Treasure Found

Chapter 3 part B

Gundam wing

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Rating: mature to be safe (I have no idea what is going to happen)

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6x5

Warnings: mpreg, language, OOC, AU

Summery: AU The Gundam boys are wolfeans (they have a wolf form and a human one) in of world of Mercia that contains elves, fairies, and other fantastical creatures. Prince Heero of Dane is searching his lands for his mate. Will he find him before the Picts find the enchanted Jewel of Ludeca and seize war on all of Mercia?

Flashback

Six years, he couldn't believe he had lived with Solo for six years now. It was the start of spring and around the same time his best friend and gang leader had found him. Solo had taken him in, knowing nothing about the skinny child. Duo received so much from him, including his name. That was what he prized the most. Well that and his long hair that Solo helped him braid. A few other members of the gang had long hair, but none as long as the violet eyed boy. He insisted that his hair be long. Long hair was the only thing he remembered of his mother. His father or anything else he couldn't remember.

Growing up, Duo did notice some differences between himself and the other gang members. He was always first to hear something. Always first to see and smell possible danger, Duo would then alert the gang. Yet his young mind couldn't make anything of it. He just assumed he was a special human.

Lately, Duo had been able to smell a change in the members of the gang. He could hear their breathing more and noticed them slowing down. The youngest member of the gang thought something was wrong, but didn't know what. Within two weeks of noticing the changes, the problems became worse.

Two members just a little older than Duo started to cough badly. They also began to throw up and couldn't keep down water. In four days, those members were dead. Solo then too began to cough. Only he coughed up blood. Now everyone in the gang was seriously ill except for Duo. No one but him was able to leave their current hideout. The ten year old became the sole provider for the four sick gang members.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Duo gladly accepted his duty. He would smile and grin at Solo and the others to lighten the dark mood. Unfortunately the violet boy wore himself out. It was hard work walking the city trying to find an easy mark, or stealing food from stores and running away. Plus, he couldn't go directly back home incase he was followed.

This went on for a week. Over that time, two more members died. There were only three left now. Duo may not have been sick, but he was exhausted trying to take care of the others. Also, he was sinking into a deep depression. Seeing how Duo was, Solo ordered him not to go out. Of course Duo being Duo refused and went to get food and water anyways.

The unlikeliest thing that could happen happened. While the long haired boy was successful in getting food, he tripped when he ran into a tall stern looking man. Afraid of being caught, Duo quickly jumped up and ran, leaving behind the food. He was so shaken up he ran straight to the hide out. When he entered he called out for his friends. Not hearing a reply, Duo ran to where they all slept. Frozen in mid stride, the violet eyed boy let out a loud wail from what he saw.

Lying in their places, both Solo and the other sick gang member laid dead. Regaining himself, Duo rushed over to his best friend and started to shake his shoulders. He began mumbling nonsense words trying to rouse his mentor. After a few minutes Duo gave up. He knew they were gone, but what was he to do. 'I'm all alone now. Why? Why did they have to leave me?' "WHY" he shouted out.

Then he heard it. A slight scraping sound came from the front of the building. Someone was trying to get in. The long haired boy started to rise, but thought better of it. 'Why run now? Where would I go? It's pointless' he thought to himself as he sat pulling his knees to his chest and rocking.

When the noises stopped, Duo was already lost in his own little world. He had been thrown too much in too short of a timeframe. When the reason for the noise stood over him, the child never even saw. He never felt the gentle hands lift him up and carry him away from the death in that abandoned building.

Duo didn't register anything until two days later when hunger and thirst made him move. For the first time in days he glanced around and saw his new surroundings. He was in a large room filled with many small beds like the one he was occupying. Fear rose in him, he had no idea where he was or how he even got there. The only thing he remembered was that his friends were dead.

Swallowing his fear, the young wolfean quietly hopped out of bed and followed his nose. It led him down a long hallway with many other doors and to a crowded kitchen. He saw a tall blonde woman dishing out soup, the source of the good smelling aroma. Without looking at him or stopping what she was doing, the woman greeted him.

