Creature of the Wood (6/?)
-----------------------------------
I shall be thy lover...
So take thy rest within the shade,
And as the evening hours fade.
I'll take thee deeper in the glade,
My cloven hooves through heather wade.
I'll teach thee things man has forbade...
Our souls entwined and unafraid.
~Heather Alexander, 'Creature of the Wood'.
* * *
Duo walked along the path, kicking the fallen leaves out of his way as he thought to himself. It had been a week since Relena and Quatre had left, and he'd only been making tiny steps in the progress with Heero. At the very least, he'd gotten the boy to skip a class to go watch the leaves change colour. Granted, it was one of the classes that Heero could afford to miss, and Duo was willing to bet that the teacher had breathed a sigh of relief at the first indication that her star pupil was actually human. The class had been chosen for a reason by Duo... he didn't want Heero to take a hit in his grades, he just wanted to show him that it was okay to relax every once in a while. It had worked, and with luck, it wouldn't take too much longer to bring him fully out of his shell.
There was something about the dark-eyed Japanese boy that he just couldn't quite figure out. Trowa just smirked when he'd brought up the question to him, and refused to give him a straight answer. Then again, the Pooka had been more disagreeable and downright cranky since Quatre had left. It hadn't taken Duo long to figure out that the 'pairing' comments he'd levelled at the two in the past weren't too far from the truth. As he walked beneath one of the myriad apple trees that littered the campus, he was pitched forward by an impact to the back of his head. Looking up with a curse on his lips, Duo met the impenetrable emerald gaze of the Pooka. His leg was dangling down from the branch where he stretched out, full length. His chin was rested upon folded arms, and even in human form he seemed to resemble the great cat from which he took his animalistic aspects. His leg swung beneath the branch lazily, much as his tail would, if he had possessed it in human form.
"Why don't you watch where you're going." Came the barbed comment from above. Duo just glared up at him, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I knew damned well where I was going, why don't YOU watch where I'm going?" Reaching up, he batted at Trowa's leg, then leaned against the trunk of the tree.
"What do you want, Maxwell..."
"Look, if you're going to rip my throat out, just do it and get it over with. It wasn't my idea for him to leave with 'Lena, it was his. You out of anyone should know what happens when you try to talk him out of something." Duo looked up then, catching the other boy's gaze. The two of them hadn't spoken more than a few words to each other in the past week, and it was nearly killing Duo to think that one of his friends was angry with him.. for whatever reason. "I'm sorry. I didn't know he'd do tha--"
"It's alright." The reply was so soft, that for a moment, Duo wasn't certain he'd heard it correctly. Trowa had tilted his head to the side, pillowed against his arms, and was now watching the violet-eyed boy intently. "It wasn't your fault. But you're convenient." He closed his eyes then, nestling against the branch as if he belonged there.
Duo just stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what he could say or do. Finally, he began to climb the trunk of the tree, easing his way along the branch where Trowa lay, and trying to keep his balance. More than once, he nearly fell to the ground below, and his extravagant display of attempting to stay upright eventually had the desired effect of bringing a slight smirk to Trowa's face. "Oh sure, just laugh at me." Duo chided, coming to sit near Trowa. "I'll fall and break my neck and you'll crack up all the way to the hospital."
"Not my fault you're a klutz."
"HEY!" Duo reached out to swat at the Pooka and nearly tumbled from the branch. Grabbing hold of the first thing he could think of, his fingers dug into the fabric of Trowa's jeans. A startled yelp left the taller boy as he clung to the branch, trying now to keep himself upright as well as holding the weight of his friend. Within a few moments, both were in a rather ungraceful heap on the ground, and a low growl had begun to rumble in Trowa's throat when they heard soft laughter from nearby. Both boys stopped their actions and blinked, looking with owl-wide eyes at the dark-haired boy that was currently finding a great deal of amusement in their predicament. Heero walked over to them, sitting in the grass and looking at them curiously, his lips still upturned in a faint smile.
"You know... that was good. I'll give you a 6.5 total." He nearly broke up into laughter again at the confused looks from Trowa and Duo. "The dismount was wonderful, but the landing needs work." Trowa and Duo just stared at the boy for a second, not quite sure if they'd just heard right.
"Trowa?"
"Hmm?"
"Did he just...."
"Yes."
"Shall we?"
That was all the warning Heero had before two grinning boys turned their attention back to him and tackled him into the grass, tickling him mercilessly. The peals of laughter from the three of them were more beautiful than the sweetest music Duo could ever recall hearing.
* * *
Quatre, however, was definately *not* laughing. He had to give the guards credit... they weren't stupid. He'd only been able to 'stall' for a few days at the most before they caught onto his games and one of them had put iron cuffs over his wrists. Glaring down at them balefully, he half wondered if this was some sort of joke, or if Duo's father actually DID condone the use of iron for restrictive purposes. Either way, he was just glad that they'd placed the cuffs over the sleeves of his shirt instead of under them. This way was far less painful. Now he was about to be presented to Lord Davin, who was going to explain what he wanted his son for.
If he expected to be brought before the Lord in the main hall of the Hold, he was sadly mistaken. He was led to what could only be the family's section of the Hold, and felt his heart begin to sink as he noticed Relana fidgeting out of the corner of his eye. This was not expected... by either her or Wufei, who had put on an impassive mask of expression upon his face. He didn't need his other senses to let him know that both were anxious, and that this was not shaping up to be a pleasant encounter. To be honest, he hadn't figured out quite what he was going to do once he was here. As Lord Davin stepped out to meet them and cast a baleful glare over Quatre, the blond's bad feeling went to worse. They'd been expected.
