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Chapter Seven

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"Wufei," Heero called, arranging the stack of parchments the nth time that day.

"Yes, milord," Wufei appeared from the shadows of the study, bowing deeply.

Heero withdrew a rolled letter from his jacket, handing it to Wufei.

"Please go to the villages and invite the locals. Be sure everything is arranged for tomorrow."

"Yes, milord," Wufei bowed again. Sweeping from the room, Wufei pulled his dark traveling cloak bearing the royal emblem and stepped out in the brisk morning air. A stable boy no older than thirteen led Wufei's copper colored horse from the stables and handed him the reins, bowing deeply.

Wufei nodded his thanks, mounted his horse, and rode out of the palace's gates.

================================================================

"Did you get it Dorothy?" Relena asked the panting Dorothy as she came through the hidden wall.

"Yes, Love," Dorothy puffed. "Young Lillian is awful hard to avoid when she suspects ill." Dorothy protruded from the pocket in her apron the finely crafted necklace that Heero had given Lily. The sapphires gleamed in Relena's eyes as she took the piece of jewelry, examining it carefully.

"Perfect. Dorothy, get the dram," Relena commanded. Dorothy nodded, her long blonde hair falling in her face. Opening a cabinet, Dorothy pulled a long, thin tube from it and handed it to Relena.

Relena pulled the cork from the dram. The contents gave a soft smell of lavender in the air, a more pleasant smell than it had been when it was brewing. She laid the necklace in a bowl and poured the dram's contents, which surprisingly filled up the bowl, encasing the necklace within its depths.

"Now we let it sit for a while then we'll return it," Relena stated, "Then, when she wears it, she'll fall under an awful spell." Relena glowed at the thought. "Then my dear brother shall come and rid us forever of the demon." Relena withdrew the necklace. The sapphire was black for a minute before turning back to its shimmering blue.

================================================================ < p>"How often do you travel?" Jia asked Solo. Jia, Solo, and Lily were walking through the square. It was a beautiful day. The sun warmed the chilly October air making their cloaks warmer as the dark fabric soaked in the sun's rays.

"Quite often," Solo replied, "I've been on the road with my family since I could remember." The conversation grew to matters of family and the state of other towns and countries coming to a stop when they reached the busy square where a large crowd had gathered around ¾

"Father?" Jia asked as she saw Wufei standing in the center of the square.

Wufei was standing on the stage where auctions had often taken place. His ebony eyes read to the villagers from a roll of parchment.

"Here ye, Here ye," Wufei began, his eyes peering over the parchment at the crowd.

"Father?" Solo asked, one eyebrow arching.

"Er…yes," Jia said. She didn't know if she should deny that she said it or not.

"Her father's the Emperor's advisor," Lily continued.

"You live in the palace?"

"No, not exactly. The Emperor gave us a manner that's behind the palace, but connected with the palace for special reasons."

"I see," Solo looked from one to the other. He turned to Lily.

"Where do you live then?" He had a sly tone.

"Me? I…um ¾ "

"Tomorrow night their will be a festival held in the palace," Wufei's voice rang over the crowd. "The Emperor invites you all to attend the festival honoring his daughter's sixteenth birthday…" The crowd gave an uproar of excitement.

"A festival?" Solo pondered.

"We have to go," Lily said urgently, making to leave quickly, when Solo grabbed her hand, spinning her around.

"If you have to leave then…" He kissed her. Not the long kiss one gives a wife, but a soft, lingering kiss, begging for more.

================================================================ < p>Over the horizon of the Empire's borders, Milliardo, his face masked by an iron helmet, peered with twenty men at the distant palace.

The sun was gently setting, casting an eerie glow. Milliardo turned to his men.

"We'll camp at the bottom of the hill. Tomorrow night, we shall advance."

============================================================== ==

"Everyone knows what to do right?" Duo called to his men. Each man was dressed in brilliantly colored costumes, each man masked as a magical creature. Those that were shifters, had transformed into an animal, each one exotic.

Duo wore black pants with a red silk jacket, folds of white ruffle peaking out of the sleeves and collar. His long hair was braided and hung down his waist, falling to the hem of the black and red lined cape he wore. He wore a mask that covered half his face, ended above his nose.

