Pairings: the obvious ones ::blinks::
Warnings: yaoi, fantasy, magic, AU
Comment: I'm still a lazy bastard, whoohoo!! Changed to rated R just in case it starts to get too violent later on. That and being Rated R is cool. Though being rated NC-17 is far cooler. ::snickers::
Author's comments: Sorry I haven't wrote on this in a while. I was um...working on FF I admit. But well…ok so I took down the old chapter 9 and put this one up. I'm hoping it works out better. At least it won't be as butchered? Thanks to the person that commented on being utterly confused. Because I guess it really didn't make any damn sense.. I was moving too fast so I'm slowing it down again.
Extra Author's note: Sorry I'm so late in posting this!
Story note:
"Yappity yap yap"
Mental conversation.Duo has a nice ass
mental thoughts.Spellcaster 9
He was not liking this. Something wasn't right at all. He could feel Quatre tensing beside him. Apparently he was feeling it too. Feeling eyes on him, Wufei looked up seeing Noin looking right at him with the most evil eyes he'd seen in a long time. He glared back though, not about to be brought down by a mere woman. Even if she did seem capable of fighting. Even though he was supposed to be paying attention, Wufei's thoughts were split. He was thinking about what Queen Relena was saying but at the same time he was thinking about back in town. It had all moved so fast that none of them had had time to think, to figure out what had happened.
What had gotten hold of Heero to hurt him so badly? Was it a monster? And if it was why didn't it completely annihilate him? He wondered what had happened back at the town when Duo sent them away. He wondered why Heero was healing so quickly. He had no answers.
"You are not to speak of me or my men or my nation as if we are incapable of overcoming simple problems!" Simple Problems? Was the woman insane? Then again, Wufei was starting to believe that. There was more here than what was being said. And it shouldn't have to be this hard to get what they needed out of the woman. He blamed it on Quatre's weakness for not speaking out more harshly. Who cares if it was the queen? But then Quatre could be rational where as Heero would just use violent measures. "We shall return to the palace now. I believe your friend might be awake now."
Heero had been out for two days. What made her think he was awake now? But Wufei kept his silence, just watching her and her little servant quietly, observing them. He didn't trust them. He didn't trust what they said. Especially about Zechs…well then again considering how she was acting, he wasn't too sure.
A rumor my behind.
He believed that Zechs was somewhere in the castle. And when he got a chance, he was going to find him. If there was one secret passage in the palace, of course there would be more. He just had to find them…wait….
Duo….
Duo was bound to know where other places were. He'd been in this castle so many times before so who knew? But now Wufei's thoughts took another turn. The soliders from the castle had been trying to kill him for who knew how long. So…why suddenly accept them now that they were in the castle? Was it the doing of Relena?
Damn it…why did he choose to accompany Quatre? That's right, Trowa would have been ogling so much that he wouldn't have paid attention if the boy ended up being in trouble.
"We should start it now. This would be the perfect time to attack." It was a feminine voice, placed in such a dark place. Aside from the features of the people around her being easily seen though hidden by cloaks, everything else was pretty much put into a shade of darkness. The only thing that was visible was the man in front of her sitting on the throne, and the two men beside her. "They're as separated as it will be, this is the time to attack!"
"Patience," a deeper voice spoke, the man on the throne seat. "You're right in one aspect but rushing into things can cause problems as well. There was a reason these males were picked. They're all strong in their own way. The blonde is an empathic but he can easily be taken care of. The main threat would be the man called Heero Yuy and…"
"The young elf boy. I thought they had all been destroyed," this was the man on the girl's left side. But to be honest the girl never really paid attention to her companions features. What she wanted, neither could give her. Complete destruction.
"All but two were destroyed," the man on her right said. He shifted touching something on his head before lowering hand again. "But this one, he has a particular power. It was capable of destroying the monsters that entered the city…on that night. And very easily too, might I add. So, right now this is our biggest threat."
"He won't be a problem," the throne man said. "You." His fingers lifted up pointing over at the girl from underneath his dark robes. "Take care of the blond. Make sure he is destroyed by any means necessary. You should do it now while they aren't alert." He pointed his finger again, to the man on the left of her. "You'll take care of Heero Yuy, don't kill him, just distract him."
"And me?" The man on the right said.
"You will…have the most important job. Have patience."
"I could swear you were supposed to be meeting someone. Or is the reason you been down this hall for the fifteenth time now the fault of that man?"
