Part 3: The Emperor
Beautiful, was the first thing Ayden thought of as the little company entered the palace courtyard. It spread out to either side in lovely Chinese style, a flight of steps covered in red carpet leading up to the main entrance. The gate had two large bronze statues of perched phoenixes, tails sweeping downward to beckon any who wished to enter. Fountains whispered excitedly in the yard, echoed by the guards and nobles who were standing about. All eyes turned to the band, more specifically to Ayden who was riding at the head on Chichiri's paint, and then to Trowa and Heero. Murmurs followed them like shadows, pieces of "the priestess" and "she's finally here" floated up and around them, and by the time they were all inside the gate the emperor himself was standing at the top of the staircase robed in scarlet glory.
Chichiri leaped from off the horse, allowing the reins to dangle as he bowed before the emperor. Mitsukake was already in a kneeling position, and Amiboshi and Suboshi were moving identically to follow the healer's action. Tasuki gave a cry of "your highness!" as he ungracefully slid out of the saddle. Heero remained mounted, but Trowa was suddenly at her side, reaching up to take the paint's reins. His hand reached up for hers to help her dismount. She slipped down easily into his arms, smiling immaturely at him. He didn't say anything, and as soon as she was safely out of the saddle he took his hands away and stepped back.
"Welcome to my palace, priestess," came the royal invitation of the emperor, making her turn her attention away from Trowa and back to what was going on. All of her warriors, that sounded so odd, her warriors, were kneeling now and she wondered if she should do the same. No, he had his hand extended. Oh why hadn't she asked Chichiri the protocol of this place? "We have awaited you."
The trek up those red carpeted steps was so long Ayden was sure she'd never reach the man at the top. She had to fight not to look over her shoulder at her kneeling warriors, wanting to see Trowa and Heero, wanting to know if they were kneeling too. Fighting herself every two steps to keep herself from running back down, grabbing Trowa's hand, mounting that horse and galloping off into the mountains, back to the Gundam and seeing how far it would take them on however much fuel was left, if any.
"Whatever I have is yours," came a whispered voice that made her realize that she had finally gotten to the top. The emperor, the emperor himself, had just offered her anything! She trembled with a strange mixture of fear and excitement. Up close she noticed just how beautiful the emperor was. His eyes, she didn't know where she found the courage to look into them, were sparkling gold. His smile, that was how she'd found the courage, was soft and friendly. He took her hand and raised it to his lips in a courtly gesture. She felt herself blush. Had Trowa seen that?
"Thank you, Majesty," she stuttered, unsure if that was the appropriate response. He was smiling expectantly. What did he want her to do? The entire court was holding its breath collectively. They were waiting too. But waiting for what? Should she kneel like the others? Say something? Do a tap dance? She looked up to the emperor for help, but he only smiled encouragingly. She bit her lip, then glanced over her shoulder, meeting the eyes of all the court.
Just as she was about to ask the emperor exactly what everyone was waiting for she heard the voice of Chichiri ring out over the tense silence. "Long live the priestess, you know!" The court erupted into applause and she turned to beam at the blue haired man. She made a mental note to thank him for that when she saw him next. He stood, smiling at her, his hand raised in a fist. Tasuki did the same, making it a sort of pledge. Amiboshi and Suboshi, mirror images of each other, repeated the gesture. Mitsukake nodded as he rose his fist high above the others. Even Heero, though the action was stiff, raised his own clenched hand up. But Trowa, her own, sweet Trowa, was standing beside his horse, his hands at his sides, eyes focused oddly on the emperor. What was he thinking? There was nothing else about his stance to give her any clues. She turned to ask the emperor if she could go back down to him, to ask him what was wrong, but she never got the chance.
"Come with me, Lady Ayden," the emperor whispered, offering her his arm. "We have much to talk about." The doors shut out the sound of excited applause, the warriors of Suzaku, and Trowa, completely.