"So this is the one who would pose as my son." There were curt nods from the two guardsmen, who then bowed and stepped back, leaving the three youths to stand before the Freehold Lord. The deep indigo gaze, so similar to Duo's, held none of the hidden mirth that Quatre had come to expect from the joyful youth. He was no longer under scrutiny, and now found himself free to watch the older man as he turned to his daughter and Wufei. "I had expected this from my wayward son, but from the two of YOU? You disappoint me."
Relena's head was bowed, and Quatre noticed how she was toying with the end of her belt, worrying it between her fingers. She hadn't known this was coming... she'd fully expected this to take the guards and her father unawares. She cringed inwardly at her father's next words, then jerked her head up in shock.
"Take my daughter to her rooms and keep her there. Wufei, you are relieved of duty and will fall under whatever punishment your family sees fit for this disgrace." He turned to Quatre then, his gaze narrowing. "As for you, Heir Winner, your family has ensured that nothing lasting will come of this and has assured me that you will be dealt with. However, you fall under my jurisdiction now." Glancing to his guards, he motioned towards the boy and they immediately moved forward. "Take him. Give him twenty lashes, then place him in the guest chambers until his family comes for him."
"Father, you can't do that!!" Relena shrieked, darting forward as Quatre was dragged away. As she clung to her father's arm, she was nearly pushed back simply by the coldness within his eyes.
"I suggest you go to your quarters... before you share his punishment."
* * *
"I'm so sorry, Quatre." Relena whispered, bringing the cool cloth over the torn skin of his back once more. She felt the boy wince beneath her touch, but never... not even while the lashes were being given, did he utter a single cry. Now he lay across the bed, his face buried into one of the pillows while his fingers clenched tightly at the sheets. The angry red welts across his back were seeping still, the bright crimson droplets slipping down his sides when she couldn't catch them fast enough with the cloth. Ever since she had seen the guards drag the half-unconscious boy back to the guest quarters, she had snuck out of her room and gone to his side. His clothing had been nearly shredded, the modest finery with which he dressed himself now hanging in tatters. She'd removed what she could, and was just grateful that whoever had administered her father's punishment had kept the brunt of it against his back instead of the tender skin at the backs of his legs.
"It's not your fault." Came the weakened reply. The catch in his voice let her know that the blonde was staying conscious by sheer force of will, and it was taking all he had to keep his semblence of calm and keep his voice steady. She ran the damp cloth gently over his back once more, cleaning away the spots where his blood had dried... then moved it to also try and soothe the abraded skin of his wrists where he had been subjected to the iron cuffs on the journey... and then tied for the lashing. She felt terrible. This was NOT supposed to have happened. They were supposed to come here, stall for time for Duo, then leave. How had her father known? The guards were easy enough to explain, they must have been shown a picture of Duo or given a description. The thought that bothered her was that they played along the entire way home. They'd been warned. But how??
Once Quatre's breathing settled into the rhythmic pattern of sleep, Relena slipped from the bedside and out into the hall. The guards placed at the door left no room for doubt that while Quatre may have been in one of the guest chambers, he was indeed as much of a captive here as she now was. She didn't have to *stay* in her quarters, but she had the distinct impression that if she were to try and leave the Freehold, there would be repercussions. Crossing her arms tightly over her chest, she walked down the hall towards her own quarters. As she made her way, she passed by her father's chambers, and heard voices raised within. There were guards at this door as well, and while her curiosity was piqued, she didn't dare try to eavesdrop from right there. Instead, she went around the corner and disappeared into her younger brother's former room. Duo had been placed near her father so that the elder man could keep an eye on the child, but what he didn't realize was that the walls were constructed in just such a manner that from one corner of the sleeping chamber, you could hear everything that happened in her father's study. That was how Duo had found out about his exile before it had been announced... and that is how Relena now listened in as her father spoke to someone she had never heard before.
"...tired of mucking about with the boy. Take care of it." Her father's cold tone made Relena's skin crawl... she knew her father acted strangely when Duo was concerned, but she'd never seen him like this. If her father's voice made her uncomfortable, then the woman who spoke next made her blood run to ice in her veins.
"As you wish, Lord." Came the soft, almost purring voice. "It will be done."
Relena didn't recognize the voice, but she certainly didn't like it, or what it represented. Duo was in danger, she knew that much. Pressing her ear against the wall, she held her breath, listening for anything else.
"I don't care what you have to do, I'm through with him."
"He's been treading on my territory lately. I won't have it. This will be amusing, to say the least. 'Tis the season, after all... and what of the other with him?"
"Whatever you must do. But this is where it ends. Take them and leave me be after this."
"Of course, Lord."
Relena's brow furrowed. This wasn't good. Who would her father be dealing with that a warning such as this was necessary? She moved away then, leaving the room and making her way quietly towards her elder brother's room. As she passed by her father's study, the door swung open and she found herself gazing up into the violet eyes of the older Sidhe. "Good evening, father." She said, straining to keep her voice steady even through every instinct she had was telling her to run.
"Relena, what are you doing out of your room?" His gaze moved over her with scrutiny, and she managed to simply shrug, hoping that she didn't appear as frightened as she was.
"I was going to check on Zechs, father. I've been worried about him and haven't seen him since I returned."
Lord Davin nodded, bringing one hand to rest on her shoulder for a moment. "Go on then. Let him know that there will be food brought up to him shortly. Your mother and I will be attending dinner with the Hold. He moved away then, not looking back.
