Genre: AU/Fantasy/Drama

Pairings: 1x2, other

Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words

Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, violence, slavery, cruelty, possible OOCness

A/N: I added to my profile a description of the nine gods and goddesses of Light and Dark for your enjoyment. I'm going to be referencing them a lot, and there will be a quiz later on to test your knowledge. LOL

PS, don't forget. Nothing in this story is what it seems.


Voices of the Gods

To his satisfaction, it took Duo about an half-an-hour to figure out what kind of spell it took to scry. It was simpler than his barrier had been, and far simpler than the spell to solidify mud. He badly wanted to attempt scrying on Heero, to find where his patron had gone, but he knew his collar wouldn't allow it. Further, if Heero ever found out he was sure he'd see the man's wrath as he actually meant it. That wasn't something he was anxious to provoke.

It took about an hour longer to figure out how to block scrying, including the watching as well as listening. The ward against it was similar in many ways to his barrier against rain. Unlike a physical barrier, it wasn't visible to the naked eye. Then, nothing else to do, he sat on the edge of the bed and frowned. He rose moments later and padded to the desk, rummaging until he found parchment, ink, and a quill. He made a list of everything he'd like to see changed about this awful cell of a room.

It wasn't long after lunch he heard Heero return. Beaming, he jumped up. As soon as Heero stepped into the bedchamber, he held up the mirror. "I figured out what to do," he blurted, sounding anxious to his own ears. "I can create a ward against scrying. But I couldn't do it while you have a restriction on me." That came out as sullen.

The look Heero gave him was full of pleased pride. "Do it then," the man snapped, and the restriction was lifted.

Actually making the ward was a little more difficult than knowing how to do it, but it still only took Duo about twelve seconds. Then he smiled at Heero. "It's only around the bedroom, but I can make it bigger if you want."

Heero's eyes narrowed a bit as he looked around. "I can't see anything," he pointed out. "Are you sure it worked?" Still not moderating his tone.

Duo gave him an indignant look. "Of course it worked. I didn't create a barrier, I erected a ward. It's different. And if you don't believe me, take the mirror and try to scry on me from out there." He held up the mirror.

Giving him a rueful look, Heero took it and stepped out into the sitting room. Duo waited patiently until Heero came back in, and the Black Prince looked bemused. "It worked," he said absently. Then he met Duo's eyes. "You've created a sanctuary for me. Put it up around my entire chambers, and then you may go out to the sitting room. But I won't keep you holed up in here too much longer. As soon as I introduce you to my court, you may come and go as you please." He reached out and drew Duo against his chest.

Duo snuggled against him, wondering when he'd come to crave this closeness so much. It was bizarre and ironic that his master was the first person to show him any human kindness despite being a sorcerer. "When will that be?" he mumbled.

"A few more days. I want them to fret and stew awhile. I've confirmed no rumors, but I haven't denied them, either. More than I want to present you to them, though, I want you to meet my father. Do you think you could figure out a way to get to him unseen? Or open some kind of doorway?"

Duo frowned. More magic he had no idea how to do. "I could try. I would have to . . . practice first."

Heero pushed him back and cupped his chin. "You always treat spells as though you don't know how to cast them."

Duo blinked. "It's 'cause I don't. They don't teach us spells at the Tower. They teach us to be meek and subservient and that we're not worth dirt. Magic, so they say, is instinctual. You create spells as you need them."

He saw Heero's jaw clench, and Duo started to see anger swirl up in Heero's eyes. It was unnerving, the way his face went absolutely still and his eyes went ice cold. Duo swallowed, fighting the urge to back away from him. Even amidst his gentleness, this was a deadly powerful man. He must never forget that. A rigid parody of a smile curved Heero's lips.

"So they set you up to fail immediately," Heero said, voice strange and distant. "A fine attitude for sorcerers to take with their own."

Duo agreed, but he said nothing. Heero shook himself and stepped away. "I have something for you. Or, rather, someone. She should help ease your boredom."

To Duo's delight, when Heero came back into the bedroom, a big hound was following him. She was deep-chested and lithe, as though built for speed and endurance both. She had big dark eyes and alert ears, fur somewhere between long and short. Her fur was black with a dusting of silvery white over the top. It reminded Duo of frost over the top of burnt ground. She wagged her tail and trotted right up to Duo, pushing her muzzle against him.

Duo dropped to his knees to greet her. "What's her name?" he asked.

"Frost," Heero replied, kneeling on her other side, ruffling her ears. "She's not normally this friendly, but I'm glad she's taken to you right away. I usually keep her up here with me."