"Well don't just stand there. Come on in and sit down by an empty plate. You can call me Helen and if you have any questions ask me or one of the other children."

So Duo listened and accepted this new way of life. He lived there for almost six years. The violet eyed youth made new friends and considered all five caretakers as parents. The boy was happy living there. He knew he was different than them and had seen how the other races were treated. Duo didn't think his guardians would treat him differently, but knew the other kids would.

Still, he desperately wanted to know what he was. It was hard learning of the other races. His guardians had always told him and the other orphans to stay clear of them. They were never sent to their stores or allowed to socialize in general with them. The orphanage didn't tell them the other races were evil or anything like that, they just implied that way. Duo, being out going and always eager to help, was one of the few who was allowed to run errands.

Usually the one being sent out to trek to the city for supplies, Duo used his time wisely. He never went to the elves or fairies' stores, but observed them walking the streets in certain sections. Listening first to the local humans, he learned that the other races were kept in certain parts of the city. Also, it seemed many humans seemed distrustful and superstitious. Closer to that part of the city, he was able to learn more things.

He had found out that elves had longer life spans and pointed ears. The boy was able to continue observing them when sent on an errand for food or something similar. Duo was also able to smell the difference between the elves and humans as he visited the elfin section of town. Elves seemed to be the predominant magical race amongst the humans. For many trips to the city, Duo refined his senses by picking out who was elf or human. He was always able to get it right away from sight first, and then went to his nose. The teen never had any problems, until he smelled his first fairy.

The fairy's outer appearance was exactly like the elves. Only the difference in smell was detected. That threw the boy off at first. He originally thought it was just a weird smelling elf. But then he noticed a few more with the same scent and concluded that they were something else. The long haired boy then picked up on an identical smell he shared with the fairy. Going back to the elves, he was also able to detect it slightly. He was then able to know for sure he was not all human or human at all.

Working up ways to ask the other races questions without giving himself away, Duo slowly made his way to an elf's store of carved wooden baskets. Entering, he pretended to look around and seem interested in the wares. Boring of that rather quickly (a boy can only look at so many baskets before they all seem the same), the teen made his way over to the counter with the elf. Just as the elf looked at him, the evening chimes sounded.

"Sorry son, you have to go, its time for me to close" the elf stated after the chimes finished.

Puzzled at why this store closed earlier than the other Duo asked.

"Well it's because humans don't want us elves and other races around after dark. We're not allowed to live in the towns and have to be sure we're gone before dark. Those chimes you just heard warn us of sunset in half an hour."

"How come you can't live in the city?" Duo asked still puzzled. He had never heard of that before. Of course he had never talked to or went near another race before.

The elf just gave the boy a funny look before explaining. "It's because humans fear us. We have magic and they don't." He stopped to look closer to the violet eyed teen. "Aren't you afraid of me? That I might curse you or turn you into a frog?"

Duo simply shook his had and replied with a wide grin. "No. You don't seem evil or the cursing type. You actually don't look much different than most humans, except for the ears. Are all elves ears like that?"

"How old are you boy?"

"Fifteen sir. Well, maybe fifteen, I could be sixteen. But I don't change my age until the beginning of summer. That's my favorite season and picked then to have my birthday." He replied with a large grin.

Again giving a funny look, the elf just nodded. He then looked up to the window and noticed the time. "Sorry boy, but you have to leave now. I have to head home or I'm in trouble."

"What kinda trouble would you be in?" he asked while heading to the door with the elf.

"If the police saw me they would arrest me. But I'm more concerned about others. Some people go around and attack any magical people they come across."

Duo stopped dead in his tracts. He turned to see that the elf was telling the truth. "That's horrible. Aren't they caught and punished."

"No, the police encourage it" he replied while locking his store. "Now off with you. You don't want to be seen with me too long." The elf was amused by this questioning teen and wanted to make sure he wouldn't be a reason for him to find trouble.

