Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Willing Slave ❯ Chapter 12

Part 12

Wufei woke up in someone's arms, but he couldn't see whose. He opened his eyes and found himself still on Treize's bed, but now undressed and covered only by a sheet. Whoever held him nudged his arm, and he winced as a bolt of pain ran up the bone.

"Wufei, are you awake?"

The sorcerer gave a sigh of relief. "Sally?"

"Mm-hmm. How're you feeling? Do you think you could swallow something and keep it down?"

He shrugged. "Maybe."

Gently easing out from behind him, she set him against several pillows she'd propped up. "Good. You shouldn't be awake when I set that arm."

"I can take it," he said. He glanced down at his right arm and winced. The skin had turned a bluish purple color with red streaks. "I don't need your...pain remedies."

She spilled a handful of crushed leaves into a bowl of clear water and stirred them around. "Then take them to satisfy a weak woman's sentiments?"

He didn't meet her eyes. "If you wish."

Poor thing, you really must be hurting, she thought. "Here, drink this. Slowly."

With a little help, he took the bowl in his better hand and sipped the contents. "What is it?"

"One of Une's garden creations. It's a funny little star shaped leaf." She took the bowl back and set it out of sight. "It's pretty potent stuff, so I only use a little."

He sighed and closed his eyes. "Works fast. Sally?"

She finished dressing the cut on his left leg and looked up at him. "Yes?"

"Where's...where's Treize?"

Hesitating a moment, she picked up his left hand and washed out the cuts before answering. "He said he was going to talk to Trowa, that he was worried about Quatre."

He didn't respond.

"Wufei...what happened?"

"J's little experiment went wrong, that's all. I'm sure Treize will fix it." He brushed his loose hair from his eyes. "You said he went to Trowa?"

"He just left a little while ago. Now don't try to change the subject. What happened to you, Wufei? Did a spell go bad?"

He laughed bitterly. "I suppose you could say that."

Before she could ask another question, Nataku flew in through the window and landed on the bed, crawling up one side. Mouth still a little bloody from whatever she'd eaten, she peered closely at Wufei's injuries.

I told you so.

"Sanctimonious little lizard," he grumbled.

Derivative reaction spells are dangerous and unpredictable, she lectured him. Little whelps shouldn't attempt them until they're at least two hundred.

"My apologies, my kind don't live that long."

Another reason to pay attention to your dragon.

"I didn't see you standing up to J," he said.

She didn't reply. Instead she lay down beside him and rest her head on his chest.

"What does J have to do with this?" Sally asked.

"It was his damn zero jewel," a sudden voice startled them.

Both looked up and saw Zechs standing in the doorway, the crystal in question in his hand. His clothes were rumpled and a dark bruise circled his cheek.

"I take it you didn't know what it does, either?" he asked Wufei, eyeing his injuries.

The sorcerer shook his head. "No, I just found out."

"Is Treize--?"

"His zero is shattered," Wufei interrupted him. "He's gone to talk to Trowa."

Zechs took a deep breath. "I'd better help him. That kid's dangerous."

"What happened to your face?" Sally asked.

"Lucretzia," Zechs answered. He turned on his heel and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Sally shook her head. "Hard to believe he's so silent in those boots. Now," she looked at Wufei, "what's this zero thing?"

*

Treize knocked on the door, straining to hear through the heavy wood. "Trowa? It's me, Trieze. May I come in?"

"You may."

He walked in, half-expecting to find Quatre's mangled body on the floor or huddled in bed. Instead there was only Trowa sitting in a chair, reading. The young monarch looked up with a slight smile. "I take it you've punished your own slut?"

Treize nodded once. "I've whipped and beaten him, yes. That's not why I'm here. While he was begging, he mentioned something about him intentionally sabotaging the jewels."

"For what purpose?" Trowa demanded.

"He didn't say. Well, he couldn't say." He flexed his hand, showing off the bruises on his knuckles. "His jaw broke. In any case, I came to warn you about the danger."

Trowa nodded slowly. "Still, we need to be able to use those gundam weapons. We need the gems for that."

Treize tilted his head and shifted on one foot. He could hear faint scratching from the closet and guessed that was where Quatre lay. "I don't think so. I managed to use the whip on him. Even so, I would rather try it out on a few of our newest soldiers, and make sure the gems are safe."