Relena let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding, turning and running down the hall at top speed. One hand moved to her shoulder, where her father had touched her not a few moments before. It tingled faintly, a chill spreading through her as surely as if someone had poured cold water over her skin. She had an inkling of what was happening, and if she was right... they were all in danger here.
* * *
"I'm telling you, it's GOT to be!" Relena was pacing the floor near Zechs' bed, hardly noticing as her elder brother watched her movements. "Duo's in trouble, and so are we if we stay here!"
"Relena, it's absurd! There's no way father would work with the Autumn People, let alone hand over one of his own children to them!" Zechs was sitting up, his normally pale skin even more fair due to his illness. His long blonde hair was pulled back away from his face, only the two braids that normally fell from above his right ear remaining free from the bind that held the rest at the nape of his neck. "Are you absolutely certain of what you heard?"
She whirled on him then, fury blazing in the depths of her eyes. "I know what I heard! He's just given whoever that was permission to KILL Duo, and I'm not staying here a moment longer! When he touched me, it was like he was made of ice. It HURT, Zechs, and I've never felt that from him before. He's been acting strangely... *never* would he have allowed someone to be whipped in this Hold, and now we've got a boy no older than our brother who is recovering just down the hall! If it's not one of the Autumn People, then I'm afraid it might be something even worse. That's not our father anymore, Zechs... not the one we knew."
"I was afraid of this..."
Both siblings turned towards the windows at the far end of the room, Zechs sighing softly as the figure hidden there stepped into the light. Relena's eyes widened slightly, and then she was moving forward, her lip trembling in disbelief. "You... how did you... you were..."
"Exiled?" The honey-sweet voice drifted through the room as he stepped forward, opening his arms so that Relena could step into his embrace. She nearly curled against the man, her head resting against his chest as she fought back tears. "Yes, little one... I was. But I've been coming back for a bit now, because your brother and I had been noticing strange things happening around the Hold."
"Trieze... for the love of god, at least go and lock the door before someone walks in and finds you here. Otherwise all three of us will wind up tossed to the wolves." Zechs leaned back against the headboard once more, watching his sister and his closest friend. It had been nearly two years since Trieze had been exiled for speaking out against Lord Davin. It had nearly killed Relena, and Zechs had spent weeks fighting depression when his one confidant had left. Turning slowly, he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his ears picking up the soft click of the door being locked as he rose to his feet unsteadily. In an instant, his sister was at his side, helping him.
"Zechs! What are you--"
"We have to get out of here, Relena. Trieze, will you explain while I get dressed?" Disentangling himself from his sister, Zechs moved to dress while Relena turned to face Trieze once more.
He had matured within the past two years, she mused... her eyes tracing over the darkened patches of dyed skin. The tracery went over both of his arms and was barely visible in the slight gap between the bottom of his vest and the tops of his pants. A faint smile crossed Relena's features as she remembered the night she discovered that those tattoos of his did indeed, go all the way down. When Zechs had first realized his sister's feelings for this roguish Sidhe, he had been furious. After all, what self-respecting young lady would even *think* about associating with one of the UnSeelie... regardless of their standing. It had taken him months to discover that the difference in their alliances meant nothing to them... and it had taken a very direct threat of dismemberment against Trieze to make the other promise that if any harm befell Relena, he would answer to Zechs himself. After that, the two had become fast friends, finding out that they shared quite a few common interests. Now, however, was not the time for reminiscing on the past. Relena brought her gaze back up to the sharp eyes, and listened as Trieze began to speak once more.
"We've been noticing that things around here have been changing, and it disturbed your brother enough that he called me. Apparently he seems to think that I can worm my way into finding out anything."
"Prove me wrong." Came the muffled reply from within the large closet to their right.
"Hush, I'm not that bad. Most of the time." Trieze turned back to Relena then, gauging her reactions to what he was saying. "What I was able to find out is that your father has had contact with a rather powerful Fae on the outside. Or more to the point... something that WAS Fae at one point but has since then turned its back on our kind." He saw Relena's startled, then fearful expression, and simply nodded. "There's a possibility that we're dealing with a Dauntain. A Fae that was so scarred by their awakening that they've instead become the complete opposite of what we hold dear. They're far worse than the Autumn People... at least with them, we're fighting against mere humans."
"We never *will* agree on the value of humans, will we..." Zechs was standing in front of the closet now, his hands resting on the back of a chair as he caught his breath. He still wasn't well, and this was going to take more out of him than perhaps he had left. It didn't matter to him, however... if they were right, there was grave danger in staying any longer.
"No, we won't." Trieze interjected smoothly, then went back to his train of thought. "If we are, indeed, talking about a Dauntain, then your brother is in for the fight of his life. However, what we have here is a Freehold Lord who is being affected by one, and regardless of what you heard I can guarantee that she won't just stop at 'taking care of' your little brother. If Davin has agreed to this, then he's a risk. She'll come after him next because he's weak. This could bring the entire Freehold down."
Relena tilted her head to the side, mulling over his words in her mind. "What do you intend that we do?"
Trieze smiled then... she was willing to hear him out, and not blind to the fact that her father at the very least had to be removed from his position. This might not be too difficult after all. "For the moment, we need to get Zechs and your young friend out of here. They're in no condition to get caught up in what is about to happen here. If your father has caved into the Dauntain this far, then it won't be hard to show the others here just how far he's sunk. His very touch will give that away... I'm surprised he slipped up enough to touch you this time. If you think about it, he hasn't been in close contact with anyone in months."