Duo sighed slightly, listening to Shinigami inside his head. As terrible as it was, he was starting to get used to the damn thing. "It's not like I asked you to be here."
"Oh but you have. You've practically invited me in when you first used that cross. I was getting kind of tired of using it as a host anyway."
Duo froze when he heard that, swallowing slightly. What did he mean by that? Did this mean…?"Are you…is the cross…?"
"Don't fret yourself. I haven't fused with you…yet. It's more like taking a break…though being here inside your mind is very comfortable. I can see all your thoughts, dark pawn. Tell me, do you miss your friend? What was his name…Solo?"
Duo frowned, trying to tune out the voice, though that was impossible considering it was like it was his own thoughts. "Quit reading my past and get the hell back in your cross."
"Ooo. I take that as a yes then."
Shinigami laughed again, something Duo was finding to be more and more annoying. "Well, since you're not going to see your weird headed friends, why not take us back to your little…partner. You know…the intriguing one that heals himself.""I won't!" Duo seethed slightly, making another turn around the corner of the hallway. "You only want me to do that so you can torture him. I won't allow it!"
"You do realize who it is you're talking to, right? I am Shinigami, I can do as I please. If I wanted to, I could take over your body right now…but I find this to be so enjoyable."
Duo just glared out ahead of him, clenching his hands at his sides in anger. "You bastard…." It wasn't like Duo could just reach out and punch the…guy…thing. Not unless he hit himself, and of course that would do no good. He hated to admit it but his fears about Shinigami taking over were becoming more a problem. It seemed that since using the cross again, Shinigami had found a dwelling somewhere inside Duo. But even with Shinigami's words, Duo knew the other didn't have control of his body. At least not yet. They weren't so closely bonded yet.
"I still remember the look in his eyes when he died. Do you remember that, dark pawn? The way his life faded from his eyes as he gave a look of betrayal. That was your fault, wasn't it? Yes it was.
"Stop playing games with me…I'm not in the mood for this." It was a touchy subject, mostly because Duo blamed himself for Solo's death . Even now, after two years, he still felt like it was his fault. Because Shinigami could tap into his body though…he could see into his mind and play around with that. And he was just making it worse now.
"Then take me to the boy so that I may have some fun."
Duo was about to respond to that, to express his anger further when a sound came from behind him. He was quick to move, turning around as he placed a hand onto his dagger in defense. Strange, his ears should have picked up the on the sounds sooner. As shocking as it was…maybe not so shocking, he was in a darker part of the palace. It didn't seem at all active, the most he'd seen being one servant that walked by. That was an hour ago. However, any malice thoughts that had been in his mind suddenly died as he came face to face with a giant black panther.
"Scythe! It's been a while, buddy." He kneeled down rubbing the beast behind the ears as he smiled hearing the satisfied purring. That was until that smile completely died from his ears as he was listening mentally to what the large panther was saying to him. "Quatre's in trouble? What do you mean?! Who's attacking them?!" His eyes just darkened as he stood to his feet, taking a deep breath as he fingered the hilt of his dagger fondly. "Fine. Take me to them…. What? No, we don't have time to go tell him, just lead me there."
The panther nodded his head as if agreeing before he turned and bounded off down the hallway, Duo managing to keep up. He wasn't an elf for nothing. Maybe this was good though. He was starting to get too pent up in this place. He needed some action.
"You could have had plenty of action with that boy. He doesn't like you anyway, why not just give him to me."
"Will you just shut it? I'm going to need concentration and I don't want you ruining it." Scythe glanced back at him but kept running. He quickly turned though, ducking into a room, to Duo's questioning glance, and jumped out of the window there. If it was Duo's guess, that was probably how he had gotten into the palace in the first place. He landed easily on the ground before, Duo following right behind him, never slowing. He didn't have time to slow down, not with Quatre in danger. There was no telling how many enemies were there not to mention if Wufei was still doing well. Maybe he should have told Heero, or at least Trowa. But for some reason…he wanted to do this on his own. The less people that were there, the better he would be able to handle this problem. And if he were lucky, it wasn't so much that Shinigami would have to be called on.
They were already running, moving through the woods, taking the quickest path possible but staying out of sight of any monsters that might be lurking. Already his dagger was out, ready for use. People often said it was a pitiful weapon, but he found it to be really assuring and far better than a sword. It was quick and deathly, just like he was. Besides, there was still the use of magic if needed. But Duo rarely used those things, trying his best to fit in as a normal human being so no one would find him out. Even now, elves weren't really thought of the best in this part of the world. But of course everyone thought the elves were dead or never existed, so he had nothing to worry about then as long as he stayed hidden.
