Wing of Mysterious Play

by Karin-sama

Trowa and Heero have crashed on a strange new planet. . .and they want Trowa's circus partner to be their priestess?

2. The Priestess of Suzaku

Part 2: The Priestess of Suzaku

As the man walked toward them, Ayden studied him carefully. He had hair the color of fire and wore a deep blue coat with light blue lining over light gray trouser type pants. His boots were black, if a little dusty, and came up to his knees. He didn't appear to carry any weapons. The only things on him were several necklaces of gold and colored beads, and as he walked Ayden could swear she saw an earring swing back and forth within the scarlet hair that hung in his eyes and down his back in a tail from the base of his neck. From what she could tell, he was a bandit, but she couldn't be sure.

"No closer," Trowa ordered in a sharp bark of command then repeated it in Japanese just in case he hadn't understood. The man stopped, shifting his weight to one leg and folding his arms. His lips curled up into an insolent smile as he took in the state of Trowa and Heero. But his entire expression changed when he looked to Ayden. When he saw her his mouth dropped open and he fell to one knee with his forehead almost touching the ground.

"Sorry, Priestess," he drawled with a thick accent. "I didn't know it was you." Priestess? Her? Not even close. She was an acrobat or she was nothing.

"I think you have me confused with someone else," she told him, but he shook his head.

"You're not fooling anyone. Who else has hair the color of honey?" She instinctively reached up to tuck that one strand behind her ear, and winced as the movement made her remember her ribs.

"We'll settle that later," she muttered, trying to ignore the fire that burned at her side. "Right now we need to get this boy some help." She placed her hand on Heero's forehead gently. He was quiet now, held tightly in Trowa's arms, but that was only because he was too weak to move.

"The emperor will want to see you, but I don't think your guardian will make it all the way to the city." Ayden gazed up at Trowa, who seemed very far away in thought.

"He's right," he whispered to her. "We need somewhere close."

"Could you take us?" Ayden asked of the kneeling young man. He nodded, rising at last. He was taller than she was, taller than Trowa even, but that was because he was at least two years older than any of them. He gestured toward a path that led deep into the mountains and began to lead the way.

"Can we trust him do you think?" Ayden whispered once he had turned his attention from him.

"We don't have a choice."

"Will you be all right?" He didn't answer, only started after the retreating bandit, leaving her no choice but to follow. As she walked, careful not to trip on any loose rocks, she took careful glances about her to examine their surroundings. It most certainly wasn't a colony, but a planet of some kind that shared a sun with Earth perhaps, or it might be a different sun all together, she had no way of knowing. In the distance she could make out the crowded rooftops of a city, but it was very far away. The young man had been right, there would have been no way Heero would have made it that far, or Trowa either for that matter.

The cave entrance was small, and had they been alone Ayden was sure they would have walked right past it. Inside, however, proved to be a complex system of rooms and underground tunnels. It seemed an entire city under the mountain, but it was a city of bandits. They were all gruff men, none above the age of thirty, but many as young as twelve, but despite their roughness the city was clean and well organized.

Ayden studied their surroundings carefully, then considered Trowa who limped at her side. Limped? She hadn't noticed him limping before. He held Heero tightly, watching the path ahead intently, as if afraid of falling. She sighed as she watched him. His eyes were so tired, but they carried worry and suspicion as well. He didn't like it here, and was thinking on how they could get back home. Home didn't sound like a bad idea to her either. She wondered if Joshua even knew what had happened yet.

Their leader, she didn't even remember if he had told them his name or not, turned back to see if they were following. Since she had his attention, she figured she'd ask him a few questions.

"I don't suppose," she began, making him stop to give her his full consideration. "You could tell us who you are and why you think you know me?"

"Didn't I tell you? I'm sorry. I'm Tasuki, head bandit for his Highness, and everyone knows about you. We've been waiting for you for a very long time, and you couldn't have picked a better day." He began walking again.

"Waiting for what?"

"His Highness will explain that to you when you get there. First you should get rested up. I'm going to go find someone to take care of your guardian." Guardian? She supposed he meant Heero. "Wait here, I'll only be a minute."

"What do you think he means?" She whispered to Trowa once he was no longer in ear shot. Trowa shook his head, swaying slightly, but did not answer. Heero moaned, turning his head in an attempt to ease the pain that coursed through him. She winced for him, laying a hand on his forehead. She would have whispered words of encouragement to him, but she knew he wouldn't understand her even if she could think of something appropriate to say.

Tasuki returned a short time later with another stranger following close behind. This one was dressed similar, they could have been brothers if his hair hadn't been, and she had to blink to be sure, yes, it was blue.

"This is Koji," Tasuki introduced him with a nod of his head. "He'll take your guardian to where he can be helped." The blue haired man gave a quick bow before coming forward to take Heero. Trowa backed away, growling under his breath. Koji paused, glancing back at Tasuki for explanation while Ayden placed a soothing hand on her partner's shoulder.

"Let him go, Trowa," she told him gently. She hadn't realized how helpless he felt now that they were here. He turned his green eyes on Koji, considering him.

"I promise," Koji said. "I promise we'll do all we can for him. You don't have to worry." He came forward again, and this time Trowa relinquished his friend into the other's care. Koji nodded, smiling, and took Heero away. Once relieved of his burden, Trowa's knees collapsed, depositing him in the dirt. He stayed there, motionless, for several minutes with his shoulders hunched and his hands on his knees. Ayden stood near him protectively, stepping close to lay a comforting hand on his back. He leaned his head against her, and she felt a trickle of blood slide down her leg. The cut had reopened. She sighed, wondering what would become of them. Heero was in danger of death, and they were trapped on an unknown planet where the inhabitants believed her a priestess. Oh Trowa, she thought, smoothing his bangs, we're in so much trouble.

Tasuki cleared his throat. "We've found you a place to stay," he said, studying Trowa, who was studying the ground, eyes unfocused. "I'll take you to the capital when you're ready. Does he need some help?" Stubbornly, Trowa lurched to his feet, Ayden catching his elbow to keep him steady.

"No," he said gruffly, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. Ayden reached for his hand, and he limply allowed her to keep possession of it. Tasuki looked at their interlocked fingers, shrugged, and gestured for them to follow him. It took a nudge, but she got him to start moving. He was so tired, and apparently in shock.

Tasuki led them to a comfortably large room in the center of the underground city. There was one bed, a chair, and a small table that held a small pitcher and a washing basin. A torch burned in the sconce on the wall, which almost made Ayden giggle in hopelessness. There was no electricity here? It was all so primitive she thought it a joke.

"There is clean water," Tasuki told them as he held the door open, removing any doubt of his sincerety. "And I'll have a pallet brought in for your guardian." She bit her tongue just short of telling him Trowa's name. It got on her nerves that they thought he was her guardian, especially since she knew it would never happen. "I'll be sure the doctor comes in to look at him as soon as your other protector is out of danger. Is there anything else you need?"

"Just information, if you please." He shrugged, glancing over his shoulder and out of the room.

"I think His Highness will want to discuss that with you. He's been waiting so long for you to come here."

"So you mean to keep us here without knowing anything?" Tasuki smiled the half smile of someone sharing a secret.

"You can't trick me, Lady," he said, grinning wildly. "Please don't try." Then, as if he had won a great championship, he turned on his heel and closed the door behind him. Sighing, she stared at it, confused and wondering if they would ever be able to leave this place. Who was His Highness? Some sort of monarchy? An emperor or king perhaps. Great. She'd just have to wait until she could speak to him.

Since she could do nothing, she turned her attention to Trowa, who hadn't said a word since he'd refused the assistance of their scarlet haired bandit. She found him collapsed on the chair, elbows on his knees and hands clasped behind his head. It made him look very young, and almost desperate. He was covered in blood, both Heero's and his own, and his eyes were haunted and tired. It appeared that he had gone into some sort of trance, as if to distance himself from the situation. Sighing, and wincing because of her ribs, she poured some of the water into the basin and held it under his gaze.