When Solo returned from the village, he brought news that there was to be a festival honoring the Emperor's daughter. This brought surprise to Duo, who couldn't imagine how anyone could bred with the Pink Harpy. This brought a great opportunity to be close to Heero, and Duo couldn't help but take it.

Using their skills in thievery and magic, the members of Night Wing had stolen a few covered wagons and painted them in brilliant colors. They were to act as a band of gypsies, offering their services for the night. Each man had either donned a costume, those that could shifted their forms. They now had a lion (a small, stout man named Alex transformed into a lion), a panther (a tall, slender woman named Kendra), and a few other small animals that were sure to bring entrainment. Trowa, who was quite good at transfiguring objects, had transfigured a flock of crows to black horses with silver wings that would pull the wagons.

"Is everyone ready?" Duo asked, checking the ropes on the wagon.

A crowd of "Ayes!" erupted. With the tsk-ing of his horse, Duo pulled out of the depths of the forest, his men following.

============================================================= ===

It had been a long day. Servants bustled around the palace cleaning. The kitchens were in a state preparing the food and making sure everything fit the people's tastes. A tribe of Brownies had arrived and attached themselves to a person, helping then whenever they could. One had even taken pity on Heero, who was often absorbed in matters of state that he had had little time to get ready, and attached himself to Heero, watching over him.

Relena had consumed herself in her chambers and was seen only when she was yelling down the halls for a maid. No one disturbed her.

"It's your birthday, you don't have to resist temptation," a monotonous voice said behind Lily. Lily was brushing her fingers across the newly cleaned crystal railing, itching to slide down it. Lily turned at the voice to see her father smiling, it had always been a game since she was a child. The two often raced each other down the stair's railing.

"Only if you go first." Lily smiled as Heero mounted the crystal railing, preparing to slide. Lily prepared to mount the other railing, but her mother's voice stopped her.

"Lillian, don't you dare," Relena chided. She wore a red gown with a pink corset. "You'll ruin your dress." She gestured to Lily's new dress that had been bought in the city. It was a pale yellow with blue forget-me-nots embroidered at the hems of the skirt. Strings of beads were sewn in the collar and posed as the straps that held the corset like shirt up. The beads had pillowed out, forming the sleeves and the extra strings of beads had been woven into her hair. The dress gave a very romantic feel, adding only to her beauty.

Lily and Heero both dismounted the railings. They were saved as Jin's footsteps echoed up the staircase, causing them to turn. Jin bowed, the chain link underneath his tunic clinked.

"Milord, my father requests you at the gates," Jin bowed again.

================================================================

Duo gazed at the guards as they searched the wagon for signs of any danger. No gypsies had been booked, therefore requesting that Heero come and either deny or accept them to play at the festival.

Duo shifted his gaze to the Chinese man standing at the gate overseeing their arrival. Duo immediately recognized the man as Wufei. The jet black hair was still pulled back in the tight pony tail below his nape. His ebony eyes still had the stern gaze. Duo remembered Wufei often chasing him through corridors when he had caught him and Heero doing ¾ ah hem ¾ discriminating things to strip them of their inheritance.

A solitary figure walked towards the gates. The wind was giving his hair and even more wild look. His long cape billowed in the wind, his sword's hilt glinted in the sun's light. It was Heero, this was sure when he came to a stop and looked upon the group of supposedly gypsies, his cobalt gaze unwavering.

"Let them pass," Heero's gaze rested upon the masked Duo. Duo nodded.

"Thank you, milord." Soon the group was inside the palace walls. They were directed towards a spot and allowed to set up. People had begun to arrive and the members of Night Wing had great enjoyment entraining the people.

================================================================

The sun had begun to set and Lily had a time weaving thorough the dancing crowd. Often times a stranger approached and she accepted their offer to dance. The bards often played up tempo music from their stringed instruments and soft, sad tunes from the flutes, pipes, bells, and harps. The music was uplifting and gave a serene sense to the listeners.

Lily had managed to break away from the dancing crowd. She kept her eyes on Jia, who she had just saw.

"Jia!" She called, hoping her friend would hear and sure enough she did. Jia turned her onyx eyes to Lily. She was dressed in red and gold with lace woven through her thick hair that had been twisted in an elegant knot.

"Happy Birthday," Jia hugged her friend.

