Odds and Bobbs 4
Hey peeps…sorry again for the loooooongtime of not writing. Thanks sooo much to Sylvanisty for her review, which I found majorly uplifting since I got so little reviews but that's to be expected since I didn't update in around what, two months!! Oh well…hope you enjoy.
Chapter 4
Inhaling deeply the Hime sat up abruptly, gasping for air she let her head fall back and rest on the silken cushions. Closing her eyes she felt blissful tears of relief slip from her eyes, opening them she received the blurry image of three figures.
"Is she all right?"
"I don't know idiot, ask her!"
"Are you alright Hime?"
She blinked, "Treize?" Her voice came out gratingly rough, "Shhh, You're terribly weak…"
She nodded her head, closing her eyes she shuddered violently, "Oh Goddess. No, I can't rest." Pulling herself up she felt her muscles tighten, "He's coming. I have to go."
Seiya shared a look with his brother, "Who's coming? Is it Wufei and his army? Are you afraid of him?"
"No," She frowned, the men had come into focus, her eyes roamed the room before she found the trademark symbol of the west carved into the wall.
"Oh…it can't be…"
"I'm afraid so Hime. You're prisoner of the Western Kingdom."
'If only we weren't at war." Seiya couldn't help thinking when he saw Usagi beginning to weep, "Hime, we won't harm you."
"But you'll keep me here! I need to help Wufei." She choked on her own sobs, trying to control herself before bursting into tears. Clutching the sheets she cried to her hearts content, Yaten motioned for his brothers to follow him.
As soon as they had exited the room he turned to the two, "Something's wrong with her. Just because we captured her doesn't mean she has to throw herself into a fit like that."
"She said someone was coming after her…Wonder who it could be." Taiki murmured, "Maybe it's time we try and figure out what the Dragon Clan is thinking." He tapped the side of his head. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Maybe spies? What do you think General?"
Seiya shook his head, "No spies…no. Don't do anything. We will move forward with our original plans. I on the other hand will take care of Usagi." He cracked his wrists, "Where is our queen?"
"She's still planning the ball…heaven only knows why she choose this to distract herself from the war."
Seiya rolled his eyes, "I would like that gold chain of yours now Taiki."
"Oh, yes, here you are." He withdrew a gold chain out, it was tiny and perfect in it's making, "Are you sure it's the wisest thing to do?"
"Yes. Wearing this slave necklace will ensure that anyone who sees her in the west will not harm her and send her immediately back here. If she manages to escape."
"Highly doubtable. I created the defense system here, no way is she getting out."
"Mmm-hmm." Seiya muttered under his breath, "I'll see you two at dinner…I might bring the Hime. So…be prepared I suggest."
The two nodded their heads before heading their separate ways, Seiya reentered the room to find Usagi staring at herself in the mirror.
"Hime,"
"Don't call me that." She eyed the chain he was carrying in his hand, "Since I'm you're slave now you might as well call me slave or something even worse."
"Why not by your name?" Seiya asked, his eyebrow raised, Usagi gave him such a glare that he couldn't resist his smirk, "There's no offense in wearing this Hime. It's just to ensure your safety."
Usagi looked away, "He's going to come for me. And take me away. And hurt me. And then I'll be locked away forever…someone else's slaves."
"You're talking crazy. Who's coming after you? We'll keep you safe."
"Westerners." Usagi spat suddenly, Seiya shook his head in disapproval, "Listen, we aren't going to hurt you. Wufei, is dead you know right?"
"He's not." Usagi turned, "He's not dead…he's going to come here and crush you into the earth for what you've done."
Seiya's face remained stony cold, "It was my brothers and I who brought you out of your curse and the thanks we receive is you throwing fits and acting unreasonably? Where's your proper etiquette, you should understand we wish you no harm. And only brought you here because you were stuck in that Inn…who knows how fast the person you're afraid of could have caught you then?"
Usagi stared at Seiya, slowly her hand lifted up to take the chain from him, motioning for her to turn around he clipped the chain around her neck.
"Do you wish to bathe?"
There was a long sigh, "It would be my pleasure, General Seiya."
Seiya could feel her controlled contempt towards him but chose to ignore it, "One of the servants will show you the way to dinner when it's time….Hime," His fingers clasped her chin, "Do not try to run."
Pulling away from him she curtsied, "Thank you for your hospitality General Seiya." She said between clenched teeth.
***********
Mamoru threw the sheets off his bed and tore open his desk, "Damn it all! Heero!"
Heero glared at Mamoru, "You didn't command me to watch the cat." He hissed angry at Mamoru for blaming him for his own stupidity.
"No…But I would suspect you even knew when he left. Tell me the truth, did you?" Mamoru's face was flushed with anger.
"Yes, Master…I did know when he left."
"THAT, is a direct violation of my commands to not go against me!"
"It was not going against you when I let the cat go. There were no commands that ordered me to take care of the cat."
Mamoru hissed in annoyance, his fangs coming into view for the second time, "Find him and the girl as quickly as you can and bring them back. If anyone tries to interfere with your mission, destroy them."
"As you wish."
Quatre met eyes with Mamoru only for a split second before he slammed the door to his room. Quatre stared at his hands for a moment, his hands, which used to be somehow cleaner then they were now. Wufei had left, and so had Usagi, why was he the only one to not have escaped? Pacing in front of the fire he constantly looked out the window, a part of him wanted Usagi to be captured and brought back and the other part hoped Usagi would escape.
Heero reined the horse to a stop, staring up at the inn he could make out a powerful source of energy still inside, this was it, the Hime must be here. Tying the horse up he walked inside, his eyes searched for the girl. Slipping upstairs his eyes grew opaque, his ears pricked at the sound of feathers…griffin feathers his senses concluded for him. A griffin, here? He murmured to himself, odd, opening the doorway where the noise had come from he stared around at the empty room. Walking up to the bed he could smell Usagi's day old scent, sighing in annoyance he swung around in time to raise his arms up and block the cloud of purple, which had been charging at him. Snarling he met eyes with his attacker, Trowa remained cool, blocking the tavern girl from being hit with his body. Keshian's eyes narrowed to slits, "Well, well look what you've found Trowa." Trowa's eyes took in the young, lithe body.
It was beyond him to have expected this rugged boy to be the demon, "This is Maxwell's demon?"
"No longer." Heero snapped, the blood was pounding in his temples, changing into his true form, opaque eyes turned into honey yellow eyes. The tough skin that covered his body was an odd shade of mottled green. Keshian hissed, his claws flexing, launching into the air he hovered near Trowa, ready to support his life partner, for the moment.
Neither expected the speed in the demon's movements though, it was almost as if he was here, and then there. Smashing into Keshian it continued on until Keshian was slammed straight through the wall. Wood splinters showered down, landing on top of Keshian he proceeded to pummel Keshian, the vicious looking claws making their mark.
His leathery wings, which had been closed around his sides unexpectedly shot outwards. He went sent soaring backwards, Trowa's eyes widened in surprise before he took advantage of the situation, he yelled a spell at the top of his lungs, thrusting his hands forwards he watched the guardian bird of earth come struggling out of his hands, in a wraithlike, mist form.
Akin to a lightning bolt it struck Heero down, turning into manacles, they clamped down on Heero's appendages, pinning him to the floor. Hissing and writhing on the floor it spat angrily, he hadn't been caught like this in a long while. Lita let out a breath of disgust, "What is it?"
Trowa couldn't reply, the cramps in his side were forcing him to kneel on the ground they were so bad. Turning he met eyes with Keshian, it was in that split second that he knew, Keshian was gone. Even as this thought struck him an outline of Keshian began to rise from its still body. Sparkling with green you could see the coppery lines of magic bubbling and welling inside. It was such a strange sight, with every forwards step tendrils of green mist would spring up from the floorboards. When they were nose-to-nose Keshian's forked tongue slipped out, "I am finally parting from our partnership friend Trowa…Here is your humanity."
His form grew brighter before he sprang into Trowa's body; the cramps that had once been in Trowa's side were gone. And he was feeling the strange throb of exhilaration from a battle something he had missed for several years, moving forwards he reached out and stroked the still lustrous coat of fur. "Keshian…" He sighed, "So quick was your death." His eyes stung, turning to the young tavern girl again he eyed the still thrashing demon.
"I still need your help. If you know where the Hime is going, please help me. She's in great danger." She nodded her head, her green eyes matching Trowa's in ferocity. He smiled suddenly, surprised at himself for doing so, "We must hurry, Kidorui won't hold him for long." She nodded her head, "Is there any time for me to get something?"
"No. We must leave now." Grabbing her wrist he spat on Heero, "Damned demon."
*************************
Lita twisted her rose earrings worriedly, they had resorted to borrowing, or rather stealing some tavern horses to get where they wanted to go faster. Trowa turned around in his saddle again, his eyes scanned the forest, 'We could very well be leading the demon to where Usagi is.' The thought wouldn't cease troubling him, he turned to face forwards again, watching both the path and Lita's ponytail swing back and forth. "Are you sure this is the way?" Trowa called quietly. Lita turned and nodded her head, her eyes were more of a softer green while Trowa's had more depth, more wisdom in them.
"General Seiya of the West took her. He told us some of his battle plans against the Dragon Clan."
