight rose slowly to his feet and picked up his coat.
“Sorry. I was just worried about you ... it’s midnight, so I think you should go ahead and get some rest.”
Heero stared at the other man’s back, wondering why it was that he wanted to cling to it so badly. “But -- I’ve been sleeping for awhile now, right?”
“Yeah.” His voice was so sad and distant. Duo squeezed his eyes closed trying to force the tears which burned the corners of his eyes away. He knew that he shouldn’t have come to check on Heero by himself or this late at night, but loneliness had won over common sense. “If you want, you can go to the library and read. I’ll be in my room if you need anything. It’s up the flight of stairs next to this room.”
Heero watched as Knight left. An image of that same back facing him flashed through his mind. It brought with it feelings of hatred and betrayal. He shook his head out of confusion, trying to clear his mind of the image and emotions. Not feeling terribly sleepy, he decided to take Knight’s advice and go to the library to read up on the strange new world.
Duo slowly closed the door behind him and gazed into his darkened room. “I’m an idiot.” He choked back the burning lump that was forming in his throat, hoping that he could will away the emotions which were still raw and tender. The longer he stood there trying to reign in his feelings, the angrier he became. “Dammit!” He hurled his coat viciously across the room. “Shit!” His voice cracked as he stalked over to his bed and grabbed the post tightly causing his knuckles to turn white. Slowly, he crumpled down to the floor unable to hold the sobs at bay any longer. He yanked on the rich down comforter and buried his face within its softness. “I was over you! I was ...” His heart was hurting so much that Duo thought that it would give out at any moment, if it did then he would be grateful for he wouldn’t have to feel the pain of loss any more. “Heero ...” His anguished whisper died into another fit of sobbing as he curled up in the floor, the comforter wrapped around him like a cocoon.
Shiro sat across from WuFei’s cell. He had specifically asked to keep watch that night, since there needed to be a magic-user near a prisoner such as this. The cell had been set up to prevent any chance of WuFei using his magic, but there was always a risk, for he had escaped once before. That had been when it had happened. Trowa had led one of the groups sent out to search for the escapee, and they had found him; however, there had been a fight, and he had never returned. The few guards who made it back, had stated that Nanashi had been killed; although, Quatre had never believed them. He could remember all the counseling which Lion had insisted upon, trying to get him to see reality. However, no amount of trickery would stop that certainty which resided within his heart that Trowa was still alive.
It had been over two years now since that fateful night, and Quatre finally had his opportunity to question the man who had no ties to Lion. The man who could hopefully put an end to the debate. Yet, WuFei refused to meet Quatre’s gaze. “I’m a bit thirsty ... would you mind fetching me some water?” The lone guard smiled and left the dungeon. They were finally alone. “WuFei, I have something to ask you.” His reply was a snort. Quatre had thought that the country’s number one enemy terrorist would respond in such a manner, but he was not about to give up. “It’s about Trowa.”
“I don’t know a Trowa.” WuFei’s behavior was borderline hostile which sparked a bit of anger within Quatre. He had hoped that when Nanashi’s real name was spoken, WuFei would respond.
“You do. Here his name was Nanashi But his true name was Trowa.” WuFei turned his gaze to the side wall of his cell. He adjusted his arms slightly, tired of wearing the heavy cuffs. “Please ... don’t make me beg.”
“Why do you want to know so badly?”
“Be-because I ... love him.” WuFei finally turned his dark eyes to Quatre. He stared at the blonde boy who looked no more than fourteen.
“Funny -- he had said there was one whom he loved, but he was in his mid-twenties. You look too young.” Quatre slowly rose and then closed his eyes. He mumbled something and then a light glow surrounded him. WuFei was surprised to see the boy grow into a full grown man, and he was even more surprised by the amount of magical power which he could sense from Quatre.
“I am that one.” He was a very beautiful man of roughly six feet tall, his wavy blonde hair shaggy and falling slightly in his eyes. There was a delicate air about his build, but WuFei knew that was deceitful. The man was very strong.
“I see. So you hide your true power level by adjusting your age ... this is the first time I’ve actually see a child of Oz capable of doing that.” Quatre’s smile was humorless as he moved closer to the cell.
“Will you tell me now? Please ... my name is Quatre -- did he ever speak of me?”
WuFei’s face lit up in surprise. “Had I known your name in the first place, I would have told you ... I suggest unless you want your guards rushing down here to see why there’s a spike of magical energy, that you revert to your other form.” Quatre nodded and quickly changed back into his younger self. “Now what was it that you needed to know?”
“Is he alive?” Quatre’s stomach began to churn slightly with anticipation. It wasn’t until that moment that he doubted his heart.