"Drink it, Trowa," she commanded in a gentle voice. "While it's still clean." She nudged it against his arm to bring his attention to her. Without looking at anything, he took a few awkward gulps before returning it to her, allowing her to drink the rest. "What are we going to do, Trowa?" She asked as she refilled the basin and dipped the cloth into it. He stared at the floor, unfocused and unhearing. She knelt in front of him, hating to see him that way. It frightened her because if he didn't have a plan, they were in a lot of trouble. Like a mother she pulled his hands from behind his head to wash the blood from them, proceeding after to his face and neck. He closed his eyes at the coolness of the water, shuddering, but never coming out of his self imposed trance.

"Trowa, don't do this. I need you to talk to me." She needed him to reassure her, to tell her that he had a plan and everything would be fine. But he continued to stare at the floor, deep in exhausted thought. "Come on Trowa, look at me." Her hands were shaking. She felt very alone and unprotected. She was a stranger in a strange land with a strange boy who was her only link to anything real. And he sometimes seemed to be surreal himself. As a sudden burst of panic at the realization of the situation, she grabbed his shoulders, shaking him violently to pull him out of it, and regretting the action immediately as her side flared up, covering her eyes with a crimson veil of pain. Whimpering both from hurt and helplessness, she drew her arms around herself, hunching over until her head almost touched the floor.


They were in the center of the city, of course he had put them there. That way they couldn't escape. And even if he tried, he would have a hard time getting Ayden out and Heero would be impossible. Trowa thought desperately on the problem at hand, allowing himself to view it from a third person perspective, as if writing out a scenario. He found that taking this approach saved him from becoming panicked, and things usually worked out for the better if one kept a level head. From what he could tell they were on an undeveloped planet with no technological advances of any kind. Meaning it would prove very difficult to repair and rebuild the carrier since the people here most certainly had no knowledge of mechanics and would have no communication either. And the fact that they thought Ayden some priestess they had been waiting for would complicate matters as well. People are most reluctant to release others whom they believe were sent to help them. So they were stuck here, little better than prisoners, at least until Heero was well enough to travel. His main concern would have to be protecting Ayden at this point. Who knew? Being the priestess might mean becoming a sacrifice for all he could tell. And he felt pinpricks of guilt for having brought her so deeply into the horrible muddle that was the life of a soldier. But there's nothing you can do for her right now, Trowa, he thought as he fingered the cut on his temple. There is nothing else you can do. And the helplessness of that was almost crippling.

A whimper brought him from his thoughts. How long had he been here? The blood was gone from his hands, Ayden must have rinsed it away. Ayden? What had happened to her? Shaking himself as if he had just woken up, he saw her hunched over on the floor in front of him. In his worry over Heero and their predicament he had forgotten about her bruised ribs. He wondered if the doctor would be there soon. They needed to be properly bound.

He eased himself to the floor, gently taking hold of her shoulders. Bent double, like she was, would only worsen the situation. She needed to be upright, supporting the ribs and back, but she would need some help in maintaining that position. Another wave of guilt rushed through him when he thought of how she had been hurt. If he had stayed out of her life none of this would have happened. But Trowa, he thought as he wrapped his arms around her, keeping her straight and whispering to her that she needed to relax, then you would never have known her. For reasons he could not name this made him cling to her more tightly, as if afraid she would disappear.

A knock on the door brought Ayden out of the comfort of Trowa's arms. She had been enjoying his heartbeat, and the soothing presence he brought when he held her. She knew he did it only because of her ribs, but she could forget that for a few moments as she listened to him breathe, which was more comforting than anything he might have said.

"Priestess," Tasuki's head peeked in the small opening in the door, and stopping when he saw her in Trowa's arms. "Um, I have brought the pallet." Unexpectedly, he winked. "But I'm wondering if it is really necessary." Ayden felt Trowa's muscles stiffen at the comment, and then she was being lifted as he stood to confront the cheeky bandit.

"You should be more respectful," he reprimanded Tasuki in a cold voice of command. It might have looked ridiculous. Trowa standing up to Tasuki, even though he was a good few inches shorter, covered with blood, and holding Ayden, but it seemed to do the trick.

"My apologies, Lady," he bowed, making the appellation mocking, but she did not really care. "I'll be bringing the doctor now."

"Uh, thank you." He nodded, tugged the pallet into the room, and promptly left again. Trowa stared after him, apparently unaware that he still held her. She didn't mind, only watched the shadows of the torch dance upon the wall.

When the door opened a second time, it was by a young man, about twenty or more, with odd spiked light blue hair and a fox-like face. He wore a rough cotton tunic and Chinese fisherman's pants. A blue cloak with crazy spiral designs was fastened across his chest and tied into a hasty knot at the hip. He carried a staff that was almost taller than he was, with several dangling rings of gold attached to the top, making a clanking noise whenever he moved. A smile seemed painted on his face, but Ayden was not afraid of him. His presence made her think that she might even know him, that he was some friend she had almost forgotten.

"What is it?" Trowa asked, defensive. Tasuki had put him on edge, and Ayden could feel him tense again as the blue haired man came into the room.

"I'm just here to check you guys over, you know," he said in a jovial, kind, cheerful voice. "Make sure you're all right."

"It's the doctor, Trowa," Ayden tried to soothe him by whispering. "You can set me down, I don't think he'll hurt us." Nodding to himself, he placed her gently on the bed, stepping away so that she could be examined. . .but the man seemed to be more interested in him first, however.

"Wow!" he exclaimed when all the blood on Trowa's clothes was exposed. "Had a rough day, didn't you? Take off your shirt so I can see how bad the wound is, you know." Trowa held up a hand.

"I'm not hurt," he said calmly. "But her ribs need to be wrapped." He nodded his head in Ayden's direction, and the blue haired doctor turned his attention back to her.

"Oh, sorry about that, priestess of Suzaku. I didn't know, you know."

"Forgiven." She dismissed the apology, but did want to know who Suzaku was. "If you don't mind me asking your name and a few other questions."

"No problem. I'm Chichiri, you know. Advisor to His Highness. You'll have to let me look at your ribs, please." She gave a quick look to Trowa, who immediately turned around, giving her at least a little privacy. Ordinarily, she would never have done this for anyone, but the man, Chichiri, seemed very kind and trustworthy.

He probed about her side with gentle fingers, determining how serious the bruising was, and talking all the while he went. "We've been waiting for you for a very long time, Priestess of Suzaku," he chatted. "Though I thought you would come with a bit more style, you know?"

"No actually," she broke in. "I don't know. I really think there has been a mistake here. I don't even know what or who Suzaku is so how could I possibly be its priestess? We weren't even supposed to be here, it was all a mistake." Chichiri snickered.

"Oh, there was no mistake, you know. It's all been written. The priestess shall have hair the color of honey and bring with her two young guardians who have all the appearance of stone statues, you know. And from what I've seen, your hair is the color of honey, and you did bring two young men with you."

"I barely know them, and there are thousands of blonde haired girls."

"Not in Konan, but there is something else. They say that she will wear clothing unfamiliar to this land, speak with an accent unheard of before, and that her name will be that of the tawny falcon that flies over the Mountain of High Taityoku." Trowa muttered something under his breath at these statements, but Ayden couldn't tell what it was as it was spoken in lilting Japanese. "And," Chichiri went on, turning around to give Trowa a look. "Her guardians will speak the tongue of the ancients, forgotten to this people." Trowa's stare almost spoke of challenge, but he shrugged and went on ignoring what was going on, although Ayden was sure he was storing every word.

"So you see, Lady Ayden," he continued, turning back to give her his attention once more. "You are what we have been praying for." She was sure her mouth was open, and her eyes must be wide. He knew her name, though she had not spoken it, and he had described her and Trowa perfectly.