"You are part of the western kingdom. Why bother helping me?"
"Because…I kind of came to like the Hime. I didn't know her long but when she was awake for those an hour or two at the most, she would talk to me about some wonderful things…but that was only twice. She was so sick."
"I doubt she's sick now. The General no doubt was able to heal her."
"Yes…I can't believe he lied to me!" She said shortly. Trowa snorted, "You're just a tavern girl."
"Yes, well I won't be always." She snapped, annoyed that he was resorting to point that fact out, "I'll own a bakery and become famous for it."
"I'm sure." It was quiet, not really encouraging, but not mocking either.
The dapple-gray steed that Trowa was riding constantly stopped to reach for a branch of leaves on the subtle trail. Clenching his teeth in annoyance he goaded the horse on once again, it reminded him of how much more intelligent Keshian was then this horse. The soon to be baker girl took a deep breath, taking time to smell the rejuvenating air and see the dewdrops slip from their perches. The muddy sucking sound below seemed to loud in the surrounding forest. Besides the soft calling and twittering of the birds they were the only other occupants in the forest, which seemed to being causing some degree of noise.
"Uh, sir, how are you going to get into the Castle?"
"What's the name of their castle called again?"
"You mean the settlement they're in?"
"I suppose so."
"Kinmoku."
"Odd name."
Lita shrugged her shoulders, "Very strict people. I don't know why they're in the war though."
"They wanted to be included in the profitable trade alliance of the other three countries. The north started this, jealousy of the Dragon Clan."
"Why do you call your land the Dragon Clan? When you could call it something…different."
Trowa snorted, "I could say the same for Kinmoku."
1 'I give you your humanity back'
The words made Trowa's head spin, so he was, fully human now? Or was he part of Keshian's knowledge and magic too? He had once read that knowledge and magic could be transferred to someone as long as the spirit had enough magical substance or something similar to that…kicking the horse's side once more he sighed inwardly at his dilemma, he had been so close to finding the Hime. Now he was on an adventure that he hadn't wanted.
**************
"No. Bring me a pair of breeches would you!"
"Miss, eh, that's highly unlikely! Women of your stature are expected to wear dresses and skirts!"
"I'm not staying here for long, and I'm going…to the stables." She stuttered, the man servant that had been given to him stared stubbornly back at her, "I will get in deep trouble with the general if he sees you walking around in men's clothing and what's more stable boys wear such clothes! It's a disgrace! Dinner will be in only a few hours! I don't see why you can't ride his horses wearing a dress."
"Because it will tear! And get muddy!"
"What in kami's name is going on!" Usagi turned her eyes to be met with startlingly attractive misty blue eyes, they glared at her, checking her up and down. "And who is this slave?"
Her cheeks turned a hot red, her hand flew up to the chain hanging around her neck, she wished so hard that she could yank it off her neck and throw it at the women who had spoken. But contempt was not a strong point of the Hime, so accordingly she quelled her animosity towards the stranger.
"Milady, this is the Hime of Dragon Clan."
"Damn it, I told him." Clenching her hand into a fist she glared at the man servant, "Damn idiot should have sent a women to do a women's job. Get out." She snapped, she even dared to grab the young man by the ear and literally throw him out of the room. Returning her attention to the Hime she took note of her only clothing, a towel, "And why is it that you refuse to dress?"
Feeling slow and stupid, Usagi didn't reply, rather timidly stare at the women, wearing the clothing of a short, white dress and a black vest over it, a bandanna around her neck completed her outfit. No matter how outlandish it seemed, she wore such an air of confidence that you would most likely ignore anything that she did as 'strange'.
"I see you have no complaint in what I will choose for you to wear." Turning she walked into the large, but simple closet. Thumbing through the clothes she stopped when she found a simple blue dress, so simple it might even be insulting to someone like the Hime, used to be the Hime she corrected herself. Her hand was reaching to take it from its hook when her brain suddenly slammed an image of those cornflower blue eyes, pleading, innocent into her minds eye. A shaky breath issued from her lips, her hand pushed the dress back and she continued down the aisle, then the next aisle, and then the next.
Groaning in exasperation she eyed the last aisle, thinking of her own closet she swatted the idea away with the fact that her build was taller and definitely not petite. Her eyes lazily swept from dress to dress and caught on the milk white dress, satin flowers lined the top edge of the dress. Pulling it out, she watched it flow in the air, imagining the slender legs that would be shown, from the knee down anyway. A mist of sparkling rhinestones winked back at you from the waistline, dipping down in the middle of the dress.
"Dress in this." Thrusting a pair of shoes at her she turned her back, Usagi stared at the dress, then the shoes, wincing she changed quickly; it wasn't in her usual schedule to follow orders. "I'm done." Her voice came out meek; she turned and fixed a strap, "You look reasonable." She mumbled gruffly, Usagi stared at the floor; her heart was beating fast in humiliation. Her chin was lifted, "I'm afraid I've been rude to you Hime. But I didn't know…" seeing as you were a slave her mind finished, but then her eyes hadn't really taken in the lustrous blonde hair, nor the slim body or innocent eyes, something that wouldn't have been there if she truly was a slave…
Sighing, she held out her hand, "My name is Haruka Tenoh. I am a soldier, second in command." A tingle of pleasure shot through her spine when she saw Usagi's surprise, in her court no doubt it was against the laws and responsibilities for women.
"From the racket you were making I heard you wished to go riding. If you still wish, we could do so now. Of course, I would have to attend your ride across our land." She tilted her head to the side slightly, the Hime was a fine specimen…they weren't lying when they said the Hime was a goddess.
Somehow Usagi thought she could bear the second in command even though the first few moments with her had been tedious. Nodding her head dubiously she recoiled in surprise when she took her hand and proceeded to lead her down the hallway.
***************************
"Hah, Seiya come and look at this." Yaten called, he had been gifted with magic, and in his light green eyes you could see it, welling and pooling. Seiya yanked Yaten back from the window by aid of his long, ivory hair. He smirked when he saw his second in command, Haruka, helping the Hime into a saddle. "Such lowly work, and she does it?"
"You do remember the time when I told you of her…mate preferences." Taiki murmured in the background.
A sudden rage filled Seiya, turning he met eyes with his brother, "She likes women?"
Taiki nodded her head, I see her now and then, kissing with the women, if any of them bed with her…they say nothing of it."
"That's disgusting."
"Hm…" Taiki replied, "Don't be so quick to judge her, again."
His eyes narrowed, "I wouldn't trust her with the Hime if I were you." Yaten chipped in. Seiya shot a glare at Yaten, "I don't trust anything you say."
"Hey!" Yaten snapped back, "I'm the most powerful one in here!"
He received a withering look from both his brothers, "You know just as well as I do that our magic is linked. The only way you can have so much magic is because you take it from us when needed!"
"I was the one to come up with the plan."
"Lord, have mercy on his lying tongue!" Seiya hissed, "Haruka will not touch her. I know that women well enough. Whatever you've seen Taiki is nothing more then a simple predictions of yours."
Taiki's eyes widened ever so slightly in calm annoyance, "As you say. General."
Clenching his teeth he managed to work his way of getting out of the room, the boots clicked against the floor cheerily, belying his current mood. His gaze traveled out the window and held fast to the pair riding through the plain of grass. Slowing they both dismounted and headed towards the clump of bushes. A flash of light signified that there was a water source nearby, hidden in the foliage. He watched both closely, Haruka stepped closer, his heart slammed against his ribcage. Haruka wrapped her lips against the Hime, pulling back she bent and abruptly swung the Hime into her arms. Seiya's eyes narrowed, 'Disgusting' he thought.
Turning he proceeded to wander towards his queen's room, stopping at her door he listened to see if she was inside. She was, letting the door swing shut behind him he came upon his queen sitting at her desk combing her hair. She looked up, her eyes were discontented and didn't remain on her right hand general. "Are you coming to the ball Seiya?" Her voice lilted in the air, he smiled letting most of his troubles drop, "I might. How are preparations coming?" He voiced, her hand dropped from her hair, trembling slightly she turned and faced him, "There is no need for this war."
"Without people working our kingdom will be in economic ruins."
"Working for warfare!"
"What, do you suggest I do? Join the Dragon Clan? They will be crushed!"
"Do you hear what they've done! They've made an alliance with the Romefellors! That countries full of the damned! They'll crush US to the ground!" She said, arguing with him again, lacking the power of the king the General and Courts Advisor fell into command. Kakyuu, the queen, was only a voice.
"Are you suggesting this only because the Hime was captured and brought here?"
"Ensnared by my own people." She murmured, her ruby red eyes reflected shallow disgust, "It's disgusting. What possible influence could she give? You're just keeping her as insult! THERE'S NO POINT IN THIS WAR! Besides," She snapped, "The dragon clan is a rich kingdom and could have helped us. You were just too proud to ask. Too stubborn on doing it on our own somehow, the Dragon clan is strong and joining their sides means that we won't be a bunch of murderers! There was no grudge between us and the Dragon Clan, but the other kingdoms." She wrinkled her nose in disgust, "The king of late was supposed to be killed by one of their assassins, they constantly push on our borders and they've been known to cross our borders even and steal from the farmers there!"
