Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot and any other characters, especially the equines, that you will find in this fic. Please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.
Pairing: 2x1x2, 3x4, 13x6, H+C
Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, sap, angst, vet themes, AU
Rating: NC 17
Betaed by Karina *snugs*
Summary: Set 2 years after Equus and Heero is doing so well in his own business that he's taken June on as a working pupil. The qualifying shows for the International teams are well underway and it looks like it will be a good year for Heero, his pupils and horses... until Mother Nature steps in.
AN: This fic, although a complete work of fiction is based partially on fact. I will add notes at the end of chapters where necessary to clarify events and provide links where needed.
Dedication: To Leslie and Karina. Leslie for giving me the original idea for Equinity and encouraging and supporting me through the writing of all the fics thus far in the arc. And Karina for not just taking over as my much needed beta, (poor woman needs a medal!), but for also poking and prodding Fred until he went on strike, refusing to work on anything at all until I let him start this. Needless to say, we managed to come to a compromise... Fred gets to write a chapter of this one week... the next week he has to write a chapter of 'Bound'... Did I ever tell you all I hate my muse? :-)
Fic 5 in the Equine Intervention Arc.
Commenced December 2013 – ShenLong
"Rival Riders"
Chapter 28
The brown stallion cleared the first element of the triple, landing and taking the two strides to meet the second element dead center. His hind legs came deep under his body as he shoved off the ground and into the air over the wide oxer.
Duo had all but shredded the end of his braid, Heero had started to chew on his fingernails again. Zechs was methodically twisting a lock of his hair between his fingers while Treize had the arm rests of the chair in a white knuckled, death grip. All thoughts of good sportsmanship had flown out of the proverbial window and each person couldn't help but hope fate would step in.
The big leap took quite a bit out of the brown and he landed a little heavily. His rider sat down and drove the stallion together as best he could. One stride and the stallion was lifting into the air again, haunches straining as he fought against gravity to get not just the height of the jump, but also the width.
The entire Australian contingent all froze in place as the bay stretched for the height and width of the last element of the triple. The horse gave it everything he had, legs curled up close to his belly as poles passed beneath. With gravity exerting its pull on horse and rider, those forelegs unfurled and began to stretch out.
As the stallion's belly passed over the back rails, it brushed against the top rail and rocked it. The hind legs following the descent of the forehand saw a cannon bone of the off hind drop slightly. It was just enough to add further momentum to the already unstable pole.
Not one of the Aussies dared to breathe, all eyes were glued to that pole and the rocking motion it was making. Although none would admit to it, all were silently hoping the pole would rock just that little bit more... preferably right out of the cups.
The horse landed and started to canter away, the pole continued to rock. When the bay was three strides away from the jump, the pole made up its mind and gently rolled a fraction further where gravity pounced and pulled it earthwards.
A soft thud was heard as the pole connected with the arena surface.
Heero felt his heart echo the thud.
Duo managed to keep his mouth shut and not yell his joy to the arena at large.
Treize summed it up for all of them. "Oh, what a damn shame."
The pair went on to clear the last two jumps, but the damage had been done. "Four faults for Jason Barret riding Flapjack representing New Zealand," the commentator confirmed.
Up in the stands the Australian team all exchanged looks, smiles and did their best to contain their excitement. Heero was damn sure they had won, but nothing was certain until the last rider had gone through, the coaches had met with the stewards and the final result was announced. There could still be a protest or something out of the ordinary happen to delay or change the result, so Heero opted to remain quietly confident for the moment.
The French rider entered the ring to a round of applause. He was the last rider of the competition to go and once he'd finished the coaches would be summoned to the stewards offices to inform them of which score they would be dropping. Once that was done and barring anything else arising, the final results would be announced and presentations made somewhere in the next couple of hours.
"Shouldn't someone let Peter know?" June said, looking at the rest of her team mates.
"That might be an idea," Treize agreed with a grin.
June rolled her eyes. "Come on, we can tell him and then give him a hand to settle Espresso." The woman stood, only to be stopped by Heero.
"I agree we go let him know, but as for settling Espresso... We will all need to saddle up and present ourselves for the presentations very shortly so there's not much point in unsaddling him."