Relena stopped to think, then realized that Trieze was right. Never once, in the past several months, could she recall a hug or kiss upon her forehead. Nor could she remember him having shaken hands with any visitors, or coming into any contact whatsoever with other fae. She hadn't thought it odd before, but now she knew more... and it merely made sense.
"We have to remove him from his position as Lord of this Hold. Because of his dealings, there's a chance that no one will stand to have you or Zechs take his place. However, because of the fact that a Freehold is common ground for any and all kith..."
"There's a chance they'll accept you as Lord of the Hold." She finished his sentence for him, and saw the nod of recognition in response. Chewing on her lower lip, Relena turned to Zechs and acknowledged the slow nod from him as well. They'd apparently already been over this... and to be honest, she couldn't find fault with the young UnSeelie noble. He was far more honourable than most she'd known, and it would likely bring more traffic to the Freehold itself if it were known to be equally friendly towards both the Seelie and UnSeelie Fae. "Alright." She said, straightening her posture and looking Trieze in the eye. "What do we have to do?"
Smiling softly, Trieze turned towards the window where he'd appeared earlier. "You can come in now." His words were answered by a rustling of the curtain and a slender lapis-skinned woman stepped out into the light. "I'd like you to meet Lucrezia. She was one of my father's guard before I left out on my own. We became friends, and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my life... or the lives of those I care about." The last was directed towards Relena, and a soft flush suffused her cheeks as she glanced down towards the ground. "Lucrezia will accompany you out of the Freehold, and will help you with your friend. I'd rather you two were safe, in case this turns ugly for your father. If it does, the entire family could be in danger."
"What about mother??" Relena gasped, bringing her attention back to the matter at hand.
"She will be safe. I swear it." Lucrezia responded, coming to stand near the two. "Two of my men are already on their way to her. Regardless of whether she comes along willingly or not, she will not be in harm's way if things go wrong." She held out one hand to Relena then, smiling softly. "Come... let's get your friend and leave this place. We don't have much time."
Relena returned the gesture, then stepped back. "Please. Assist my brother. He knows the paths to the outside, and I have to go get Quatre." Lucrezia nodded once, then turned to help Zechs. As the two of them disappeared out onto the small balcony, Relena turned to Trieze once more. Standing on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a soft kiss upon his cheek. "Be careful, love... I want to stand by your side when this is all over."
Trieze brought up one hand and gently caressed along her jawline, his fingers trailing up one pointed ear. "I'll see you again, my dear. I promise you. Now go... I won't be content until you're safe."
Stepping back, Relena smiled once more then turned and vanished out the window as well.
* * *
It was ten after five in the afternoon. Two minutes after the LAST time Duo had looked at his watch, and it was starting to bug the hell out of him. It was long past time for Heero to have gotten out of his last class... unless his teacher really WASN'T happy with him for skipping it last week. Groaning inwardly, Duo decided to find out for himself what was happening, and raced quickly along one of the paths that would take him to the school. He took the brick stairs two at a time, reaching for the heavy door just as it swung open quickly and caught him completely offguard. He stumbled back, reaching for anything that would keep him from landing on his head and nearly hissed as his hands closed around the wrought iron fence that bordered either side of the stairway. Pulling back, he shoved his hands in his pockets, hoping that he hadn't looked too strange just then and turned towards the person who had nearly barrelled into him. He was just about to give the bastard a severe tongue lashing, when he stopped cold and put on his best 'good kid' pose.
"Oh! Good afternoon, Miss Une, I didn't see you coming. Sorry to bother you, I was just looking for a fri--"
"You were looking for Mr. Yuy, were you not?" The clipped tone made Duo wince. Oh hells, Dragonlady Une was the teacher that Heero had for his last class of the day. Of ALL the classes to skip, he could definately have picked better. He was just about to respond when she cut him off once more. "Mr. Yuy will be along shortly, I assure you. It's going to take him a bit of time to finish the extra work he has to deal with after your little stunt last week, Mr. Maxwell." She stepped closer, her gaze raking over the smaller boy with distaste. "How he could bear to be around a vagabond such as you is beyond me. He has a brilliant mind, and will be an asset to this world if he can get away from your frivolity long enough to make something of himself."
As she got closer, Duo almost instinctively found himself backing away. Something wasn't right here, he just couldn't put his finger on it. As she spoke, he opened his mouth to retort, but then gasped as what could only be described as tendrils of ice seemed to wrap around his very heart. One hand came up to clutch at his chest, his knees threatening to buckle as he looked up in confusion.
"Problems, Mr. Maxwell? I can guarantee you won't have them for long." Her frigid smile and narrowed eyes sent a riptide of fear coursing through Duo's body. His eyes widened as he realized what was happening a moment too late. His lips parted faintly, the barest hint of a word starting to form.
"D-Daunt--"
He was cut off then as she closed the distance between them with two quick strides. Her hands came up, palms slamming into his shoulders and sending him reeling back down the steps. He couldn't get his hands behind him fast enough, and a ragged scream of agony left his throat as a searing pain shot through his left shoulder, his body colliding harshly with the side of the stairs. He struggled to stand, but the motion only brought another sickening wave of pain, something holding him fast. He looked to his shoulder, his vision swimming as he saw two of the fence spikes protruding through his clothing... the deep crimson rivulets that wound their way along his skin only made him even more unsteady, his gaze turning to focus on the woman who now stood over him.
"Consider this the end of your exile, Mr. Maxwell..." The dark subtlety to her voice made him shiver... his hands grasping for any purchase they could find as she pressed her palms against his shoulders, forcing him farthur against the fence. He bit back a scream, his head falling back.
As the darkness closed in around his mind, he swore he heard a primal roar shattering the air...