Seiya was silent, "If we turn on them now the war will be against us and the Dragon Clan. The Dragon Clan will not aid us since we went against them."
"It was a mistake to go against them in the first place."
"But this mistake is something that couldn't be helped in the moment."
"It can be helped, convince the Hime."
"You're out of your mind Kakyuu." He murmured, his eyes were deep pools of worry, "There is no turning back now."
Kakyuu looked away, "You're the one who's out of their mind. We're looking for what's better for our people. Not for the castle and its inhabitants." Seiya turned heel then, there was no more comfort in being in Kakyuu's presence, he would go to his room then, and think, mope was more like it, he hated going against Kakyuu, and she was right. But, he was right too, if they turned now then the other kingdoms would crush him, the Dragon Clan would offer no peace for them. It would be catastrophic.
He was surprised to say in the least when he spotted the Hime sitting in front of his mirror, stool too high for her feet to touch the ground, he never noticed how short she was, she swung her feet aimlessly back and forth. Staring at herself in the mirror and fingering the chain now and then, she looked up when the door closed behind him. He gave a forced smile, she returned it, no matter how small it was.
"Is something wrong milord?"
Seiya shrugged his shoulders, noticing her happy mood it irritated him, "Why are you so cheery? Did you have a fun time with Haruka." He sneered.
Usagi blushed, "She kissed me…I didn't know she was like that…"
Seiya's eyebrow rose, "And? Did you make love with her?"
Usagi looked horrified, "No! Of course not." She smiled worriedly, "I bed with men. Specifically my husband." She muttered, "Besides she says that maybe she'll ride with me again. Show me the countryside."
Seiya then knew why she was so excited, knowing the countryside meant knowing where the best place to escape was. Sighing he ran a hand through his hair, "Yes. That should be fun." It was something he wasn't looking forwards too, had the Kernel fallen for this, this girl!!?! What did she have that a man didn't have? Innocence, his mind went on badgering him with answers. Holding his head between his hands he groaned, why was the Dragon Clan his source of trouble.
"Having trouble in the war Milord?" It was suggestive, Seiya looked up, the blue, almost brown eyes stared at Usagi, "What is your real name Hime?"
"Usagi. Milord." She added, she looked away, meeting his eyes was like asking for a connection between the two, something she didn't want.
"Well Usagi, we went to war with your country for many reasons."
"I'd like to hear them General."
"Another day."
"Another day then." Letting the chair swing around she wondered what else there would be in the day.
"Seiya."
He jerked up in surprise, "Yes?"
"Why are you keeping me here? What will you do when the demon comes for me? Will you fight for me or let it take me?"
"Neither. There is no demon. Unlike the dragon clan we don't believe in myths."
"Myths…" Usagi laughed, "This is no myth. Who do you think attacked my husband?"
"And who says your husband is alive?" He snapped back.
Shooting a pained look in his direction she sighed, "I know he's alive."
"Just as I know you're delirious from grief. There is no way that he's alive, an advantage for us."
"You're despicable!!" Usagi spat suddenly, "I can't believe it! We had no quarrels with you!"
He remained silent, it sounded like he was going to get no peace from Usagi, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sure you are…." She mumbled tiredly, the window slammed open, her head shot up, she listened, there was no sound, no hint of the forceful wind that must have slammed open the window. Swallowing she gripped the chair, she needed to find 'Him' soon.
"Seiya, I need to find a man. He can help me save Wufei."
He stared at her disbelievingly, "This is a war. You expect me to help you? You're kidding!"
"No." Sighing in frustration she hoped that God would help her get out of this mess.
***************
Trowa was in constant fear of being found by the demon, he was forcing the girl to keep the horses walking throughout the night. He felt bad for the girl, she obviously would be sore in the morning but there wouldn't be anything that he could do about it, they needed to find the Hime. And that was final.
Lita's legs spasmodically clenched down on the horse's sides, rubbing the sleep from her eyes she couldn't help but let her shoulders sag. Somehow it had come to the point where she was sleeping while they were riding. Stopping the horse, she looked around, they had veered from their path a few yards, nothing to worry about. Turning the horse to the left she urged it on, slowly, so slowly it began it's trot. Pulling back the hood of her cape she stared up at the sky, letting her eyes close she imagined that she was back home in a warm bed…
Trowa's tongue proved quick as he blurted out a spell to save the girl from falling off her mount, the girl hung in mid air. Walking past her body he took the horse's reins and his horses reins, removing their saddles and tying them to a nearby branch he returned to Lita's body. Taking her body he set her against the tree, firmly wrapping the cloak around her. Sighing he wished the ever intelligent and spiteful Keshian was there with him.
*********************************
The hairs on the back of Heero's neck were erect with electric energy, he had been struggling with his bonds for the last few hours, his eyes turned to the moon, it stared down on him in scorn. If only, he thought, if only he wasn't bonded in this human body. He had controlled all human temptations, understandings, and humanlike qualities, but it was still there, that weakness was still there. Staying still for a few moments he regained his breath, summoning all his energy he would go for one last struggle. Kicking wildly he pulled at his wrist restraints, he could feel them loosen only slightly, hissing in annoyance he forced his chest up so hard that you would have thought he would've broken a few ribs in the process.
There was a thunderous snap as the restraints were finally put to their limit, letting his head fall back onto the floor he began to shrink in size, into his human form. Gasping for breath he lay on the floor a few moments before he heard the light tap at the doorway, growling he was on his feet immediately. Like a shadow he slipped into the surrounding darkness.
"Lita? Oh," Heero could only make out her face from the moonbeam that fell across, she was a highly nervous looking girl, she kept peering into the darkness expecting something to pop out. Sighing she finally turned and left, Heero waited a few moments before changing into his demon form. Rising a full six feet he stretched and flexed his muscles, if you had been watching you could have seen the muscles ripple and shiver under the tough skin. Unfurling his wings he sneered, 'If only this human hadn't bonded with me' he thought to himself, but it had to be done. Without a soul he couldn't walk this world…
With a sweep of his hand a gust of air slammed against the window, sending it crashing to its death below. His eyes flicked towards the still body of the griffin, walking towards it he reached a hand out and let his clawed fingers sweep down the mane of the griffin. Suddenly grabbing a fistful of the hair he pulled the cumbersome load onto his shoulder. He leapt from the sill of the window and took to the air, looking below he could see a few people pointing and gawking narrowing his eyes he knew that the word had spread, the demon had been unleashed…
*******************
Usagi stared straight ahead at the wall for an hour…or more, her head was aching with the constant thought of the clue from that man in the bar…Sighing she held her head in her hands, 'There has got to be a way.' She complained to herself, 'Got to be…'
Seiya was only slightly surprised when he found the Hime still staring at the wall pointedly ignoring him. Frowning he walked over to her, turning her chair around he stared into her eyes, she stared back at him blankly.
"Hime, are you alright?"
She remained silent, her senses slowly towing her back to reality, "What?"
"I asked if you were alright."
"I'm fine. No, I'm worried. It's been a week that I've been here with you. And…he hasn't found me."
Seiya couldn't help but smirk, "I told you, you would be safe here."
She shrugged her shoulders, "Seiya…"
"Hmm?" He began to strip his shirt and pants, walking to the other side of the room to get a fresh set of clothing. Usagi had looked away, she didn't know if he did it to tease her or just because he didn't care but either way she wasn't going to look! The both of them looked up when they heard the knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Seiya grumbled pulling on his pants, Usagi felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick upwards.
"A messenger. It's very important that you hear this sir."
"Don't answer the door." Usagi burst suddenly, diving towards Seiya she took a tight grip on his wrist.
"Are you insane? If this is an important message I must take it." Shoving Usagi off of him he opened the door, Usagi felt her heart skip a beat when the door swung open to reveal a burly teenager. He glanced at Usagi for a long moment before whispering something into Seiya's ear.
Usagi didn't even try and pay attention, she could feel it in her very atoms, he was here. Stepping closer to Seiya she clasped hands with him, looking at the open window, 'Where is he?' She wondered.
"Thank you. Tell him I'll be up in a few seconds."
"Yes sir."
Turning to Usagi he held a frown on his face, "You're peoples just won a battle…" Waiting for her face to turn from solemn to happy he grit his teeth in annoyance, "What's bothering you now?"
"I'm telling you, he's here."
"Damn it Usagi, I'm sick of this, there's nobody here."
"Trowa!" She yelped suddenly in surprise, he turned his head, "Hime," giving a short bow of respect he turned and pulled up his guide, "I'd like you to meet Lita."
'Are you alright Hime?'
'I guess so, why is that girl here?'
'Guide, I didn't know where the western lands started or ended.'
'Oh…You came just in time. I had thought that the demon was you.' She smiled and released her hold on Seiya, crossing the distance between the two in swift steps. Grabbing Trowa in a hug. Trowa however didn't return it, 'I saw him enter the palace grounds, that's why I was in such a rush to get here.'
Seiya stood stunned, how was it possible that this wizard had just crossed all the barriers around their palace? Wasn't it virtually impossible?
Cool hands abruptly gripped him around the neck, he gave enough warning to Usagi and Trowa about the terror behind him. Usagi bit her lip, "You're here…"
"Because of your magician. He doesn't know how to cover his tracks very well." Heero held his captive tightly by the neck.