If the outside of the palace was incredible the inside was inspiring. Scarlet carpets ran trails down the halls, the ceiling rose high in gilded splendour. In the center of the court, a phoenix fountain gurgled faintly, the only sound in the place. Ayden gaped about her, at the gilded throne, at the carvings on the walls, and then back at the emperor himself. She found him gazing at her with the same sort of awe that she knew must be on her face. Smiling nervously, she clawed her blonde hair away from her face, aware once again that she was indeed the only blonde girl in the entire country. Once she got over her relief of being away from the crowd, she was again nervous as to how to act around the emperor. Was this to be an informal meeting? She decided to remain on her tip-top best behavior until she could get back to Trowa. She could be herself around him, at least, she thought she could.
The emperor led her to a small room toward the left of the throne, a secret door that could not be seen in the perfect camoflauge of the scarlet wall. Inside the room were only two small cushions on the floor. The emperor took one, settling himself on his heels in a perfect example of what a Chinese leader should look like. With an elegant gesture he held his hand out to the other cushion, indicating she should also take a seat. Stiffly, she lowered herself, realizing that her ribs had begun aching again. No time to worry about that though, she was alone in a secret room with the leader of an undiscovered country. And a circus girl had no idea how to act around royalty, and when one got right down to it, priestess or no, she was nothing but an acrobat.
At first there was no speaking, she didn't know what she was supposed to do or say, and he wasn't in a hurry to give her any information. He just sat there, looking at her. Every once in a while she would look up into his golden eyes, only to blush and look hurriedly down again. He was so beautiful, but it made her guilty to think that. Then it made her blush because she felt guilty that she thought that a beautiful man was indeed beautiful. And it was then that she discovered that she didn't understand herself at all, and the silence went on.
"I can't believe you're actually sitting across from me," the emperor finally whispered in a rich tenor voice. She looked at her hands resting on her knees, and felt herself blush again. The shadow that fell on the floor from the candle behind him made her see him shake his head. "You're so beautiful." She turned as crimson as the carpet.
"Thank you, Majesty," she stuttered, wondering why putting together three words was such a difficult task all of a sudden. "But I don't know why I'm here or what I'm supposed to do."
"Hotohori, Lady Ayden," he corrected gently. "I am yours, not the other way around. To them I am the emperor, to you I am your warrior." He reached an elegant hand up to pull at the collar of his scarlet robes to reveal a red Chinese character tattooed into his neck. It was that signal that made all her doubt drop away. Everything that had been said to her was true. And the way she could feel the energy from that Chinese character, she also knew that she was supposed to stay here and fulfill the prophesy.
"Okay," she murmured, eyes fixed on the character. Hotohori looked puzzled. "I'll do it. I'll be your priestess. Only. . ." He raised an eyebrow. "I need some daggers." He smiled.
"That can be arranged," he sounded amused. "And then we can get started." She had no idea what he meant by started, but figured it might be safer to just nod and ask Chichiri later. He seemed to have all the answers, and be willing to share. Besides, she didn't want to appear stupid in front of the emperor, especially since she had just admitted that she was indeed the priestess he had been waiting for. They all had such perfect faith in her. Hotohori looked on her as if he expected her to glow with some angelic glory, or fly away. There was no way she could disappoint him by asking what she was supposed to start. She shifted uncomfortably on the cushion, trying to find a position that would ease her aching ribs. Hotohori, intent on every move she made, noticed it immediately.
"Is something wrong, Lady Ayden?" He questioned anxiously, a hand outstretched as if he wanted to touch her, but holding back as if afraid of hurting her. She opened her mouth, ready to tell him about her injury, but he didn't let her speak. "But of course, I've been rather rude bringing you here first without allowing you to rest and eat. Come, we will rejoin the others and you may refresh yourself." He rose, a graceful sliding motion upwards, and she found herself oddly admiring the strength of the emperor's knees. As a typical performer, she always watched the way people moved. And the way the emperor moved reminded her of a snake. Not the way one usually thinks of snakes, no, he was far too kind for that sort of connotation. No, just the way he moved, every part of his body as one, everything graceful, smooth, and slow. Yes, Hotohori was a snake. . .but a good one. He offered his hand to her to help raise her from the cushion, apologizing again for his inconsideration. She didn't mind the assistance, her ribs hurt enough that she probably needed it, but he kept her hand on his arm, escorting her as all proper gentlemen should, all the way to the parlor.
