Hi everyone, thanks for reviewing. As a reward here's nice long chapter. Hope you enjoy!

Wufei watched with terror filled eyes as he advanced on Treize. Inside him the harpy's hold and the incomplete bond raged with one another, and his will seemed trapped between the two. His bond forbid him from harming Treize, but the harpy's call was strong and all consuming. Every fibber of his heart wanted to sink his knife into the human's flesh as his Lady had commanded while the bond caused his body to fight him. His true emotions were locked away by the harpy's power while his mind was blank, an impartial observer. Wufei didn't know if the bond or the harpy would have won out in the end, but he was thankful he never had to learn. A streak of fur moved by, knocking the knife out of his hands and throwing him backwards and off his feet. In an instant the harpy's power over him vanished as her concentration wavered. Wufei came back in time to see the giant white feline that attacked him shift into the form of the prince of the mythicals, the person Wufei had fought for when his village was besieged. The same prince he had believed to had died so many years ago. It was Zechs, it had to be. Shape Shifters were a rare breed, and it was to great of a coincidence for it not to be him. That would mean that Zechs had disguised himself as their prince and led the dragon clan to their deaths. Furthermore, he had hid his identity from Wufei all of this time. Wufei knew that he should have been furious about this betray but for some reason he wasn't Perhaps it was their desperate situation, or perhaps it was because he had grown so close to both Treize and Zechs. Whatever it was he didn't feel anger, just concern. Zechs was a fool to come here. He was no match for most in this army. Zechs was clever, and his skills were useful, but fighting wasn't his strength. What made things worse was that Wufei knew the moment he tried to step in and help, the harpy would take control again. He never wanted to feel that pull again. It was a wonder that she wasn't trying to regain control of him at that moment.

Actually the harpy was starring at Zechs with a giant smile on her face. "Of Millie, I knew you'd come back to me. How I've missed you brother. Even after mother and father died I knew you were alive. I knew that damn human had forced you to turn on your own people, but I wasn't going to let him get away with it. I swore that day that I would free you brother, and look! Look at the army I've amassed, and now you are here and together we can lead them against the humans. We'll let the humans taste the slavery they have held us in for so long brother, and we shall do it together, you and I."

It was than that Wufei realized just how crazy the girl was. Insanity burned in her eyes, radiating off her entire frame. Treize seemed equally shocked by the girl's words.

"Did you know they were related?" Treize just shook his head his eyes never leaving Zechs. The rage that Wufei should have felt early suddenly rushed to the surface, only it was directed towards Treize not Zechs. "And what about his part in the destruction of my people, did you know about that? Were you ever going to tell me that he was the prince?"

Treize's head snapped around, his attention now on Wufei. "I did not know he was an actual prince. Zechs asked me not to tell you that he had led the dragons. I think he didn't want you to hate him. Zechs was always fond of you, it was largely due to him that I choose to bond with you in the first place."

"Oh, that changes everything. Remind me to thank him then." Wufei's voice dripped with sarcasm. Though he had to admit that he had grown fond of his new life and the people that filled it, a part of him knew he should have died back there with his clan. The fact that he lived on, and had even befriended his family's killers was a fact that diminished his honor and betrayed their memory. Treize was no longer paying him any attention. Zechs and the harpy had started talking.

"Relena, this has to stop." Zechs' eyes were sad and distant, it was clear that he was not enjoying this, but there was also determination in his stance. He would do what had to be done.

Relena frowned, her delight gone, "I don't understand brother, I thought you'd be happy."

"Why would I want you to force our people into a war, and why would you wish to enslave the humans?"

"What do you mean? They enslaved you brother. Does that human have such a hold over you that you can see that?"

Zechs shook his head, "I am not a slave to Treize He would have let me leave if I wished it. No, the only hold he has on me is the hold he has on my heart. I love him Relena, and I will not let you harm him or his people, because they are now my people too."

Relena shook her head, her smile returning. "I see what's happening brother. It's the bond he made with you talking. Don't worry Millie, I'll free you. He won't control your mind any longer, I promise."

Relena turned her attention to Treize and with a beat of her wings was off and after him. Wufei felt the tug of the bond and perhaps something else as he fought to reach the king in time to shield him.

It was Zechs that managed to intercept her, blocking talons with the claws of the tiger. Wufei had seen him use that form before. It was one of the strongest animals available that didn't exceed his true size. Though it was smaller than a true tiger it was all strength and reflex, but Wufei worried it couldn't stand against a mythical.

