Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Two Sides of a Coin ❯ chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimers: Not mine. Think about what that means.

 

Rating: PG-13

 

Warnings: AU, oocness, OC, yaoi, a little character-torture.

 

Author's note: Not yet beta-ed so please pardon the grammar. I suck at it.

 

Chapter 5 --- Craig thinks. Solo tells things. Craig feels.

 

 

Craig watched as the light-haired healer pace the room once again. The woman had been doing it for quite sometime now, ever since they were left there by the black-haired man a quarter of an hour ago. Craig shifted from the corner that he settled in, feeling his butt go to sleep from being still all that time.

 

/The Shinigami-king sure likes black/ he mused as he once again took in the black rugs that covered the tent-floor. In fact, almost everything around them is either black or a dark shade of red. He then recalled the unique, black crystals that made up the pavements of that particular king's beautiful capital, Huin. He and his brother had been amazed by that almost mystical place, but his memories of good times were now marred by what they had arrived at in Srafia: a murdered sister, impending bloodshed and a bitterly resentful nephew.

 

At that thought, Craig resumed his contemplation of said nephew who is now confined in a meeting with the Shinigami-king. From what he had managed to understand from the deceptively garrulous blonde who had been their welcoming committee, this king had been his nephew's lover, and so is that sniveling poppycock, Xenne.

 

Craig shook his head in an attempt to clear it from all the confusion, only to have worry and regret replace it, which led to further feelings of puzzlement. The regret is understandable, but to worry over this boy who barely acknowledged his presence? Admittedly though, he _is_ worried, for he felt that Heero is his responsibility somehow. Furthermore, he couldn't bring himself to trust this Shinigami-king, even if he had been his nephew's lover. In fact, because of it.

 

He does not know where this protective urge came from, for he had always disliked pretty, delicate-looking people, which is Heero's exact description. He'd never been emotionally driven either, even with his sister. But Heero made him feel exactly that, maybe because of the way that he laughed at their offerings of assistance, or perhaps because of the fierce determination in those dark eyes so like their own, or could it be because of the sadness that radiates from his being? Or perhaps because the boy is so like him?

 

“Curse it!” A sharp exclamation brought Craig away from his confused thoughts. He looked up to see the Captain's pretty face twisted in irritation. “Where is he? How long is this parley going to take?” were Sally's next words.

 

Craig sighed. He had only known the captain for a few months, but she had always been patient and rational, not given to prone excitement as she is now. Given the circumstances that they have been thrown into though... Craig could only try to pacify her.

 

“Captain, your outbursts would not help at all. I think that such negotiations…”

 

Sally snorted. “Negotiations? If they indeed intend to negotiate, then why are they in that king's private tent, not here, where we could properly discuss these matters!” Sally flung her arms around to indicate their surroundings. It is apparent that they were brought to wait in the Methruians' council tent.

 

“Come, come. You should not imply such things about your king, dear Captain,” a voice interrupted, and the cordial man, Solo, strode in, completely devoid of any weapons except for the knife in his belt.

 

Sally's eyes narrowed, and Craig felt his own do the same reflexively. “How do you know that I am a captain?” Sally growled.

 

The blonde grinned, flinging himself on one of the chairs that surrounded the large table dominating the huge tent. “I heard you talking of course.” The reply was nonchalant, irritatingly.

 

Sally opened her mouth again, and Craig threw her a sharp glance, willing her to be silent, or at least be a little rational. It didn't work, but the next question took him by surprise as much as it did, it seems, Solo.

 

“Is the Shinigami-king like you?”

 

Through his disbelief at such a foolish question, Craig's sharp eyes noticed a faltering on the blonde's grin, or could it be a darkening? Nevertheless, the reply came as nonchalant as before. “Why yes he is actually.” The grin changed into a grim smile. “At least he is until your king left him.”

 

Sally remained blessedly silent this time, but who wouldn't be, with such surprising admission. Solo continued though, despite the sudden silence, or because of it. “You see, our king loved Heero. They were quite happy then. But Heero, for some foolish reason, left, something about his duties, not that I totally disagree with him of course, but to leave secretly!” Solo said this with a dramatically despairing tone. “All in all, Duo was and still is, hurt, _and_ totally determined to exact his revenge. This is what this war is all about actually.” The last sentence was added as if an afterthought, something that is not important, a mere tidbit between two gossiping women.