"Oh yeah, I forgot it's a mounted presentation." June thought for a moment. "Not to worry, we can still walk back to the stables with him." With that, she made her way along the row and to the aisle, the rest of the team following along behind to join with Peter and Chrissy and discuss the outcome of the competition.
Finding Peter off to one side, the group all chattered away amongst themselves over what had transpired. Although each one of them was confident they had won, no one would put a voice to that lest they jinx it or something.
The French rider came out of the arena to the sound of applause, the commentator announcing another clear round. Moments later the PA sprang to life again, this time the commentator asking for all team coaches to report to the Steward's office.
Having spoken briefly with her team and asking them all to return to the stables so Duo could check Espresso, Noin took her leave, telling them she would join them in the stables shortly and let them know what was to happen next.
With there being no reason for any of them to remain at the main arena, everyone set off for the stables, all still talking about the final rounds and their hopes for a win this time.
#
"He's fine, Peter," Duo informed the rider and gave the bay a pat to the neck.
"Thanks, Doctor Maxwell," Peter replied and taking the lead rope, he turned Espresso and walked him back to his stable. Chrissy had unsaddled the bay and brushed him over, opting to do that as opposed to keeping him saddled as they didn't know how long it would be before they would be required to present to the main arena for the placings.
Noin was yet to return and the group all milled around, still intent on figuring out what the final placings would be. Meiran had brought her notebook out and both Treize and Heero were pouring over the scores, working out between them where they would most likely finish. Depending on whether or not there were any protests, the pair were quite confident they had won.
In the stabling area all the other teams were similarly gathered about, all doing what the Aussies were and trying to work out the final placings.
"What do you think?" Duo asked as he returned from putting away his stethoscope.
"It's a tight one, no doubt about that," Heero said.
"If our calculations are correct, we should have the win," Treize stated with a smile.
"And if they aren't?" Wufei questioned from inside Nataku's stable where he was busy brushing his horse whilst his wife fed the mare carrots and made a fuss of her.
Treize shrugged, "Then it looks like a second placing for us."
"Regardless of the end result, I think you should all be very proud of yourselves. Each one of you has performed well above expectations. I know I am extremely pleased and proud of my horse; and grateful to Mr. Yuy for riding her so well," Wufei stated and patted the mare.
"I couldn't have said it better myself, Mr. Chang," June said and grinned broadly. "Irrespective of where we finish, we should each be proud of ourselves."
"Hear, hear," Peter agreed.
"Looks like we're about to get some sort of indication. There's a coach at ten o'clock," Duo announced, spotting Noin from the corner of his eye.
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and gathered together to hear what the coach had to say. Spotting her team all gathering together, Noin couldn't help the smile on her face. Although she wasn't allowed to let them know the final result, she was pretty sure they would all have a good idea of where they had placed. Reaching the group, she put her hand into the air to stop any form of questioning before it could start.
"I'm not allowed to say anything," she told the group. "Well, nothing in regards to the placings, but the presentation will be in the main arena in an hour's time. Everyone is expected to be mounted and turned out impeccably. You are all still representing your country and as such I expect you to present yourselves in such a manner. Are there any questions?"
Other than the obvious one on the tip of everyone's tongues, no one had any.
"Good. Peter, I'd like you to carry the flag for us. I'll have it for you prior to our return to the arena. I'll leave you all to start getting your horses and yourselves ready for the presentation. I'll meet you all back here in forty-five minutes." Noin smiled at the group. "I'm very proud of you all," she added before departing to get herself some refreshment and then freshen herself up for the presentations.
With Noin's departure the group all began to chatter amongst themselves once more as they gathered together grooming tools and the rest of the gear they would need to turn themselves and their horses out to Noin's expectations.
#
True to her word, Noin returned exactly forty-five minutes later and carrying the flag which she passed over to Chrissy to hold. The grooms were rushing around doing last minute touch ups to their respective charges. Shini and Jester hung their heads over their stable doors and watched all of the goings on with interest. With Noin's arrival, riders scrambled to mount up, grooms flicked a brush over gleaming hides before stepping back to admire their handiwork.