* * *
TBC
-----------------------------------
I shall be thy lover...
So take thy rest within the shade,
And as the evening hours fade.
I'll take thee deeper in the glade,
My cloven hooves through heather wade.
I'll teach thee things man has forbade...
Our souls entwined and unafraid.
~Heather Alexander, 'Creature of the Wood'.
* * *
Duo walked along the path, kicking the fallen leaves out of his way as he thought to himself. It had been a week since Relena and Quatre had left, and he'd only been making tiny steps in the progress with Heero. At the very least, he'd gotten the boy to skip a class to go watch the leaves change colour. Granted, it was one of the classes that Heero could afford to miss, and Duo was willing to bet that the teacher had breathed a sigh of relief at the first indication that her star pupil was actually human. The class had been chosen for a reason by Duo... he didn't want Heero to take a hit in his grades, he just wanted to show him that it was okay to relax every once in a while. It had worked, and with luck, it wouldn't take too much longer to bring him fully out of his shell.
There was something about the dark-eyed Japanese boy that he just couldn't quite figure out. Trowa just smirked when he'd brought up the question to him, and refused to give him a straight answer. Then again, the Pooka had been more disagreeable and downright cranky since Quatre had left. It hadn't taken Duo long to figure out that the 'pairing' comments he'd levelled at the two in the past weren't too far from the truth. As he walked beneath one of the myriad apple trees that littered the campus, he was pitched forward by an impact to the back of his head. Looking up with a curse on his lips, Duo met the impenetrable emerald gaze of the Pooka. His leg was dangling down from the branch where he stretched out, full length. His chin was rested upon folded arms, and even in human form he seemed to resemble the great cat from which he took his animalistic aspects. His leg swung beneath the branch lazily, much as his tail would, if he had possessed it in human form.
"Why don't you watch where you're going." Came the barbed comment from above. Duo just glared up at him, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I knew damned well where I was going, why don't YOU watch where I'm going?" Reaching up, he batted at Trowa's leg, then leaned against the trunk of the tree.
"What do you want, Maxwell..."
"Look, if you're going to rip my throat out, just do it and get it over with. It wasn't my idea for him to leave with 'Lena, it was his. You out of anyone should know what happens when you try to talk him out of something." Duo looked up then, catching the other boy's gaze. The two of them hadn't spoken more than a few words to each other in the past week, and it was nearly killing Duo to think that one of his friends was angry with him.. for whatever reason. "I'm sorry. I didn't know he'd do tha--"
"It's alright." The reply was so soft, that for a moment, Duo wasn't certain he'd heard it correctly. Trowa had tilted his head to the side, pillowed against his arms, and was now watching the violet-eyed boy intently. "It wasn't your fault. But you're convenient." He closed his eyes then, nestling against the branch as if he belonged there.
Duo just stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what he could say or do. Finally, he began to climb the trunk of the tree, easing his way along the branch where Trowa lay, and trying to keep his balance. More than once, he nearly fell to the ground below, and his extravagant display of attempting to stay upright eventually had the desired effect of bringing a slight smirk to Trowa's face. "Oh sure, just laugh at me." Duo chided, coming to sit near Trowa. "I'll fall and break my neck and you'll crack up all the way to the hospital."
"Not my fault you're a klutz."
"HEY!" Duo reached out to swat at the Pooka and nearly tumbled from the branch. Grabbing hold of the first thing he could think of, his fingers dug into the fabric of Trowa's jeans. A startled yelp left the taller boy as he clung to the branch, trying now to keep himself upright as well as holding the weight of his friend. Within a few moments, both were in a rather ungraceful heap on the ground, and a low growl had begun to rumble in Trowa's throat when they heard soft laughter from nearby. Both boys stopped their actions and blinked, looking with owl-wide eyes at the dark-haired boy that was currently finding a great deal of amusement in their predicament. Heero walked over to them, sitting in the grass and looking at them curiously, his lips still upturned in a faint smile.
"You know... that was good. I'll give you a 6.5 total." He nearly broke up into laughter again at the confused looks from Trowa and Duo. "The dismount was wonderful, but the landing needs work." Trowa and Duo just stared at the boy for a second, not quite sure if they'd just heard right.
"Trowa?"
"Hmm?"
"Did he just...."
"Yes."
"Shall we?"
That was all the warning Heero had before two grinning boys turned their attention back to him and tackled him into the grass, tickling him mercilessly. The peals of laughter from the three of them were more beautiful than the sweetest music Duo could ever recall hearing.
* * *
Quatre, however, was definately *not* laughing. He had to give the guards credit... they weren't stupid. He'd only been able to 'stall' for a few days at the most before they caught onto his games and one of them had put iron cuffs over his wrists. Glaring down at them balefully, he half wondered if this was some sort of joke, or if Duo's father actually DID condone the use of iron for restrictive purposes. Either way, he was just glad that they'd placed the cuffs over the sleeves of his shirt instead of under them. This way was far less painful. Now he was about to be presented to Lord Davin, who was going to explain what he wanted his son for.
If he expected to be brought before the Lord in the main hall of the Hold, he was sadly mistaken. He was led to what could only be the family's section of the Hold, and felt his heart begin to sink as he noticed Relana fidgeting out of the corner of his eye. This was not expected... by either her or Wufei, who had put on an impassive mask of expression upon his face. He didn't need his other senses to let him know that both were anxious, and that this was not shaping up to be a pleasant encounter. To be honest, he hadn't figured out quite what he was going to do once he was here. As Lord Davin stepped out to meet them and cast a baleful glare over Quatre, the blond's bad feeling went to worse. They'd been expected.