Duo hugged her. "Thank you," he murmured.

Heero gave a small smile. "I'll get you your own hound one of these times," he promised. "Maybe even from her bloodline."

When Frost flopped over onto her side, Duo obeyed and rubbed her belly. He looked up at Heero. "When you introduce me, how should I act?" he asked.

"Just like you did with my soldiers," Heero replied. "Haughty. Be more careful around the Council of Nine, though. They may be willing to be more forceful with you. If any of them raise a hand to you, I want to know. I absolutely will not tolerate one of them hurting you, appearances be damned."

Painful warmth spread through Duo's chest and gut. Was this happiness? Heero, he realized, was the first person since his parents about whom he cared. "I'll try to make them trust me, and possibly find something to use against them," he promised. Never before had he wanted to put himself on the line for another. Now, he was willing to risk his safety to help this man.

Heero reached out and brushed the backs of his fingers over Duo's cheek. "Just be careful," he said. "They're ruthless."

"I will," Duo said, tears stinging his eyes.

o8o o8o

"What the hell happened?"

Aqua eyes moved to regard the Voice of Gridanja with some amusement. "Such language?" their owner chided mildly.

The woman turned and flashed him a smile full of teeth. "I am Gridanja's vessel," she said, lifting one shoulder in a smooth shrug. "Should I apologize for it?"

Quatre Raberba Winner leaned back in his high-backed chair and smiled. "I suppose not. But really, you don't speak like that around others, do you? You will, perchance, give the Council the wrong kind of reputation."

"Don't worry so much, Quatre," spoke up another of the Council. Dorothy Catalonia, the Voice of Nahanquae, flicked her long golden hair over one shoulder. "It really doesn't matter what kind of reputation we have."

Quatre steepled his fingers. "It matters a great deal," he countered. "After all, we can hardly do anything that might diminish our power, can we?"

"Indeed," spoke the Voice of Jhatahj. Trowa Barton. "This is a troubling event."

"In what way?" Relena scoffed.

Quatre gave her a measured look. "Heero was never under our thumb," he began. "Now we know he has brought a sorcerer home. How powerful, we yet do not know. But our only advantage has been blocked by this sorcerer. How can we possibly know now what passes between them?"

Dorothy took interest, finally. "Through the sorcerer, of course. Heero is a cruel man. This sorcerer won't be pleased having him for a master. We can influence him with promises of freedom, and he will be swayed easily."

Far too experienced to give himself away, Quatre merely looked at her. As the Voice of Nirande, he hadn't the influence that Relena had, nor her counterpart, the Voice of Cestera. But he was a master at manipulating behind the scenes, as he must. "I think it's finally time to keep a closer eye on Heero," he suggested. "The Black Prince has sown chaos wherever he steps, but he is not out of control, despite what most of you seem to think. Those frigid eyes of his are windows into an extremely complex soul, and a cunningly keen mind. He could be a threat to us, whether it is his intention or not."

The Voice of Cestera stirred. "I agree. The people of Corai deeply fear and respect him. If he decided to go to war with the entire world, most of this country would blindly follow him into it, believing he would win because he is the Black Prince."

Relena, ever his opposition, rounded on him. "And we curtail his actions to what end, Treize? Heero is young and proud. We have only the visage of authority. Certainly there would be outrage and public outcry if he did away with this council, but the only reason he puts up with us is because he considers us unimportant. We do not yet have the leverage to seize the throne from him."

"A pity we can't seem to prove he's poisoning his father," Dorothy mused, tapping her lower lip. "We could try him for that. But even our healers can't tell for sure if the old man is dying of natural causes or what."

Dorothy, Quatre thought, was a tasteless woman. She was Relena's right-hand woman, always whispering in her ear and plotting with her. But unlike Relena, Dorothy was a pathetic player at the game of political intrigue. Treize Khushrenada, the Voice of Cestera, was considered the only to be her equal. Like her he was smooth, cultured, aristocratic, and ever-so-silver-tongued. Of course, Quatre thought with a private smile, there were perks to being a lesser Voice on the Council.

"Be silent, Dorothy," Relena said, sounding weary. "At the moment, we're going in circles. Treize, can you at least agree with me we should attempt to influence his sorcerer? With any luck it will be a younger man-as he sounds-and naive as well. Though Heero knew someone was scrying, he wouldn't dare accuse us of that. And we've already heard he's not above physically punishing his slave. It should put him in a better frame of mind for our manipulation."