"I know how to hold you down though, don't I." Trowa murmured, grabbing Usagi's hand and backing towards the balcony. Heero's body stiffened, Seiya arched his back, trying to give more space for him to breath. Heero's teeth clenched together, "Let her go," his voice was gratingly rough, he had resorted to his half-demon form.
"Let him go first." Usagi said suddenly, Trowa shot a glare at Usagi, "What the hell do you think you're doing! That's the General of the West, and the current ruler. Destroy him and the Dragon Clan has another chance to destroy these ingrates!"
She pulled her arm away from Trowa, "No, it's wrong, Seiya didn't do anything. I'm not harmed Trowa."
Trowa felt his cheeks burn with anger, "I'm not going to let you save that bastard." Muttering under his breath he put his wrists together as a square of light began to radiate in his hands.
Throwing Seiya across the room Heero ran forwards, his wings aiding him in speed. Wrapping his fingers around the delicate neck he snarled, Trowa, despite his broken words continued speaking. Giving a hiss Heero's height shot up its extra inches, the scar across his eye glowed yellow, "Valmi'ryth achshin Hevinsa." He growled in his native tongue, closing his fingers around Trowa's neck he grinned, furious delight in what he was doing. Trowa's hands folded together before abruptly pulling them away, two beams of light grew from the palms of his hands, forming into two, scimitars which glowed with a livid light.
Immediately he brought it down on Heero's arm with as much force as he could gather, roaring Heero fell backwards, black blood was splattering all over the floor. Half screaming and growling Heero's fangs glinted with a malicious light. Opening his wings he hovered in the air before suddenly shooting at Trowa.
Trowa formed a cross with his scimitars, muttering words until his swords lost their light to a mistier, translucent glow. Heero unexpectedly slammed into an invisible wall of magic. Biting and clawing at it proved fruitless, leaping in the air he ended up on top of the magical shield. Scrambling over the top of the energy field like a lizard he vent his frustration on the shield with sudden fits of violence.
Usagi's breath was surprisingly calm, and easy. Touching Trowa's shoulder she whispered something in his ear. He closed his eyes and frowned, severely disliking the idea. He met eyes with Heero who was now on top of the shield, he had fallen silent and somewhat tranquil. Watching Usagi he was unnervingly still, Trowa suddenly shook his head in refusal to the idea. Usagi bit her lip, hesitating at her friends command before unexpectedly running out of the shield.
"Usagi!" Trowa yelled, his magic bubble blinked twice and then disappeared, Heero's mind made a split second decision, kill the magician get the girl. Shooting out a tentacle of black magic it reached out and wrapped itself around Trowa's waist. Crying out he was thrown backwards, he lifted his swords over his chest in protection. Heero grabbed him by the wrists and slammed his hands backwards. The blades clattered to the ground, immediately loosing their power source they're light vanished like a spark from a fire.
"Trowa!" Usagi yelled, reaching Seiya she gripped him by the shirt, "Help him!" She screamed crying tears of fear. Seiya nodded his head weakly, gripping the bedpost he pulled himself upwards. The room spun around and around in his head, groaning he grabbed the sword he always kept near the bed. Unsheathing it he lifted it like a javelin, closing his eyes he opened them again, the world was steady again.
Usagi threw items out of the drawer until at the very back she found her necklace…
Trowa's eyes could hardly focus on the silver sword that had just begun to protrude from the demon's chest. Heero ignored it, it was nothing, the kill in front of him was more important. Leaning closer he began to apply more weight to Trowa's throat and scour deeper marks into Trowa's side. His eyebrow's suddenly shot up surprise and pain, his hands freed themselves from Trowa , turning to look up he met eyes with Usagi. She took her hand, which was wrapped in the mercury necklace and slammed another punch into his back, holding her hand there. Screaming a horrible drawn out scream it fell on all floors, heaving for breath.
Usagi's heart was beating fast, the green skin on the demon's back was beginning to ripple and suddenly peeled away. A light? No, human skin began to show through. Wild brown locks of hair began to appear on its head. Turning to look at Usagi she met with Heero's regular midnight blue eyes. They seared her to the very soul with their pain, tears dripped from her face, it struck her, 'You're human aren't you Heero?'
Reaching up his hand, his human hand, he gripped her mercury wrapped fist and kissed it, burning his lips. "Help me."
But the image wavered and was displaced with the ugly, demon, his pupils had turned yellow with pain. Swiping his arm out he knocked Usagi away. Picking himself up he held his head in his hands, screaming and glowing with black energy. Usagi could feel her body being picked up and immediately tried to get to her feet, she didn't want to be helped. But her eyes couldn't be taken off the demon, what was wrong with him? Was he having a headache? He was still holding his head in his claws screaming and howling deliriously.
"Usagi! Wake up!" Trowa yelled, thrusting her roughly towards Lita he grabbed Seiya's limp body.
"Let's go, towards the balcony!" Turning to Seiya Trowa gave Seiya a rough shake, "Call your damn dragons now!" He screamed over the growing racket, Seiya nodded his head. His head fell forwards, groaning he lifted his head and whistled. The clear sound carrying over the noise behind them. All four of them turned when the loud smack-smack of skin reached their ears, yelping in surprise they backed towards the sides of the balcony as Heero, the demon, and the cursed man continued their dash straight into the balcony rail. Smashing through it he dived towards the ground in at a deadly spiral, they had no more time to think about it as a woody brown dragon came soaring up to the balcony. "Lenolin there are four riders, we need to hurry!" The spikes in her back lowered, allowing four more people onto her back. It was a scramble to clamber onto her back, Seiya grabbed the spear like bone in front of him. "Go, go!"
Its diamond shaped tail whipped the air and unintentionally slammed straight through the balcony. Speeding forwards he looked back at his master, questioning him, 'Master do you want me to throw those Clan members of yours off my back?'
'No. Take me to the cave.'
The dragon's ears pricked in surprise, Trowa noticed, tightening his hold on Seiya's waist he noticed the General wince and lean forwards. He started in surprise, he hadn't noticed the blood that had been pouring onto his hand. Lenolin noticed though, she noticed the squeeze and so abruptly swung her entire body around in an arc that it was only Trowa's magic that kept him from being thrown off. Usagi and Lita however had their own tight holds and weren't very much affected by the act.
"Lenolin! Stop. Take us to the cave now!" Seiya's fingers were twitching, he kept telling himself to hold on and focus but the pain and blood loss was beginning to take its toll. Trowa let out a breath before letting his hand fall over the general's wound. A rainbow of colors passed before his eyes before he moved his hand to reveal a simple scar in place of the once heavy wound.
"General, if you dare hurt Usagi you are as immoral as that son of a bitch demon that just attacked you."
Seiya nodded his head, "I understand…I wouldn't hurt her, have I yet?"
"No. But you're a Westerner…I don't know how your people think." He said coldly, looking back he gave an acknowledging nod in Usagi's direction.
'Trowa' Usagi said, speaking to him with her minds voice, 'Where are we going?'
'I don't know…somewhere called the cave.'
'Can we trust him?'
'I thought you were the one who said we could trust him' Trowa said in surprise.
'I didn't say any such thing I just didn't want him to die, it wasn't his fault'
'He should have let you go!'
'Would you have let Kakyuu go if we had found her?' She said partly in Seiya's defense.
'Yes, there would be no use for her'
'Ransom' She cut in quickly.
'No. The Dragon Clan's very bloodlines are based on nobility, pride and wisdom. Not on these idiotic Western ideals.'
Lita watched as splotches of water suddenly smacked onto the brown dragon hide, groaning she leaned tiredly onto her only handle, one of the dragons spiked spurs. She hadn't ever ridden on a dragon before she should have been excited but her fear of heights was beginning to take its charge. 'I think I'm going to throw up.'
'What's wrong?'
Lita's eyes sparked with surprise, "Hime?"
'Usagi. I don't mean to be intruding on your thoughts, it's just I heard that you felt sick so…Do you have magical powers?'
"Only in cooking…I can't seem to make my magic do anything else."
'Oh??' Usagi replied back, still remaining silent vocally.
"I tried once, light a fire in the fireplace…a pile of rock hard cakes came pouring down the chimney for three days straight." Lita could hear Usagi's burst of laughter being carried away on the wind.
'That's unfortunate. But at least you can cook. I almost killed someone with my cooking.'
"Hah, well some people have it and some people don't. That's how we make business."
'Yes…you are right. Are you a Westerner?'
Lita hesitated, would the Hime like her if she were a Westerner? Shrugging her shoulders she answered her, "Yes."
"Oh…" Usagi replied out loud this time, slightly puzzled, this wasn't the expected heathen of the West she had pictured when overhearing conversations about the far away west…
Seiya turned in his seat, "Hold on, no matter what, don't let go."
"What's going to happen?" Lita called out worriedly, Trowa who had been reading Seiya's thoughts grimaced, "We're going for a swim."
"What!?!" She didn't have anymore warning as Lenolin dove at a near 90- degree angle, the blue waters before them were coming towards them like a marble wall.