Relena belted out her song again, this time directing it at Zechs. Now that the song was not meant for him it sounded like a thousand wailing babies, each louder and more demanding than the last. How could he have ever considered the sound beautiful? The cat flinched at the racket, but gave no sign of being controlled. Instead he slashed out at Relena, leaving an angry welt across her chest as she leapt back. At seeing their 'Lady' injured the mythicals came forward to defend her. Relena stopped them with a harsh glare. "No, no one shall lay a finger on my brother but me. If I must defeat him to free him than so be it. But I and I alone shall do it. No matter what happens you are not to interfere is that understood?"

As one the mob of mythicals nodded and Relena turned back to Zechs. "Now brother, since you leave me no choice it seems I need to knock you back into your senses. I was always able to beat you when we were young, and you are a fool if you think that all of these years will change that!"

As Wufei watched her charge at Zechs he smiled, for he knew who would win this before it started. It was true that his years with Treize hadn't made Zechs stronger physically, but it had turned him into a master tactician. While the harpy fought with blind rage Zechs fought using calm collected movements. It also seemed that he knew the harpy's moves before she made them. A skill that was surly due to their time together in youth. Unlike Relena, Zechs' style had evolved into a defensive marvel. He would dodge her, using her speed as an advantage by letting her overshoot him only to spin around and slam her in the back with his massive claws. He did this move again and again and each time she fell for it, getting more and more entangled in rage as she went along. In the end she lay sprawled on the ground, loosing blood and unable to move. Zechs stood over her in the form he had always carried while in Treize's and Wufei's presence. Relena stared at him, her eyes unbelieving, "that form, it was you that stood by the human's side the day our parents died?"

At this moment Treize got up to join Zechs and Wufei felt inclined to follow. He could clearly read the pain Zechs' face and he knew he should offer his support. As Treize approached him Zechs took the human's hand in his own, taking strength from him. "When I learned that you had taken control of the dragon clan's elders and were going to force them to march against Treize I did what I had to do. I regret that the dragons had to die for me to stop you, but I do not regret saving my love."

Relena's eyes narrowed, "you traitor, you are not fit to be part of my family!"

Zechs frowned, "no I'm not. But I have my own family and I would not trade them for anything. Nor can I let you continue to control all of these mythicals. I have to stop you, my sister."

Zechs looked to Wufei, "will you lead me your dagger? I want to make this as easy as possible."

Heero rode away as quickly as his mount would allow. He could hear the flap of leathery wings behind him, though he didn't dare look back. Dense forest loomed ever closer, the perfect safe haven to even the odds. Heero had every intention of fighting the demon girl. He knew he would not be allowed to leave if he didn't. That did not mean that he couldn't make the terrain work to his advantage. Heero pulled up on his reins the moment he reached the forest's edge. He leapt from the beast's back and into the dense foliage. The horse was too large to maneuver through the twisted vines and thick bushes, so Heero had no choice but to abandon him. The sound of leathery wings and the soft chuckle of the demon did not help his situation either. "You're going to fight me in there? Did you forget that my people live in wooded areas? This is over already."

In all honesty Heero had forgotten. All the same, he couldn't fight her in the open where she could dive down on him and escape into the sky on a whim. So Heero positioned himself against a giant oak and drew his sword. He knew that the creature would be a lot stronger than him, but he also knew that even she could not maneuver well in this mess. Heero was caught by surprise when the demon appeared in front of him. It seemed that even in this jumble she could move silently. Still, Heero had her were he wanted her. As the demon drew closer Heero slashed upward, bringing the vines down on top of her and trapping her in their grasp. The demon girl squealed in surprise trying to fight of the plant, but only managing to get more entwined. Heero moved calmly forward, placing his blade at her throat.

"I believe this fight is mine, lady. Now if you'll excuses me my love awaits."

He shielded his sword and walked away as the demon cursed and struggled to free herself. She emerged from the woods right after Heero had caught and mounted his horse. "You won't find an elder so easy to beat."

Heero spared her a quick glance, "I will do what I must to save Duo. My very existence is meaningless without him by my side. I need him, just as I need food and water to survive."

"I can't change your mind than?"

"No."

"Than you should know that Duo is probably being held in a giant cave near the western shore, by the edge of this wood. There's no way that you can beat an elder, but demons are gamblers. You may be able to strike a deal."