"If I am what you say, then why didn't I know of it before?"

"Well, the world works in many different ways, you know. But you were brought here for a purpose." She heard Trowa punch the wall, and looked up quickly to see him leaning his head against it.

"We can't stay here," he said in a voice little above a whisper. "Don't you understand? We have to leave, to get back to our own world. I have to complete my mission. The colonies. . .Wufei. . .Quatre." With the utterance of the last name, he slid down the wall to crouch pathetically in the corner. "You've got to let us go."

"Easy Trowa," Ayden called, rising from the bed to go to him. Chichiri watched them both with solemn eyes. "Even if Heero were ready to travel we still would have no way to leave. There is no fuel, remember?"

"We can't stay here. What will happen to the colonies?"

"The colonies will have to hold their own for a while. There is no sense in being upset for circumstances we cannot control. You're tired, Trowa, once you've slept for a bit we can figure something out."

"Lady Ayden?" Chichiri called her back to the bed, where he massaged a salve gently at her side, and wrapped her torso tightly with a clean strip of linen. A primitive cure, surely, but the pain erased itself with the motions of the shaman's fingers. "Your guardian seems severely distraught, you know." Trowa was still on his knees in the corner, his head against the wall, and a small trickle of blood running down it from the knife slash across his temple.

"He has cause. Could you perhaps," she licked her lips. "Perhaps get him something to help him sleep? I know that he will not otherwise."

"Of course, and I shall bring you both something comfortable to wear as you rest, you know." He began gathering his things, paused, and handed her another strip of linen. "I think you'd better take care of his temple, you know. I really don't think he will allow anyone but you near him." She nodded, accepting the cloth with numb fingers.

"Chichiri?" She called as he was just stepping out the door. He turned back to see what she needed. "What of," she paused on the verge of giving his name. "What of my other guardian?"

"He sleeps for now. I think Amiboshi is watching him."

"Amiboshi?"

"One of your celestial warriors, you know." She closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I don't, but if you could take me to see him I would greatly appreciate it." He smiled, putting a hand on her shoulder and squeezing slightly.

"In the morning, priestess. Things always look better in the morning, but I will send Amiboshi to you with some clean clothes and a sleeping draught. I think it would be best if you took some too, you know."

"Yes, thank you. You don't know how much this means to us."

"Likewise, you know." He patted her head, as if she were a small child, smiling in a comforting manner, before disappearing into the underground city, apparently in search of Amiboshi.

When she looked back at Trowa, he had already prepared the pallet to his satisfaction, and had curled up in the fashion of a cat upon it. It seemed to be nothing but a sheet of some sort filled with goosedown and other such soft things. She doubted that it mattered what it was, Trowa was tired enough to sleep on the dirt floor when it came to that. In fact, she thought his eyes were closed already. Shaking his shoulder she once again brought him into the realm of awake, and helped him sit up so she could tend his temple.

"We'll get this to heal yet, Trowa," she muttered as she massaged the salve around the bruised skin and wrapped the linen about his forehead. "In the meantime, this should help you fit in, eh?" He sniffed a reply that meant nothing.

"Feeling better then?" He murmured when she had tied off the strip and he had her eyes.

"Yes, don't worry about it."

"Did they tell you anything about Heero?"

"He's still alive. Chichiri said he was sending someone in who can give us more information."

"We have to get him out of here."

"I don't think it is as serious as you're thinking, Trowa. These people don't want to hurt us."

"OZ does. Just because we are safe here means nothing to the people of the colonies."

"For one night Trowa you are going to have to keep them out of your mind. They have Wufei to fight for them, and Duo," she hesitated on the verge of mentioning Quatre's name, remembering how Trowa had reacted to it the last time it had been uttered. "Focus your attention on this act before you worry about the closing, okay?" He gave her a deep penatrating gaze, the one he was famous for, and nodded to her bed.

"I will if you'll do the same. We'll decide what to do with this in the morning."

"We could ask the emperor for help when we meet him."

"I doubt he'll be of much help, Ayden." She shrugged, using stiff and hurting muscles as she stood from her kneeling position on the pallet.

"We'll have to wait and see."

"I'll get you home somehow Ayden. These people won't hurt you as long as I'm around." It was an odd comment, seemed completely out of place in the conversation, but it awakened something in her that stole her ability to reply. It was his way of giving her his thanks, she supposed. It was awkward, everything concerning his emotional state was awkward, but she had always been an expert on reading between the lines.

Amiboshi rushed through the passages of the underground city, his flute gripped tightly in one hand, a lantern in the other, and some clean clothes tucked under his arm. The priestess had come! He could hardly wait to lay eyes on her. He'd been waiting to see her for as long as he could remember, and he relished the fact that he would meet her before his younger twin brother, Suboshi. If she was anything like her guardian he would be more than satisfied. The wounded young man had been perfect in feature and every other physical sense. Dark and flawless, even covered in blood and too weak to move. Nervousness and excitement combined into one wriggling mass of emotion that rose and fell in his stomach to his throat and back again. He was going to meet the Lady Ayden! She was going to help them win their war. To him she was more than a priestess, she was a conduit to the gods.

He was barely able to knock before entering the small chamber that had been given to the priestess and her unhurt guardian. Bursting in he stopped short when he finally saw her for the first time. Why, she was as old as he was! He shook his head slowly as he considered her in all her delicate beauty, trying to remind himself to breathe. Her body was slender and elegant, with small perfectly formed limbs and long delicate hands. He swallowed, licking his lips and forgetting every word he had ever known. Her skin, it was so dark! Tanned a golden brown by the sun in such a manner that could never be accomplished in this land, and her hair! It shone a rich honey gold in the flickering light of their torch until Amiboshi could swear she was a vision and not truly there at all. He licked his lips again, fingering his flute carefully to give his hand something to do. Then he looked into her eyes, and was shocked anew. What color were they? They seemed to change and shift. One moment they were as deep green with traces of gold as a forest glade dappled with sunshine. Then they would change all together into the fierce dark gray and deep blue of a midnight summer storm that flickered with lightning as they reflected the light. Next they shifted to a velvet brown wonderment likeable only to the sleek coat of a bay horse. Oh, but she was beautiful. . .and staring at him with eyes, blue again this time, filled with confusion.

"A. .amiboshi?" She questioned and it took him many moments before he could nod. Her voice carried a heavy exhaustion, but under it he knew that if she were to laugh or raise it in song he would be forced between the two extremes of sobbing or shrieking with the pleasure of hearing it. And to hear it say his name, it was almost too much for him to bear. His heart beat so fiercely, and the hand clung to the flute so tightly it was almost numb.

"Lady Ayden," he stuttered, making a clumsy bow and felt himself go crimson in embarrassment at his awkwardness. "I was sent to you." She nodded slowly, giving a glance to her guardian who sat cross legged on the pallet. He was another perfect example of what the human race should look like. A powerful warrior was apparent in his features, and Amiboshi hoped that he would never have to encounter him in any sort of combat.

"Can you give us any news of Heero?" The guardian asked in a soft voice of someone very tired and numb emotionally, as he stood to hover protectively next to the priestess. He was taller than she was, and she took an automatic step near him as one naturally does to someone that has shared a long friendship or some other intense intimacy. It made him jealous to see how close they were already, when he had never been given a chance.

"Heero? The other you mean. He's asleep."

"Will he live?" The Lady Ayden pursued the question in her liquid voice.

"Of course. Mitsukake healed him the moment they brought him. He'll be able to go with you to the capital tomorrow."

"But. . he was . . .how could that be possible?"

"Mitsukake has a talent for healing, it is what makes him a Suzaku warrior."

"How many are there?" The guardian pushed his bangs away from his eyes and collapsed neatly onto the pallet while Ayden did the same on the bed.