"Thank you," Lily said. "Where's your brother?"

"I don't know. But you must come see this," Jia begun to drag Lily through the crowd, stopping in front of a large wagon where a band of gypsies were.

"They're absolutely wonderful," Jia said. "You must see these tricks they do."

And sure enough, they were wonderful. The women, beautifully dressed in purples, blacks, and gold danced, entrancing their watchers. Men played drums, flutes, and tambourines as the women danced. A man with an odd auburn hair style, a long chestnut braided man, and a black haired man had weaved in and out of the crowd, taking volunteers and making them participate in their magic tricks. Dangerous stunts, such as dagger throwing and sword and fire swallowing, was taking place was quite entraining.

A tug on her hand alerted Lily. She turned to see the chestnut braided man smiling at her, his amethyst eyes twinkling beneath the mask.

"Come with me, milady," the man, Duo, implied, leading Lily to the 'stage'.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Duo called to the crowd who immediately ceased their laughter.

"For my next trick, I shall make this lovely lady disappear!" Ohs and ahs erupted from the crowd. Some clapped. A box, taller than Lily, about six feet high was brought forth. It had moons, suns, and stars etched into the surface of the box. Duo opened it. He took Lily's hand and guided her inside of it and closed the doors. Duo turned to the audience.

"Now watched closely, and you will see," Duo called, "that when the doors open, their will be no person." He gathered the suspense and opened the doors. The crowd erupted in laughter and applause. Some had even began to worry after a few minutes passed.

"Not to worry, not to worry," Duo calmed the crowd. Solo and Trowa appeared at his sides. Holding out his hands, Solo put a black piece of silk in his right hand, and Trowa a gold piece of silk in his left. Duo tied the two pieces of cloth in front of the crowd and wadded them in his fist. He pulled a corner of the cloth that stuck out next to his thumb.

He continued pulling till the cloth had grew longer than he was tall. One side was black silk, the other gold.

"Now watch closely," Duo teased. With a puff of smoke and a dramatic wave of the sheet, Lily stood, the sheet now gone.

Cheers emitted. Duo took Lily's hand and bowed. He thanked Lily and she returned to standing next to Jia.

"How'd they do that?" Jia asked Lily.

"A magician never tells his tricks," Lily smiled. "You know that."

"Come on lets go," Jia said. They were about to leave the gathering crowd when they heard their names.

"Lilly! Jia!" They turned to see the black haired gypsy striding up to them. He stood taller than they. His emerald eyes sparkled beneath the red mask he was wearing. He was dressed in a red and black trimmed tunic. His black pants blended in well with his knee high leather boots. As he approached, he removed his mask, his long black bangs drenched in sweat.

"Solo?" Lily was shocked and afraid. He would finally know who she really was.

"You guys were fabulous!" Jia complemented Solo, indicating the mask.

"Thank you," Solo said. "Lily I wanted to ask you…" The sound of trumpets echoed over the large court yard. The music and talking ceased as the royal family approached.

"I have to go," Lily whispered to Solo. Solo nodded, not thinking much of it and watched as Lily disappeared into the crowd.

The Emperor and his wife came into view. The Emperor Heero held his head steady and the fraction of a smile crossed his face as his subjects bowed. His crown gleamed in the setting sun's light. Relena walked five paces behind them, nodding and giving false smiles. Wufei soon followed. Heero, Relena, and Wufei stopped when they had reached the stage, they turned to face the crowd. Heero stood in the center in front of the high throne, and Relena to his left in front of hers. Wufei had his own chair behind the Emperor, but often times he stood behind the Emperor's throne, which he was doing now. The crowd stood, they all looked for signs of another person. They had begun to mutter to one another when Heero held up a strong hand. The crowd silenced.

"Thank you all," Heero began, "For being here and the wonderful gifts you have bestowed upon my daughter." The people began to clap. They always had appreciated Heero's generosity and how he ran the country. Heero held up his hand again.

"I would like to introduce you to the future heir," He gestured towards the entrance where they had come. Heads turned. This would be the first time anyone had ever seen the heir to the throne ¾ let alone heard of one. "To my daughter, Lillian."

From the shadows of the Entrance Hall, Lily stepped out into the light. Gasps and excited whispers were heard. Solo gapped at Lily. Never had he known ¾ he assumed she had a high status in society, but not this high.