Please, if you've read this (obviously you've seen how I've begun to slack off on this story) please, give me ANY ideas that you would like me to incorporate or use in the story. Toodles-Qt~chan
Hey peeps…sorry again for the loooooongtime of not writing. Thanks sooo much to Sylvanisty for her review, which I found majorly uplifting since I got so little reviews but that's to be expected since I didn't update in around what, two months!! Oh well…hope you enjoy.
Chapter 4
Inhaling deeply the Hime sat up abruptly, gasping for air she let her head fall back and rest on the silken cushions. Closing her eyes she felt blissful tears of relief slip from her eyes, opening them she received the blurry image of three figures.
"Is she all right?"
"I don't know idiot, ask her!"
"Are you alright Hime?"
She blinked, "Treize?" Her voice came out gratingly rough, "Shhh, You're terribly weak…"
She nodded her head, closing her eyes she shuddered violently, "Oh Goddess. No, I can't rest." Pulling herself up she felt her muscles tighten, "He's coming. I have to go."
Seiya shared a look with his brother, "Who's coming? Is it Wufei and his army? Are you afraid of him?"
"No," She frowned, the men had come into focus, her eyes roamed the room before she found the trademark symbol of the west carved into the wall.
"Oh…it can't be…"
"I'm afraid so Hime. You're prisoner of the Western Kingdom."
'If only we weren't at war." Seiya couldn't help thinking when he saw Usagi beginning to weep, "Hime, we won't harm you."
"But you'll keep me here! I need to help Wufei." She choked on her own sobs, trying to control herself before bursting into tears. Clutching the sheets she cried to her hearts content, Yaten motioned for his brothers to follow him.
As soon as they had exited the room he turned to the two, "Something's wrong with her. Just because we captured her doesn't mean she has to throw herself into a fit like that."
"She said someone was coming after her…Wonder who it could be." Taiki murmured, "Maybe it's time we try and figure out what the Dragon Clan is thinking." He tapped the side of his head. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Maybe spies? What do you think General?"
Seiya shook his head, "No spies…no. Don't do anything. We will move forward with our original plans. I on the other hand will take care of Usagi." He cracked his wrists, "Where is our queen?"
"She's still planning the ball…heaven only knows why she choose this to distract herself from the war."
Seiya rolled his eyes, "I would like that gold chain of yours now Taiki."
"Oh, yes, here you are." He withdrew a gold chain out, it was tiny and perfect in it's making, "Are you sure it's the wisest thing to do?"
"Yes. Wearing this slave necklace will ensure that anyone who sees her in the west will not harm her and send her immediately back here. If she manages to escape."
"Highly doubtable. I created the defense system here, no way is she getting out."
"Mmm-hmm." Seiya muttered under his breath, "I'll see you two at dinner…I might bring the Hime. So…be prepared I suggest."
The two nodded their heads before heading their separate ways, Seiya reentered the room to find Usagi staring at herself in the mirror.
"Hime,"
"Don't call me that." She eyed the chain he was carrying in his hand, "Since I'm you're slave now you might as well call me slave or something even worse."
"Why not by your name?" Seiya asked, his eyebrow raised, Usagi gave him such a glare that he couldn't resist his smirk, "There's no offense in wearing this Hime. It's just to ensure your safety."
Usagi looked away, "He's going to come for me. And take me away. And hurt me. And then I'll be locked away forever…someone else's slaves."
"You're talking crazy. Who's coming after you? We'll keep you safe."
"Westerners." Usagi spat suddenly, Seiya shook his head in disapproval, "Listen, we aren't going to hurt you. Wufei, is dead you know right?"
"He's not." Usagi turned, "He's not dead…he's going to come here and crush you into the earth for what you've done."
Seiya's face remained stony cold, "It was my brothers and I who brought you out of your curse and the thanks we receive is you throwing fits and acting unreasonably? Where's your proper etiquette, you should understand we wish you no harm. And only brought you here because you were stuck in that Inn…who knows how fast the person you're afraid of could have caught you then?"
Usagi stared at Seiya, slowly her hand lifted up to take the chain from him, motioning for her to turn around he clipped the chain around her neck.
"Do you wish to bathe?"
There was a long sigh, "It would be my pleasure, General Seiya."
Seiya could feel her controlled contempt towards him but chose to ignore it, "One of the servants will show you the way to dinner when it's time….Hime," His fingers clasped her chin, "Do not try to run."
Pulling away from him she curtsied, "Thank you for your hospitality General Seiya." She said between clenched teeth.
***********
Mamoru threw the sheets off his bed and tore open his desk, "Damn it all! Heero!"
Heero glared at Mamoru, "You didn't command me to watch the cat." He hissed angry at Mamoru for blaming him for his own stupidity.
"No…But I would suspect you even knew when he left. Tell me the truth, did you?" Mamoru's face was flushed with anger.
"Yes, Master…I did know when he left."
"THAT, is a direct violation of my commands to not go against me!"
"It was not going against you when I let the cat go. There were no commands that ordered me to take care of the cat."
Mamoru hissed in annoyance, his fangs coming into view for the second time, "Find him and the girl as quickly as you can and bring them back. If anyone tries to interfere with your mission, destroy them."
"As you wish."
Quatre met eyes with Mamoru only for a split second before he slammed the door to his room. Quatre stared at his hands for a moment, his hands, which used to be somehow cleaner then they were now. Wufei had left, and so had Usagi, why was he the only one to not have escaped? Pacing in front of the fire he constantly looked out the window, a part of him wanted Usagi to be captured and brought back and the other part hoped Usagi would escape.
Heero reined the horse to a stop, staring up at the inn he could make out a powerful source of energy still inside, this was it, the Hime must be here. Tying the horse up he walked inside, his eyes searched for the girl. Slipping upstairs his eyes grew opaque, his ears pricked at the sound of feathers…griffin feathers his senses concluded for him. A griffin, here? He murmured to himself, odd, opening the doorway where the noise had come from he stared around at the empty room. Walking up to the bed he could smell Usagi's day old scent, sighing in annoyance he swung around in time to raise his arms up and block the cloud of purple, which had been charging at him. Snarling he met eyes with his attacker, Trowa remained cool, blocking the tavern girl from being hit with his body. Keshian's eyes narrowed to slits, "Well, well look what you've found Trowa." Trowa's eyes took in the young, lithe body.
It was beyond him to have expected this rugged boy to be the demon, "This is Maxwell's demon?"
"No longer." Heero snapped, the blood was pounding in his temples, changing into his true form, opaque eyes turned into honey yellow eyes. The tough skin that covered his body was an odd shade of mottled green. Keshian hissed, his claws flexing, launching into the air he hovered near Trowa, ready to support his life partner, for the moment.
Neither expected the speed in the demon's movements though, it was almost as if he was here, and then there. Smashing into Keshian it continued on until Keshian was slammed straight through the wall. Wood splinters showered down, landing on top of Keshian he proceeded to pummel Keshian, the vicious looking claws making their mark.
His leathery wings, which had been closed around his sides unexpectedly shot outwards. He went sent soaring backwards, Trowa's eyes widened in surprise before he took advantage of the situation, he yelled a spell at the top of his lungs, thrusting his hands forwards he watched the guardian bird of earth come struggling out of his hands, in a wraithlike, mist form.
Akin to a lightning bolt it struck Heero down, turning into manacles, they clamped down on Heero's appendages, pinning him to the floor. Hissing and writhing on the floor it spat angrily, he hadn't been caught like this in a long while. Lita let out a breath of disgust, "What is it?"
Trowa couldn't reply, the cramps in his side were forcing him to kneel on the ground they were so bad. Turning he met eyes with Keshian, it was in that split second that he knew, Keshian was gone. Even as this thought struck him an outline of Keshian began to rise from its still body. Sparkling with green you could see the coppery lines of magic bubbling and welling inside. It was such a strange sight, with every forwards step tendrils of green mist would spring up from the floorboards. When they were nose-to-nose Keshian's forked tongue slipped out, "I am finally parting from our partnership friend Trowa…Here is your humanity."
His form grew brighter before he sprang into Trowa's body; the cramps that had once been in Trowa's side were gone. And he was feeling the strange throb of exhilaration from a battle something he had missed for several years, moving forwards he reached out and stroked the still lustrous coat of fur. "Keshian…" He sighed, "So quick was your death." His eyes stung, turning to the young tavern girl again he eyed the still thrashing demon.
"I still need your help. If you know where the Hime is going, please help me. She's in great danger." She nodded her head, her green eyes matching Trowa's in ferocity. He smiled suddenly, surprised at himself for doing so, "We must hurry, Kidorui won't hold him for long." She nodded her head, "Is there any time for me to get something?"
"No. We must leave now." Grabbing her wrist he spat on Heero, "Damned demon."
*************************
Lita twisted her rose earrings worriedly, they had resorted to borrowing, or rather stealing some tavern horses to get where they wanted to go faster. Trowa turned around in his saddle again, his eyes scanned the forest, 'We could very well be leading the demon to where Usagi is.' The thought wouldn't cease troubling him, he turned to face forwards again, watching both the path and Lita's ponytail swing back and forth. "Are you sure this is the way?" Trowa called quietly. Lita turned and nodded her head, her eyes were more of a softer green while Trowa's had more depth, more wisdom in them.
"General Seiya of the West took her. He told us some of his battle plans against the Dragon Clan."