"Seven of course." He felt a tiny nick of doubt enter his perfect faith in the Lady Ayden's right to the station of priestess. She didn't know about the star points?

"I'll have to meet them in the morning," she muttered drowsily as Amiboshi set their new clothes on the only chair in the room.


Amiboshi, Ayden found, was her own age with strikingly handsome features. His jaw line was set, his face narrow and slender, and his eyes were enormous and innocent. He wore ancient chinese garb in pink and lavender and white, a tunic belted over leggings and interesting to look at. His eyes were a shining blue, and his hair was cut in such a fashion that a tail hung down his back, and his bangs were held back by a headband. . well partly anyway. His bangs were so long that they hung over the band and into his eyes anyway, making a charming picture. And the strangest thing about him was the fact that his hair was blonde.

"I thought there were no blondes here," she pointed out after remembering what Chichiri had told her.

"There aren't. My brother and I come from a far land. We were orphaned, but Chichiri found us and brought us here after he learned that we were Celestial Warriors of Suzaku.

"Your brother?"

"Suboshi." She winced at the thought of trying to remember all these strangely pronounced names. There would be seven when she was through; she had to keep them all straight somehow. The torch guttered, reminding her just how tired she was.

"We'll get this all straightened out in the morning," she said, stretching out on the bed, careful of her ribs.

"As you wish, but we are so glad that you've come. I've been sent to make sure you get to sleep all right." She nodded mildly, and then the torch light was gone. Amiboshi had snuffed it out. A bit of shuffling told her that Trowa had stretched out comfortably on his pallet at her side, and she made a mental note that he was there so she would not trip over him when she got up. Then the music began.

Amiboshi, as it turned out, was an accomplished flute player. The tones were gentle and flowing, and they continued in a slow sleepy melody that made her eyes close of their own will. It was as if the notes surrounded her like the blanket over her shoulders, filling her ears with promises of a better tomorrow and an uninterrupted, dreamless sleep. She felt herself drowsing off without being able to help it, and the last thing she heard was the sweet voice of Amiboshi, bidding her a good night.

When she opened her eyes she didn't have to remember that Trowa was right next to her, because he was already gone as were the new clothes on the chair. She decided that he had probably gone to see Heero and that she should go find him. This was not the kind of place she wanted to be without him, even though all of the people she'd met thus far were friendly and helpful. The new clothes were of a cotton material, soft and comfortable. She was glad that they had given her pants instead of a skirt, most likely because, as a city of bandits, they did not have rainment appropriate for their new priestess.

The underground metropolis was a buzz of activity when she entered their midst after completing getting dressed. They had given her something extra with her clothing that she found most interesting. Four leather thong type pieces that went over her legs and arms on the inside of her clothes. It had taken her a moment to figure out what they were for, but eventually decided that they were to keep daggers hidden under the cotton, ready to be drawn out with ease. It seemed a fitting weapon for her, and she was grateful for the leather, now if only she could get some daggers to fit into the hidden sheathes.

The first person she met in all the bustle was Amiboshi, or at least it looked like him. He had changed clothes of course, but it was still him. He seemed preoccupied, rushing to some unknown destination, as if searching for something yet not quite remembering what it was that he was supposed to be looking for.

"Amiboshi!" She hailed him, being brave enough to catch his elbow to make sure he knew who had called him. "Do you know where Trowa is?" He turned, giving her a confused look before his eyes went wide and he dropped quickly to one knee at her feet.

"Forgive me Lady," he said to the dirt. "I did not recognize you."

"Don't worry about it, I'm looking for Trowa. I just needed to know if you could tell me where he is."

"Trowa?"

"Yes, the young man who was with me last night. Don't you remember?" His blue eyes cleared up with revelation, as if he had just solved a mystery.

"That wasn't me, Lady Ayden," he explained his ignorance of her guardian. "That was my twin brother. I'm Suboshi." So not only were their names strange, but they would be impossible to tell apart. Great.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It's fine, you aren't the only one."

"Please, do you know where I can find Trowa? Or Heero for that matter?"

"I can take you to Heero's room. Follow me." He gestured and proceeded to lead her through the labrynth like tunnels of the city, where it was so dark torches needed to be kept burning five feet apart all along the walls. All along their way they met with other men scuttling around with the air of someone who had something important to do.

"Suboshi?" Ayden couldn't stand the not knowing that came with the entire place. "What is going on?"

"There is a war going on, priestess," he explained as he made his way down the tunnel. "And we are making sure that we can get you to the capital in safety." That seemed to make sense. She just hoped the emperor could explain things. It looked as if they would be there for quite a while, so she might as well fit in as much as possible. She was perfectly willing, but she doubted if the young men with her would be able to forget what they had left behind so easily.

If anything, Suboshi led her farther underground where the temperature was a little higher and the walls were a bit closer. Heero had to be kept down here, Suboshi had told her, because the rooms higher up had been too chill for him. At least, he added as he took her hand to help her over a fallen rock, that's what Mitsukake had said.

Mitsukake was sleeping in a chair beside Heero's bed when they arrived. He was a giant of a man, about twenty-seven, with massive shoulders and muscular structure. His hair and skin were dark, and even in sleep his face held a solemn expression. Suboshi went to stand next to the giant, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder without waking him.

Heero slept also, looking small and weak in the bed. His head was bandaged, as was his left arm which was laying atop the blankets. His eyes were closed and under them were severely dark patches. Ayden gently entwined her fingers with his, but he gave her no response. Somehow seeing him like this made her forget just how deadly he could be. He was something vaguely familiar in this land of strangers. Besides, he was vulnerable now, and he was supposed to be her guardian after all.

"They said you would be ready to come with us today," she whispered to him, ignoring the other occupants of the room. "But don't worry, Trowa and I will take care of everything until you recover." With her other hand she brushed his cheek, wondering if the act of comfort would be understood by someone who had never known affection.

"He'll be ready," came a dusky voice behind her, and she turned to see Mitsukake standing slowly from the chair. He literally towered over her, but his presence was not threatening. He went to the other side of the bed, placing his hands on Heero's wounded shoulder and his forehead. "It took all I had to stop his bleeding and restore the shattered knee last night, but I am ready to finish now." Closing his eyes in concentration, he took a deep breath. Ayden watched, silent and puzzled, wondering what he intended to do. A soft green light poured forth from his hands, folding over Heero in a warm, soothing haze. As Ayden watched the circles under his eyes disappeared, the flush of fever decreased, and his eyelids twitched open. Ayden heard someone gasp and it wasn't until Heero focused his dark gray eyes on her that she realized it had been herself. Mitsukake slumped forward, his hands on the bed to support himself. Suboshi unwrapped the bandages, revealing that the wounds were completely healed, before laying a hand on Mitsukake's back and giving him a concerned look.

"There are more injuries," Ayden heard the giant rumble softly, breathlessly. "Deeper wounds that were never treated." She took Suboshi's place at the older man's side, taking his arm and leading him out of the room for a private conversation.

"How?" Was the only thing she could think of which brought a tight lipped smile from the other.

"There is a healing power within me that I can use for the benefit of others. It is not something to question, just a gift."

"So he will be all right now?"

"I've healed him as much as anyone could. He is in no immediate danger, priestess, you have no need to worry." She nodded slowly, barely even noticing him address her with the respectful appellation.

"But what of the deeper injuries? I know I heard you say that he was not fully healed yet." Mitsukake gave a side long look into the still open doorway where Suboshi was nervously holding a cup up to Heero's lips so he could drink.

"That body has taken more abuse than any other person could handle," he seemed sorrowful, as if he wished he could have done something to prevent it. "There are broken bones that he must have walked on for days without realizing, and another type of wound I've never seen before that ripped a hole straight through him . ." he paused, sucking a breath through his teeth. "There are others, things I've never seen before. A fever burns in him, harshly, but I cannot reach it. Just so many things that I cannot identify, and therefore cannot help him with." Ayden wondered if it was only physical hurt that Mitskake was describing now. She might have said something, but Suboshi interrupted before she had the chance.