Duo stood on a box even though he was tall enough, it was hard to see over the wave of heads. Trowa gave a mere glance, he had known their was a child, he had foreseen her in prophecies.

Lily stepped down the stairs, she was now standing on the red carpet. Her breath quickened as she looked at her people.

"Just breathe. It's all right," Lily assured herself as she walked down the carpet. She stopped in front of the stairs leading to the cage. Heero smiled and bowed. Soon, the crowd was bowing, Lily in turn, bowed to her father. Heero held out his hand and escorted Lily the five steps in front of the stage.

People began to talk excitedly and ceased when Heero held up another hand. He smiled.

"Let the festival begin!" Cheers and applause broke out. Catcalls sounded and men whistled.

Out from the entrance hall, two orbs of blue light flew in. The light grew to where it was too bright for human eyes to gaze at. When the light had ceased, although their still was a slight glow of blue light, two figures stood in the hall.

"Surely the Emperor will grant us to bestow our gifts?" It was the Queen of Faries that spoke. She hadn't aged a day since they last had seen them. Her hair was shifting in the light, gleaming like a pearl. The King's black hair had a mossy look to it now, a deep brown like the bark of a tree, but as soft as the moss. His gray eyes were now green.

Heero bowed deeply to them. This had never been seen in history before. Never has an Emperor bowed to someone, but now he stood, bowing the King and Queen of Fairies. Not wanting to upset these beautiful creatures, they kneeled as the fairies walked by. In their midst, sparkling sand fell from their fluttering wings. The carpet now glowed.

"Step forth child," the King said to Lily. Lily gave an uneasy glance at Heero, who nodded. She walked smoothly down the steps and kneeled before them.

"There is no need to kneel before one of your kind child," the Queen said. Her voice was soft and whimsical and rang through the lands, casting a soothing tune. Lily was confused, but nonetheless stood. She was shorter by a few inches to the fairies. Then she realized that she had the same nose that turned up cutely and her ears, which she had always hidden beneath her hair, pointed in the same elfin way. She gasped.

"Born from one of us," the Queen began, "You were then bestowed upon your father as a pure blood heir. Therefore, we feel it right to bestow gifts upon you. Close your eyes child." Lily closed her eyes. She immediately felt different: her body seemed lighter and she felt a surreal feeling seep through her skin.

"You may open them." She did. The crowd gasped.

Instead of the yellow gown she had worn, it was now replaced with one that was similar to what the Queen wore. The bodice was made from aqua blue crushed velvet with a unique baroque design of off white embroidery with lavish pearl and glass beadwork. The bodice arced downward into a 'V' giving the sweet femininity feel of the gown. Flattering horizontal lines separated the aqua blue panel from the ice blue and were drawn by scalloped lace trimming and beaded with pearls. The delicate lace trimming with stunning blue crystal beads separated the blue panels from the peach sash. The neckline alone was a work of art only fairies and elves could craft. It was made from three layers of gold embroidered, lace trimming, covered in blue crystal beads of varied shapes and shades. A gold brooch with a blue opal in the middle held the fabric together and accented her sapphire necklace well.

The sleeves repeated the designs and fabrics of the bodice and skirt bringing the whole gown to it's magical perfection. The sleeves began alternating aqua blue velvet and peach satin silk, overlaid with the aforementioned fairy crafted lace. These materials were all generously ruffled together to create a princess puff that Lily had seen so many times on her mother's gowns. The fitted sleeves were made of ice blue velvet with the baroque beaded lace overlaying it. They were laced together with peach satin laces, which tied the scalloped edges together; this gave the sleeves the real fairy look. The same gold scalloped lace on the neckline separated the puff from the fitted sleeve, decked in tiny blue crystals and decorate with three gold and blue opal brooches per under puff. The sleeves had a baroque beaded lace cuff, that commenced in a 'V' that was decorated by delicate lace trimming, with blue crystal beads and gold and blue opal brooch in the middle of each hand.