 

“What?!” Sally exploded, and Craig found that his voice also joined the exclamation.

 

“All this trouble for something as foolish as unrequited love is simply idiotic,” Craig couldn't help but say, somehow incensed that the one-month war that had caused quite a casualty among the Srafian ranks is because of that. It is insane to endanger one's people's lives just for such a reason.

 

“But our men's lives had not been in danger at all,” Solo drawled. “It is you Srafians who had suffered all the damage. You see,” the blonde continued annoyingly, “my king is a very passionate man. He feels things very deeply. He's not that easy to be taken in at all, but once he loves, it will be, well, very deeply. He has fallen for your king who left him, but he wants him back, and so he did the one thing that would have the prince running back to my lord's arms; threaten his beloved Srafia. Of course, he did not actually intend to declare war, but when we learned that Sloane took a gypsy sword-dancer for a lover, the dam broke.” Solo paused, perhaps to take a breath after his dialogue, although Craig noted that Solo somehow felt uneasy. But it soon passed as the man raised his head and asked, “Any questions?”

 

Silence. Then Sally shook her head as if waking from a slumber. “Why are you telling us this?” She asked in a quiet, frightened voice.

 

Solo shrugged a smile still on his face. “Nothing. Entertainment maybe. Oh, and to soften the news that you no longer have a king, or rather, you have just changed allegiance, again.” Solo said this in a jesting manner, and then he fell silent, his eyes shifting to look behind Sally.

 

Both Srafians also turned their attention to the entrance of the tent, and there stood the most handsome man that Sally ever saw. The man is very different from her liege, but no other term could describe him, handsome does not come up to his looks. Beautiful is more appropriate, masculine perhaps, his features a little squarer and firmer, but beautiful nevertheless. He also has the most beautiful eyes that Sally ever saw, flecks of violet and dark blue. And that luxurious hair, a combination of brown and gold that floated on his shoulders down to the small of his back… Sally shook away the sudden envy that every woman and man who has a kernel of vanity must have felt upon seeing the long, beautiful locks.

 

“Stop playing with them, Solo,” the man said, cold amusement coloring his voice, something akin to resentment flashing in his eyes as he studied Sally and Craig.

 

Solo continued to smile, but he remained silent, merely standing up to join the man. The midday sunlight poured down on the two men, but while Solo's bright clothes reflected the light, creating an illusion of glow around him, the other man's dark clothes seemed to absorb all the light. The man stood before them, dark and sardonic.

 

Sally shuddered. It is apparent that this is the Shinigami-king. He is not what Sally had expected, since she imagined a scarred, frightening visage. This man is frightening too, but he also has an appeal that draws people in despite the darkness that Sally and Craig see. Also, he is definitely not scarred, at least not physically.

 

“Shinigami-king,” Craig said without inflection, the words not even an acknowledgement, just mere breath.

 

Duo looked at the man appraisingly. “Do not speak to me with such a tone, Srafian,” he said, still amused although the last word carries with it the hint of contempt that looked at them from his eyes. The king's eyes glinted with it as he reminded the Srafian where he is. Craig's countenance hardened, but he did not respond. Instead, he asked where king Heero is. “I hope that your _meeting_ had gone well,” he added.

 

Duo flashed him a smile, baring his teeth in the process. “It did. We have decided that you should return to your city first and prepare everything. We will follow at noon.”

 

There is no doubt to which the `you' and the `we' pertain. Nevertheless, Craig asked.

 

“And my king?'

 

“With me of course.”

 

“No.”

 

A raised eyebrow.

 

“I do not take any orders from anyone but my liege, your grace, and since he is not yet here, we will wait until he appears.”

 

Duo pretended to contemplate, toying with the Srafian and enjoying it, just like Solo only a while ago. “Or,” he said after a moment of silence, “I could just have you dragged all the way to your city,” another big “or”, a feral grin now animating the beautiful face, “I could just kill you.”

 

“I will fight you.” The answer is meant as a defensive action that Craig would take should the king carry out his playful threats. Duo however, intentionally read it in a different way.

 

“Oh, that would even be more interesting. Come then. The council tent is hardly the place for a sword fight.”

_________________________

 

“I can't believe this is happening,” Sally muttered, unable to do anything but follow Craig helplessly as he recklessly bit the Shinigami-king's subtle word plays.

 

“And why not?” Solo said beside her. They came to a stop before a large clearing that is definitely the Methruians temporary practice ground. “It's happening right before you.”