Treize nodded. "Yes, we can agree on that, Relena. But do you agree that perhaps it is time we started watching our prince a little more closely?"

Quatre saw her grind her jaw-a very, very tiny bit. "Yes, we can. Trowa, I leave that up to you. You are good at sneaking around in the shadows."

Ironic, that, Trowa being the Voice of Jhatahj. The God of Fire was a forceful, proud god who would never skulk.

"I can help there," the Voice of Drammon spoke up.

Chang Wufei would have made a better Voice of Jhatahj in many ways. He was proud and forceful himself. Relena cast the black-haired man a slightly surprised look.

"You?" she said. "You, who so seldom take interest in his doings?"

"That is precisely why I'm a good choice," Wufei said in that condescension he did so well. "He has no automatic reason to despise me."

"Other than being on this Council?" Quatre countered with a sweet smile.

Which earned him a frosty glare. He kept his smile hidden.

o8o o8o

Heero decided it was time to present Duo four days later. The atmosphere around his castle was so tense he could almost cut it with a knife. People tried to tactfully pry, and rumors flew around frantically. Heero spent most of the time out of the castle, leaving Duo to himself to learn more spells. It was taking the young sorcerer far longer to learn how to create a doorway, though he'd learned simple levitation of objects and could start a fire with a glance. He could also create colored lights, which delighted and amused Frost.

"It's going to be a long night," he warned the boy as he brushed his long, gleaming hair. "A very long night."

Duo, sitting quietly at Heero's feet and looking like he was about to doze off, tilted his head back. "What am I to do?"

"Stay at my side," Heero replied, running his fingers through the silken cinnamon locks. "I won't leave you alone. I don't want you to speak to anyone. If someone asks you a question, look to me for an answer or permission to answer. It'll get onerous, and it's all right to let your annoyance at that show when I'm not looking at you. But it's important for everyone to see I'm not giving you an iota of freedom. You're completely under my control."

Duo gave him a sleepy smile. "What about if they want a demonstration?"

The thought that someone would even ask annoyed Heero. "Light them on fire," he said with a snort, which started Duo giggling. "Well, perhaps a light demonstration, bright and flashy, but meaningless. You aren't a circus performance."

Twisting around on the floor so he was facing Heero, Duo folded his arms across Heero's thighs to look up at him with a pensive expression. "The Council will be there?"

"Yes, but I'm introducing you to them last. I've never made a secret of the fact I detest them. I slight them in petty ways, just like a spoiled princeling, and they ignore me for the most part. I've never openly opposed them, and it's why I've remained unimportant to them." He cupped Duo's chin in one hand. "You, of course, have changed their minds. That is why, for now at least, you're not to leave my side. The restriction will be back in place, flexible only if you have need to defend me or yourself."

Duo simply nodded, and Heero felt a bolt of something dangerously similar to affection flicker through him. He realized his thumb was stroking softly along Duo's jaw and released the boy. Was that disappointment that flashed across Duo's eyes? The boy leaned back against Frost, who lay right behind him.

"What am I wearing? Please tell me I won't look like a dancer slave or anything."

The words startled a short bark of laughter from Heero. "No. Parading you like a sorcerer and a bed slave would have people treating you with even less respect. At least this way you'll maintain that veil of mystique. I've already chosen your outfit, and we should be getting you dressed. The nobles will already have gathered, and I'm sure they're milling and fussing. Best let them stew for only a little while."

Smiling, Duo rose to his feet after a quick pat to Frost's head. The hound thumped her tail on the floor.

Despite what he'd said, Duo's outfit was probably more appropriate for a girl than a boy. The black hose were not true breeches, and the soft material had the faintest sheen of silvery shine. The knee-high boots were the softest buffed leather, thin and flexible and suitable only for show, not function. They had a raised sole to add about two inches of height to Duo's slight frame. The lace-up shirt was a rich indigo that matched his eyes perfectly, with serpents delicately embroidered up the sleeves. The black tunic was long, falling to about mid-thigh, belted at the waist in a thick, braided silver belt that dropped a silken tassle to the base of the tunic.

Duo, who'd demanded a mirror, studied his reflection. The outfit didn't make him look like a girl, but it did make him look young and a little delicate. Painfully beautiful. Heero pulled his lustrous hair into a high ponytail, tying it with a thick indigo ribbon. He braided it only halfway down, tying it off with a leather thong that had a single purple diamond sewn onto it. Around his wrists Heero locked two silver cuffs. His own royal crest was emblazoned onto both.