"He's asking for you, Lady Ayden," he said shyly, his eyes downcast respectfully. It was so awkward. She locked eyes once with Mitsukake before leaving them alone outside. When she entered her "guardian" was already out of bed, standing with a hand against the wall for support. Except for being so pale, one would never know he had been injured. It was only then that Ayden remembered the last time she had been alone with him like this. They may think he was her guardian, but in truth he was a soldier she did not know, who had tried to kill her more than once. It was for that reason that she kept back by the door, ready to run if she had to.

"Where's Trowa?" He demanded as soon as he saw her, taking a limping step away from the wall. "We need to leave."

"I haven't seen him yet, but we can't leave Heero." He snapped his gaze up to her in the process of tying his shoe.

"Explain yourself." She winced at the coldness of his voice, and felt the door against her back without ever realizing that she had stepped backwards into it.

"We are out of fuel. The carrier is pretty banged up, and we're trapped here until we think of some way to make that thing run."

"Here? Where are we exactly?"

"We're not sure yet, but they. . .they think that you are my guardian."

"Nonsense," he sniffed, standing straight and making Ayden realize that he was taller and stronger than she was. "I'm going to find Trowa. Don't get too far, unless you want to stay here." Somehow they had formed a shaky alliance, but she still found it difficult to catch her breath when around him.

"I'll. . .I'll come with you. I need to speak with him too." He shot her a fierce glare, but only shrugged and brushed past her out the door. Suboshi and Mitsukake gave them questioning looks, but neither interfered once Heero had given them a warning glance.

Heero moved with the swift sureness of someone with a mission and Ayden found that she couldn't keep up to him very well with her ribs bruised the way they were. He made his way out of the underground labrynth, pausing for a moment once he was out in the sunlight again. Then he was off down a path, following some hidden instinct, directly where the carrier had crashed. Ayden simply followed as best she could, but lagged far behind, barely keeping him in view, her hand pressed tightly against her side.

Heavyarms was standing beside the ruined vehicle when they arrived. Apparently Trowa had been determining if they could use the fuel in the Gundam to get them back home, and not having the best of luck. He gave a quick start when he saw Heero walking toward him. He had not expected him to recover so soon, and it startled him. The darker boy climbed up to where Trowa stood on top of the space craft to have some discussion that Ayden couldn't hear. And there was no way she could climb to where they were. She had done good walking the mountain paths. All she could do was watch from her position on the ground, shielding her eyes from the sun.

"Well?" Heero demanded of Trowa once he had safely landed close to the other pilot. "What can be done?" Trowa stood from where he had been checking the engine and other mechanical gadgets of the craft.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head slowly. "There is no fuel left, and not enough in Heavyarms to get us anywhere."

"Where can we get some?"

"This is an undeveloped planet. We'll need to find a specific type of rock and convert it into fuel. That's the only way, but where we're going to find it I can't even tell where to start."

"We have to get back to the colonies."

"I know, but first we have to go to the capital."

"Why?"

"The people of this land think that Ayden is their priestess. They think she's come to save them from something, no one has given me any details." He shrugged, pacing the top of the craft. "It would be best if we just went along with it for the time being. They don't seem hostile, but that is because they are expecting her to do something."

"And if she cannot comply?"

"I haven't figured that out yet. We aren't sure of what they want her to do. That's why we have to get to the capital. She can appease the natives while we search for what we need." Heero nodded his approval of the plan.

"Then let's get going." He began to slide down to the ground once again.

"Heero," Trowa called after him, gaining himself a cold glance. "You're all right to travel?"

"I'm fine." He leaped to the ground in one smooth motion, gave a side long look to Ayden and went off back in the direction of the underground bandit city. Trowa shook his head before sliding down himself to stand next to Ayden. Her arm was about her ribs gingerly, her eyes looking to him for guidance on what they should do. It made him feel oddly, like she was his responsibility, like he really was her guardian.

"What are we going to do, Trowa?" She asked him, taking an unconscious step closer.

"We're going along with your warriors for right now."

"We're not going to get home are we?"

"How are your ribs?" He answered by not answering, and Ayden decided not to press him. She also tried to encourage her darkening spirits by telling herself that he might not know how to answer yet or perhaps he hadn't heard the question.

"I'm not ready for a trapeze, but I'll make it." She told him. He smiled softly, all his gestures subtle, and for a brief moment he laid his fingertips against her side. The warmth from his hand made her shiver, but he mistook her shudder for pain and quickly shifted so that his arm was about her waist. For a moment she considered stepping away, but enjoyed the feel of him too much to make herself move. -- He feels nothing for you, Ayden-- she reprimanded herself. --He's not doing this because he likes you.-- But no matter what she told herself, it still felt very nice.

Trowa led her back to the bandit city just as Tasuki was leading a proud stepping gelding into the sunlight. Suboshi and Amiboshi were already mounted on twin palomino mares, provision packs strapped to their saddles. Mitsukake stood stoicly beside Chichiri's dancing paint, walking staff in hand, pouches dangling from his belt. A moment later Heero stepped into the sun, the reins of two more horses in his hands. Without a word he placed the lead rope of the taller bay into Trowa's fingers, keeping the grey as his own. Heero jumped into the saddle without the assistance of the stirrup, giving an expectant look to his fellow pilot, who gave a questioning look to Ayden.

"You can ride with me Lady Ayden," Amiboshi beckoned. She knew it was Amiboshi because of the flute at his belt. He had his hand extended toward her, a hopeful expression on his face. Trowa opened his mouth as if to protest, but ended up shrugging in indifference. He mounted without a word, refusing to look at her again, pulling his horse around to stand next to Heero. Ayden supressed a sigh and took a backwards step away, supposing to accept Amiboshi's offer.

"There's room for you here as well, Priestess," the other twin spoke up, giving his brother a challenging glare. Ayden stood still in indecision. She had wanted to ride with Trowa, but it appeared she would have to choose between the two boys. But she knew to do that would turn one against the other. She couldn't appear to have favorites. Not before she really knew any of them. She heard Tasuki give a bark of a laugh, making his horse side step rather nervously. Perhaps she should go with him.

"I have some things to discuss with the priestess, you know," Chichiri's smiling face appeared before her as he guided his mount to her side. "She'll ride with me for right now." He reached down to pull her up in front of him before she could protest, not that she would. She was indeed quite relieved that the choice had been made for her and no fighting would come of it. The twins looked disappointed, but there was no more said on the matter. They took their leave of the city with Mitsukake leading the way. Ayden wondered why he didn't have a horse, but didn't ask. Chichiri was the first to follow, the brothers close behind, Tasuki after them, with Heero and Trowa in perfect step trailing behind everyone to discuss whatever private plans they had to without anyone overhearing.

"What did you need to talk to me about?" Ayden finally whispered the question once the entrance to the underground city could no longer be determined within the camouflage of the rocky mountains.

"I don't really. I just didn't want to start a fight before we ever got started, you know?"

"Could you explain to me about the Celestial Warriors then? We didn't get a chance to last night, and I'd like to have some knowledge of this place before I meet your emperor."

"Our emperor, you know. I guess I always expected the priestess to know about that already, but there really is no reason that you should since you come from another land, you know.

"This land is separated into four cardinal points. North, east, west, south, you know. And each land is governed by a beast god. Ours is Suzaku, the phoenix of the south. Now each cardinal point has seven stars, these are made manifest by the seven warriors. Once the priestess or priest is found and all the warriors are gathered then the beast god can be summoned and three wishes will be given to the summoner. We have been waiting for you
for a long time so you can wish for peace in the land."

"What exactly is this war, by the way?"