Heero nodded his head, "thank you, I will bring him home on that you have my word."

Hildi didn't say anything and so Heero spurred his horse forward. He knew the caves she spoke of. He had played there as a child. Perhaps that familiarity would give him some advantage. If what she said was true, than he'd need every bit of leverage he could get.

Zechs raised his knife striking shallowly but with precision. The harpy opened her mouth to cry out but no sound came. The shape shifter had surpassed vital veins and struck her directly in her vocal cords. The harpy would live, but she would never speak or more importantly sing again.

"Go, if I ever see you trying to harm the people I love again I will kill you."

Relena glared but gave no response other than to flare her wings and take off. She would have to control the bleeding soon or she would die. Zechs sank to his knees, all too aware of the many mythicals surrounding him that were coming out of the harpy's stupor. He knew from experience that they would remember everything that had happened, and he didn't know how they would respond to Treize, Wufei, and himself being there. At that moment he didn't care. He hadn't been able to do it. Relena had threatened Treize, Wufei, and the mythical and human races alike and he couldn't kill her. As he had stood there holding that dagger he couldn't help but think of the little girl that he had known, and try he might he couldn't kill his own sister.

"Zechs, we need to go. These mythicals will not be unaware of our presence here for long."

Zechs looked up into Treize's eyes feeling worn to the bone and completely helpless. How he had missed the human and the strong loving support he gave. "Please Treize. I can't leave them like this. I don't want to be their prince, but if this war is to end than I must make peace with them."

Treize was silent for a moment. Than he nodded and held his hand out to Zechs. "You're right of course. Very well Zechs, we'll wait until they come around."

Zechs shook his head standing quickly. "No, you and Wufei must flee now. If things turn for the worse there will be no escape."

Treize met Zech's eyes, his expression firm and unyielding. "And that is precisely why I am staying. I will not leave you to be stand against them alone."

"You stubborn bastard. If they do come after blood it is yours they'll want most."

"All the more reason for me to stay. I need to face the charges against me if this war is to end."

"They will kill you Treize!"

"Then you and Wufei will be free, I can except that outcome."

Zechs turned away feeling exasperated. Treize knew that that was the last thing he wanted. Why would the human not just listen to him this once?

Zechs was pulled out up his thoughts by the sound of flesh hitting flesh. He turned expecting to find one of the mythicals, but instead he found Wufei with his eyes burning.

"You heartless, selfish bastard. How dare you think to sacrifice yourself? Damn it Treize I will not let you victimize yourself. I have only now felt at home with you and you wish to take that away? Just how many of my lives will you destroy before you are happy?"

Treize backed away from the raging dragon, rubbing his cheek where Wufei had hit him and looking utterly baffled. Zechs felt the same way, he had always believed that Wufei hated his life with them. He had threatened to kill Treize so many times, that Zechs had stopped counting. When had this happened, when had he changed so much?

"My prince?"

Zechs spun around again to come face to face with a young male centaur. The creature was bowing at the waste. When he rose his eyes were full of joy. "Thank you my prince. Because of you we are once again free. Our hearts are our own again, and for that we are forever in your dept."

Zechs frowned and looked over the mass of mythicals, all looking at him with hope and gratitude. He had expected a great number of things but not this, and he most certainly didn't like it. "I am no one's prince. My only wish is the stay with this human. Mythicals have never been ruled by any type of royalty and that is the way it should be. You owe me nothing, it was my family that did this to you in the first place."

"We will follow you because it is clear that you have our best interests at heart, my prince. We all heard what you said, so we know that you care about what happens to us."

Zechs shook his head looking flustered, "you don't understand, my life is with Treize. I can not rule you when I live with the humans that you hate. I don't want to rule anyone!"

Treize came up behind Zechs placing a hand on his shoulder, "then don't lead Zechs, mediate. It seems to me that the greatest need these people have is some one to represent them with the humans. This entire thing has made me realize that bonding must come to a halt. However, if I were to outlaw it in our kingdom then the other lands surrounding us would crush us as soon as our mythical protectors were gone. No, the problem is too widespread for I myself to handle. So I propose a truce between our people. Call the mythicals out of the other kingdoms and I will work on their behalf to reform the bonding system, with you at my side of course."