Nodding, Duo waved goodbye and ran off home. The orphanage he lived at was on the other side of the city, a good twenty minutes if he ran the whole way. He both loved and loathed the location. It was nice that it wasn't directly in the city, but down the road a little in the bordering forest. The bad thing was that it was a hike when he wanted to go to the city and explore.

As he drew near his home, Duo slowed his pace and scented the air. He could smell a fire. A large fire, that stunk of burning flesh. Panic flashed threw the braided boy. The only thing down this street that would still have people in it at this time of day was the orphanage. Worried, Duo ran as fast as his legs could move. Then he saw his home. The large building was ablaze.

Approaching the burning structure, the wolfean noticed another powerful sent. It was another race's sent, of many men. He knew it was like an elf's, yet this was slightly altered. Looking quickly around, he didn't see the source of the new smell. His only concern now was that his friends and family was still inside. Running up to the burning door, he found it locked. Determined to enter, Duo kicked at the flames and burning wood until it gave. With out thinking, he dashed in and yelled for his friends. Upon taking a breath, Duo was seized by a coughing fit due to too much smoke.

Ignoring the need for air and flames licking out of the walls and ceiling, the boy ran to the largest room, the kitchen. There he found the majority of his friends. Through the smoke and chaos of the fire, Duo was able to hear and smell none were alive. He heard a loud crackling over the roar of the blaze and knew he had to get out. Retracing his steps as fast as he could, the boy scurried back outside through the burning door.

Coughing hard, the teen fell to his knees and panted for fresh air. Duo was coughing so hard, he started to bring up blood from his burning lungs. So consumed by his coughing fit, the boy never noticed part of his shirt had caught fire. As the fire spread on the light flimsy material, coughing became the least of Duo's problems. Feeling the immense heat on his back, the boy threw himself forward onto the grass and began to roll. A few moments later he finally stopped, too exhausted to move anymore. The now burned boy simply laid there and passed out from fatigue of both mind and body.

End of Flashback

Picking up the last cutting, Duo looked around again. His stomach growling to let him know he missed lunch, the wolfean walked to the front of the cart and grabbed his lunch and canteen. Taking a quick glance around and not seeing anyone, he decided to leave his shirt off and headed for a nearby tree. Once sitting down and leaning comfortably against the large oak, Duo unwrapped his hunk of cheese and bread then began eating. Hungry as he was, it took no time at all before he was licking his fingers clean. Checking around himself to make sure he didn't drop anything to eat, Duo grumbled about never packing a big enough lunch and preceded back to the cart.

Glancing at the cart and noticing how full it was, the wolfean decided he had worked enough. He'd already been working for five hours out there in the warm sun. It was strange, all that time out in the field, and no one else out collecting lolium blossoms. Then he thought of the reason, 'of course, that silly town meeting with the prince. Huh, I wonder if that's why Howie gave me this job today? He usually doesn't care if I go to royal functions or what ever the town is holding. Hmm, maybe the prince is here for a special reason. I'm sure I heard it.' He raked his mind for a few seconds before dismissing it.

Not really caring about the prince or Howard at the moment, Duo checked again to make sure no one was around. Happy, he grabbed his shirt from the cart and headed threw the field and to the bog. The smell from the bog was horrendous, but its mud was wonderful. It felt so cool on dry or damaged skin that the benefits out weighed the disadvantage of smelling.

Reaching the edge, the lithe teen striped out his pants and undergarments. Fully in the buff, he slowly waded into the murky water. Waist deep, the long haired boy finally remembered to pin up his hair. Task complete, he lowered himself and scooped up a handful of muck that his feet were sinking in. Stretching his right hand over his left should, Duo let the mud run down his back. Many times he repeated it until his whole back was covered. Finished, the wolfean pulled his sticking feet up and slowly headed back to the bank. There, he laid out on his stomach and let the sun heat the cool mud on his back.