"The Kutou Empire, to the east, governed by Seiryuu, has long wanted the southern lands. Their emperor is fierce tempered and impatient. We know that he has not yet found his priest, but he thinks to conquer Konan simply on strength."

"Rather arrogant of him I'm assuming?"

"Very, but we think that he has found himself a very successful general. We're not sure of anything yet, you know."

"So he will have a priest and seven Celestial Warriors too then?"

"Yes, each land has its own."

"Have we found them all?"

"There is one missing, you know. We can't find him. We were hoping that you could, you know."

"You're one of my warriors then?"

"Yes. Tasuki, Mitsukake, Amiboshi, Suboshi, and myself are all warriors to Suzaku."

"That is only five."

"Well, the emperor is also a warrior, you know. He is Hotohori, the sea snake."

"And we need all seven for the summoning?"

"Yes."

"How do you know if you are a warrior or not?"

"There are characters that appear somewhere on the body, usually during a time of high emotion." She nodded, letting it all sink in, wondering why she was accepting this so easily. Perhaps she really was the priestess. But if she was, what would become of Trowa and Heero?

They continued through the mountain pathways, Chichiri simply allowing his horse to follow Mitsukake's never faltering form. The jolt of the horse's uneven gait soon took away Ayden's desire for conversation. Chichiri sensed her stiffening in the uncomfortable saddle, and curled a protective arm about her. She turned slightly to look up at him, at his gently smiling face that never seemed to change expression.

"It'll be okay, you know," he said in easy tones. "We'll stop for a rest soon and maybe Mistsukake will be ready to heal your ribs, you know." She nodded, sighing, and leaning back into the fatherly protection of her blue haired warrior. The sound of trotting hooves over rock was barely enough to make her open her eyes to investigate. It was the first flute note that made her smile at Amiboshi who was now riding at their side, guiding the horse with his knees so that he had both hands free for the playing of the instrument. The combination of Chichiri's arms and the healing melody made the ride down the mountain much easier.

"I hope you feel better soon," Amiboshi told her inbetween songs, his eyes reflecting genuine concern for her.

"She'll be all right, you know," Chichiri answered for her as the flute had made her quite drowsy and indifferent to the dull throb about her torso. Amiboshi again raised his flute to his lips, and her eyes closed completely.

"What are you thinking of?" Heero broke into Trowa's thoughts as they rode side by side in the mountain sun. He didn't look up from his focused gaze at the front of the procession, where Ayden rode on Chichiri's paint. It was her that he had been thinking of, but why he hadn't determined just yet. He'd thought she would have chosen to go with him. She knew him the best, yet she was up there with the blue haired doctor of all people. And one of those twins was riding beside them. They made him oddly furious, but he couldn't understand the reason for the hot emotion. They had done nothing to him, yet he felt as if he had to be careful around them, that they would take something precious from him even though he had nothing of value for them to steal. "Trowa." He finally turned his eyes to the other pilot who was searching him as a computer scans for data.

"I was thinking of Ayden," he answered without realizing what he was saying. He had meant to reply with a different statement. That he had been thinking of a means to get themselves back to the colonies. He had been thinking about Quatre, or even Duo or Wufei. He had meant to say that he had been thinking of anything other than what had escaped past his lips. Heero raised a questioning eyebrow. "The prophesy that is," Trowa remidied his subconscious reply.

"What about it?"

"Suppose Ayden really is the one that they are looking for?" Heero snorted.

"Nonsense. To believe that would be beliving in something completely impossible according to laws of nature." And Heero lived by the codes of those laws with every ounce of his being. Trowa shrugged.

"Then how do you explain how you are able to walk this morning Heero?" The Japanese pilot's eyes narrowed at that as he desperately tried to think of an explanation. "Your knee was shattered, and you'd lost so much blood it was a wonder you didn't die in my arms. Yet today you are riding a horse through the mountains, without a scar of any kind. Even your bullet wounds scar, Heero, even if you ignore them. How do you explain this?"

"I don't explain it, and I don't have to believe it either. I just hope that your little dagger toss gives us enough time to think of a way out of here." By dagger toss, Heero was referring to Ayden.

"That I can guarantee." But if it were true, and Ayden did manage to summon Suzaku, whatever that was, couldn't she gain enough power to come up with a way to get them back? Trowa shrugged again at his own thought, turning again to watch as Ayden slept in Chichiri's embrace to the tune of Amiboshi's melody. In any case, her dagger toss would fly true no matter what. He smiled even as his hand fingered the slit she had caused.

Duo ran a frustrated hand through his bangs, biting his lip and asking the same question over and over in his head, "How?" Quatre and he had been traveling to their new station point when they had been caught up in a mysterious blue light and suddenly dropped into this place that was clearly not where they were supposed to be. What kind of a place was this? There was nothing but mountains for miles to any direction. No trees, no houses, no powerlines! Not so much as a radio tower or windmill. Where were they and what were they supposed to do now?

He heard Quatre gasp behind him, and he turned to find a tall stranger coming toward them on horseback. Immediately wary he drew his gun, standing protectively before Quatre who had no weapon. Even with the pistol trained upon his head the unknown man continued his slow advance. His clothes were odd, straight out of a halloween costume party, with large shoulderguards and a long blue cape. His hair was long, blonde, and loose, and from what Duo could tell at the distance, he was smiling.

"Just stop right there," he commanded in his top authoritive voice, shaking the gun just in case the man had missed it. The man, however, seemed to be unconcerned about everything, and his horse kept coming.

"Duo," Quatre whispered in caution, taking an unconscious step backwards.

"Look pal," Duo shouted out, wondering what made this man so indifferent. "We've just been through hell and unless you'd care to follow in our footsteps I suggest you stay where you are." The man's shoulders jerked in what had to be a snicker. It made Duo both angry and a little frightened.

"We're strangers here," Quatre called, always ready to prevent a fight. Quatre hated fighting. "We don't know how we got here, but we'd like to get back. We don't want to fight you. We just want a little help." The horse lifted his head as the stranger reined it in. Quatre gave a sigh of relief, but Duo wasn't all that sure that help was what they were going to get from this costumed warrior. He watched, his grip so hard on the gun that his hand began to shake, as he dismounted in a smooth motion, leaving the reins up, knowing that his mount was so well trained it would remain perfectly in place.

"It is I who should be asking for your assistance, Priest," the man said in a deep rumble of a voice while making a bow. Duo took one hand away from the gun to finger his priest's collar, wondering how to word the fact that he truly wasn't a man of the church. "We've been waiting for you for a long time." The strange thing about it was, the man hadn't been speaking to him in the first place. The priest to whom he was refering was Quatre, though there was nothing priestlike about him.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, sir," Quatre replied, giving Duo a questioning look.

"Come with me, and I'll explain everything on the way."

"Don't think so," Duo intercepted. "We're not going anywhere until we know who you are and where this is." The man dropped humbly to one knee.

"I am nothing but a warrior in your service."

"Your name, man. We don't move without your name." He shook the gun threateningly, but it did not seem to matter.

"Nakago," he looked up, and his ice blue eyes shone with anything but humility. They were so frozen, likeable only to Heero's eyes during a difficult mission, determined, ready for anything, and not willing to have things go against the plan. "Now, come, we need to be returning to the palace." His manner just wasn't right to Duo. Shouldn't he be more surprised that two soldiers had just appeared in the middle of no where? Shouldn't he be more worried about the gun pointed at his head? Shouldn't he be wondering why they were dressed so strangely, or how they had gotten out there so far away from any civilization without a horse? Yet he was acting as if he'd been expecting them, as if they were there answering an invitation. It was unsettling, and suspicious.