"So this is the one who would pose as my son." There were curt nods from the two guardsmen, who then bowed and stepped back, leaving the three youths to stand before the Freehold Lord. The deep indigo gaze, so similar to Duo's, held none of the hidden mirth that Quatre had come to expect from the joyful youth. He was no longer under scrutiny, and now found himself free to watch the older man as he turned to his daughter and Wufei. "I had expected this from my wayward son, but from the two of YOU? You disappoint me."
Relena's head was bowed, and Quatre noticed how she was toying with the end of her belt, worrying it between her fingers. She hadn't known this was coming... she'd fully expected this to take the guards and her father unawares. She cringed inwardly at her father's next words, then jerked her head up in shock.
"Take my daughter to her rooms and keep her there. Wufei, you are relieved of duty and will fall under whatever punishment your family sees fit for this disgrace." He turned to Quatre then, his gaze narrowing. "As for you, Heir Winner, your family has ensured that nothing lasting will come of this and has assured me that you will be dealt with. However, you fall under my jurisdiction now." Glancing to his guards, he motioned towards the boy and they immediately moved forward. "Take him. Give him twenty lashes, then place him in the guest chambers until his family comes for him."
"Father, you can't do that!!" Relena shrieked, darting forward as Quatre was dragged away. As she clung to her father's arm, she was nearly pushed back simply by the coldness within his eyes.
"I suggest you go to your quarters... before you share his punishment."
* * *
"I'm so sorry, Quatre." Relena whispered, bringing the cool cloth over the torn skin of his back once more. She felt the boy wince beneath her touch, but never... not even while the lashes were being given, did he utter a single cry. Now he lay across the bed, his face buried into one of the pillows while his fingers clenched tightly at the sheets. The angry red welts across his back were seeping still, the bright crimson droplets slipping down his sides when she couldn't catch them fast enough with the cloth. Ever since she had seen the guards drag the half-unconscious boy back to the guest quarters, she had snuck out of her room and gone to his side. His clothing had been nearly shredded, the modest finery with which he dressed himself now hanging in tatters. She'd removed what she could, and was just grateful that whoever had administered her father's punishment had kept the brunt of it against his back instead of the tender skin at the backs of his legs.
"It's not your fault." Came the weakened reply. The catch in his voice let her know that the blonde was staying conscious by sheer force of will, and it was taking all he had to keep his semblence of calm and keep his voice steady. She ran the damp cloth gently over his back once more, cleaning away the spots where his blood had dried... then moved it to also try and soothe the abraded skin of his wrists where he had been subjected to the iron cuffs on the journey... and then tied for the lashing. She felt terrible. This was NOT supposed to have happened. They were supposed to come here, stall for time for Duo, then leave. How had her father known? The guards were easy enough to explain, they must have been shown a picture of Duo or given a description. The thought that bothered her was that they played along the entire way home. They'd been warned. But how??
Once Quatre's breathing settled into the rhythmic pattern of sleep, Relena slipped from the bedside and out into the hall. The guards placed at the door left no room for doubt that while Quatre may have been in one of the guest chambers, he was indeed as much of a captive here as she now was. She didn't have to *stay* in her quarters, but she had the distinct impression that if she were to try and leave the Freehold, there would be repercussions. Crossing her arms tightly over her chest, she walked down the hall towards her own quarters. As she made her way, she passed by her father's chambers, and heard voices raised within. There were guards at this door as well, and while her curiosity was piqued, she didn't dare try to eavesdrop from right there. Instead, she went around the corner and disappeared into her younger brother's former room. Duo had been placed near her father so that the elder man could keep an eye on the child, but what he didn't realize was that the walls were constructed in just such a manner that from one corner of the sleeping chamber, you could hear everything that happened in her father's study. That was how Duo had found out about his exile before it had been announced... and that is how Relena now listened in as her father spoke to someone she had never heard before.
"...tired of mucking about with the boy. Take care of it." Her father's cold tone made Relena's skin crawl... she knew her father acted strangely when Duo was concerned, but she'd never seen him like this. If her father's voice made her uncomfortable, then the woman who spoke next made her blood run to ice in her veins.
"As you wish, Lord." Came the soft, almost purring voice. "It will be done."
Relena didn't recognize the voice, but she certainly didn't like it, or what it represented. Duo was in danger, she knew that much. Pressing her ear against the wall, she held her breath, listening for anything else.
"I don't care what you have to do, I'm through with him."
"He's been treading on my territory lately. I won't have it. This will be amusing, to say the least. 'Tis the season, after all... and what of the other with him?"
"Whatever you must do. But this is where it ends. Take them and leave me be after this."
"Of course, Lord."
Relena's brow furrowed. This wasn't good. Who would her father be dealing with that a warning such as this was necessary? She moved away then, leaving the room and making her way quietly towards her elder brother's room. As she passed by her father's study, the door swung open and she found herself gazing up into the violet eyes of the older Sidhe. "Good evening, father." She said, straining to keep her voice steady even through every instinct she had was telling her to run.
"Relena, what are you doing out of your room?" His gaze moved over her with scrutiny, and she managed to simply shrug, hoping that she didn't appear as frightened as she was.
"I was going to check on Zechs, father. I've been worried about him and haven't seen him since I returned."
Lord Davin nodded, bringing one hand to rest on her shoulder for a moment. "Go on then. Let him know that there will be food brought up to him shortly. Your mother and I will be attending dinner with the Hold. He moved away then, not looking back.