Trowa's smile broadened and unnerved the captain. "I understand. It makes sense." He unsheathed a dagger, and Treize expected him to cut the necklace off. Instead the captain only barely dodged the blade as it flew past his head and embedded itself to the hilt in the wall.

"You're a very good liar."

Treize drew his sword and took a step forward. "Trowa, you have to listen to me. You have to get rid of that thing. It's evil."

Rising slowly, Trowa slipped another knife into his hand. "No, it's telling me things. I can see all possibilities, every consequence of every action into infinity."

The captain shook his head. "Can you really, or are you just focused on your jealousy towards Quatre?"

Trowa frowned. "I'll treat that slave as I see fit."

"I thought you loved him."

Growling, Trowa lunged, bringing the knife down in a slash aimed at Treize's throat. Moving only to adjust his stance, Treize brought his sword up and parried the strike. Trowa's blade slid down to the sword's hilt, and with one fluid motion Treize twisted his sword around, jerking the dagger out of the assassin's grip. Before Trowa could recover, the captain rammed the pommel into his adversary's face.

Knocked backward, Trowa went to one knee and drew his last dagger. While Treize tried to move away in the small room, the young assassin stood, bringing his knife up towards Treize's chest. The blade's edge passed an inch from his eye, but Trowa's stroke left him open, and Treize reached forward and grabbed the jewel. When Trowa jumped back, the chain snapped, and Treize was left holding the zero.

Trowa fell backwards onto the floor, staring at the captain while the knife slipped from his fingers. "Treize?"

He didn't sheathe his sword. "Are you all right again?"

Trowa put his hand to his throat. "...I...think so..." He looked around the room and frowned. "Where's Quatre?"

Putting his sword away, Treize glanced at the side door, where the scratching had stopped.

Trowa paled. "Oh no...Quatre..." He took the long key hanging on the wall and unlocked the door, flinging it wide. "Quatre? Are you...?"

"Don't. Come. Any. Closer. Trowa."

Trowa peered in through the scant light and spotted his lover huddled in the far corner, knees to his chest and arms around himself, staring into the distance. Blood ran down his fingers and stained his clothes. He shifted as the light hit him, burrowing his face deeper into his arms.

"Oh...Quatre..." He stepped farther, kneeling and reaching one arm out to touch the blonde's bloodied cheek.

Quatre's head snapped up before he could touch him. Before Trowa could move, his slave pounced on him, knocking him to the ground and running into the main room. Seeing Treize at the far door, hands up to catch him, Quatre turned to the window and climbed out, sliding along the narrow ledge.

"Shit," Treize cursed. "Trowa, are you all right?"

Trowa nodded and stood. "Where'd he go?"

"Out the window." Treize moved towards the door. "I think he's heading for the roof. You'd better follow him."

Without another word, Trowa eased onto the ledge and disappeared.

Treize watched him go, then opened the door and walked out, nearly colliding with Zechs. "What the...oh, you, good. Zechs, come with--" He paused and stared at his second's face. "What happened?"

"The same thing with you and Wufei," Zechs answered. He held his zero out. "Except Noin can fight back."

Treize took the jewel and pocketed it away. "Is he awake?"

"Yes, with Sally and that dragon of his. Captain, I don't think any of us should have those zeros, I don't care how much those gundams will help us."

"Then we'll have to use them without the zero," Treize said. He winced. "Epyon was...effective...even without benefit of the zero."

"You whipped him?" Zechs breathed.

Treize shook his head. "Not for lack of trying. I tore the bed apart. Zechs, may I ask a favor of you?"

"Anything."

"Trade me the Talgeese for the Epyon." He shook his head. "I don't think I could stand being near that whip again."

"All right," the platinum blonde agreed, unfastening the sword hilt from his belt. "But I must warn you, it demands things when you use it."

"Demands things?" Treize repeated, taking the hilt.

"It wants a challenge, the harder the better. It...can be quite insistent." Noticing the silence in the king's chambers, he glanced inside. "Where are Trowa and Quatre?"

"I'll explain on the way," the captain promised. "Follow me."

*

"Duo, hush."

"I didn't do anything."

"Your footsteps are making the floor creak."

"You're the one making all noise, telling me to shut up."

"Then shut up."

"But I didn't say anything."

"Duo, be quiet."

"Heero, relax."

The king glared at his slave, who grinned.

"Impossible for you? Then being quiet is impossible for me." Duo glanced around a corner, then motioned for Heero to follow as they moved into a long hallway filled with tapestries. "Any idea where we're headed?"