By the time the mud dried, Duo was sound asleep. His early thoughts had come back to him. The young wolfean at that time remembered why the prince was in town. The royal was looking for a mate. Startling himself from his sleep, Duo cursed to himself, "Shit, no wonder Howie sent me off. Why didn't that bastard just tell me, I woulda just stayed in?" Shaking his head he realized Howie got two things out of this, one, Duo being out of the way and the second the lolium blossoms.

Getting up, he went to the water's edge and began splashing it over his shoulder. Taking to long, he gave up and walked in again. He immersed himself up to his neck. Reaching around himself, he worked off chunks of the muck. When Duo was content of getting most of the mud off, he went back to the bank and his clothes. Using his shirt, the teen quickly dried himself off and got dressed.

Heading back to the cart, Duo noted that it was nearly half passed five. Not wanting to be late for another meal, Duo hustled back to the livery. Normally he and Howard ate their supper at 6:30 after giving the dinner feeding in the barn. Wanting to wash up before he ate, Duo knew he would be cutting it close.

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Entering his room, Heero threw himself down onto the soft bed. He was upset that the long haired beauty was not at the town's gathering. The prince started to ponder reasons on why the boy would not be there. 'Maybe he caught something being in the rain yesterday. Or maybe, he didn't know of it. No, the mayor said he told everyone and it would only benefit him to have had everyone attend. Hmm, perhaps he didn't like me, or want to be a prince's consort.' That last thought angered the chocolate haired wolfean. His anger kept building as he continued to think of unpleasant reasons Duo didn't show up.

Too caught up in his growing bad mood, Heero paid no heed to the entering wolfeans. Noticing the black cloud around the prince, Wufei told his three subordinates to have the afternoon off and stay away from the prince for awhile. He didn't want too many people around in case the prince became unruly. Having previously encountered the blued alpha's wraith before, the booked it for the town's popular bar. The blacked haired wolfean then turned to his friend and the blonde haired boy. He raised a questioning eyebrow to the pair only to receive blank stares. Unsure of the prince's plan for the blonde, Wufei cautiously approached the bed.

"Heero, the beta you selected is here." the black haired beta waited for a response. Being ignored he went on "Did you wish to talk to him now or later this evening?"

Finally acknowledging his friend, Heero looked up and glared at Wufei. Then he decided to be spiteful. IF he couldn't talk to the one he wanted, then neither could Trowa. "Wufei, you and Trowa may leave us. I'll talk to him alone" he ordered. The prince glanced over to the brown haired advisor for his reaction. He was shocked. The glare that the green eyed wolfean was sending him rivaled his own. Heero couldn't help but smirk, he was pleased that the other alpha was upset and clearly wanted the blonde.

Trowa was troubled with Heero. He knew his friend had no intentions on claiming the boy as a mate. If the prince had wanted the blonde, he would have made his move at breakfast. The advisor couldn't figure what the prince was playing at by selecting the blonde. He knew his friend had seen him checking out the beta. Plus Heero had indicated he was after the beta he met yesterday by the way he talked at brunch. Trowa may not have been paying the prince his full attention, but he did listen in while watching his blonde. Then he realized Heero's short temper must have come into play. Upon seeing the alpha laying on casually on the bed smirking at him, the green eyed alpha became livid. He gnashed his teeth to the prince before storming out of the room. Knowing his friend's game now, he wasn't going to stick around.

Concerned about his friend's unusual behavior, Wufei nodded his consent to the prince and rushed out after his friend in too big a haste to close the door. The blonde was left standing there looking dumbfounded at the doorway.

"Close the door and come over here" Heero commanded in a frozen tone.

The beta wolfean flinched slightly at the tone of voice. He quickly shut the door and approached the bed. As he neared the prince, he detected a change in the prince's air. Taking a seat at the foot of the bed, the blonde waited for the prince to act first, which wasn't long. No sooner had he sat down the chocolate haired prince sat up and moved to lean back on the headboard. For a few tense moments the two studied each other before the beta couldn't stand it and broke the silence.