 

Sally was about to retort back an equally irritating reply when the black-haired man from earlier joined them.

 

“Hello, Wufei. You came just in time. The old man challenged our king, or rather, our king took offence and twisted the old man's words into a challenge,” the blonde said gleefully. Sally could only look at him confusedly. Are Methruians naturally like this? Always making fun of things, amused, laughing, grinning, smiling? Even the Shinigami-king acted this way a while ago.

 

Wufei glared. Only he does not act that way, Sally absently noted. “Stop babbling, Solo. How exactly did Duo take offence?”

 

Sally also noted that both Solo and Wufei does not seem to have any compunction from using their king's personal name, even that of King Heero's. She wondered at this, and then decided to butt in and try to be irritating as well.

 

“We don't want to leave our king here.” Solo looked at her, and she cheered mentally as she saw the flicker of irritation. The man definitely does not like his words being cut through by another.

 

Wufei shook his head ruefully, looked pityingly at Sally and then past her at Craig. Then his attention drifted to the forming crowd, apparently seeking someone. “Where is Heero?”

 

Solo grinned unamusedly and shrugged. “Sleeping, I guess. He had always been tired after such _activities_.”

 

Wufei hmphed, then turned to leave, perhaps to go wake his majesty, Sally thought, when Solo grabbed the man's arm, all pretence at amusement wiped from his face. “No. Duo is still unstable,” he said. Wufei paused, and then nodded in understanding. Sally also understood, and she couldn't help but worry at how deep in trouble her king is.

 

Craig definitely is, of this Sally is certain almost as soon as the two swords clashed for the first time. They certainly have every right to fear the Shinigami-king. In truth, Sally felt that they have underestimated him, for he is definitely not a mere mortal. His speed is not normal, the healer in Sally could gauge, as he seems to blur into action.

 

It is soon evident who will win as Craig failed to raise his sword and the king's blade sank deep into his left shoulder. Sally gasped but somehow felt relieved with the thought that it is finally over. She was wrong though as the Shinigami-king kept advancing. His movements are much slower now, and Sally could see that he is toying with her comrade.

 

“What is he doing? The fight is over. He won!” Sally cried out, ready to run into the middle of that mockery of a fight. But a hand shot out to clutch her sleeve.

 

“Stop this. This is no longer honorable!” She cried to Wufei.

 

Wufei shook his head, sadness and pity on his eyes. He continued to hold Sally, who began to struggle futilely.

 

Craig stumbled, and his sword flew away from his weakened grasp. Gasping, he could only look at the Shinigami-king who stood smirking before him. He shuddered, seeing the hate and insanity lurking in those uncommon eyes.

 

The Shinigami-king spoke and he knew that what Solo told them a while ago is true. As he tried to suppress the shiver that ran through him because of the king's words and tone, the latter pressed the tip of his sword to his bulging neck. The action drew blood, and Craig knew that death would follow. But before the raised blade could fall, a strong gust of wind blew. Then his nephew stood in front of him.

 

__________________________

 

//Hello//. The voice echoed within the uncertain walls of growing consciousness. The voice is young, inquisitive.

 

//Hello. Have you already adapted?// the last word is complicated for one so young as the owner of the voice to understand, but Heero knew that it did, having been familiar with it and its youthfulness _and_ timelessness ever since he was fifteen.

 

//Yes.// a pause. Then, //Why were you crying?//

 

//I was not.//

 

//Yes you were. You did!//

 

Heero remembered his outburst with Dorothy only a few hours ago, only it didn't seem that way. It felt as if that scene happened a long, long time ago, a thousand lifetimes away. He could hardly believe the things that had happened beginning the night before. It is still late morning, a day has not even passed away.

 

//I was sad.//

 

//I wanted to help you.// petulant tone, as if disappointed at not being able to be present to comfort its friend. But there is no dark, jolting current that threatens to drown Heero's consciousness. There is none of that surge of overwhelming power that he fears so much. Of that, he is thankful and relieved.

 

//Thank you. It has passed.//

 

//No. you are still sad, and angry, at --- yourself and someone---Duo?//

 

//He will be my consort, my other. Do you know what that means?//

 

//Like Arhus and Sasha? Or Elyne and Trent?//

 

//Like Arhus and Sasha.// those were the names of his great, great, grand uncle and his consort.