The full elaborated skirt was made of three layers of ruffled and draped materials giving a unique one of a kind look. The front panel of the skirt was made of the same luxurious aqua blue velvet as the bodice, overlaid with beautifully fairy crafted beaded lace. The rest of the skirt was also aqua blue but had an ice blue embroidered chiffon overlaying it, creating a soft and flowing effect with depth and shine. Peach satin silk drapings, overlaid by the same stunning fairy crafted lace, clasped with the same gold lace trimming as along the neckline. The gold clasps were embedded with blue crystals and the same brooch as the one on the neckline but this time with a pearl center.

Everyone gapped at the dress. It was beautiful and would be of great worth if ever sold. Lily stood dumbfounded. She reached up and felt that her hair had been redone and styled more elegantly. The twists of the hair had white lilies and the blue crystal beads woven into each twist and braid.

The Queen stepped towards Lily.

"You are now, truly crafted by one of our kind. However," her eyes fell upon the necklace Heero had given Lily, the one that Relena had cursed. The Queen continued, "This caries a great evil." She touched the necklace for a minute. A bright light emitted from the necklace, a soft hissing sound and black smoke arose. The Queen smiled.

"The evil is gone." Relena tsked, causing Heero to turn and glare at her. He knew she had done something too it but wasn't sure, this only increased his assumptions.

Lily looked at the Queen. "Thank you." She hugged the Queen, who looked shocked for a moment then returned the hug. The crowd clapped as Lily stepped away.

The King stepped forward. He smiled at Lily as he pulled an object from his tunic. It was a small ring. The sapphires were cut into the design of a lily and diamonds were cut to resemble leaves. He took Lily's hand, and as he slid the ring on her long, slender finger of her right hand, he spoke:

"May this be a light in dark places. May it also protect you from the foulness of our kind." Lily hugged him too. With a small pop the fairies disappeared, leaving everyone with the memory of them. Everyone clapped, expecting them to reappear as Lily had done in the magic trick, but they never did.

=============================================================== =

Quatre wondering through the crowd. He had wanted to find his son, however he was having great difficultly. Quatre walked behind the covered wagon of the gypsies, looking for Akeem.

"May I help you?" It was a soft masculine voice. Quatre turned. His mouth opened and closed, staring with mixed emotions at the unmasked Trowa.

"Tro…" Quatre began but couldn't find the words.

"Yes, little one, it is me." Quatre immediately through himself at Trowa, plastering the tall man with hugs and kisses. When Quatre had stopped, he and Trowa were both out of breath.

"I've missed you so," Quatre said, hugging Trowa again. Trowa returned the hug.

"Me too."

"There's something I've wanted to tell you ever since you left," Quatre began. Before he could continue, Trowa stopped him.

"I know, little one, I know. Akeem is our son. I knew a month after my banishment. I never meant for you to get pregnant when I cast the spell. I'm sorry for any pain it caused…"

"Don't be," Quatre kissed Trowa again. "He was my pride after you left. He kept me here…"

========================================================== ======

Lily barely had time to break away from the crowd as they were leaving. People wished her the best and she returned it to them. A small tug and something fell in her hand. Lily looked to see Solo standing, his mask back on. The gypsies had already left and he was apparently waiting for Lily to leave from the crowd.

"Solo, I've…"

"Shhh…here," Solo pushed the letter back in her hand, closing her fist. He kissed her hand and bowed. Lily watched sadly as he disappeared into the crowd.

********

Lily made quickly to leave the party and undress from the beautiful gown given by the fairies. She now stood in the room dressed in a dark blue nightdress. She looked at the letter that lay on her bed. It gave a foreboding effect. She feared what it might say.

Lily wanted greatly to take the letter and go find Jia and have her to read it first. But Jia was more than likely asleep by now. Taking a chance she opened the letter. It was the first time she had seen Solo's neat, loopy handwriting. The letter read:

Hello My Love,

Do not fear that I am mad at you for not telling me of your status. It will never change the amount of how much I love you. I hope you will read this quickly and come. If you can find way, meet me, tonight, out at the gates. I wish to show you something.

All My Love,

Solo

Lily reread the letter. He wanted to meet her. Deciding that she should go. Lily through on her black traveling cloak and left the room.

================================================================ < p>"Damn it!" Relena screamed as she threw a wooden bowl at the wall. Dorothy was use to Relena's pouts of rage and merely looked amused. A soft knock sounded. Relena stopped her ranting and opened the hidden door. Milliardo stood there, his platinum blonde hair glinting in the firelight.