Has he was following Scythe, he heard the sounds of metal on metal being picked up by his ears. Scythe paused in running and looked back at him and Duo had to give a small smile before he knelt down beside him, whispering something in his ears. At the panther's nod, Duo stood again, watching him run off. He took a deep breath, hearing Shinigami saying something in the back of his mind before he tuned it out and turned running off towards the sounds. If he remembered right there weren't many there to defend Quatre…much less the Queen.
He was moving anyway though, running, doing his best to make it in time. As the battle came into sight, he stopped among the trees looking out and surveying the battle so far, eyes scanning to see who was alive. He saw Wufei at one side, growling as he pushed against the assaults of the enemy. They appeared to be like soldiers, except they weren't human. More like half human, or half…something. Skin having been melted away so badly it was hard to tell really. They didn't speak, they didn't really make sounds but growled as they used their weapons with ease.
It smells like a pig's pen,
Duo said wiggling his nose around at the smell.Wufei, though still fighting with all his determination, was getting tired. Duo could tell by the heaving of his chest, the way his moves were more sluggish. He wouldn't last much longer. Already he had blood dripping from his shoulder, a sign that he had been hit. Still he was using that hand so it must not be that serious. But the blood lost was probably making him feel weaker. In another spot he saw a woman. Her hair reminded Duo of Trowa but he shook his head, deciding that this wasn't the best time for playing the comparison game. The girl seemed to be doing fine, all her attention focused on keeping the monsters off her. She had someone else behind her, which looked like the Queen who was being protected. Which means that the only person missing was….
Another more distinct sound reached his ears and he glanced around before turning to follow it. It wasn't that far away but he could hear scuffling. That was probably Quatre. And yes he was right. Quatre was moving, running through the forest passing just by Duo's vision. He saw someone moving behind Quatre and frowned. It was a female, long blond like hair flowing behind her. It was a really light blond look, her eyebrows shaped oddly and darker. She was wielding a very interesting weapon as she was chasing Quatre, the boy defenseless. The girl seemed intent on killing him, but she was obviously not with Relena and the Trowa look alike. So who was she?
She lifted up her mace and Duo cursed himself, moving quickly and running with all his speed. He heard Quatre let out a yelp, tripping onto the ground and landing face first. He managed to turn over, holding his arms in front of him as a shield just as the weapon was coming down. Duo just growled, preparing to throw the dagger. He wasn't going to make it in time. He had to do something.
The mace came down and…it stopped. Three people looked on in confusion, one unnoticed as of yet. The mace had impacted something, but there was nothing there to be seen. Then…what was it that was blocking? As if angered the girl growled out and lifted the mace preparing to bring it down again. Duo was on the move already though, using his dagger and throwing it, the point of it hitting into the side of the mace but being a strong enough impact to deter the next blow. She seemed taken aback and looked over before freezing in her spot. "You're not supposed to be here!"
Eh…what?
Duo just stared at her in confusion as Quatre took this chance, picking up the dagger and thrusting up with all his might, closing his eyes. There was a gurgling sound and a pained yell as the girl stepped back from him, quickly holding her hands over the wound produced in her stomach. She seemed angrier than hurt in Duo's opinion. "You stupid fool!" She lifted a foot, kicking Quatre in the stomach before she turned running off.
Duo hesitated, debating on rather to go after her or to attend to Quatre. He could see that the other wasn't moving and frowned taking that to be his first priority. He moved quickly, stopping to kneel down beside the other. "Quatre, are you ok?" The other didn't respond, still clenching the dagger in his hands, his eyes clenched shut. "It's ok," Duo said, petting the other's hair softly. "She's gone so don't worry."
"I've…never done anything like that before," Quatre said. As if realizing what he had in his hands still, he quickly sat up tossing the dagger away from him and scooting back from it as quickly as possible. Such a strange action, but Duo was starting to understand now. He moved over, taking the dagger and cleaning it off on the grass before he put it away and looked at Quatre.
"This must be your first time doing this sort of thing." He reached up brushing his bangs out of his eyes before giving Quatre a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry. It's normal to feel this way afterwards…. I don't know if she's dead or not, but had she died before your eyes, you'd be feeling worse than this." He stood up to his feet, brushing himself off before he extended a hand out to Quatre. "We need to go see how Wufei's doing." The other nodded reaching up and grabbing hold of his hand, easily being pulled up by the elf. Duo was actually amazed by his lightness. Was he a feather or something?!