"These are slave cuffs," he said, taking Duo's hands in his and squeezing gently. "You won't be without them from now on. They're enchanted items that can only be removed by me. Like this collar." He fingered the gleaming black band.

Duo looked darkly displeased by the reminder, but he didn't protest. Heero left the top laces of the shirt undone so the collar was more visible. No one would, but he wanted to make sure none forgot Duo was his slave. His sorcerer. His beautiful, beautiful weapon.

For himself, Heero donned his traditional black. The only break in the somber color was the cape, which was lined with cobalt satin on the inside. He strapped one of his two bastard swords to his waist in a bejeweled ceremonial sheath. He didn't particularly care for the gaudy thing, but it drew attention to the blade, so it served its purpose admirably. Before he was a man, he was the Black Prince. Let none forget that, either.

"I've been thinking about it," Duo said abruptly, "and I think I could . . . read minds. Or, detect surface thoughts. I remembered someone saying once, back at the Tower, that she could detect lies. I think I could do that."

Heero blinked, surprised. "That would be an amazing asset. Consider that your task tonight. Learn to read surface thoughts and detect lies."

As he always did when Heero gave him a task, Duo lit up. "It shouldn't take me long." He sounded excited.

Unable to help a small, sad smile, Heero brushed Duo's bangs out of his eyes. "I'm sure it won't. Remember what I said. Don't directly answer anyone unless I give you permission, and don't stray from my side. Not even for a second."

Duo, young and sweet and impulsive, gave Heero a hug, arms wrapping around his waist. The normally-cold young man embraced him in return. He could tell Duo was nervous about all this, and he was probably not looking forward to being treated with coldness and cruelty. Heero, to whom it had become second nature, didn't relish the thought either.

080 080

The huge hall was quite crowded when Heero finally descended into the throng. The moment he entered he was the center of attention, and the noise died away within moments. Expression iced over, Heero looked out over them as though he found them pathetic-which he did.

"Most of you have gossiped about my journey to Navrane until I'm surprised your tongues didn't fall out," he began scornfully. "I went there to purchase a slave, and I have found one. Duo al'Yuy."

Duo, practically clinging to his side, shifted as though uncomfortable when most of the scrutiny shifted to him. Heero didn't wait after his announcement and descended the steps. The Council of Nine, he noticed with an inward savage smile, was ridiculously situated near the throne dias. No doubt they had tried to look important, but they were on the opposite end of the room as at least a dozen men and women flocked to Heero, successfully blocking him from others.

"My, my," said the nearest woman. She was a distant cousin of the king. "He's very young, Your Highness. Is he really a sorcerer?"

"Can you not see the collar, woman?" barked another. He was the Arch Duke Selsdor, one of the oldest noble houses. "A black, no less. Well, nothing less for our prince, eh? What do you think of our country, boy?"

Duo reacted beautifully. He started the slightest bit, looking amazed at being addressed. His eyes shot to Heero, the request plain. Heero looked down at him, then back at Selsdor.

"I'm sure he thinks fine of it," he dismissed the question. "Has there been any retaliatory action from Penniar?"

Selsdor burst into raccous laughter, and the gathered men joined him right away. "Hells bells, no! Those soft cowards? They cringed away from any confrontation at all. After you slaughtered them like sheep? I don't know why you don't just conquer it, add it to Corai's borders, and have done with it. They'd crumple like houses made of matchsticks."

"My husband speaks the truth," Selsdor's wife, the Lady Truia, agreed at once. "You, the great Black Prince, would have no trouble doing so whatsoever. Why, it's practically an accepted truth that it will happen."

Heero gave her a scathing look. "It seems you lot have more to gossip about than my travels to Navrane. I have no interest in Penniar. If I turned my attention to any neighboring kingdom it would be Dobraia."

"True enough!" Selsdor immediately backed him. "Those fools have been itching for a fight. We quelled no less than six border skirmishes while you were away. I suppose they thought you making a trip would leave us defenseless. But we fought proudly and madly in your name, Prince, and showed those stone-brained fools what it means to attack Corai!"

"A dozen Dobraian soldiers were brought here and publicly executed," the Lady Truia said, waving a lacy fan at her face and looking bored. "I don't think they'll be trying anything like that again soon."

Heero amped up the heat of his glare. "And whose order was it to execute them?"

She quailed like a frightened chick. "Why, I believe it was the Council," she stammered.