"You are part of the western kingdom. Why bother helping me?"
"Because…I kind of came to like the Hime. I didn't know her long but when she was awake for those an hour or two at the most, she would talk to me about some wonderful things…but that was only twice. She was so sick."
"I doubt she's sick now. The General no doubt was able to heal her."
"Yes…I can't believe he lied to me!" She said shortly. Trowa snorted, "You're just a tavern girl."
"Yes, well I won't be always." She snapped, annoyed that he was resorting to point that fact out, "I'll own a bakery and become famous for it."
"I'm sure." It was quiet, not really encouraging, but not mocking either.
The dapple-gray steed that Trowa was riding constantly stopped to reach for a branch of leaves on the subtle trail. Clenching his teeth in annoyance he goaded the horse on once again, it reminded him of how much more intelligent Keshian was then this horse. The soon to be baker girl took a deep breath, taking time to smell the rejuvenating air and see the dewdrops slip from their perches. The muddy sucking sound below seemed to loud in the surrounding forest. Besides the soft calling and twittering of the birds they were the only other occupants in the forest, which seemed to being causing some degree of noise.
"Uh, sir, how are you going to get into the Castle?"
"What's the name of their castle called again?"
"You mean the settlement they're in?"
"I suppose so."
"Kinmoku."
"Odd name."
Lita shrugged her shoulders, "Very strict people. I don't know why they're in the war though."
"They wanted to be included in the profitable trade alliance of the other three countries. The north started this, jealousy of the Dragon Clan."
"Why do you call your land the Dragon Clan? When you could call it something…different."
Trowa snorted, "I could say the same for Kinmoku."
1 'I give you your humanity back'
The words made Trowa's head spin, so he was, fully human now? Or was he part of Keshian's knowledge and magic too? He had once read that knowledge and magic could be transferred to someone as long as the spirit had enough magical substance or something similar to that…kicking the horse's side once more he sighed inwardly at his dilemma, he had been so close to finding the Hime. Now he was on an adventure that he hadn't wanted.
**************
"No. Bring me a pair of breeches would you!"
"Miss, eh, that's highly unlikely! Women of your stature are expected to wear dresses and skirts!"
"I'm not staying here for long, and I'm going…to the stables." She stuttered, the man servant that had been given to him stared stubbornly back at her, "I will get in deep trouble with the general if he sees you walking around in men's clothing and what's more stable boys wear such clothes! It's a disgrace! Dinner will be in only a few hours! I don't see why you can't ride his horses wearing a dress."
"Because it will tear! And get muddy!"
"What in kami's name is going on!" Usagi turned her eyes to be met with startlingly attractive misty blue eyes, they glared at her, checking her up and down. "And who is this slave?"
Her cheeks turned a hot red, her hand flew up to the chain hanging around her neck, she wished so hard that she could yank it off her neck and throw it at the women who had spoken. But contempt was not a strong point of the Hime, so accordingly she quelled her animosity towards the stranger.
"Milady, this is the Hime of Dragon Clan."
"Damn it, I told him." Clenching her hand into a fist she glared at the man servant, "Damn idiot should have sent a women to do a women's job. Get out." She snapped, she even dared to grab the young man by the ear and literally throw him out of the room. Returning her attention to the Hime she took note of her only clothing, a towel, "And why is it that you refuse to dress?"
Feeling slow and stupid, Usagi didn't reply, rather timidly stare at the women, wearing the clothing of a short, white dress and a black vest over it, a bandanna around her neck completed her outfit. No matter how outlandish it seemed, she wore such an air of confidence that you would most likely ignore anything that she did as 'strange'.
"I see you have no complaint in what I will choose for you to wear." Turning she walked into the large, but simple closet. Thumbing through the clothes she stopped when she found a simple blue dress, so simple it might even be insulting to someone like the Hime, used to be the Hime she corrected herself. Her hand was reaching to take it from its hook when her brain suddenly slammed an image of those cornflower blue eyes, pleading, innocent into her minds eye. A shaky breath issued from her lips, her hand pushed the dress back and she continued down the aisle, then the next aisle, and then the next.
Groaning in exasperation she eyed the last aisle, thinking of her own closet she swatted the idea away with the fact that her build was taller and definitely not petite. Her eyes lazily swept from dress to dress and caught on the milk white dress, satin flowers lined the top edge of the dress. Pulling it out, she watched it flow in the air, imagining the slender legs that would be shown, from the knee down anyway. A mist of sparkling rhinestones winked back at you from the waistline, dipping down in the middle of the dress.
"Dress in this." Thrusting a pair of shoes at her she turned her back, Usagi stared at the dress, then the shoes, wincing she changed quickly; it wasn't in her usual schedule to follow orders. "I'm done." Her voice came out meek; she turned and fixed a strap, "You look reasonable." She mumbled gruffly, Usagi stared at the floor; her heart was beating fast in humiliation. Her chin was lifted, "I'm afraid I've been rude to you Hime. But I didn't know…" seeing as you were a slave her mind finished, but then her eyes hadn't really taken in the lustrous blonde hair, nor the slim body or innocent eyes, something that wouldn't have been there if she truly was a slave…
Sighing, she held out her hand, "My name is Haruka Tenoh. I am a soldier, second in command." A tingle of pleasure shot through her spine when she saw Usagi's surprise, in her court no doubt it was against the laws and responsibilities for women.
"From the racket you were making I heard you wished to go riding. If you still wish, we could do so now. Of course, I would have to attend your ride across our land." She tilted her head to the side slightly, the Hime was a fine specimen…they weren't lying when they said the Hime was a goddess.
Somehow Usagi thought she could bear the second in command even though the first few moments with her had been tedious. Nodding her head dubiously she recoiled in surprise when she took her hand and proceeded to lead her down the hallway.
***************************
"Hah, Seiya come and look at this." Yaten called, he had been gifted with magic, and in his light green eyes you could see it, welling and pooling. Seiya yanked Yaten back from the window by aid of his long, ivory hair. He smirked when he saw his second in command, Haruka, helping the Hime into a saddle. "Such lowly work, and she does it?"
"You do remember the time when I told you of her…mate preferences." Taiki murmured in the background.
A sudden rage filled Seiya, turning he met eyes with his brother, "She likes women?"
Taiki nodded her head, I see her now and then, kissing with the women, if any of them bed with her…they say nothing of it."
"That's disgusting."
"Hm…" Taiki replied, "Don't be so quick to judge her, again."
His eyes narrowed, "I wouldn't trust her with the Hime if I were you." Yaten chipped in. Seiya shot a glare at Yaten, "I don't trust anything you say."
"Hey!" Yaten snapped back, "I'm the most powerful one in here!"
He received a withering look from both his brothers, "You know just as well as I do that our magic is linked. The only way you can have so much magic is because you take it from us when needed!"
"I was the one to come up with the plan."
"Lord, have mercy on his lying tongue!" Seiya hissed, "Haruka will not touch her. I know that women well enough. Whatever you've seen Taiki is nothing more then a simple predictions of yours."
Taiki's eyes widened ever so slightly in calm annoyance, "As you say. General."
Clenching his teeth he managed to work his way of getting out of the room, the boots clicked against the floor cheerily, belying his current mood. His gaze traveled out the window and held fast to the pair riding through the plain of grass. Slowing they both dismounted and headed towards the clump of bushes. A flash of light signified that there was a water source nearby, hidden in the foliage. He watched both closely, Haruka stepped closer, his heart slammed against his ribcage. Haruka wrapped her lips against the Hime, pulling back she bent and abruptly swung the Hime into her arms. Seiya's eyes narrowed, 'Disgusting' he thought.
Turning he proceeded to wander towards his queen's room, stopping at her door he listened to see if she was inside. She was, letting the door swing shut behind him he came upon his queen sitting at her desk combing her hair. She looked up, her eyes were discontented and didn't remain on her right hand general. "Are you coming to the ball Seiya?" Her voice lilted in the air, he smiled letting most of his troubles drop, "I might. How are preparations coming?" He voiced, her hand dropped from her hair, trembling slightly she turned and faced him, "There is no need for this war."
"Without people working our kingdom will be in economic ruins."
"Working for warfare!"
"What, do you suggest I do? Join the Dragon Clan? They will be crushed!"
"Do you hear what they've done! They've made an alliance with the Romefellors! That countries full of the damned! They'll crush US to the ground!" She said, arguing with him again, lacking the power of the king the General and Courts Advisor fell into command. Kakyuu, the queen, was only a voice.
"Are you suggesting this only because the Hime was captured and brought here?"
"Ensnared by my own people." She murmured, her ruby red eyes reflected shallow disgust, "It's disgusting. What possible influence could she give? You're just keeping her as insult! THERE'S NO POINT IN THIS WAR! Besides," She snapped, "The dragon clan is a rich kingdom and could have helped us. You were just too proud to ask. Too stubborn on doing it on our own somehow, the Dragon clan is strong and joining their sides means that we won't be a bunch of murderers! There was no grudge between us and the Dragon Clan, but the other kingdoms." She wrinkled her nose in disgust, "The king of late was supposed to be killed by one of their assassins, they constantly push on our borders and they've been known to cross our borders even and steal from the farmers there!"