 

A wave of curiosity and glee that is not his. Those two also loved each other very much and Wing Zero had been fascinated with them all through out their lifetime. Heero had not meant it that way though. He loves Duo, but he no longer thinks that their relationship will be like the gentle, happy one that his ancestor had.

 

//Why are you angry?// Wing Zero's ability to jump from one topic to another no longer surprise Heero.

 

//I made a mistake, and now, I must pay for it.// Heero felt the undercurrent that accompanied that last question all throughout his reply. Fear gripped him, but he tried to stop it.

 

“Zero, stop it! You promised that you wouldn't do this again,” he reprimanded out loud as he felt the energy inside him grow and shift like the waves in a violent, stormy night.

 

//I'm sorry// It receded, and Heero sighed, but continued to reign in his emotions tightly.

 

//it's all right. But don't do that again. I promised to be your vessel, and I kept it. I also promised never to use you for my own use, and I _will_ keep it. In exchange for these, I only ask that you don't do something like that again, _especially_ if it's for me.// He said it because Wing Zero needed to be reminded. He also said it because he and Master J noticed that Wing Zero usually becomes dangerous and unstable if Heero is in distress.

 

Their greatest proof of this fact was that time five years ago when he was tortured and exiled. It took all of his will and pleadings to stop the entity from becoming destruction then, but it have weakened him. Wing Zero had also not taken it well that he went far away. Thus, for almost five years, he had been constantly weak; his spirit and will taking up all of his physical strength.

 

Heero knew that for all of its timelessness as a part of Gaia, Wing Zero is in truth a mere child, its consciousness developing so slowly because of its lack of interaction with anyone. Merely watching the Srafian royalty had not helped its development, in fact, it impeded it, what with the degeneration of the family's morals three centuries hence. Heero don't know if he could help it either.

 

//I'm sorry. I won't do it again.// It promised. Heero accepted it, but knew that it won't last.

 

//Save your questions for now. Something feels wrong.//

 

//yes. There is a fight --- between --- Duo and--- your companion this morning?//

 

Heero shot up from the bed. //What? The woman?//

 

//No, the man. --- your uncle?//

 

Heero did not answer, too busy cursing his lack of abilities to fully use the powers given to him by Wing Zero. If he had full control of it, he would have sensed this as easily as Wing Zero. Hurriedly, he donned his clothes.

_________________________

 

//What had I done, what had I done, what had I done?// Heero chanted to himself, horrified and frozen. Through the powers that he is beginning to assimilate, he could see the dark aura that radiated from Duo, almost engulfing him in its darkness. The inhumanity of Duo's actions as he gleefully continued to attack despite Craig's capitulation is terrifying. This was the man that he loves!

 

Heero knew that it is his fault. He did this. He changed him.

 

Then Craig stumbled and his sword fell. Time slowed down for Heero as he saw Duo's intent. He would kill the man! They were no longer in battle, and this is not even a proper challenge, but Duo would behead him!

 

He couldn't allow it. He couldn't allow Duo sink deeper into that abyss of hate.

 

Running never felt like this. He felt more like flying, his feet barely touching the ground. Then he stood before Duo, the dark blade only a hair's breathe away from his neck.

 

“Duo, no. Stop this madness. I'm already yours.” He whispered it, all the while shaking as he tried to endure and control the two dark energies that beat through him, within and without.

 

//Wing Zero, stop it//. He wanted to scream, but all the effort for control has already taken his voice. “Please. If you love me, then stop it.” He whispered it. He supposed that it was intended for the entity within him, but when Duo's eyes changed and cleared a little, he thought that he must have intended it for him too. Duo's darkness receded a little, while the swirling mass within him calmed down, whispering sorry again like a child.

 

Smiling slightly, he wearily gave in, unable to stand or even keep his eyes open any longer.

 

_____________________________

 

“Do not touch him.”

 

Craig froze. He unconsciously reached for his nephew's crumpled figure, worried that something must have happened to him to make him faint like that. But the chilling voice stopped him, and he could only gape fearfully as the long-haired king swept Heero into his arms, easily carrying the slender man.

 

The crowd of Methruian warriors parted as their king passed, and it registered to Craig that the whole camp had been this eerily silent ever since he clashed swords with their lord. He wondered at it, at the Shinigami-king, at Heero, at all of those mystifying, frightening things, only because it helped him endure the pain shooting from his shoulder.