The mythicals turned to Treize with distrust in their eyes. Zechs for one was dumbfounded. Treize had never expressed a dislike for the bonding system. In fact he had always said it was that system that held society together and kept wars from springing up between kingdoms. Was it Wufei that had changed his mind, or perhaps this war itself? Zechs couldn't say he wasn't glade to hear of this change in Treize, but at the same time he couldn't help but think of his many years serving the human. They had been the happiest times of his life. Humans served Treize of their own free will. Perhaps mythicals could be convinced to do so too. Zechs was just glade that he was bonded to Treize, and would never have to leave him.

The mythicals seemed confused by Treize's plan, and Zechs had to admit that he was too. But when Zechs showed Treize his support than the other mythicals agreed to go along with it as well. That night Treize, Wufei, Inu (who had conveniently shown up right after a peace agreement had been reached) and Zechs camped with the mythicals. Scouts had been sent to stop the fighting and free the human prisoners, and in the morning they would go to address the entire group. There was bound to be anger and confusion among the mythicals, and Zechs wasn't looking forward to facing them. But for now he and the people he loved were safe, and he could at last have some alone time with Treize, or at least, so he thought.

It took awhile for Heero to find the entrance to the cave. It was at ground level and hidden from sight by a great deal of foliage. Upon finding it Heero had unsaddled and freed his horse. He didn't know how long he would be, or if he would return at all so he could not see leaving him tied up. Heero had not known what he expected to find upon entering the cave, but he hadn't expected the empty silence that met him. This was the only entrance he had ever known of, but the caves were vast. So much so that he had never explored them all. Heero lit a torch, knowing that he would get horribly lost without it. If this demon was anything like Duo he'd hear Heero coming from miles away. There was no reason to get himself killed while trying to navigate over the giant and jagged rocks. Considering how large the caves were Heero was counting on being found anyways. He would never find this elder if he didn't want to be found. After Heero was 'captured' he would negotiate for Duo's release. He just hopped that the demon elder would listen, and not kill him on sight.

Heero hadn't gotten far into the complete darkness of the caves when he heard the beating of wings, followed immediately by a painful blow that left him reeling. Before he could recover his hands were tied behind him, his torch was snuffed out, and a blindfold was secured over his eyes. Heero had not gotten a clear view of his attackers, but there were at least three of them, all around Duo's age and all very beautiful boys. The sight of them had given Heero a fearful feeling, a sense of dread that followed him as he was half drug half carried over the jagged and uneven boulders. Heero was not the type to initiate a conversation, but he needed as much information as possible. He had to take advantage of this situation. "Where are you taking me?"

"To the master." The voice was young and delicate, but lifeless. Heero felt a chill run through him. "Master?"

The one that was holding him on the left answered, "yes, we have all broken demon law. As punishment we will serve the elder until he feels we have learned our lesson."

"How long have you served him?"

The demon shifted as he hoisted Heero up onto a ledge, "I have served the master for three hundred and forty years, or close to that, you tend to lose track of such time down here."

Well so much for them being the same age as Duo. But then again, Heero didn't really know Duo's age. In fact he didn't know much about demons at all. All of the demons that had come to their aid had seemed young, but perhaps demons didn't age. Heero had heard in the legends that demons were immortal, but he had never really considered it until now. He had to wonder how old Duo really was. If they made it through this he'd be sure to ask him.

"How long does it take your master to decide you've learned your lesson?"

The demon stiffened at that. "It is not our place to decide that. The master will know when the time is right."

"Has he ever freed any of you?"

"Not in my time with him, but the master knows best. If he hasn't freed us, than its because we are not ready."

Heero could hear the fear in the demon's voice. The elder must be able to hear them now. It made sense. The ground had evened out and Heero thought he saw torch light through his blindfold. "Have you seen a demon named Duo?"

"Oh the violet eyed one? Yes he's new, how do you know him?"

"He is my bonded."

"Like what you do with mythicals? I didn't think that was possible."

"It is."

"You're pretty strange for a human. I thought humans were beasts. Why are you so worried about him? Couldn't you just get another bonded?"

"No, I can't. Has he been harmed?"

"Well no, but he's got to learn to listen to the master. The master doesn't tolerate disobedience."

"What is your master commanding him to do?"

"Well, the master likes to take us to his bed, but Duo says he's already taken, and fights him."

"Has he taken Duo to his bed?" Heero knew that rage filtered into his voice and didn't care. If that creature had touched his Duo than he'd make certain he paid.