Seiya was silent, "If we turn on them now the war will be against us and the Dragon Clan. The Dragon Clan will not aid us since we went against them."
"It was a mistake to go against them in the first place."
"But this mistake is something that couldn't be helped in the moment."
"It can be helped, convince the Hime."
"You're out of your mind Kakyuu." He murmured, his eyes were deep pools of worry, "There is no turning back now."
Kakyuu looked away, "You're the one who's out of their mind. We're looking for what's better for our people. Not for the castle and its inhabitants." Seiya turned heel then, there was no more comfort in being in Kakyuu's presence, he would go to his room then, and think, mope was more like it, he hated going against Kakyuu, and she was right. But, he was right too, if they turned now then the other kingdoms would crush him, the Dragon Clan would offer no peace for them. It would be catastrophic.
He was surprised to say in the least when he spotted the Hime sitting in front of his mirror, stool too high for her feet to touch the ground, he never noticed how short she was, she swung her feet aimlessly back and forth. Staring at herself in the mirror and fingering the chain now and then, she looked up when the door closed behind him. He gave a forced smile, she returned it, no matter how small it was.
"Is something wrong milord?"
Seiya shrugged his shoulders, noticing her happy mood it irritated him, "Why are you so cheery? Did you have a fun time with Haruka." He sneered.
Usagi blushed, "She kissed me…I didn't know she was like that…"
Seiya's eyebrow rose, "And? Did you make love with her?"
Usagi looked horrified, "No! Of course not." She smiled worriedly, "I bed with men. Specifically my husband." She muttered, "Besides she says that maybe she'll ride with me again. Show me the countryside."
Seiya then knew why she was so excited, knowing the countryside meant knowing where the best place to escape was. Sighing he ran a hand through his hair, "Yes. That should be fun." It was something he wasn't looking forwards too, had the Kernel fallen for this, this girl!!?! What did she have that a man didn't have? Innocence, his mind went on badgering him with answers. Holding his head between his hands he groaned, why was the Dragon Clan his source of trouble.
"Having trouble in the war Milord?" It was suggestive, Seiya looked up, the blue, almost brown eyes stared at Usagi, "What is your real name Hime?"
"Usagi. Milord." She added, she looked away, meeting his eyes was like asking for a connection between the two, something she didn't want.
"Well Usagi, we went to war with your country for many reasons."
"I'd like to hear them General."
"Another day."
"Another day then." Letting the chair swing around she wondered what else there would be in the day.
"Seiya."
He jerked up in surprise, "Yes?"
"Why are you keeping me here? What will you do when the demon comes for me? Will you fight for me or let it take me?"
"Neither. There is no demon. Unlike the dragon clan we don't believe in myths."
"Myths…" Usagi laughed, "This is no myth. Who do you think attacked my husband?"
"And who says your husband is alive?" He snapped back.
Shooting a pained look in his direction she sighed, "I know he's alive."
"Just as I know you're delirious from grief. There is no way that he's alive, an advantage for us."
"You're despicable!!" Usagi spat suddenly, "I can't believe it! We had no quarrels with you!"
He remained silent, it sounded like he was going to get no peace from Usagi, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sure you are…." She mumbled tiredly, the window slammed open, her head shot up, she listened, there was no sound, no hint of the forceful wind that must have slammed open the window. Swallowing she gripped the chair, she needed to find 'Him' soon.
"Seiya, I need to find a man. He can help me save Wufei."
He stared at her disbelievingly, "This is a war. You expect me to help you? You're kidding!"
"No." Sighing in frustration she hoped that God would help her get out of this mess.
***************
Trowa was in constant fear of being found by the demon, he was forcing the girl to keep the horses walking throughout the night. He felt bad for the girl, she obviously would be sore in the morning but there wouldn't be anything that he could do about it, they needed to find the Hime. And that was final.
Lita's legs spasmodically clenched down on the horse's sides, rubbing the sleep from her eyes she couldn't help but let her shoulders sag. Somehow it had come to the point where she was sleeping while they were riding. Stopping the horse, she looked around, they had veered from their path a few yards, nothing to worry about. Turning the horse to the left she urged it on, slowly, so slowly it began it's trot. Pulling back the hood of her cape she stared up at the sky, letting her eyes close she imagined that she was back home in a warm bed…
Trowa's tongue proved quick as he blurted out a spell to save the girl from falling off her mount, the girl hung in mid air. Walking past her body he took the horse's reins and his horses reins, removing their saddles and tying them to a nearby branch he returned to Lita's body. Taking her body he set her against the tree, firmly wrapping the cloak around her. Sighing he wished the ever intelligent and spiteful Keshian was there with him.
*********************************
The hairs on the back of Heero's neck were erect with electric energy, he had been struggling with his bonds for the last few hours, his eyes turned to the moon, it stared down on him in scorn. If only, he thought, if only he wasn't bonded in this human body. He had controlled all human temptations, understandings, and humanlike qualities, but it was still there, that weakness was still there. Staying still for a few moments he regained his breath, summoning all his energy he would go for one last struggle. Kicking wildly he pulled at his wrist restraints, he could feel them loosen only slightly, hissing in annoyance he forced his chest up so hard that you would have thought he would've broken a few ribs in the process.
There was a thunderous snap as the restraints were finally put to their limit, letting his head fall back onto the floor he began to shrink in size, into his human form. Gasping for breath he lay on the floor a few moments before he heard the light tap at the doorway, growling he was on his feet immediately. Like a shadow he slipped into the surrounding darkness.
"Lita? Oh," Heero could only make out her face from the moonbeam that fell across, she was a highly nervous looking girl, she kept peering into the darkness expecting something to pop out. Sighing she finally turned and left, Heero waited a few moments before changing into his demon form. Rising a full six feet he stretched and flexed his muscles, if you had been watching you could have seen the muscles ripple and shiver under the tough skin. Unfurling his wings he sneered, 'If only this human hadn't bonded with me' he thought to himself, but it had to be done. Without a soul he couldn't walk this world…
With a sweep of his hand a gust of air slammed against the window, sending it crashing to its death below. His eyes flicked towards the still body of the griffin, walking towards it he reached a hand out and let his clawed fingers sweep down the mane of the griffin. Suddenly grabbing a fistful of the hair he pulled the cumbersome load onto his shoulder. He leapt from the sill of the window and took to the air, looking below he could see a few people pointing and gawking narrowing his eyes he knew that the word had spread, the demon had been unleashed…
*******************
Usagi stared straight ahead at the wall for an hour…or more, her head was aching with the constant thought of the clue from that man in the bar…Sighing she held her head in her hands, 'There has got to be a way.' She complained to herself, 'Got to be…'
Seiya was only slightly surprised when he found the Hime still staring at the wall pointedly ignoring him. Frowning he walked over to her, turning her chair around he stared into her eyes, she stared back at him blankly.
"Hime, are you alright?"
She remained silent, her senses slowly towing her back to reality, "What?"
"I asked if you were alright."
"I'm fine. No, I'm worried. It's been a week that I've been here with you. And…he hasn't found me."
Seiya couldn't help but smirk, "I told you, you would be safe here."
She shrugged her shoulders, "Seiya…"
"Hmm?" He began to strip his shirt and pants, walking to the other side of the room to get a fresh set of clothing. Usagi had looked away, she didn't know if he did it to tease her or just because he didn't care but either way she wasn't going to look! The both of them looked up when they heard the knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Seiya grumbled pulling on his pants, Usagi felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick upwards.
"A messenger. It's very important that you hear this sir."
"Don't answer the door." Usagi burst suddenly, diving towards Seiya she took a tight grip on his wrist.
"Are you insane? If this is an important message I must take it." Shoving Usagi off of him he opened the door, Usagi felt her heart skip a beat when the door swung open to reveal a burly teenager. He glanced at Usagi for a long moment before whispering something into Seiya's ear.
Usagi didn't even try and pay attention, she could feel it in her very atoms, he was here. Stepping closer to Seiya she clasped hands with him, looking at the open window, 'Where is he?' She wondered.
"Thank you. Tell him I'll be up in a few seconds."
"Yes sir."
Turning to Usagi he held a frown on his face, "You're peoples just won a battle…" Waiting for her face to turn from solemn to happy he grit his teeth in annoyance, "What's bothering you now?"
"I'm telling you, he's here."
"Damn it Usagi, I'm sick of this, there's nobody here."
"Trowa!" She yelped suddenly in surprise, he turned his head, "Hime," giving a short bow of respect he turned and pulled up his guide, "I'd like you to meet Lita."
'Are you alright Hime?'
'I guess so, why is that girl here?'
'Guide, I didn't know where the western lands started or ended.'
'Oh…You came just in time. I had thought that the demon was you.' She smiled and released her hold on Seiya, crossing the distance between the two in swift steps. Grabbing Trowa in a hug. Trowa however didn't return it, 'I saw him enter the palace grounds, that's why I was in such a rush to get here.'
Seiya stood stunned, how was it possible that this wizard had just crossed all the barriers around their palace? Wasn't it virtually impossible?
Cool hands abruptly gripped him around the neck, he gave enough warning to Usagi and Trowa about the terror behind him. Usagi bit her lip, "You're here…"
"Because of your magician. He doesn't know how to cover his tracks very well." Heero held his captive tightly by the neck.