With all riders mounted up they formed a line and awaited Noin's inspection. Moving along the team, Noin cast her eagle eye over the horses and riders, the smile on her lips growing by the second. Satisfied, she stepped back and faced the team.
"You all look lovely and are a credit to your grooms and your country." Turning to where the grooms were all gathered, she spoke again. "Thank you for turning your charges out so beautifully, each one of you should be commended for your dedication and hard work." The grooms all blushed and did their best not to squirm under the praise. "Now, let's go and attend this presentation."
Chrissy handed the flag to Peter and the team fell into step; Peter leading, Heero behind him, June followed Heero and Treize brought up the rear. The grooms and remaining 'support crew' all fell into step behind the team.
"What happens now?" Meiran asked Duo as they walked towards the collecting ring area. Wufei sidled up alongside his wife, along with Geoff and little Max. They were also curious to know how things would progress from here.
Recalling what he could remember from the previous Nations Cup he'd attended with Heero, Duo did his best to answer that question.
"From what I can remember from when I went with Heero to Sydney a few years back for the Nations Cup, I'm assuming this one will be along similar lines. All the teams will present in the collecting ring ready for the presentations. They will enter the arena country by country and once they're all inside the presentations of the placings will take place. They started last time with the last team and then worked their way up until the final three teams were left. Then they announced the final three placings."
"Sounds interesting," Geoff replied.
"It's all very exciting and emotional," Duo grinned in reply.
"I can see how it would be," Wufei stated. The Chinese man was already proud of his horse and to have her recognized for her achievements would certainly bring a lump to his throat.
"We will all find out soon enough though, looks like they're starting to sort them all out." Duo stopped at the collecting ring and gazed about. All the teams from the various countries were present and doing their best to stay together and give the other teams some room, not an easy thing with nine teams in the small area. There were several stewards about, all doing their best to sort out the various teams into the order in which they would enter the arena. With Australia being the host Nation, they would go in last.
Finally there was some sort of organization and the grooms did a quick check over their charges before they were asked to leave the collecting ring so the parade and presentations could take place.
"Good luck, Heero," Duo said as he flicked away an imaginary piece of dirt from Heero's boot.
"Thanks," Heero replied and gave his lover a warm smile. "I'll see you soon," he added in a husky purr.
Duo shivered and gave his husband a sultry look before departing to join back up with the rest of the grooms, Wufei and Meiran and head back into the arena and their seats.
Sitting back down, the group all gazed around the empty arena; well it was almost completely empty other than a small platform and microphone set slightly off center. Wufei pulled his camera from his pocket, much to Duo's amusement.
Seeing the look he was getting from the vet, Wufei explained. "I forgot to get it earlier, although I don't know how good a picture it would have taken of Nataku when she was jumping."
Seeing Duo's eyebrow rise in question, Meiran stepped in to explain. "He only bought it a couple of weeks ago and hasn't had the chance to test it out as yet. As far as action shots go, we have no idea if it will capture a clear shot or just a blur."
"Ah." Now Duo understood. "Probably best to start out with still shots anyway; once you're used to it then you can try the action shots. I'm sure Heero wouldn't mind you experimenting back at the stables when he's working the horses."
"Thank you, I'll be certain to ask Heero if I may do that and arrange a suitable day and time," Wufei replied.
The crackling of the PA system put paid to any further conversation and the group sat back to await the parade and presentations.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome back into the arena once more the teams from the various countries that have competed for the Nations Cup over these past two days. Leading our parade of countries is the team from England..."
One by one the teams were announced and rode into the arena four abreast. Flags were carried proudly, riders smiling and waving to the crowd whilst their horses mostly stepped out calmly. There were a few that seemed to get a little excited with all the 'ceremony' going on and jogged or snatched at their bits, but none were unruly or posed a danger to their team mates or any other competitor.
The teams entered and rode at a walk around the arena before turning up the center and being directed by stewards where to line up. With each team that entered, the crowd showed their appreciation by cheering and applauding loudly. When the Australian team entered the arena the cheers went through the roof.