The sounds of battle had stopped soon after the girl had disappeared. He didn't want to admit it but he was afraid something probably had happened. "As much as you hate it though, it's good that you did what you did." He patted the other boy on the back then draped in arm around his shoulder drawing him to walk with him towards where the battle had been. Though the other flinched and tensed at the action, Duo just ignored it. "In battle you can't be soft. You either kill or get killed. That's why you have to fight with all you've got. Get what I mean?" Quatre gave him a look and he shook his head continuing. "Let me explain it this way. Everyone fights for something they believe in. I fight to protect the innocent and the people important to me. Because of that it gives me drive. I want to protect the people that need defending," Duo finished off before he sighed and brushed his bangs out of his eyes.
"I think I understand," Quatre said, though Duo could still tell he was shaken. There was no help for it, at least not now.
"You should have called on me. I would have taken care of them."
Duo just growled, especially since he didn't like the sound of Shinigami's voice…in that tone. At Quatre's glance over, Duo smiled sheepishly before he pointed a finger off ahead. "And there goes Wuffie boy. He looks like he's fine. Hey!" Duo waved his hand to get the other's attention and smiled when Wufei looked up. Releasing his hold on Quatre, Duo ran over to Wufei, frowning in worry at the injured man. "Hey, you ok?"
Wufei just winced slightly holding his arm with his now free hand, since his sword was put away. "Does it look like I'm ok?!" He grumbled something under his breath then looked over at Duo, confusion and a bit of suspicion on his face. "Why are you here anyway?"
"Ah well…you could say I sensed that you guys needed help…so I came here. And well…if you ask me why I didn't get Trowa and Heero before I came? I didn't have the time." He was hoping that Wufei wouldn't question it too much, at least right now. It'd be bad if anyone else knew he was an elf. Technically at the moment, the only person that knew was Heero. And so far that Duo knew, he didn't tell anyone yet, not even his teammates. It was something for Duo to be proud of. He felt that if anything, the other at least had a little bit of respect for him.
"Well I guess I should think you for saving us then," Wufei said rolling his eyes slightly. Suddenly he looked over towards the two ladies at the other side. They appeared to be fine actually, one woman having a few cuts on her cheek and such but that was it. Quatre was already heading in that direction, probably to see how they were doing. In which case, Duo turned his attention back on Wufei, a serious look crossing his face.
"Do you having any clue why you were attack?" he asked of Wufei.
Wufei frowned slightly then shook his head in reply. "My only guess it that they're either after Queen Relena, or Quatre. Though why they would want to kill Quatre is beyond me." Duo nodded at that. His mind was thinking back to the time when Quatre was about to be killed. Something had prevented it, blocked the blow that should have ended his life. The only thing Duo could think of was a type of force field. So does this mean Quatre knew how to do magic? He recalled the first they he had seen them riding through the forest towards Sanc. The blond had been the one that seemed to sniff him out. Somehow….
"In the meantime, your horses are here so we should get a move on while we can," Duo said. His ears were picking up the sounds already of the hooves moving. He also knew that he was being watched, by Scythe no thought. The other was always trying to protect him as best he could. He himself never really questioned why he could talk to Scythe. He couldn't talk to any of the other animals but the black panther. So he liked to think of Scythe as his guardian and companion.
"What are you talk-" Before Wufei could finish, one of the horses made a sound as they ran into the small clearing heading in the direction of Duo and Wufei. Little Rock broke away from the others, moving quickly to Quatre's side as he began to lick his face. The sight of his long missing horse was enough to cheer the boy up. As weird as it was, it was like the horses had taken on the traits of their masters. Almost instantly Duo was able to find out which one was Heero's. The eyes, just the way they looked at him was enough. Oh boy, this was going to be a long ride back.
TBC…
Be amazed, this was longer than normal…I think…I don't know, my formatting is weird right now. Gah! Anyways, soon to come, more FFBT. I've also been able to manage to um…refigure my plot for this story so to say. And maybe the entrance of baddies will keep the fire burning. Hoho! Next time on: Spellcaster. Heero gets an unexpected visitor…and stuff with Duo…and Quatre…and Wuffie-boy…and and Trowa since we haven't seen him in a while, oi!