Relena let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding, turning and running down the hall at top speed. One hand moved to her shoulder, where her father had touched her not a few moments before. It tingled faintly, a chill spreading through her as surely as if someone had poured cold water over her skin. She had an inkling of what was happening, and if she was right... they were all in danger here.
* * *
"I'm telling you, it's GOT to be!" Relena was pacing the floor near Zechs' bed, hardly noticing as her elder brother watched her movements. "Duo's in trouble, and so are we if we stay here!"
"Relena, it's absurd! There's no way father would work with the Autumn People, let alone hand over one of his own children to them!" Zechs was sitting up, his normally pale skin even more fair due to his illness. His long blonde hair was pulled back away from his face, only the two braids that normally fell from above his right ear remaining free from the bind that held the rest at the nape of his neck. "Are you absolutely certain of what you heard?"
She whirled on him then, fury blazing in the depths of her eyes. "I know what I heard! He's just given whoever that was permission to KILL Duo, and I'm not staying here a moment longer! When he touched me, it was like he was made of ice. It HURT, Zechs, and I've never felt that from him before. He's been acting strangely... *never* would he have allowed someone to be whipped in this Hold, and now we've got a boy no older than our brother who is recovering just down the hall! If it's not one of the Autumn People, then I'm afraid it might be something even worse. That's not our father anymore, Zechs... not the one we knew."
"I was afraid of this..."
Both siblings turned towards the windows at the far end of the room, Zechs sighing softly as the figure hidden there stepped into the light. Relena's eyes widened slightly, and then she was moving forward, her lip trembling in disbelief. "You... how did you... you were..."
"Exiled?" The honey-sweet voice drifted through the room as he stepped forward, opening his arms so that Relena could step into his embrace. She nearly curled against the man, her head resting against his chest as she fought back tears. "Yes, little one... I was. But I've been coming back for a bit now, because your brother and I had been noticing strange things happening around the Hold."
"Trieze... for the love of god, at least go and lock the door before someone walks in and finds you here. Otherwise all three of us will wind up tossed to the wolves." Zechs leaned back against the headboard once more, watching his sister and his closest friend. It had been nearly two years since Trieze had been exiled for speaking out against Lord Davin. It had nearly killed Relena, and Zechs had spent weeks fighting depression when his one confidant had left. Turning slowly, he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his ears picking up the soft click of the door being locked as he rose to his feet unsteadily. In an instant, his sister was at his side, helping him.
"Zechs! What are you--"
"We have to get out of here, Relena. Trieze, will you explain while I get dressed?" Disentangling himself from his sister, Zechs moved to dress while Relena turned to face Trieze once more.
He had matured within the past two years, she mused... her eyes tracing over the darkened patches of dyed skin. The tracery went over both of his arms and was barely visible in the slight gap between the bottom of his vest and the tops of his pants. A faint smile crossed Relena's features as she remembered the night she discovered that those tattoos of his did indeed, go all the way down. When Zechs had first realized his sister's feelings for this roguish Sidhe, he had been furious. After all, what self-respecting young lady would even *think* about associating with one of the UnSeelie... regardless of their standing. It had taken him months to discover that the difference in their alliances meant nothing to them... and it had taken a very direct threat of dismemberment against Trieze to make the other promise that if any harm befell Relena, he would answer to Zechs himself. After that, the two had become fast friends, finding out that they shared quite a few common interests. Now, however, was not the time for reminiscing on the past. Relena brought her gaze back up to the sharp eyes, and listened as Trieze began to speak once more.
"We've been noticing that things around here have been changing, and it disturbed your brother enough that he called me. Apparently he seems to think that I can worm my way into finding out anything."
"Prove me wrong." Came the muffled reply from within the large closet to their right.
"Hush, I'm not that bad. Most of the time." Trieze turned back to Relena then, gauging her reactions to what he was saying. "What I was able to find out is that your father has had contact with a rather powerful Fae on the outside. Or more to the point... something that WAS Fae at one point but has since then turned its back on our kind." He saw Relena's startled, then fearful expression, and simply nodded. "There's a possibility that we're dealing with a Dauntain. A Fae that was so scarred by their awakening that they've instead become the complete opposite of what we hold dear. They're far worse than the Autumn People... at least with them, we're fighting against mere humans."
"We never *will* agree on the value of humans, will we..." Zechs was standing in front of the closet now, his hands resting on the back of a chair as he caught his breath. He still wasn't well, and this was going to take more out of him than perhaps he had left. It didn't matter to him, however... if they were right, there was grave danger in staying any longer.
"No, we won't." Trieze interjected smoothly, then went back to his train of thought. "If we are, indeed, talking about a Dauntain, then your brother is in for the fight of his life. However, what we have here is a Freehold Lord who is being affected by one, and regardless of what you heard I can guarantee that she won't just stop at 'taking care of' your little brother. If Davin has agreed to this, then he's a risk. She'll come after him next because he's weak. This could bring the entire Freehold down."
Relena tilted her head to the side, mulling over his words in her mind. "What do you intend that we do?"
Trieze smiled then... she was willing to hear him out, and not blind to the fact that her father at the very least had to be removed from his position. This might not be too difficult after all. "For the moment, we need to get Zechs and your young friend out of here. They're in no condition to get caught up in what is about to happen here. If your father has caved into the Dauntain this far, then it won't be hard to show the others here just how far he's sunk. His very touch will give that away... I'm surprised he slipped up enough to touch you this time. If you think about it, he hasn't been in close contact with anyone in months."
Relena stopped to think, then realized that Trieze was right. Never once, in the past several months, could she recall a hug or kiss upon her forehead. Nor could she remember him having shaken hands with any visitors, or coming into any contact whatsoever with other fae. She hadn't thought it odd before, but now she knew more... and it merely made sense.