"My name is Quatre Raberba Winner. It's an honor to talk in private with you." Quatre paused and waited for the prince to respond. Merely receiving a blank stare he pushed on. "I'm not sure if you remember, but a few years ago we met before. It…it was at one of your birthday parties. It was the one in which the horse bite you on your shoulder."

Heero couldn't help narrow his eyes at the boy who reminded him of that awful party. The horse that tried taking a chunk was Wing, who was a handful before he was gelded. Then he recalled all of the guests. Vaguely he remembered seeing Quatre there, but at the time had paid little attention to him. The prince had been too engaged in playing the perfect host to please his fathers.

"Hn, I remember, you were the wealthy textiles merchant's son."

"Yes, that would be me." The blonde perked up at having been remembered. He also noticed that the prince was beginning to relax and not seem so rigid. "Um, not to be rude, but what is the reason I am here?"

Heero only raised his right eyebrow.

"I," he took a breath "I can tell you don't feel attracted to me." Quatre quietly stated.

Again the prince raised his eyebrow.

Sensing the curiosity, the blonde went on to explain his secrete. After all, if you can't trust your prince and future ruler, who can you trust. "I am an empath. Not only can I smell deep emotions, but I can feel all of them."

"I never knew wolfeans had such talents."

"It is rare, but as common as there are female wolfeans."

Heero couldn't help but snort. In all of his travels the last four months, he had only met five female wolfeans. Four of those five he knew of from them working in the castle. Somehow, he couldn't believe that an empathe was as common as Quatre wanted him to believe.

"So your highness, why am I here?" Quatre cut off the prince's train of thought wanting to change the subject.

"Ah, for that I must apologize to you." Heero explained, "I originally had planned to have you sit and talk with me, my advisor and my guards." The blonde could tell it took a lot for the prince to say he was sorry. He responded to it with a large smile.

"Well that's okay, I don't mind talking to you. This town seldom has anything of interest going on. I hardly ever hear what's going on in the land. I haven't had time lately to talk to my main source of gossip." He paused and looked nervously at the prince before quietly going on. There was a long awkward moment when neither wolfean spoke. "Um, who is the tall green eyed, alpha traveling with you?"

Heero couldn't help but let a small genuine smile sneak on to his face. He was glad that the beta was also interested in his friend. His anger put aside, the prince decided to go back to his original plan.

"Quatre, if you please, go and ask Wufei at the door to send in Trowa." At the prince's command, the blonde gave a questioning look but followed through with the order.

Immediately right outside the door leaning against the opposite wall was the black haired head guard. Wufei looked up to the blonde and held his gaze waiting to find if anything was needed.

"The prince asked me to tell you to bring in Trowa." The guard could tell the other beta was intimidated by him, yet he admired how the boy held his glaze and did not falter. Black head nodding, he turned and walked off to fetch his friend.

A few minutes later, Wufei and Trowa entered the prince's room. They found the room's two occupants sitting on the bed quietly. Heero didn't have anything to say, and Quatre didn't know what to say. Seeing the long banged wolfean enter, the blonde's face lite up like a Christmas tree.

"Hello, I'm Quatre, it's a pleasure to meet your properly." The blonde replied eagerly rising and heading over to the alpha with his hand held out. The green eyed alpha gladly accepted the hand and gave the beta a shy smile.

Wanting to give the two some time to get acquainted, Heero rose from the bed and headed for the door. He motioned his head to his guard to follow and proceeded out closing the door behind them. Too entranced with each other, Quatre and Trowa never noticed their departure.

The two stood staring at each other before Quatre broke the ice. "So what do you do as the prince's advisor? It must be hard work." As he waited for an answer, the blonde retook his seat on the bed.