“I -- haven’t seen him in a year and a half. I’m sorry.” Quatre’s heart sunk. He should have expected something like this, but he hadn’t said that Trowa was dead, just that he hadn’t seen him. “If I knew where he was, I would tell you.”
“It’s alright. When you last saw him, was he well?” WuFei’s sly smile was enough to tell Quatre that Trowa had been in excellent health. Finally his heart was more at ease. “Thank you.”
“Are you reading my mind?”
“No ... you would know it if I were. Since you also have the gift. Although, I’m surprised that you’re not going to try and bribe me with the promise of seeing Trowa.”
“I have more pride than that. If I want out ... I’ll get out myself.” Something in his voice sent chills down Quatre’s spine. This man was a definite mystery, and one that needed to be watched over carefully.
Heero opened a large text which simply had the inscription of Oz on its binding. He was curious as to what it pertained to, and why the others wanted him to read it. The introductory paragraph answered his question.
The children of Oz, those who are capable of wielding powers beyond that of a normal person. “Oz?” Heero chuckled softly, the name reminded him of his favorite childhood movie. When these people began to emerge in society, they were seen as devils, witches, demons. They went against everything which standard religion had taught; however, they were the ones whom the world turned to in a time of war.
After several generations passed, these wielders of power became respected, and were given high positions in the world government. The people now look to the children of Oz for guidance and leadership. This history is about how they rose to such a high and respectable position in society.
Heero sat there for hours reading the large tome discovering that these people had been through horrible trials and tribulations in order to arrive where they were at that moment. He had been told that he was one of these people, but he couldn’t remember anything other than his normal boring life on Earth. The markings on his arms were still invisible, and he didn’t feel as if he had any kind of special power. In truth, he was starting to think again that this was all some sort of nightmare from which he couldn’t awaken.
The book closed with a soft thump, his eyes were burning and they kept threatening to close. Heero tried to focus on the room, but his vision was too blurred. He stretched his tired and stiff muscles then stood, only to fall backwards into his seat once more. “Guess I’ll just sleep here.” With one last look at the room, heavy lids lowered slowly over his dark blue eyes. His last conscious thought was that he would be stiff when he awakened later.
It had been several hours since Heero had fallen asleep, and Duo was amused to see a small trail of drool running from the corner of his open mouth. He carefully wrapped one arm around the other’s shoulders, and then another beneath Heero’s legs. With a huff, the sleeping Heero was lifted into warm arms and carried to his bed.
Duo gently pulled the covers up to Heero’s chin, and brushed his hair away from his eyes. Against his better judgment, his finger began to trace the contours of that face which haunted his dreams. “If I said I wanted to be with you ... what would you say?” Heero groaned softly and shifted closer to the warm hand caressing his cheek. Pain grasped at Duo’s heart, telling him that it was only hurting him more being this close to what he can never have again. “‘night, Heero.” He quietly closed the door behind him and turned to find Fayte staring up at him. “I was just ... Hee -- Eiichi fell asleep in the library. I put in him in his bed.” The accusing look in her eyes was fleeting, but caused Duo to worry nevertheless.
“Oh, well ... I was just on my way to wake you.” Fayte tried to find somewhere to focus her eyes other than the rich purple-blue of Knight’s. “We’ve been summoned by Lion.”
“Really?” Duo rested his hand on Honor’s shoulder, and gave her a gentle push in the direction of Lion’s quarters. “Then let’s go see him and get it over with.”
“Knight, I think that it has something to do with --”
“With me and Eiichi? I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. He probably wants to humiliate me before his breakfast. Sort of like an appetizer.” Honor hung her head not knowing whether or not she should tell him exactly why Lion had summoned both of them. It was highly unusual for Fayte to leave her area of the castle, but this was an important matter or so she had been told.
Shyly, Honor raised her eyes up to Duo’s face and stared at him for a few moments. She had always had a crush on him, which had slowly developed into more, but she knew that his heart was Heero’s. Lion’s intentions were going to hurt him, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. “Duo,”
“Shh. You’ll be heard.” Honor stopped and waited for Duo to face her. She was going to have to say something. “What?”
“He -- he wants us to ...” Duo moved closer to her and placed a gentle finger under her quivering chin. He pushed her face upward so he could see into her eyes. They had grown up together and knew everything about each other. She had even been his first kiss, but shortly thereafter, he had discovered that he liked boys over girls. After his realization, Honor had become the sister he had never had, and he hated to see her so upset.