"I told you, Dermail's private chambers," Heero snapped.

"Yes, I know that," Duo said. "But what do they look like?"

"I don't know, I've never been here before."

His slave turned and patted Heero's cheek. "Then be a good master and hush and let your thief do his job."

The master narrowed his eyes. "You're getting too uppity for your own good."

"Look, look," Duo interrupted, pointing down the hall. "Get back here."

Too busy looking where his lover had pointed, Heero had to be pulled to one tapestry. Duo flung the cloth back and grinned when he found a hidden cubby hole embedded in the wall. "Perfect," he whispered. "Come on."

Duo eased back into the niche and pressed his back against the wall, pulling Heero against himself. Just as they settled in the tight spot, they both heard a door open from down the hall. Falling silent, they listened to heavy footsteps stomping across the floor.

"Make sure you get this message to his Lord Barton as fast as possible. He must be here to flesh out my forces before that whelp of a prince suspects anything."

"Of course, grandfather."

Duo's eyes widened while Heero growled.

"And Dorothy...don't forget. If Relena is still here when war breaks out..."

"I remember, grandfather. She will not live to lend Heero what pitiful forces she has at hand."

"Very good. Now be sure no one sees you on your way out."

"Not at all. I'll go through your window."

"Such a good girl. I don't know what I would do without you."

Duo and Heero listened to Duke Dermail walk down the hall and out of earshot. A moment later, the tapestry was pulled back and Dorothy stood in front of them, an exasperated look on her face.

"Heero, you must learn not to growl," she whispered. "You nearly gave yourself away."

He stepped down and face her. "What are you doing here?"

She put her hands behind her back as she smiled. "Well, I wanted to know what grandfather was doing, and it didn't look like you were doing anything." She pulled a slip of paper from the front of her shirt and handed it to him. "This is from Dermail to Barton. I trust you heard our conversation."

"His private chambers?" he asked, shoving the note down his boot.

"This way."

*

Trowa had lost sight of his slave, but he could follow the bloody smears on the wall where Quatre had put his hands. The ground wasn't too far down, but every time his foot nearly slid off his body ran cold. He twisted around one corner and finally spotted Quatre scrambling along a window ledge, trying to climb onto the high patio they'd stood on when watching Duo and Heero run along the wall.

"Quatre," he called out. "Stop."

The blonde whimpered as a shudder ran through his body, and he continued to climb.

"Quatre, hold still."

His geis sent another rush of pain, stronger than the first, through his muscles, just as he dragged himself onto the patio. He didn't move except to wrap his arms around himself and cry. The pain gradually eased as he complied with Trowa's order, but it vanished entirely after a minute. He forced himself to his feet and ran for the newly rebuilt door.

"Dammit, Quatre," Trowa cursed. Climbing over the wall, he watched his slave duck inside. "All my fault."

Once inside again, he spotted a red handprint on the wall to his right and followed. When he turned the next corner, he nearly ran into a troop of guards marching through.

"You men," he said between breaths, "have you seen my slave run through here?"

The commander shook his head. "No, your majesty. Is he trying to escape?"

Trowa shook his head. "No, he's under a spell. He can't control himself right now. Fan out and search for him. He must be found and brought back before he hurts anyone."

The commander frowned. "What? That boy's nothing but a kitten."

"He's only a kitten around me. Be careful, he's extremely dangerous." Trowa suddenly glared. "And he is not to be harmed. At all. Understood?"

"Your majesty, he is just a slave. If he hurts one of my men--"

The king clenched his hands into fists. "If I find out you've needlessly hurt him I'll personally see you and anyone else with you broken on a wheel. Now go." He turned and ran back the other way before the commander could respond.

*

"You still haven't answered me," Heero said. He turned and watched Dorothy close and lock the door. "Why are you here?"

"He wants to kill Miss Relena," she answered. "And take over the Sank kingdom. I can't let him do that. No one hurts my Relena."

Duo sat down at Dermail's table and rummaged around the piles of paper. "Heero, what's this?"

The king glanced over his shoulder. "It's a map." He looked closer and pushed the stray papers from the edges. "Of the three kingdoms."

"Grandfather's planning on a split between him and the Bartons," Dorothy told them. "He just wants Sank and a piece of your kingdom, but I don't think he realizes how greedy Dekim Barton can be." She slid her hand underneath the table and something audibly clicked. Half a second later, a roll of papers dropped into her hand from a hidden compartment. "I think these are what you're looking for."