"No, he doesn't like it when we fight him. But he will soon, whether Duo learns to behave or not."

Heero clenched his fists holding back a retort. It had become quite clear to him what was happening here. He had to get Duo away from this creature, and free the other demons if possible. He just wasn't certain how to do it.

Heero had no farther time to ponder this, because they had at last come to a stop. He felt small hands at the back of his head and then the blindfold feel from his eyes. A vast chamber that had been hollowed and smoothed out into a comfortable living area stood before him. There were torches along the walls, and demons everywhere, most of them acting quite busy. Heero didn't see Duo, but their were several smooth passageways going off in all directions, so he could have been down any of them. All of the demons around him had the same youthful appearance and all of them males. Heero also got his first good look at the demon he'd been talking to. He had very boyish features, soft like his voice. He had hazel eyes and yellow blond hair that fell in lose short curls. His wings were tan where Duo's were chestnut red, and the fur on his tail was the same color as his head. He and the other demon's that had taken Heero were currently kneeling, their attention focused on the demon sitting at the head of the corridor. Heero was certain this was the elder, but he wasn't what he had expected. The demon looked to be in his mid thirties by human standards. He was tall and had a commanding presence that reminded Heero of his father. The demon had pitch-black hair and sharp green eyes that shown like emeralds. His wings were blood red, his tail black, and his skin heavily tanned considering he lived deep in a cave. Heero knew the moment he saw this demon that he was dangerous, and not to be underestimated. His body looked young, but his eyes shown with ancient wisdom, and an amused fire that stirred Heero down to his soul. The 'elder' smiled, shamelessly showing off pearly white fangs. "I bid you welcome little one. My name is Michael and I remember you well. I haven't heard of you since you were a fledgling playing near the entrance of my cave. I must say that you have matured into a lovely young man. But you most certainly did not come to play today did you? What is it you want young one?"

Heero met the demon's elegant yet demanding stare not letting his surprise and uncertainty show. This creature had known about him exploring these caves? He had known of Heero's presence before Heero had known of his species' existence. He had to admit the demon had a commanding and disarming presence that was sending shivers up Heero's spin, but he could not give in. He had to stand up to this titan, for Duo.

"Michael, I've come because you are holding my bonded prisoner. It is I who sent him in search of help from his people. It is I who should face the consequences."

The elder frowned, "as much as I would enjoy having your company and service you are not subject to demon laws. Duo knew what he was doing when he made the call, and even if I would make such a trade it would be unfair to me. Duo is still quite young. His service to me will be much longer than your human life would allow."

Heero held his tongue at that. He would have liked to tell the demon what he thought of his practices but that would not help Duo. "I understand that Duo has been disobedient. Let me take his place and I will not show you such disrespect."

The demon rubbed his chin as if in thought. "No, I have a better idea. I am something of a gambling man, you see, so I propose a game. I'll give you a two hour head start. If you can escape my labyrinth of caves than I shall let both you and the young demon leave. If I catch you however, both you and Duo are mine, and you will order him to obey me. I know a bonded can not disobey a direct order."

Heero knew that this was somewhat false. Duo could resist him, though he would suffer great pain in doing so. Still, Heero need not tell Michael that. No, what he needed to do was even the odds. "I will agree to your 'game' as you call it, but only if you play fair. You know as well as I that I could not escape unnoticed. If both my freedom and Duo's at stack then I want Duo at my side as I fight for it."

The elder laughed, his wings opening as he stood. "Very well, if you want your bonded then you can have him, but you must find him first. I'm shortening your head start to one hour, unless you want to try doing this without Duo?"

Heero shook head, already surveying his surroundings and looking for some clue as to where Duo might be. He let out a start as Michael suddenly appeared right beside him, taking his chin in between clawed fingers, "I am going to enjoy are time together, human." The words came out a whisper and left Heero frozen in place. Michael withdrew, moving back towards his thrown.

"Very well, if you agree than we shall start now. You'd better hurry human, don't make this to easy." Michael turned and sat back down. "I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon"

Heero ran down one of the side corridors with those words still echoing in his mind. If he and Duo were to ever see the light of day again then Heero had to be certain the confident and perverse elder never laid eyes on him again.

Okay question, I've got two completely separate seines coming up so I want to know what you want first. A lemon with a twist or to find out what happens with Heero? Please review and I hope you enjoyed!

Ethereal