Seeing the boy sit, Trowa gracefully moved to one of the arm chairs facing the fire and turned it to the bed. Not wanting to be so close sitting on the bed, but not far either, he effortlessly moved the chair close and sat down. Then he answered the question. "It's not really that difficult. Heero is too stubborn and does must of the work, plus he's intelligent and likes to stay informed of current events."

"Oh, I'm sure you're not giving yourself enough credit." At this a large blush blossomed across the alpha's face. "I'm sure you are a great help to him, otherwise why keep you around." Quatre praised with a large smile.

Wanting to take the focus off him, Trowa asked about Quatre, "So what do you do, Quatre." He liked how the name rolled off his tongue.

"Me, well, that's sort of a loaded question." This time it was the blonde's turn to blush. At Trowa's raised eyebrow he went on. "Well, I came here a few years ago to be a healer's apprentice. My parents believe I still am, but that really ended last year, at harvest time."

"So you're a healer?"

"Yes, I qualified by passing all the tests. Last year I traveled to the capitol to take all of them. Not to brag, but I received perfect marks for all of them." he said with a smirk.

"I'm sure you did" The blonde's eyes widen in his shock as Trowa leaned forward in the chair to place a hand on his knee. "Would you care to take a walk with me?"

"It…it would be my honor to." Both gathered themselves and headed out. They leisurely walked the town, Quatre telling Trowa stories of late night emergency visits and what house's child had what impaled up their nose. They walked for hours. Then Trowa remembered about Heero's dinner.

"Quatre, would you have dinner with me and the prince's entourage.

"Of course I would." He beamed to the advisor as they turned and headed for the tavern.

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As Heero and Wufei left the Inn, the prince led them directly across the street to the livery. Entering the large barn's open doors, the two paused and looked around. The only thing that greeted them was the sound of horses. Slowly they two made their way through the stable looking for someone, mainly Duo.

"It appears no one is here." Wufei simply stated.

"Hm" Heero grunted, his anger quickly returning. "There has to be someone to watch the horses and customers."

"I'm going to check out Wing, see if his shoe is done. Go find someone." The prince ordered before heading to wear he had seem Duo lead his horse. The guard mumbled something about pushy princes as he headed to what he assumed would be the tack room.

Upon seeing his horse, the alpha's rotten temper eased slightly. Unfastening the door and sliding it open, he entered the stall and greeted his four legged friend. "Hey there boy, how's your foot." Slowly with a hand on the horse, he walked around and picked up the leg. He saw a nice new shoe properly attached to the hoof. Moving to check the condition of the other shoes, the prince perceived that the smith had replaced the other foreleg's shoe and thoroughly cleaned out the back hooves. The blue eyed alpha smiled to his horse and patted him, "Well you're well taken care of."

"Your Highness" he heard his guard call out.

"Down here" he gruffly said. Happy that his horse was tended to, the prince left the stall to see if the black haired beta had found anyone. Looking down the aisle, he saw Wufei approaching with a short alpha wearing a loud colorful shirt.

"Sir, this is Howard, the owner operator of this establishment." Wufei affirmed as they stopped in front of the prince.

Howard and Heero gave each other stared while sizing each other up. The glaring contest only ending when Wufei made a coughing noise to ease the building tension.

"It's an honor to have your business here your highness." Howard throatily commented breaking the awkward silence. 'I wonder why he's here. Did he already meet my boy?' he thought to himself.

"I appreciate the job you did on shoeing my horse." Heero nodded to his grey horse.

The blacksmith turned to look at the animal. It was the one Duo did as a special favor for a stranger. 'Shit' Howard thought. 'So what? Duo mustn't know he was the prince and met yesterday.' Not wanting to indicate anything he looked back to the taller alpha.

"Sorry, wasn't me that did your horse" Howard chuckled. Heero only raised an eyebrow in question. Taking the hint, the old alpha continued. "It was my boy, he's the one who handles most the work now."

"How many blacksmiths do you have working here?" Wufei asked. He didn't think that foolish braided beta could be capable of handling a horse and working on its feet at the same time?''