While Heero examined them, Duo took the time to look around the room. "Mind if I take anything?"

"Hn," Heero shrugged. "Just make it so he doesn't notice for awhile."

"Gotcha," the thief grinned, jumping to his feet and heading straight to a small cabinet gone gray with age, stuck beneath some rusty swords and shields in need of repair. He quietly moved each item and brought the cabinet out, opening it. "Oh yeah..." he grinned.

Dorothy frowned and looked over his shoulder. "Ah, so that's where he keeps it."

Duo reached in and pulled out handfuls of rubies, stuffing them back into the spilled little bags strewn through the box. "What is it?"

"Money for Barton," she told him.

"But...Barton's a lord or a duke or something, right?" Duo wondered. "Why would he want more money?"

"Oh, you are so sweetly naive," she smiled, taking a bag of rubies. "Barton's country has just gone through ten years of civil war. Trowa may be a decent ruler, but Corazon will take years to recover. Money goes a long way in a place like that."

Duo nodded, then noticed something on the bag in his hand. "Hey, how come these bags have hearts on 'em?"

"What?" She stared at the bag and the single heart branded on the front. "Oh...I hadn't noticed. Probably to mark it as Barton's when it goes through. His family crest has...a...heart..." She looked up just as Heero did, their eyes meeting.

"The family of hearts," they both realized.

Duo blinked. "Huh?"

"The riddle," Heero said. "The family of hearts will drop a meteor, a bloody hammer of light..."

"Through blatant violence," Dorothy added. "That must mean during a battle."

"Dorothy, how long would it've taken you to get that message to Barton?"

"The trip usually takes two and a half months," she started.

"Dermail seemed to think you could get it there faster."

She grinned. "Usually two and a half months. But if you travel alone on a magic carpet...a week. Tops."

"You mean flying carpets really exist?" Duo gasped. "Wow..."

"Dorothy," Heero said, "whose side are you really on? You sit too well on the fence."

She scowled at him. "Come now, don't be silly. I'm on whatever side best favors Miss Relena."

He didn't answer.

She folded her arms and looked away. "Fine. I'm am Dermail's granddaughter and his only living blood relative, which means if he dies, I inherit all of Romafeller. With them in my grip, I can get rid of all these attempts on Miss Relena's life and give her a hand in Legrange, so she is sure her precious little alliances are honored."

Duo laughed as he pocketed several bags, and she turned her anger on him. "What's so damn funny?"

"Your entire life centers around Relena," he chuckled, "to where you'll even risk your life to keep her safe. You're as much a slave as I am."

Her eyes opened as her jaw dropped.

Heero smirked. "You're right," he said, holding the papers up. "I think these are exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for your help. Duo."

His slave stood and nodded at the window near the top of the wall. "That's the fastest way out. Ready?"

"Let's go."

Duo pulled the table to the wall and climbed on top to open the window, going first to help Heero out after. Left behind to reset the table, Dorothy fumed and kicked the small cabinet back in place.

"As if I even brought the damn carpet with me," she grumbled on her way out.

*

Treize and Zechs walked side by side through the palace's halls, bypassing several of their own men wandering around. For the most part they ignored the sudden rush of soldiers, deciding that Trowa must have commandeered them.

Treize glanced sideways at his second. "I don't mean to pry," he started, "but are you going to get another mask?"

Zechs nodded once. "The silver smith always has a spare around. I was going to see him next, but...this sort of came up."

"Is Noin all right?"

"As well as can be expected. I got in a few slaps before she knocked me on the ground." He sighed angrily. "I was so sure she was trying to take over the White Fang."

"Why did you chose another name for our former Oz traitors?" Treize wondered. "This will just alienate them from the other guards."

"I don't think so. They have a lot to lose if Dermail wins. He won't give his traitors any quarter." Zechs smiled. "I think they'll fight even harder than our regulars."

Treize fell silent thinking. Zechs' hand fell on his shoulder, halting him, and when he looked up, he saw a small blonde figure running closer, followed by one guard. The taller man's stride easily overtook Quatre, but the slave turned and lashed out with one hand, slamming his fist into his pursuer's face. His other hand seized the dagger from the guard's belt and jerked it free, driving the guard back with two slashes that missed their mark. With the guard back-peddling rapidly, Quatre continued running until he spotted the two officers in front of him.