Eyes burning, Heero looked to the end of the hall. Relena, probably. "Think you they have the authority to issue a royal order of that kind?" he said softly.

Every man and woman had the good sense to realize they were suddenly standing on thin ice. Heero's temper was renowned, and none of them wanted to find themselves on the receiving end.

"No one thinks that, Prince," Lady Truia said finally, reaching out and touching his arm.

Incredibly bold, really. Reaching up, Heero took her hand and gently squeezed her fingers. He increased the pressure until she winced. "Easy as a bird's bones," he said quietly. Then he gave her a frozen smile, raising her hand to his lips and lightly kissing it. "Though perhaps I should save such vicious measures for the ones who deserve it?"

He could feel her trembling as she slowly withdrew her hand. Disregarding her, Heero swept past them all.

Of course, he was accosted then by the next group of nobles eager to ingratiate themselves to him.

o8o o8o

Heart thudding in his chest, Duo tried to remind himself this was all an act. But never, ever had he seen Heero act that way. Cold, yes. Even cruel in his own militaristic way. But that vicious malice? Like a snake enjoying its prey's torment before delivering the killing blow. Heero was good at this. A person would be mad not to heed the obvious warning in that whole exchange. A sword wrapped in velvet was still a sword.

The next group of nobles wisely chose safer topics that seemed to appeal to the soldier in Heero. Duo was so nervous he felt sick. He wanted this night to be over. He jumped every time someone asked him anything, and he only half faked his anxious permission-seeking to Heero. More than half the time Heero answered for him, and the only time someone had the audacity to ask for a demonstration, Heero about sent them to their knees with a white-hot glare.

Eventually, a tall woman with dirty blonde hair swept in. She was followed by others that totalled nine. The uneasiness churning in Duo's gut went from uncomfortable to painful, and he wondered if he would vomit. He swallowed compulsively, trying not to look ill.

"My prince," she said in a perfectly smooth voice. It was so smooth it sounded practiced. "It seems we are to congratulate you. I'm certain none would have expected you to find a Black. But he is young, isn't he?"

Heero gave her an arctic smile. "It only means he's more tractable to my will," he said. "Duo, let me introduce you to my Council of Nine." His voice had gone silky and venomous. Ever-so-slight emphasis on the word my, as if they, too, were his possessions. "Relena Peacecraft, Voice of Gridanja. Treize Khushrenada, Voice of Cestera. Torvan Uric, Voice of Relwan. Dorothy Catalonia, Voice of Nahanquae. Quatre Winner, Voice of Nirande. Trowa Barton, Voice of Jhatahj. Sylaena Glewhyn, Voice of Vyrea. Beria Shondric, Voice of Shinigami. and Wufei Chang, Voice of Drammon. Don't forget a single one." It sounded like a threat.

Wondering if Heero meant him to give them some kind of greeting, he nervously kept his eyes on Heero, aware of the Nine watching him. Heero gave him a cruelly amused smirk, as though enjoying his discomfort, then nodded slightly. Duo looked at them and inclined his head.

"Pleased to meet you," he managed without his voice shaking.

"And we are you," the one named Quatre Winner said with a small smile. "The last time a sorcerer appeared in Corai was well over one-hundred years ago. Heero's grandfather, back at least three generations, purchased a Blue. I'm certain you'll surpass his accomplishments with ease."

Duo didn't know what to say to that. He'd managed to distract himself by attempting to read surface thoughts, and though he was able now to sense an overall mood, this man confused him immediately. The emotions rolling off him were mixed and complicated. He couldn't get a general sense of the man.

"He gave you a compliment, Duo," Heero said abruptly, still using that silky-deadly tone. "Thank him."

Duo flashed him an anxious look before once more inclining his head to Quatre. "Thank you."

"I wanted to apologize," Relena said, apparently dismissing Duo, "for the other day, Heero. I sent an honor guard to escort you home. I merely had your protection in mind, but I'm afraid I managed to insinuate insult. Please accept my apology, it was the farthest thing from my intent."

A lie, Duo noted. He couldn't detect a lie, exactly. But her aura changed enough that he knew she was lying. And she was perfectly comfortable lying. Of course, her patron was Gridanja whom, Heero had told him, was called the Queen of Lies. Here was a dangerous woman. He wanted to grab Heero and scream, "Be careful!" He may be putting himself on the line, but Heero was in as much danger as he was. And he realized he didn't want anything to happen to Heero.

By the time Heero took him from the hall, Duo felt like he might go mad. All of those men and women, there was something wrong with them. Every single one of them.