"No way," he shook his head, grabbing Quatre's arm and walking backwards, gun still aimed for a perfect shot. "You just get back on that horse and ride off into the sunset, pal. No offense, but I don't trust you at all." A dangerous glint flashed over the ice blue of his eyes, and his hand raised in what might have been a soothing gesture, or something else completely. Eyes narrowed in distrust, Duo continued backwards, but Quatre pulled away from his guiding hand, slumping forward in what might have been exhaustion or pain. Before Duo could take hold of him again, he had fallen to his knees, hands pressed tightly against his heart. Licking his lips in fear Duo brought the gun down to pay more attention to his fallen friend, even though he knew that such a move was dangerous. He just hoped that Nakago's movements would continue to be slow and unconcerned so he would have time to draw it up again should he try anything unexpected.

"Duo," Quatre hissed through clenched teeth. "I can't --" He struggled for a breath, wincing, his strength failing him as he slumped into Duo's support. This wasn't good.

"What seems to be the matter?" Came Nakago's voice in a forced concerned tone.

"Just keep your distance," Duo commanded over his shoulder as he tried to help Quatre up. "I'll take care of it."

"Gently," Quatre breathed the word. Whether he meant Duo should handle him more gently or he should be dealing more gently with Nakago Duo couldn't tell. But he had never been a politician. If Nakago wanted to make friends of them he wouldn't be acting so suspiciously. Duo wasn't planning on giving him any benefit of the doubt.

"Gently yourself," he muttered, his hands massaging his friend's shoulders and arms. "What's wrong?"

"If you'd let me take a look --" Nakago said behind him, and then he heard the footstep grind the gravel of the pathway. It was close enough to set off a complete reaction. He released Quatre, turning and lifting his gun in the same smooth motion. He pulled the trigger at the same moment he thought -- you just overstepped the boundary.--

"Duo!" Quatre's painful shout of surprise brought his eyes back to where he expected to see Nakago's body, his Halloween outfit soaking up his blood. But Nakago still stood in all his terrible serenity, his hand upraised in a globe of blue light. And also in that blue light was Duo's bullet, suspended and rolling slowly within the azure circle. Eyes wide all Duo could do was stare in disbelief. He heard the pistol clatter on the rocks before he realized that he'd dropped it in shock. What was this man that he could stop bullets with his hand?

"Don't be foolish, boy," Nakago smiled. "I just want to help." While Duo stood motionless with shock the taller blonde bent down, picking up Quatre in a smooth, gentle action. The bullet lay harmless on the ground. Quatre sighed peacefully in Nakago's arms, but slumped forward wearily once Nakago had placed him in the saddle of his horse. In another smooth motion, the mysterious man had mounted behind him, holding him about the waist to ensure he wouldn't fall off. Then he looked at Duo.

"Are you coming?" He demanded coldly. "You will be needed as well." Needed? For what? He wouldn't have gone, but the man had Quatre and he couldn't leave him unprotected and hurting like he was.

"Yeah, I'm coming," he grumbled, giving the bullet a careful look as he passed on his way to the horse's side. "But I'd watch myself if I were you. Not everyone can stop a bullet from behind the way they can from the front." Nakago smiled again, as if humoring him. Duo immediately didn't like him. He smiled too much, but it never reached his eyes. Quatre's eyelids fluttered open and closed, and Duo reached up to put his hand on his arm, letting him know he was there and he wouldn't abandon him. The muscles under his fingertips tightened periodically as fresh rivets of pain spasmed through him, and it was in this manner that they made their way to Nakago's city, Kutou.

The moment Quatre was lifted from the saddle he was taken into the arms of yet another stranger, this one more odd than the first. Duo began to protest, but Nakago's arm on his shoulder prevented it. The man now holding Quatre was tall, thin, and snake like. His face was painted with streaks and stripes of white, black, and gold, and his fingernails were long and claw like. Quatre's skin was flushed now, and he murmured feverishly, his eyes closed tightly against whatever pain had taken control of him.

"What's going on?" Duo demanded, struggling against Nakago's grip as the other man carried Quatre away. Splitting up was the worst thing they could do right now. He had to stay with him, especially since he didn't know what was wrong with him yet. "Don't take him away like that!"

"Hush, boy," Nakago hissed in his ear. "We are simply going to care for him. You can go to him later, understand?"

"What do you want with us?" Duo's eyes narrowed and he stopped his struggles, trying to stare the answer out of the strange man. "Why won't you let me go with him? What's wrong with him?"

"He is under Tomo's care, do not fear. The priest will be taken care of better than you are thinking. He is very special, you realize."

"He's not a priest." Duo was waiting now, for the right moment to break away and run after Tomo, or whatever the strange name had been. Nakago ignored him.

"Come," he commanded, still having hold of Duo's arm and now steering him toward an impressive chinese building. "We have an audience with the emperor, and then your questions will be answered." Duo went along, he had no choice, but secretly he kept looking for every opportunity to get away and find his fellow Gundam pilot.

The palace was indeed very nice, though stiff and formal, rather like a fortress. The steps and floors shone, and their footsteps echoed off the white and blue marble. They passed several corridors until they reached the throne room where the emperor of Hokkan was waiting. His palace was intimidating, but he himself was not. He appeared ill experienced and ugly sitting there waiting for Nakago to report. Duo decided that he didn't like him either. He didn't like anything about this place.

"Nakago," the gruff voice said the name as a request. A deep brown eye studied Duo from under shaggy brows, wondering at his strange clothes and arrogant manner. Duo stared right back, his arm tense under Nakago's fingers, waiting for the moment when he could break away.

"I bring before you the sixth Warrior of Seiryu." Though the rest of the court, standing strategically back away towards the sides of the wall gasped at this impressive statement, the emperor was less than thrilled. He frowned slightly, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm on the arm of his throne.

"And what good will that do us?" He asked calmly. "Six warriors, Nakago, do nothing for us without the priest, and in case you have forgotten how to count, we seem to be missing someone. Besides, the boy appears unsuitable for our cause." Nakago's blue eyes narrowed. Duo felt a shudder of dread pass through him. He knew what was coming.

"The priest has been found," Nakago assured his ruler in a soft voice that spoke of challenge. Another ripple of gasps circled the court. Duo's eyes circled with it, trying to see everyone at once, and possible escape routes. This wasn't happening. How had they gotten there first of all? Nakago seemed to know. What was Seiryu? Was that the country perhaps? Or something else? How could he be a warrior when he didn't know where he was or what was going on? And how could Quatre be a priest? Quatre. What was Tomo doing to him? What was wrong with him? And most importantly, how could he get to him?

The emperor was interested now, leaning forward eagerly in his throne. "Indeed," he said, smiling slightly. "You've really found him?" Nakago smiled again, and Duo knew that he was just playing a humble game. He wanted power, and he didn't intend on stopping with what he already had.

"He is with Tomo," he replied, nodding.

"Bring him forth!"

"Unfortunately, such a thing is not possible. The priest appears to be ill and must remain under Tomo's care." The emperor scowled at having his order be tossed aside, and his eyes went back to Duo.

"And this one? You say he's the sixth warrior?" It was as if he needed his dignity back from having made the mistake in commanding that Quatre be brought before him.

"I'm certain."

"A demonstration perhaps? I see no character." The emperor sneered, enjoying his power of Nakago, knowing how much Nakago despised his leader. And he did know, Duo could tell. He knew exactly how much Nakago wished to take his position. This place is so dangerous, he thought. I've got to get Quatre out of here. Nakago bowed, and Duo tensed. He knew what the word demonstration meant for him. A fight with someone. Nakago released his arm, and stepped away. Was it him? Should he even try to play Nakago's game? Maybe if he didn't fight he could convince them all that it was just a big mistake. He wasn't supposed to be here, and he was no warrior.

Yet it was nothing but warrior's instinct that made him crouch down at the last possible second as a whip hissed past his ear. That had come from the wrong direction for it to have been Nakago. Behind him then. His hand automatically went to his gun, but he pulled it away quickly as he turned around. No point in showing them his last trick until he was desperate. Besides, he didn't want to kill his opponent, just get away. Escape was priority, and to escape he needed to get past the woman who was smirking before him, the black whip in her hand. A woman? This was a demonstration of his skill?