Howard turned narrow eyes to him now. "It's only me and my boy." He didn't want to give anything about Duo away, but moreover didn't want to lie to the prince. His only goal was to protect the beta that he cherished as family.

"Please introduce us so I can thank him personally." the prince directed. His mind was racing. If only two worked at the barn, then Duo was the one who worked on Wing. But why did he say he would have the blacksmith do it and not just say himself. 'Did he not like me? He seemed friendly yesterday and eager to talk to me. But he did just walk off and became somewhat cold once we reached the stable. He has to be who wasn't at the meeting earlier, could he have figured out I was the prince and that was why he didn't show up?' Heero's normal blank face started to turn to a cold expression.

"Sorry, but I sent him on a job and he won't be here for the rest of the day." Howard looked the prince in the eye trying to gage his reaction.

"Were you not aware that all the betas were to meet me today? He was informed to be present, was he not?"

"I didn't think it was mandatory to attend, so I didn't tell him."

Not to be dissuaded by the old man, Heero remarked "very well, my party and I will be here for a few days yet. Please send him to the Inn for me." With that said, he brushed past the old man and headed for his room. Cold fury burning in his eyes.

Wufei, watching the proceeding and cataloguing the reactions turned back to the alpha. "If I were you, I'd make sure the prince sees "your boy" by tonight, before his temper becomes an issue."

"Is that a warning" Howard asked narrowing his eyes.

"No, just a friendly word of advice. The prince has been on the road to long and his short fuse has been lit, it would not be wise to add to his annoyance." Not wanting to explain more than he already did, the beta wolfean quickly left to catch up to his prince.

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Pacing around the stable's entrance, the mayor nervously waited for Duo. The man mumbled to himself while walking back and forth and glancing at the town's clock tower. He had been there since 5pm to collect the boy from Howard. Surprise surprise, the boy wasn't there. After a yelling match with Howard on making him look like a fool in front of the prince and entire town, the mayor found out that the other old alpha had sent the young beta on a harvesting job.

To say that the mayor was angry was a vast understatement. He was livid. His way of winning favor into the nobility was quickly disappearing. His chance of helping the prince to find love was slipping away. Of course he didn't really care about that, he just wanted to claim any riches that would surely come for his town supplying the chosen mate. However the prince had to choose someone, and he couldn't if that loud obnoxious someone was not here. He couldn't figure on who to blame. Surly the prince wouldn't want that annoying braided teen from who knows where. The boy he had picked out, Quatre, was from good stock, wealthy, and had an excellent education.

As Duo reached the edge of town, his thoughts turned to the wonderful smelling stranger he met the day before. He had greatly enjoyed his short talk with the man. The sound of his timbre voice so alluring, Duo wanted nothing more than to jump the guy and rip that cloak off to see the rest of the package. Plus, the stable hand noticed that the unfamiliar person took great care of his horse. He couldn't help but feel that there was something special about this stranger.

Approaching the stable first to drop off the cart holding his days work, Duo noticed the stuffy old mayor walking back and forth by the doorway. 'Great, what is the old codger up to now' he thought of the greedy mayor. Too late to turn back to go around back, the beta plastered on a large grin and energetically greeted the old mayor, interrupting his muttering pacing. "Evening sir, did you need to hire a horse?" he asked but suspected a different intention from the slimy old man.

"It's about damn time you showed up boy!" the mayor yelled out. He grabbed Duo by his skinny elbow and started dragging him towards the tavern. The long haired beta at first was too shocked to protest the snatching hand dragging him, but as he heard about the meeting he firmly planted his heels down jerking himself and the mayor to a stop.

"What? What do you mea…?" Duo tried to ask in a frazzled voice only to be cut off.

"Not now you fool. I don't have time." Cut the irritated old man, yanking on the boy again. Giving up to the persistent boney hand tugging him, Duo went along. A few minute later he was dragged in to the tavern and to the back where the large dining table was housed.