"Quatre, it's all right," Zechs said.

"We're not going to hurt you," Treize added. "Put the dagger down."

Clinging to the hilt with a death grip, Quatre held it up as if he could threaten them away. When they didn't retreat like the guard had, he looked around for another route. Finding his escape, Quatre darted to the left, through an open door and into the baths.

"I don't think he can understand," Zechs whispered.

Treize shook his head. "He's not insane, he's terrified. Go around and lock the other door. We'll keep him in the baths until Trowa comes."

*

Quatre froze in the large room, turning several times to make sure he was alone. His heavy breathing echoed with the sound of water lapping against tile. On the other side of the room, he heard a door slam and the lock click in place. He tightened his grip on his knife and backed towards the small private rooms to the side.

Choosing the farthest one, he slipped inside and closed the door. He sat down in a corner and drew his legs up, closing his eyes as he rested. His breathing slowed to a normal pace. Wondering when they would come again, he lowered his head and started to cry.

He didn't have long to wait. He heard one of the doors open and shut, and then light footsteps came closer to the private baths. One by one, the person checked each room until Quatre heard the door to his room open. Instead of looking up, he listened as the person came in and closed the door again.

"Quatre?"

He held the dagger close. "Go away."

Trowa stepped forward until his slave looked up and raised the dagger. "Quatre, don't move."

"Don't come any closer."

More afraid the boy would hurt himself than hurt his master, Trowa sat down cross-legged on the floor. He took a deep breath and stared into Quatre's eyes. "I'm sorry."

"'Sorry'?" Quatre repeated, lips curling back slightly as if he wanted to bite. "You're sorry? You lock me up again and you're 'sorry'?"

"Quatre..."

"It was dark," the slave murmured, tears coming faster. "And I couldn't hear anything and there was no one else...and I couldn't even breathe..." The dagger fell out of his hand and clattered on the floor, and he covered his face with his mutilated hands.

Trowa crawled close and knocked the blade aside before he sat next to his lover, putting his arms around him. He pulled Quatre's smaller body into his lap and his slave responded, resting his head on Trowa's shoulder as he sobbed. His curled his fingers around Trowa's shirt.

"I'm sorry," Trowa whispered.

"I never did anything with Wufei...I swear."

Trowa kissed the top of his head. "I know. I've always been jealous, but...I know."

Quatre pulled away an inch to look up. "Then why?"

"The zero jewel," Trowa answered. Quatre only gave him a blank look, and the king breathed in. Part of Quatre's pale face had bruised over, leaving his right eye and cheek circled in blue marks. "I forgot...we didn't tell you."

Quatre swallowed and blinked a few tears away.

"It...King J developed crystal to help us use the seven weapons he made," Trowa explained. "But he didn't tell us it was evil. He didn't tell us it would show us lies and make us believe them. I was so sure...you'd been unfaithful."

Quatre shook his head and sniffled. "Where's the zero now?"

"Treize has it. He had to fight me for it, I thought...I thought he was trying to kill me."

"Trowa...?"

"Yes, love?"

"I'm sorry I ran."

Trowa shook his head. "Don't be sorry. You had every right not to trust me." He gave him one more kiss and looked into his eyes. "You probably don't want to go back to the bedroom, no?"

Quatre shook his head.

"How about the garden? Outside, in the sun, maybe next to the fountain...?" He slipped one arm under Quatre's legs and kept the other behind the thin back, and then carefully stood up with Quatre cradled in his arms. "And I'm sure Lady Une'll be out there. She can give you something to help the pain."

The blonde put his arms around Trowa's neck and leaned against his chest. "Just...hold me. That'll be enough."

*

Treize walked into his room, half expecting Wufei to turn away in fear. Instead he found his slave fast asleep in bed with Sally bandaging his arm. She looked up, meeting his eyes for a moment, then looked back down.

"Is he all right?" he asked, afraid he would wake his slave.

"You broke his arm and beat him," she said. "What do you think?"

Treize didn't say anything. He sat down at the table and pulled his boots off, dropping his sword belt on top of them. He sighed and leaned his head back as if he would fall asleep in his chair.

"But he'll be fine," she said. "Given enough time. Maybe a month for the arm, less for the bruises and cuts. Does he have any healing spells?"

"I have no idea," he said. "The last time I looked around in that chest, I turned into something he called a panda." He turned his head. "Maybe Nataku knows."