Espresso and Romefeller both remained calm and walked along sedately, ears pricked and swiveling around as they took in all the sights and sounds. Nataku danced a little and gave a couple of snorts, but a soothing hand and word from Heero soon had her calming down and by the time she was half way around the arena she was walking as calmly as Cocoa and Romeo. Orion was similarly on his toes, snorting a few times, eyes roving over the many horses in the arena as he jogged along. June did her best to settle the gelding and whilst he remained obedient to his mistress, Orion continued to jog and snort.
Once the Australian team had completed their lap of the arena and taken their place in the lineup the arena fell quiet as several people walked out onto the arena surface and approached the microphone and platform.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the president of the E.F.A, vice president of the E.F.A and the secretary of the Victorian Showjumping Association..." The commentator introduced the various dignitaries to the crowd before handing over the 'floor' to the president.
The president stepped up to the microphone and thanked everyone for coming, the teams for their sportsmanship and the many people who served as 'ground crew' to ensure the smooth running of the event. Duo and the others all sat back and watched, some of them listening to the speeches, others letting most of the words pass over them without really taking a lot of notice. It wasn't that they were trying to be rude, but most of them had heard it all before.
"And now for the part you have all been waiting for; the final placings."
The crowd all cheered at that announcement.
"The final placings for the Nations Cup Showjumping event are as follows. In ninth place with a combined two round final score of thirty-six penalties: Japan."
The crowd all applauded as the Japanese team waved and gave polite bows from where they sat in their saddles. Duo smiled as his eyes ran over the Japanese team, taking in each horse and rider. He paused for a moment as his eyes alighted on the horse standing third in line, a frown creased his brow before he shook his head and continued to peruse the rest of the team.
"In eighth place with a combined two round score of twenty-eight penalties: Sweden." Once the applause and cheering had died down once more the commentator continued. "In seventh place with a combined two round score of twenty-six penalties, we have South Africa."
The South Africans all waved to the crowd, looking quite pleased with themselves. They were relative new comers to the Nations Cup competition, only having competed in the event the last four times it had been held.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a tie for fifth place. With a combined two round score of twenty penalties each, we have in equal fifth place; Italy and Germany."
Wufei leaned across a little to whisper to Duo. "What happened to sixth place?"
"Ah, when there's a tie for the placing they share the higher placing and the lower placing, in this case sixth, is discarded. If there had been a tie for first, second or third then there would be a jump off between the two teams tied for that placing," Duo explained as best he could.
"Thank you, I think I see what you mean," Wufei replied.
"Heero would be able to explain it better than I can and I'm sure he will after the presentations if you want him to."
"I'll keep it in mind." Wufei sat back and continued to watch, a little clearer now in his understanding of how things worked.
Duo just hoped he'd gotten the explanation right.
"In fourth place with a combined total two round score of sixteen penalties: France."
When the cheering had settled again, the commentator spoke once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, that leaves us with the final three teams. If those three teams would move forward please?" Several stewards directed the remaining three teams to stand in front of the small platform. Once they were all lined up and standing quietly, the commentator continued.
"This has been a very hard fought competition and that is reflected in the final, overall scores for these three teams. In fact, there are only four penalties separating these three countries and that shows you just how dedicated and good these riders and their horses are. And now, in third place with a combined two round score of eight penalties: England."
A roar went up from the crowd as people applauded and cheered for the English team. In return, the English riders all waved to the crowd, acknowledging their congratulations. Gathering their reins, the four riders rode their horses forward several steps before halting again in front of the Judge and President of the E.F.A.
The dignitaries stepped forth and began to place the large, white and lemon rosettes on the horse's bridles and shaking the hands of the riders, passing on their own congratulations.
Once the English team all had their rosettes they turned around and rode back to their place in the lineup. The New Zealand and Australian teams passed over their own congratulations before turning their attention back to the dignitaries and patiently awaiting the final result. Both teams were on tenterhooks, neither one quite sure if they had won or not. None had been given any information by their team coaches so they were unsure if there had been a protest or if the final penalties still stood.
Up in the spectator area, Duo chewed nervously on the last of his fingernails, beside him Zechs had also given into the habit and was busy gnawing on a thumbnail. The rest of their group were all in similar states of nervous energy, clenching fists, wringing hands or drumming their fingers on whatever surface was available.
"And now for the final two placings..."
"About time," Duo muttered.
"In second place with a two round combined total of six penalties: New Zealand."