"We have to remove him from his position as Lord of this Hold. Because of his dealings, there's a chance that no one will stand to have you or Zechs take his place. However, because of the fact that a Freehold is common ground for any and all kith..."
"There's a chance they'll accept you as Lord of the Hold." She finished his sentence for him, and saw the nod of recognition in response. Chewing on her lower lip, Relena turned to Zechs and acknowledged the slow nod from him as well. They'd apparently already been over this... and to be honest, she couldn't find fault with the young UnSeelie noble. He was far more honourable than most she'd known, and it would likely bring more traffic to the Freehold itself if it were known to be equally friendly towards both the Seelie and UnSeelie Fae. "Alright." She said, straightening her posture and looking Trieze in the eye. "What do we have to do?"
Smiling softly, Trieze turned towards the window where he'd appeared earlier. "You can come in now." His words were answered by a rustling of the curtain and a slender lapis-skinned woman stepped out into the light. "I'd like you to meet Lucrezia. She was one of my father's guard before I left out on my own. We became friends, and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my life... or the lives of those I care about." The last was directed towards Relena, and a soft flush suffused her cheeks as she glanced down towards the ground. "Lucrezia will accompany you out of the Freehold, and will help you with your friend. I'd rather you two were safe, in case this turns ugly for your father. If it does, the entire family could be in danger."
"What about mother??" Relena gasped, bringing her attention back to the matter at hand.
"She will be safe. I swear it." Lucrezia responded, coming to stand near the two. "Two of my men are already on their way to her. Regardless of whether she comes along willingly or not, she will not be in harm's way if things go wrong." She held out one hand to Relena then, smiling softly. "Come... let's get your friend and leave this place. We don't have much time."
Relena returned the gesture, then stepped back. "Please. Assist my brother. He knows the paths to the outside, and I have to go get Quatre." Lucrezia nodded once, then turned to help Zechs. As the two of them disappeared out onto the small balcony, Relena turned to Trieze once more. Standing on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a soft kiss upon his cheek. "Be careful, love... I want to stand by your side when this is all over."
Trieze brought up one hand and gently caressed along her jawline, his fingers trailing up one pointed ear. "I'll see you again, my dear. I promise you. Now go... I won't be content until you're safe."
Stepping back, Relena smiled once more then turned and vanished out the window as well.
* * *
It was ten after five in the afternoon. Two minutes after the LAST time Duo had looked at his watch, and it was starting to bug the hell out of him. It was long past time for Heero to have gotten out of his last class... unless his teacher really WASN'T happy with him for skipping it last week. Groaning inwardly, Duo decided to find out for himself what was happening, and raced quickly along one of the paths that would take him to the school. He took the brick stairs two at a time, reaching for the heavy door just as it swung open quickly and caught him completely offguard. He stumbled back, reaching for anything that would keep him from landing on his head and nearly hissed as his hands closed around the wrought iron fence that bordered either side of the stairway. Pulling back, he shoved his hands in his pockets, hoping that he hadn't looked too strange just then and turned towards the person who had nearly barrelled into him. He was just about to give the bastard a severe tongue lashing, when he stopped cold and put on his best 'good kid' pose.
"Oh! Good afternoon, Miss Une, I didn't see you coming. Sorry to bother you, I was just looking for a fri--"
"You were looking for Mr. Yuy, were you not?" The clipped tone made Duo wince. Oh hells, Dragonlady Une was the teacher that Heero had for his last class of the day. Of ALL the classes to skip, he could definately have picked better. He was just about to respond when she cut him off once more. "Mr. Yuy will be along shortly, I assure you. It's going to take him a bit of time to finish the extra work he has to deal with after your little stunt last week, Mr. Maxwell." She stepped closer, her gaze raking over the smaller boy with distaste. "How he could bear to be around a vagabond such as you is beyond me. He has a brilliant mind, and will be an asset to this world if he can get away from your frivolity long enough to make something of himself."
As she got closer, Duo almost instinctively found himself backing away. Something wasn't right here, he just couldn't put his finger on it. As she spoke, he opened his mouth to retort, but then gasped as what could only be described as tendrils of ice seemed to wrap around his very heart. One hand came up to clutch at his chest, his knees threatening to buckle as he looked up in confusion.
"Problems, Mr. Maxwell? I can guarantee you won't have them for long." Her frigid smile and narrowed eyes sent a riptide of fear coursing through Duo's body. His eyes widened as he realized what was happening a moment too late. His lips parted faintly, the barest hint of a word starting to form.
"D-Daunt--"
He was cut off then as she closed the distance between them with two quick strides. Her hands came up, palms slamming into his shoulders and sending him reeling back down the steps. He couldn't get his hands behind him fast enough, and a ragged scream of agony left his throat as a searing pain shot through his left shoulder, his body colliding harshly with the side of the stairs. He struggled to stand, but the motion only brought another sickening wave of pain, something holding him fast. He looked to his shoulder, his vision swimming as he saw two of the fence spikes protruding through his clothing... the deep crimson rivulets that wound their way along his skin only made him even more unsteady, his gaze turning to focus on the woman who now stood over him.
"Consider this the end of your exile, Mr. Maxwell..." The dark subtlety to her voice made him shiver... his hands grasping for any purchase they could find as she pressed her palms against his shoulders, forcing him farthur against the fence. He bit back a scream, his head falling back.
As the darkness closed in around his mind, he swore he heard a primal roar shattering the air...
* * *
TBC