Sleeping on Wufei's stomach, the dragon opened one eye at him, puffed a little smoke, and closed her eye again.

"I guess not."

Silence.

"Will he wake up soon ?"

"In a few hours, maybe." Sally finished up the wrapping and stood. "If you're going to stay here for awhile..."

Treize nodded. "Yes. It's been a hell of a day. I'm not going anywhere for awhile."

"Then can you tell me where Quatre is? I think I'd better check on him."

"Trowa took him to the outer gardens." He shook his head. "Poor thing. I wonder if he'll even sleep inside their bedroom now."

"Why?"

"Trowa locked him in their closet before I tore the zero from him. His hands were all bloody from scratching at the door."

Sally lowered her head while she put her things back in her bag. "I'm surprised he trusts Trowa at all now."

Treize looked up at her. "What other choice does he have? He can't survive on the streets, he has no friends except Wufei, maybe Duo..."

"Duo," Sally said. "Duo. Treize, did Heero take a zero with him?"

"I know what you're driving at," he said, "and yes, he did. But I can't go after him without people suspecting something's wrong, and I can't send guards for the same reason. If Heero does anything, Duo will have to protect himself."

Sally smiled as she hefted her bag onto her shoulder. "I'm sure he can. He seems like a capable little thief."

"In any case, he's got good aim," he said. He watched her leave, and once she'd shut the door behind herself, he walked to the bed and sat down. "Wake up soon, love," he whispered, stroking the dark hair back. "I have a gift for you." He took the geis pendant from the torn clothes on the floor and set it on the nightstand. "Even though it will surely kill me, I have a gift for you."

*

Duo knocked twice, then pushed the worn wooden door open wide enough to let him and Heero through. "Hey, anyone home? I'm back."

A small pair of eyes poked out from behind a threadbare blanket. "Duo? Izzat you?"

Duo grinned and dropped to one knee. "Would I lie to you?"

Children seem to burst from the walls, and Heero backed against the closed door. From every corner and shadow, children dressed as shabbily as his slave had been that first night came streaming into Duo's arms. None of them were as old as the braided thief, and the youngest toddled on unsteady bare feet.

"Duo, where've you been--"

"What happened--"

"Did the prince really capture you?"

"You escaped, right?"

"Who's he?"

Heero put one hand on the door, ready to run in case the children swarmed him. Duo grinned and motioned for everyone to come closer, as if he had some great secret to share. "You can't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you, got that?"

All of them nodded, even the youngest.

"His name is Hee-chan. He's my friend. He may look a little stern, but he's really nervous in big crowds, so give him some space, okay?"

"Is he gonna stay with us?" one girl asked.

"We're only staying the night," Duo said, and he winced when all the children started to whine. "Hush, all the whining in the world's not gonna keep me here. I gotta go back to the palace tomorrow."

"But we need you here," another child said. "It's hard, stealing enough."

Heero winced. I can't eat your proclamations.

Duo smiled as he took out the small bag at his side. "I know, that's why I brought you this." He opened it, spilling a few rubies into his palm. "Stole 'em from Dermail, so don't say nothing about 'em. They should take care of you all for awhile."

Collective gasps went up from the children, and the rubies all disappeared before Heero could see which hands had grabbed each jewel. Duo stood and stretched.

"Look, guys, I'm gonna take Hee-chan upstairs and settle him in my old room."

The whining started again, louder than before.

Duo held his hands out. "I know, I know, I'll come back and tell you what's been going on. Just let me take care of him before you make him faint."

Before the children could start whining again, Duo grabbed Heero's hand and led him through the little crowd, taking him up a rickety staircase that creaked with every step. Heero held his breath, watching bits of dust fall from the shaking steps, and breathing again only when they reached the second floor.

"I know it's not what you're used to," Duo said, "but at least it's safer than sleeping outside."

"We'll head out as soon as it gets dark," Heero said. "We need to get back to the castle as soon as possible."

"Sure. Not a problem." He lay his hand on Heero's shoulder. "You okay? You look tired."

"I'll be fine."

Duo frowned at that, but didn't challenge him. "Uh, do you mind if I go talk with the kids? I haven't seen them for awhile...and..."

"Go on, but don't tell them anything important."

His slave smiled and hugged him. "Thank you. I'll be back up soon, I promise."