Once again a roar went up from the crowd; whether it was in congratulations for the Kiwis finishing second or because it meant their home team had won, no one could have told you. All of the Aussie contingent though looked to one another with broad grins on their faces.
Down in the arena, the Australian team all stood and applauded their opposition, each one of them holding a secret relief and feeling of the unreal as the knowledge that they must have won slowly seeped into their heads.
The Kiwis moved forward, waving to the crowd and stopping in front of the dignitaries Large, red and white rosettes were placed on each horse's bridle, the rider's hand shaken and congratulations passed over. Once the last rosette was on, the team turned their attention back to the crowd and waved again as they rode back to stand next to the English team.
"Ladies and gentlemen, with a two round combined score of four penalties, the winners of the competition and Nations Cup champions are: Australia!"
If the roar that had gone up before was loud, then the one that went up after the commentator finished his announcement was positively deafening. Duo let fly with a loud whoop of joy and punched the air. Zechs cheered loudly as did Geoff, Joe, Chrissy and Noin. Wufei and Meiran opted for a more polite 'well done' and applauded enthusiastically.
With the announcement the Australian team all turned to look at each other and laugh with joy.
"We won!" Peter said, still finding it hard to accept.
"That we did," Treize replied with a grin and pat to Romeo's neck.
"I'm still having trouble believing it," Heero announced with a shake of his head.
June couldn't get any words to pass the lump currently stuck in her throat as tears ran unchecked down her cheeks.
"I think we need to move forward," Treize stated, stirring the rest of the team from their disbelief. Hastily grabbing their reins, the team rode forward as one to face the dignitaries
Large, blue, red and white rosettes were placed on each horse's bridle, the president and judge each shaking the rider's hands and congratulating them on a well deserved win. Most of it passed by in a blur for June who was completely overwhelmed by the result. Yes, she had dreamed of being selected to represent her country, but never had she dared to let herself think she would be a part of the winning team! It was the icing on the cake for the woman.
Heero was feeling so proud of Nataku that he thought his chest would burst. He constantly patted the bay neck and whispered words of praise to the mare. Up in the stands, Wufei was in a similar position. The pride and love he felt for his horse shone in his onxy eyes, his hands were busy with the camera, taking snap after snap of the entire Australian team as they were presented with their rosettes; but most of the photos he took were of his courageous mare. Both Meiran and himself were looking forward to making a big fuss of the mare once she was back in her stable.
"Congratulations Noin," Duo said and gave the coach a grin before enveloping her in a hug.
Wiping the tears of joy from her eyes, Noin returned the hug. "Thanks, Duo, but it's those four down there that deserve all the credit. They were wonderful," she said softly.
"Yep, they were, but they couldn't have done it without a coach who is skilled and dedicated. You deserve just as much of the credit, Noin," Duo returned.
Blushing, Noin shook her head. "It was a team effort, Duo, so I think we'll call it even, don't you agree?"
Duo laughed. "Yeah, I think we can."
Waving to the crowds, the Australian team returned to their place in the lineup, the commentator asking for another round of applause as the teams from fourth to ninth exited the arena, leaving the top three teams with a clear area in which to do their lap of honor.
With the way now clear, the Australian team moved off at a walk then trot, keeping themselves at four abreast and sliding into the canter once they were on the outer side of the arena. The Kiwis followed and behind them came the English team. It made a very colorful sight, the three teams all cantering around behind each other, rosettes flapping in the breeze and flags waving proudly in the air.
Spectators declined to remain sitting and stood up to clap and cheer as the teams continued in their laps of honor. Duo, Zechs and Geoff were three of the loudest for cheering when the team came past where they were now standing.
"Way to go, guys!" Duo yelled and was rewarded with a dazzling grin from his husband and lover.
Treize waved to Zechs who returned the wave along with a thumbs up sign. Geoff blew a kiss to his wife, his own tears threatening to fall he was so proud of her.
After three circuits of the arena, the teams finally brought their reluctant horses back to a trot and walk to exit the arena safely. With the teams leaving the arena, the Australian contingent all scrambled to their feet and made their way out of the arena and to the collecting ring where they proceeded to congratulate the riders once more.
tbc...