“What?” The sound of Duo’s gentle voice caused Honor to burst into tears. She clung desperately to his shirt and waited for the overwhelming sobbing to subside. Duo chuckled softly as she pulled away and revealed a nasty wet spot on his crisp linen shirt.
“Don’t laugh. This isn’t funny, Duo. Lion wants you to marry me.” Upon hearing her words, Duo’s face took on a dark angry look. Honor backed away slightly, afraid of the eruption which she was certain was coming; however, he took several calming breaths and then turned in the direction of Lion’s rooms. “Duo?”
“C’mon. So he’s going to play a game with my emotions? Does he honestly think that by marrying me off to a girl it’ll cure me of my so-called unhealthy appetite for Heero?” Duo’s laugh was cold and menacing. In fact his whole nature at the moment was terrifying Honor. She scurried after him, her short legs trying to keep up with his long angry strides. “I’m sick of being played with.” With a shove, Duo threw open the large oak doors leading into the series of rooms which made up Lion’s living quarters. “Lion!” His piercing bellow shook the whole room. Honor stopped in the doorway and watched as he stalked around the room trying to find the man in question. “Where the hell is he?!”
“He’ll be here shortly ...” His assistant, Zechs or Hawk as he was known to the other Oz members, stood lazily in the doorway leading to Lion’s bedchambers.
“So he summons us, and doesn’t show up?” Duo was still shouting, and his face was starting to turn a deep red. Honor ran to his side and grabbed his arm. She gave him a stern look that she prayed told him to calm himself until Lion arrived. “I’m fine,” he gave her hand a gentle squeeze to emphasize his whispered reassurance.
“I hope so.” Honor stepped away from him, and gazed at Hawk, annoyance starting to build within her as well.
“I was sent to apologize for his lordship’s tardiness, but it seems that you may already know what he has to say.” His clear blue eyes focused on Honor with an accusing gleam. To her the glare she gave him should have been bone chilling, but he merely smiled at her. “If you’ll both excuse me, I have some work I must attend to. Helping run a country is no easy task.”
“Duo ...” Honor bounced up and down as she whined slightly from worry.
“Shh. Let me talk to him.”
“Oh, that’ll work,” Honor rolled her eyes, completely disgusted with the situation. “Duo, you’ll just get angry and then violent. I know you.” The light chuckle which emerged from Duo didn’t help calm Honor’s fears any. He was always like this, hiding how he truly felt inside, and passing everything off as a light joke. It had never really bothered her until now, when both their futures were at stake. As much as she cared for him, she wanted a husband that would love her in return, and wouldn’t view sex as a chore. She knew that he would be that way, if forced to marry, and if she didn’t put up some sort of protest as well, he could possibly come to resent her as well. She didn’t want to lose her best friend.
Duo walked over to a chair and plopped down into it. He gazed at Honor who had her arms crossed against her chest and the look of an angry mother upon her face. “I won’t. I promise. Besides, you can’t talk your way out of anything. Just let me do the talking. Promise?”
Honor’s lower lip jutted out slightly and after a few moments she finally acquiesced. “Fine. I’ll just stand next to you.”
“Good girl.” He smiled at her as she walked over next to him and sat in the adjacent chair. They were kept waiting for a while before Lion finally decided to grace them with his presence.
“Ah, my two favorite people. How are you? Well, I hope.” Duo closed his eyes and began to count backwards from ten, trying to calm himself. He hadn’t expected his temper to flare once more when he finally came face to face with Lion. “I guess you want to hear what I have to say, no chitchat?”
“Please, we’ve been waiting for at least an hour for you to show up.” Honor’s voice was soft, and she was afraid that Duo would get mad at her for speaking. A quick glance in his direction told her that he was too busy trying to work out exactly what to say.
“Very well then.” Lion procrastinated for a few moments by pouring himself a glass of wine. He then joined the others in the small circle of chairs which were laid out before a large fireplace. “I’ve brought both of you in here to ask something of you.” His eyes met Duo’s, the harsh look upon Knight’s face caused him to smile. He already knew and was trying to work out a way to get around it. “I want you to marry, Knight.”
“Really?” Duo had tried to keep the sarcasm from entering into his voice, but winced as he realized that it had been impossible.
“Yes. I believe you’ll be quiet happy with the person whom I’ve chosen for you.” Both Honor and Duo waited anxiously for him to state what they expected, but he instead got up and began to pace about the room.
“Well?” Duo finally questioned, his impatience getting the better of him.
Lion smiled down at the two, he always enjoyed making people squirm. “I’ve already arranged the wedding. It’ll be held at the end of the week. My dear sweet Fayte, you should hurry and start working on your wedding gown. I’m giving you what you’ve always wanted ... Duo.”