"I know how to hold you down though, don't I." Trowa murmured, grabbing Usagi's hand and backing towards the balcony. Heero's body stiffened, Seiya arched his back, trying to give more space for him to breath. Heero's teeth clenched together, "Let her go," his voice was gratingly rough, he had resorted to his half-demon form.
"Let him go first." Usagi said suddenly, Trowa shot a glare at Usagi, "What the hell do you think you're doing! That's the General of the West, and the current ruler. Destroy him and the Dragon Clan has another chance to destroy these ingrates!"
She pulled her arm away from Trowa, "No, it's wrong, Seiya didn't do anything. I'm not harmed Trowa."
Trowa felt his cheeks burn with anger, "I'm not going to let you save that bastard." Muttering under his breath he put his wrists together as a square of light began to radiate in his hands.
Throwing Seiya across the room Heero ran forwards, his wings aiding him in speed. Wrapping his fingers around the delicate neck he snarled, Trowa, despite his broken words continued speaking. Giving a hiss Heero's height shot up its extra inches, the scar across his eye glowed yellow, "Valmi'ryth achshin Hevinsa." He growled in his native tongue, closing his fingers around Trowa's neck he grinned, furious delight in what he was doing. Trowa's hands folded together before abruptly pulling them away, two beams of light grew from the palms of his hands, forming into two, scimitars which glowed with a livid light.
Immediately he brought it down on Heero's arm with as much force as he could gather, roaring Heero fell backwards, black blood was splattering all over the floor. Half screaming and growling Heero's fangs glinted with a malicious light. Opening his wings he hovered in the air before suddenly shooting at Trowa.
Trowa formed a cross with his scimitars, muttering words until his swords lost their light to a mistier, translucent glow. Heero unexpectedly slammed into an invisible wall of magic. Biting and clawing at it proved fruitless, leaping in the air he ended up on top of the magical shield. Scrambling over the top of the energy field like a lizard he vent his frustration on the shield with sudden fits of violence.
Usagi's breath was surprisingly calm, and easy. Touching Trowa's shoulder she whispered something in his ear. He closed his eyes and frowned, severely disliking the idea. He met eyes with Heero who was now on top of the shield, he had fallen silent and somewhat tranquil. Watching Usagi he was unnervingly still, Trowa suddenly shook his head in refusal to the idea. Usagi bit her lip, hesitating at her friends command before unexpectedly running out of the shield.
"Usagi!" Trowa yelled, his magic bubble blinked twice and then disappeared, Heero's mind made a split second decision, kill the magician get the girl. Shooting out a tentacle of black magic it reached out and wrapped itself around Trowa's waist. Crying out he was thrown backwards, he lifted his swords over his chest in protection. Heero grabbed him by the wrists and slammed his hands backwards. The blades clattered to the ground, immediately loosing their power source they're light vanished like a spark from a fire.
"Trowa!" Usagi yelled, reaching Seiya she gripped him by the shirt, "Help him!" She screamed crying tears of fear. Seiya nodded his head weakly, gripping the bedpost he pulled himself upwards. The room spun around and around in his head, groaning he grabbed the sword he always kept near the bed. Unsheathing it he lifted it like a javelin, closing his eyes he opened them again, the world was steady again.
Usagi threw items out of the drawer until at the very back she found her necklace…
Trowa's eyes could hardly focus on the silver sword that had just begun to protrude from the demon's chest. Heero ignored it, it was nothing, the kill in front of him was more important. Leaning closer he began to apply more weight to Trowa's throat and scour deeper marks into Trowa's side. His eyebrow's suddenly shot up surprise and pain, his hands freed themselves from Trowa , turning to look up he met eyes with Usagi. She took her hand, which was wrapped in the mercury necklace and slammed another punch into his back, holding her hand there. Screaming a horrible drawn out scream it fell on all floors, heaving for breath.
Usagi's heart was beating fast, the green skin on the demon's back was beginning to ripple and suddenly peeled away. A light? No, human skin began to show through. Wild brown locks of hair began to appear on its head. Turning to look at Usagi she met with Heero's regular midnight blue eyes. They seared her to the very soul with their pain, tears dripped from her face, it struck her, 'You're human aren't you Heero?'
Reaching up his hand, his human hand, he gripped her mercury wrapped fist and kissed it, burning his lips. "Help me."
But the image wavered and was displaced with the ugly, demon, his pupils had turned yellow with pain. Swiping his arm out he knocked Usagi away. Picking himself up he held his head in his hands, screaming and glowing with black energy. Usagi could feel her body being picked up and immediately tried to get to her feet, she didn't want to be helped. But her eyes couldn't be taken off the demon, what was wrong with him? Was he having a headache? He was still holding his head in his claws screaming and howling deliriously.
"Usagi! Wake up!" Trowa yelled, thrusting her roughly towards Lita he grabbed Seiya's limp body.
"Let's go, towards the balcony!" Turning to Seiya Trowa gave Seiya a rough shake, "Call your damn dragons now!" He screamed over the growing racket, Seiya nodded his head. His head fell forwards, groaning he lifted his head and whistled. The clear sound carrying over the noise behind them. All four of them turned when the loud smack-smack of skin reached their ears, yelping in surprise they backed towards the sides of the balcony as Heero, the demon, and the cursed man continued their dash straight into the balcony rail. Smashing through it he dived towards the ground in at a deadly spiral, they had no more time to think about it as a woody brown dragon came soaring up to the balcony. "Lenolin there are four riders, we need to hurry!" The spikes in her back lowered, allowing four more people onto her back. It was a scramble to clamber onto her back, Seiya grabbed the spear like bone in front of him. "Go, go!"
Its diamond shaped tail whipped the air and unintentionally slammed straight through the balcony. Speeding forwards he looked back at his master, questioning him, 'Master do you want me to throw those Clan members of yours off my back?'
'No. Take me to the cave.'
The dragon's ears pricked in surprise, Trowa noticed, tightening his hold on Seiya's waist he noticed the General wince and lean forwards. He started in surprise, he hadn't noticed the blood that had been pouring onto his hand. Lenolin noticed though, she noticed the squeeze and so abruptly swung her entire body around in an arc that it was only Trowa's magic that kept him from being thrown off. Usagi and Lita however had their own tight holds and weren't very much affected by the act.
"Lenolin! Stop. Take us to the cave now!" Seiya's fingers were twitching, he kept telling himself to hold on and focus but the pain and blood loss was beginning to take its toll. Trowa let out a breath before letting his hand fall over the general's wound. A rainbow of colors passed before his eyes before he moved his hand to reveal a simple scar in place of the once heavy wound.
"General, if you dare hurt Usagi you are as immoral as that son of a bitch demon that just attacked you."
Seiya nodded his head, "I understand…I wouldn't hurt her, have I yet?"
"No. But you're a Westerner…I don't know how your people think." He said coldly, looking back he gave an acknowledging nod in Usagi's direction.
'Trowa' Usagi said, speaking to him with her minds voice, 'Where are we going?'
'I don't know…somewhere called the cave.'
'Can we trust him?'
'I thought you were the one who said we could trust him' Trowa said in surprise.
'I didn't say any such thing I just didn't want him to die, it wasn't his fault'
'He should have let you go!'
'Would you have let Kakyuu go if we had found her?' She said partly in Seiya's defense.
'Yes, there would be no use for her'
'Ransom' She cut in quickly.
'No. The Dragon Clan's very bloodlines are based on nobility, pride and wisdom. Not on these idiotic Western ideals.'
Lita watched as splotches of water suddenly smacked onto the brown dragon hide, groaning she leaned tiredly onto her only handle, one of the dragons spiked spurs. She hadn't ever ridden on a dragon before she should have been excited but her fear of heights was beginning to take its charge. 'I think I'm going to throw up.'
'What's wrong?'
Lita's eyes sparked with surprise, "Hime?"
'Usagi. I don't mean to be intruding on your thoughts, it's just I heard that you felt sick so…Do you have magical powers?'
"Only in cooking…I can't seem to make my magic do anything else."
'Oh??' Usagi replied back, still remaining silent vocally.
"I tried once, light a fire in the fireplace…a pile of rock hard cakes came pouring down the chimney for three days straight." Lita could hear Usagi's burst of laughter being carried away on the wind.
'That's unfortunate. But at least you can cook. I almost killed someone with my cooking.'
"Hah, well some people have it and some people don't. That's how we make business."
'Yes…you are right. Are you a Westerner?'
Lita hesitated, would the Hime like her if she were a Westerner? Shrugging her shoulders she answered her, "Yes."
"Oh…" Usagi replied out loud this time, slightly puzzled, this wasn't the expected heathen of the West she had pictured when overhearing conversations about the far away west…
Seiya turned in his seat, "Hold on, no matter what, don't let go."
"What's going to happen?" Lita called out worriedly, Trowa who had been reading Seiya's thoughts grimaced, "We're going for a swim."
"What!?!" She didn't have anymore warning as Lenolin dove at a near 90- degree angle, the blue waters before them were coming towards them like a marble wall.
Please, if you've read this (obviously you've seen how I've begun to slack off on this story) please, give me ANY ideas that you would like me to incorporate or use in the story. Toodles-Qt~chan