"Is everything ready?" Milliardo asked, looking worriedly at the shattered bowl.

"NO! EVERYTHING IS NOT ALL RIGHT!" Relena shrieked. "BECAUSE OF THOSE DAMN FAIRIES AND THEIR MAGICAL FRIENDS, THE SPELL WON'T WORK!"

"Calm down Miss Relena," Dorothy said soothingly, massaging Relena's shoulders. Relena calmed.

"Then what will we do?" Milliardo asked. "My men are ready for any one of your wishes." Relena pondered for a bit, an evil gleam in her eyes.

"Dorothy," Relena said.

"Yes?"

"Go and make sure young Lillian is sleeping."

"Yes." Dorothy disappeared down the hidden passageway that Milliardo had come from. She turned to her brother.

"You, dear brother, will take her to the mountains. The Shadowed Mountains."

Milliardo gulped. "Relena, that seems drastic for just killing a child. We could do it now and be done with it. Those mountains are evil."

"Nonsense," Relena assured. "You'll take her there and sacrifice her to the Demons. They'll be delighted." After much encouraging, Milliardo agreed. Dorothy reappeared.

"She's gone!" Dorothy panted as she had run the length of the palace and back to inform them.

"WHAT?!" Relena and Milliardo said in unison. Relena stormed over to her mirror.

"Show me her!" Relena commanded. The images in the mirror swirled then settled. Through the fog of the mirror Relena could see Lily, blindfolded, being lead into the forest by a man ¾

"Solo?" she asked. Milliardo and Dorothy peered at the man.

"Can't be," Milliardo assured. "He's dead, I made sure of it. However…"

"What?" Relena was starting to get mad again. "What?"

"He does have a son…I believe he is named 'Solo' too." Relena pondered for a bit.

"Milliardo."

"Yes?" Milliardo stepped forward.

"Take your men to the edge of the forest and await the two lovebirds. Take them both to the mountains. Any son or affiliate to of the Maxwells are a threat to me…"

============================================================ ====

"Whoops. Here," Solo said. He had blindfolded Lily and was leading her through the Shadow Lands. Lily had stumbled over a protruding root, Solo made to catch her before she rolled down the hill. He escorted Lily down the hill.

"Are we there yet?" Lily asked.

"Almost," Solo replied, now whispering. "Shhh."

The walked in silence, Solo occasionally helping Lily prevent from falling. The stopped in front of a lake. Lily heard the sound of a waterfall.

"Now?"

"No. Not yet," Solo led Lily behind a few bushes and removed the blindfold. Lily blinked at the small change of light. Solo held a finger to his lips and parted the bushes, allowing them to see the lake better.

A high waterfall cascaded down into the depths of the lake. Water lilies and other flowers floated on the glass like surface of the lake. The larks hummed a soft song for them. They spent minutes in silent, watching the lake.

"Here they come," Solo whispered, allowing Lily to get a better view of the lake.

A soft white light glowed from the edge of the forest. Pale blues, pinks, greens, and purples glowed against the light, which Lily immediately recognized as fairies. The light grew closer. Lily shut her eyes and opened them, letting out a soft gasp. Two unicorns had galloped into the lake. Their white coats reflected the lights of the fairies, gleaming like a pearl. Their horns were of pure white. Like their coats, their horns gleamed in the light. The unicorn's galloped around each other, obviously lovers.

"Their beautiful," Lily whispered.

"Not as beautiful as you though." Lily blushed deeply. They watched the unicorns for what felt like hours but was only minutes. The two lovers danced and frolicked in the glassy surface of the lake. No splash or ripple was seen, as what part of their magic nature. The moon had begun to reflect on the surface of the lake. Suddenly, as the moon was seen, the trees and plants around Solo and Lily lit with white light. Fairies danced with each other from the trees, each one singing their own song. It was peaceful and Lily wished she could stay forever…

======================================================== ========

"What's wrong, Duo?" A woman named Lizzie said as she handed Duo a cup of broth. She was a slender woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was younger than Duo, by ten years. She had looked after Solo when Cathy died, saying it was her duty as a friend.

"Nothing," Duo said, taking a sip of the broth. "I get this feeling that something is wrong."