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By the time Trowa and Quatre reached the tavern, the prince and his guards were already occupying the largest table in back of the restaurant. Approaching the table, the pair could tell Heero was in an unpleasant mood. His glare spoke death to all who approached. Quatre couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor frightened waiter.

Taking his a seat next to Heero, Trowa raised a questioning eyebrow over the chocolate head to Wufei. The guard only shook his head and shrugged his shoulder a little. Unfortunately for Quatre, he wasn't use to all the silent conversations and verbally asked.

"Sooo," he dragged out, "how was your afternoon?"

Slowly, the blue eyed death glare focused on the blonde beta. Quatre couldn't help but feel unnerved, Heero looked like he was going to kill something, in a very messy way. Gulping, the blonde turned to Wufei and changed the subject.

"Have you ordered yet? I'm starving, Trowa and I did a lot of walking today. It was such a pleasant day." Sensing his rambling words were not welcome, the blonde quickly closed his mouth. An uncomfortable silence fell over the table.

Sighing Wufei spoke up, "No, we haven't ordered, someone," he gave Heero a dirty look "scared away the server. I think he's hiding in the kitchen."

"Oh, well I'll go tell him what everyone wants. I come here all the time, I don't like eating at the bars and this and the teahouse are the only other choices." After hearing the four guard's order and Trowa telling what he and Heero would like, the blonde scampered off to the kitchen. No sooner did he leave than a foul odor come to the table.

"What is that awful smell?" Heero ground out just as the mayor dragged the long haired beta to the large table.

Everyone seated looked up at the two new comers. Sniffing, they all turned to Duo, pinpointing the source of the appalling stench.

"Your Highness, excuse my interruption, but I brought the boy like you asked. This is Duo, the beta who was missing from the meeting." The mayor nervously interjected focusing on the chocolate haired alpha.

The violet eyed boy turned deathly white as the mayor spoke. Having been in or around the bog all day had made him use to the smell. He had completely forgotten about the odor of it on him. Then he recognized that voice as the stranger's. 'Oh shit' he thought to himself.

"You smell appalling!" Heero couldn't help exclaim. He had been in such a bad mood all day and now to have to smell this caused his temper to lash out at its source. "What the hell do you do, roll around in horse shit? You smell worse than the swines, aren't you more intelligent to bath?"

Eyes widening in shock, Duo stared at the glaring prince who insulted him. Regaining from his disbelief of how cruel the prince was, not to mention that the stranger he had been thinking about half an hour ago, was so rude; Duo narrowed his eyes and returned a deadly glare of his own. Not wanting to put up with this kind of treatment, plus now aware of how bad he smelled, he spat out, "sorry, but it was not my choice to come here. I didn't have the option of getting to wash up after harvesting all day and didn't know I was to be expected for dinner." Then even more sarcastically added "Excuse me, I'll just remove my unpleasant odor from your delicate noses." He spun on his heels and stormed out.

Horrified, the mayor quickly fumbled out apologetically, "I'm so sorry about him your highness. He is an uncouth young man. He h…"

"Enough" Heero cut off. "Did you not tell him he was to meet me for dinner?"

"Um, well you see your highness, the boy didn't come back till just now. You had said you wanted him here at six and it was already ten past so I just brought him." The mayor tried to placate. Seeing that the prince wasn't happy with that excuse, he tried again. "Well you did order him here, not that he had to be presentable."

Wufei couldn't help but snort at that and mumble "or willing." Immediately he regretted that as Heero blasted him with the death glare.

Trying to gain control of the situation Trowa asked "Did you tell the beta he was to meet the prince?"

"Well, sir, I didn't in so much as say it" the mayor fumbled. Catching that the mayor didn't and wanting a clear cut confession Heero spoke up.

"Did you or did you not tell him? Answer yes or no."

"No sire, but please let me expl…"

"Out, now." Heero exploded. The mayor quickly rushed out not liking the crazed look in the prince's blue eyes. 'Fuck, he didn't even know he was meeting me' the prince thought.