Heero watched him go, listening to the stairs creak until he heard Duo hit the floor. Yawning, he looked back at the room. Light came in from a small window in the wall and the numerous cracks in the walls. A table, the wood gray from age, stood in a corner with two equally aged chairs beside it. He walked across the floor, wincing at the loud thumps and creaks the wood made, and stopped in the corner. Two large rags which might have once passed for blankets lay in a crumpled heap. He nudged the pile with his shoe, and three scorpions ran from their shelter. After stomping on each one, he kicked them aside and picked up the blankets, carefully shaking them out. A few more bugs fell out, and he killed those before folding the blankets up again and putting them on the table. He lay his papers on top of them and started to read.

After a few minutes, he frowned. The agreement was clearly drawn, but there were three signatures, not just Dermail's and Barton's. One of the three was written in the block characters Wufei used.

"Laoshi O," Heero whispered. "But why his name?" He scanned the writing and found another line entirely composed of Chinese characters. That must be it. But what's it say...I'll have to ask Wufei.

*

Trowa plucked up a little wild flower, bright yellow and red, and offered it to the slave nestled in his lap. Resting his head on his master's chest, Quatre opened his eyes and took the delicate stem, holding it in his thin fingers. Trowa winced at the blood still caked over his lover's hands, the splinters half under his nails. He ran his own hand over Quatre's hair and rubbed his back while the blonde twirled his flower.

The monarch leaned back against the tree behind him and sighed. His slave's skin was so cold to the touch. Wish I'd brought a blanket for him, he thought.

"Trowa?"

He looked up, surprised by Une's quiet approach. Dressed in her normal gardening dress, she also had a large basket on her arm and a small bowl of water in her hands.

"Une?"

"Mm...may I?" she asked, nodding at Quatre.

Trowa looked down at his slave. "Love? She could make your hands stop hurting."

Quatre didn't answer. He only raised his hands for her.

Une hid her wince and knelt beside them, placing her basket down and pulling a thin blanket out of it. She unfolded the blue cloth and draped it over Quatre, pulling it up to his shoulders. She took one of his wrists and dipped his hand in the water, rinsing the dried blood and wood away. "I'm going to get those splinters out," she said. "It'll sting."

Quatre shrugged.

She brought his hand up to her eyes and caught one of the splinters between her nails. Holding her breath, she began to draw it out. Blood welled up under the nail, but it came clear after a few seconds. She dropped it on the ground and started on another. Quatre didn't make a sound.

Une looked at Trowa, who nodded for her to continue. When she pulled the first splinter on his other hand, blood beginning to coat her own fingers, she heard a little whimper and looked up. Tears fell steadily out of Quatre's eyes, and he pressed his face back into Trowa's chest.

Trowa held still for a moment before putting one arm around Quatre's waist, his other hand rubbing his back. "It's okay, love. It's almost over."

Une sped through the rest of the splinters and rinsed his hands one more time. Another cloth came out of the basket, and she pressed it around Quatre's fingers to dry them. Her hands reached up to dry off a few drops that had slid up his arms, and she frowned. The boy's muscles were far too tense, as if he expected to be hit or wanted to run.

"Une?"

She smiled when Sally sat down, carrying her own basket. "He's tense. Do you have any catnep on you?"

Sally nodded and dug into her basket. "I brought some teas from the shop."

She unwrapped the cover from a warm glass jar and held it up while Une scooped honey from another jar and mixed it in. When it was cool enough for Quatre's battered hands to hold, she gave it to Trowa and let him put it to his lover's lips.

Quatre shook his head and closed his eyes.

"Just a little," Trowa said. "So you can fall asleep."

Quatre didn't move.

"It's got honey in it," Trowa said.

"Honey?" Quatre stared at the glass, raising one hand and holding it back at the same time.

"It's sweet. You don't have to drink all of it. Just a sip."

Quatre opened his lips a little and let Trowa tilt the glass. After a moment, he pulled the glass away. Quatre wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, then put his hands around Trowa's and brought the glass back, taking another sip.

While he drank, Sally lay her hand on Trowa's shoulder and stood up, leaving with Une.

Trowa leaned back against the tree again and let Quatre drink down the tea. The only sounds in the garden were his slave's little noises and the wind running through the trees.

*

Wufei woke up with someone's fingers running through his hair. He groaned and turned his head. Why was this person here? Only Treize touched him like this, and Treize was...He frowned. Treize was probably out working, as usual.

He turned to his right but stopped when pain flared up in his right arm. Oh, that's right. Now I remember. He hissed in a breath and turned his face toward the pillow, wishing the pain would stop.