"Soi," Nakago barked, and her eyes flashed to him for an instant and an instant only, the command given in that short of time. So her name was Soi, or it might be an order given in the language of this peculiar people. She smiled wickedly, and prettily. She was attractive with her slim, tall, warrior's build. Was she a warrior too?

The whip hissed again and he cartwheeled out of the way, knowing that he would have to dodge over and over for the amusement of the court. But what if he fought back? The black leather snapped out, and Duo was already tired of the game. It was time to end. He didn't dodge this time, but held up his arms, grabbing hold of the whip as it wrapped about his wrist and yanking it with all his strength. The emperor leaned forward once more in wonderment as Duo pulled Soi to her knees, the whip no longer in her hands. The weapon was his, and Soi looked surprised. He looked to the emperor, clenching the whip tightly and ignoring the sting the whip had caused.

"I am not who you think I am," he said in a low dangerous tone. "And I don't belong here." The emperor gave a frightened glance at Nakago, who clapped his hands once. Duo pivoted, just in time to see Nakago rush forward, intent on disarming him or restraining him. Either one was not what Duo had in mind. In desperation he flicked the whip out, his heart beat speeding with what was going on and his wrist burning. It was caught deftly, doing no damage to the blonde general, and he was disarmed as easily as Soi had been. That might have been because Duo's wrist was on fire, or it could have been because Nakago was stronger than Duo had anticipated.

"Enough," Nakago hissed, smiling and coiling the whip into a neat circle. "That will do." Soi stepped to his side to retrieve her whip before slipping back into the shadows of the courtroom walls. As she moved away Duo saw a chinese character glowing a dim blue on her neck. A tattoo? But it was glowing. "Reveal your wrist to the emperor." His wrist? Nakago waited expectantly for him to move. He wouldn't have obeyed the order, but he wanted to look at his wrist. There was no blood, but it burned badly. Stinging more sharply than any wound the whip would have caused. Something was going on.

When he turned over his arm and looked, he heard more than one person in the room gasp, and he was included in that number. A character was glowing there, bright blue and burning. His hand shook. No! How could that be? Was he really one of their warriors? His heartbeat was now throbbing in his ears with fear and he stared at his wrist until his eyes blurred. It doesn't mean anything, he thought. Nakago did something. They can't force me to fight for them because I have this. . .whatever this is. It just isn't possible!

"Congratulations, Nakago," the emperor was eyeing Duo with a twisted affection now, and Duo found himself backing away. Quick Duo, he thought as Nakago went down into a mocking bow. Now! The word in his mind was like his own gunshot and he sprinted out of the doors before anyone could prevent him. He had to find Quatre. Had to get him out of this place before they were trapped for good. Had to get him home, back to the colonies. They didn't belong here.

Shouts persued him down the darkened corridors, but they grew distant as he ran on. He ducked into rooms, hoping with each door that he would open it to Quatre. Where would they have taken him? The middle rooms of course. Always keep prisoners in the middle rooms, as far away from exists as possible. That's where they would put him.

He thanked his tracking abilities when he finally opened the door to the right room. Quatre was there, apparently asleep on a small bed in the corner. His breathing was shallow, and his eyes tightly closed. Duo tip toed up to him, scanning the room for Tomo, though he was no where in sight.

"Quatre, oye, Quatre," he tapped the blonde boy's shoulder gently, though even that caused him to flinch. "We don't have much time, and I'm not leaving without you." He had a sudden wish, a desperate wish, that Heero or Trowa were there with him. They could get out easily then. The only thing he had to depend on to get him out of here was his own sneaking talents. But could he carry Quatre? It didn't look good for him. For either of them, really, but worse for Sandrock's pilot. What was wrong with him? He'd been fine until. . .until Nakago had shown up.

Aqua eyes were staring up at him now, sleepy and confused. He smiled in relief and helped Quatre up to a semi-sitting position. It made the other boy wince with some unknown pain, and he whimpered softly.

"How are you feeling?" Duo whispered, eyes still scanning for Tomo and his ears straining for footsteps in the outside corridor. Beneath his fingers, he felt Quatre trembling and also the heat of fever. "Can you walk?" Quatre shook his head slowly, slumping against Duo as he was too weak to move for himself. He couldn't even speak, and his eyes were soon closed once more. Duo bit his lip, tugging Quatre up. He'd have to carry him, somehow, and get back. He knew that Quatre was too weak for this, that he should have help, but help provided by the people of Seiryu, or whatever this place was, was not the kind of help that Duo wanted.

"That is not advisable," came a hissing voice, causing Duo to jerk his head around to see Tomo, standing very calmly by the door. "The priest should not be moved right now. To do so would prove unwise for his health." Duo tightened his hold on his friend, who moaned softly.

"What's wrong with him?" He demanded, knowing that he couldn't get away, but at least wanting to know why Quatre was in such pain. Tomo made an oddly comforting, soothing gesture and Quatre was quiet once more, his muscles relaxing.

"A fever," the strange, painted man said calmly, studying Duo with a strange glint in his eyes. Duo wasn't sure what kind of a look it was supposed to be, but it was strangely frightening. "A high fever."

"But what caused it? He was fine!" Tomo shrugged.

"Who can say? I will care for him." Duo opened his mouth to ask another question, but the door opening made it catch in his throat. Nakago stood there, formidable and evil. Evil? Yes, Duo was sure of it. No one else could smile like that. No one who had any goodness about them. Even the OZ soldiers he had faced could not smile that way. It made his skin prickle.

"Well done," Nakago growled, piercing Duo with his frozen glare. "You've proven yourself to the emperor." Duo swallowed, standing away from Quatre, allowing him to fall back on the pillows. Tomo hurried from the door to lay one hand on the blonde's forehead. It made Quatre sigh. "But you're unwilling to cooperate with me aren't you?"

"I don't know anything about you," Duo hissed. "I don't know anything about this place." The smile never moved, but the cold eyes never changed either.

"Then let me give you an explanation." He took hold of Duo's shoulder, and steered him out of the room, leaving Quatre behind with Tomo. "We are warriors of Seiryu, you and I. It is our duty to protect the priest, your friend. It is also our duty to protect the land of Seiryu from those who would control it. Even now to the south, the warriors of Suzaku are being gathered. Perhaps they have found their priestess as we speak. We must attack them before they reach us, to protect our fair land. Understand?" Duo understood, but the explanation rang false. Whatever Nakago was intending with gathering warriors, it was not to protect his land, but to control other lands. Nakago wanted power, that was obvious, and Duo wanted no part in his games. "I have use of you."

"How did you bring us here?" He was sure of this now. It had been Nakago that had caused the conduit of blue light that had ripped them from their world and into this nightmare. It had been Nakago.

"Seiryu brought you here. It is part of the beast god's plan." Duo didn't say anything to this, only twisted out of the general's grasp. Wriggling free and darting down another hall. I'm sorry, Quatre, he thought. I'll have to come back for you later. Unfortunately, down that other hall, rushing straight for him, was the largest wolf that Duo had ever seen. He stopped short, staring at it in disbelief. What was an animal as dangerous as that doing in a royal palace? Duo tensed for an attack.

"Ashtare," Nakago's gruff voice sounded directly behind him. "Back." The wolf whined, cringing before the man and retreating the other way. Duo blinked, ready to sprint off again, but Nakago had him once more.

"I see we cannot come to an understanding," Nakago sneered. His hand pressed into Duo's
neck, and the world went dark.

When Duo once again returned to his senses, he found his arms chained above him. The area was enclosed completely, save for an arrow slit far up along the dark wall that made for a sliver of moonlight to creep inside. It glittered off a pool of standing water in the center of what must be his cell. Nakago had won. Quatre was unprotected and sick, and he was trapped.