Muller, who had been listening in on the conversation, had begun to sniff the air. Werewolves had a way to know when something was wrong by the smell of things. They could easily sniff a person miles away and know their intentions. Muller wrinkled his nose and sniffed long and hard. He put his own cup of broth down and began to wonder towards the forest, away from the clearing. Duo put his own cup down and stood.

"Muller?" Duo asked as he buckled his sword to his hip. He picked up a bow and a quiver of arrows and through them over his shoulder. Muller continued sniffing.

"There is something," Muller said. Absentmindedly, they had begun to walk deeper into the forest, trusting Muller's noise as a guide.

================================================================

The crunching of footsteps caused Lily and Solo to turn. Solo drew his dagger, holding it ready he peered into the forest's depths. Solo stood, pulling Lily up with him. Clapping echoed through the forest. The unicorns heard it and disappeared into the midst's of where they came. The clapper soon came into view, platinum hair shining in the moonlight. Solo recognized him as the man that killed his father ¾ Milliardo Peacecraft or more formally known as Zechs Marquise.

"You!" Solo hissed, on instinct, he placed himself in front of Lily.

"Yes," Milliardo stepped into the clearing. He stopped his clapping. "I see your fathers' have taught you two to be ready for any possible danger." He turned to Lily. "Aw…young Lillian, it's been long." Lily stepped from behind Solo, despite his urges to keep her behind him.

"What are you doing here? Father banished you from these lands years ago."

"Is that the type of respect you give your uncle? I thought your mother taught you better." Milliardo waved a tsking finger in the air. Out of the shadows of the forest, more men approached, each one smiling evilly. Milliardo continued.

"Now me the good children I know you are and come with me."

"No!" Solo yelled, pulling Lily behind him. Lily was barely tall enough and struggled to peer over his shoulder. A small whistling sound broke the silence between them. Solo fell to the ground, hissing in pain as he clutched his shoulder from where an arrow had embedded itself into the muscular flesh. Lily knelt next to him.

"Solo?" Solo hissed as he pulled the arrow out of his shoulder. He made to stand up a heavy blow came upon his head. Before he lost conciseness, Solo gazed up to see Milliardo standing with a smirk as men dragged a screaming Lily away. Two men were advancing upon him.

================================================================

Duo and Muller stepped into the clearing. All was quite, even the waterfall seemed to have lost its sound. Muller sniffed around the clearing as Duo drew his bow, awaiting any danger…

"Duo!" Muller called emerging from behind a bush. An arrow was in his hand. On closer look, Duo saw the blood on it was still fresh. Duo examined the arrow as Muller handed it too him. Whatever shot this arrow was at close distance to their target.

"That's Solo's blood," Muller stated. "It has his scent. There's also this." Muller held up a small piece of cloth that had obviously been torn.

"It's a woman's. Smells just like the Emperor's daughter."

"Are you sure it's hers?" Duo asked taking the cloth from him. It was a dark piece of fabric and had probably been torn off a traveling cloak.

"I got a good whiff of her when you disappeared her. She smelt like vanilla and so does this cloak, it also has her scent." Duo thought.

"Muller go back to camp. Inform them to continue on, I'm leaving you in charge. I need to see the Emperor." Muller nodded and disappeared in the direction towards the camp. Duo unstrung his bow and hooked it on his shoulder. Duo knew where he was, he had been here many times with Heero, and it had been he who showed Solo this place, as Heero had shown him…

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Author's Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this long chapter! I know I enjoyed writing it. I don't know if you people really understood the description of the dress or if you skipped it, but here's the link to see what the dress looked like:

http://www.fairyfashion.com/Cinderella/5.html

http:// www. fairy fashion .com/ Cinderella/ 5 .html (if the link above didn't work, this one might, just delete the spaces).

Also, I don't know if the style of handwriting I used on Solo's letter will show, if it does I'm glad. If it is unreadable, here's what the letter said:

Hello My Love,

Do not fear that I am mad at you for not telling me of your status. It will never change the amount of how much I love you. I hope you will read this quickly and come. If you can find way, meet me, tonight, out at the gates. I wish to show you something.

All My Love,

Solo

That is all for now and I'll try and update soon!

Ja ne!

READ AND REVIEW, PLEASE!