"Wufei? Are you awake?"

He opened his eyes and found his master leaning over him, wearing only a white shirt and plain pants. "Treize..."

"It's all right," the captain said. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Wufei forced a smile. "I know. The zero..." His smile faded when Treize looked away. He followed his look and saw his geis pendant on the nightstand beside him.

"Wufei...love...there's something I have to do."

The sorcerer closed his eyes. "Strengthen the geis..."

"No," Treize said, laying his hand on Wufei's shoulder. "No. I...love, you were barely able to stop me from killing you, and Quatre...Quatre's not going to be the same for a long time..."

"I'll destroy the zeros," Wufei said.

"That's not enough." Treize picked up Wufei's good hand and squeezed it. "Zechs tried to hurt Noin, but she could stop him. She could fight back since she isn't a..." He pushed a few black strands that had fallen over his love's face. "I've decided...and...I can't let this happen again...I know it'll kill me, that you'll leave..."

Wufei clenched his hand around Treize's. Sell me...he's going to sell me...

"I set you free."

Tears in his eyes, Treize took the dagger on the nightstand and slammed the hilt down on the pendant, smashing it. A little wisp of blue light trickled out like water and disappeared. Wufei stared at the broken bits of glass and metal, blinking hard.

"Free?" He looked back at Treize. "Free?"

"Completely."

Wufei relaxed on his pillow and stared at the ceiling. Not selling...free...can't be sold anymore...I could go anywhere, do anything now...could destroy the whole palace...

"If...if you want..." Treize whispered, "I could get...whatever you need. I know you hate me...probably want to see your mountains again..."

Mountains...it's been so long...

Wufei smiled.

"It will be nice to wrap you in chains."

Treize tilted his head. "What?"

He closed his eyes and nestled down into his blankets, the pain in his arm dying down into a dull throb. "It's getting cold in here."

"I'll get another--"

"Sh," Wufei said. "Come lay beside me. Keep me warm."

Treize looked at him for a moment until a smile crept over his face. "Yes, love." He moved to the other side of the bed and slid in next to him, finding a clear spot on his lover's chest that wasn't bruised or cut. "You forgive me?"

"No." Wufei shook his head, but his smile only broadened. "But I think I'll enjoy taking my justice from you."

*

Heero looked up from the last few words on the page as Duo came up the stairs, his whipping braid appearing first as he shook his head. He crossed the floor and pulled a chair out, straddling it and resting his head on the table.

"Hi, Hee-chan. Anything new?"

"Hn." Heero flipped one of the pages over and stared at the writing. "They're moving faster than I thought."

"What'cha mean?"

"I thought we had a few months, but it looks like they've already got a large army assembled...it could be any day now..."

"Army?" Duo squinted at the lettering. "But we already got the guards, right?"

"That wasn't their main force. They don't give details, but it looks like they have three necromancers working for them. And one sorcerer."

"The one Wufei--?"

"Mm-hmm." Heero showed him the Chinese characters. "I'll need him to tell me what these mean."

"Pretty writing." Duo pointed at the letters. "Wufei said he showed me all the letters, but how come these look different? Is there another alphabet?"

Heero smirked. "No, that's just Dermail's sloppy writing." He folded the papers again and hid them somewhere in his cloak. "Ready to go to sleep?"

Duo kissed him and stood up. "I guess so. How're we gonna get up when it gets dark?"

"I'll wake up."

The thief smiled. "Yeah, I guess you would." He stretched and yawned. "I'm not used to getting up so early."

"Then let's get you to bed." Heero spread the blankets on the ground and sat down.

Duo sat down next to him and let Heero put his cloak around him, drawing him closer.

"Those kids won't come up here, will they?"

"No, I told 'em not to. I said you're good at throwing knives and you always sleep with one in your hand."

"That reminds me...Hee-chan?"

"I think it suits you." Duo laughed and hugged him, using his chest as a pillow.

"Go to sleep."

Once his slave's breathing became regular and deepened and his muscles relaxed, Heero repositioned himself so his hip didn't press against the hard floor. He winced as something else dug into his side, and he reached around to find the zero tucked into a pocket. He stared at the crystal for awhile, examining the chain and the way the light bounced off the surface, then put it over his head and around his throat.

"Might as well start getting used to it," he said before hugging Duo closer and falling asleep.

TBC...