At least, she thought it might be a parlor. It was as large as the entire big top tent, with another phoenix fountain gurgling pleasantly in the center. Around the room were placed cushions of various colors and sizes, and small tables piled high with platters of fruit. She thought it was fruit anyway. Like the rest of the palace, all the walls were a dazzling scarlet, while the floors were a sand scrubbed white. All of her warriors, she found that term coming easier to her now, were seated on cushions about the room. The moment she entered, Trowa stood quickly from where he was kneeling next to Heero. . until he saw Hotohori behind her. Then he took a step backwards and went back down to the floor. Heero looked up, nodded, and then returned to his conversation with Trowa. . .whatever it was they were talking about.
"Ah, there you are, you know," Chichiri spoke up from where he seemed to be giving the twins a lecture of some kind. "We've been waiting for you, Priestess." The twins looked up with eager eyes, hopeful eyes. And Mitsukake looked at her with concerned and knowing eyes. "And you too, emperor. We need to make preparations for the journey, you know." Hotohori nodded sagely, coming to join the blue haired warrior. Just as he sat down, Mitsukake stood up, coming to Ayden's side and placing a cool hand on her ribs.
"Come over here," he commanded in his soft, gentle voice. "We'll let them talk for a moment while I heal your poor ribs. I've only just received my power back after your guardian. . ." he looked behind his shoulder, but Heero was not paying attention. Trowa, however, was, and immediately came over to them as if Mitsukake had summoned him. He sat down next to Ayden, closer than Hotohori had been. She heard herself sigh. Trowa was back, and next to her, and it was all right.
Warm, green light poured into her from Mitsukake's hand, easing the ache, fading it into nothing. He really was a healer; his power was real. She gasped as her fatigue vanished into the green light and evaporated away. As the green light dimmed, she finally saw the character on the palm of Mitsukake's hand. That was her signal. This was how she would know them. They all must have one. Hotohori on his neck, Mitsukake on his hand. She looked up at Trowa, wondering if he could be one of the warriors too. As the pain faded she found herself marveling at Mitsukake's strange power once again. He had healed Heero when he was at the point of death, and now he had healed her. She looked up to find him smiling gently down at her.
"You can heal anything," she muttered in awe. Of course she had seen him heal Heero, but it made it more real to have him heal herself. He just smiled, gave a knowing look to Trowa, and rose to join Chichiri and the emperor.
"What did he do?" Trowa sounded almost worried, watching her as if he expected her to fall apart. Indeed she had never felt better in her life, but she had had more explained to her than Trowa had.
"It's ok, Trowa," she assured him. "He's a healer. He won't hurt anyone." Trowa still looked doubtful. "He was the one that healed Heero." Trowa bit his lip, his hands nervously playing with the lace of the shirt they had given him. "So what are we doing, Trowa?" She had been away from them for a long time, they must have talked over this whole thing by now.
"We're going along with you. We're your guardians, for now. They have the advantage here, so we're going to have to follow until we can find a way home. Do they still believe you are the priestess?"
"More than ever." She wanted to tell him that she believed it too. That she really was the priestess. She wanted to tell him that she could feel the life energy of every person in the room. She could feel Tasuki's discomfort at being in the fine palace. She could feel Chichiri's concern over the details of the journey, and Hotohori's for the safety of his people. Mitsukake's weariness from healing her was there faintly. Even the twins' energy was there, excited and vibrant. She could even feel Heero's distrust. She could feel them in her body, pulsing through her. All of them were there. Everyone except the person she should feel closest to. Everyone was there in her head, except the one sitting right next to her. She couldn't feel Trowa. His feelings were sealed, foreign and cold. Didn't he feel? She shook her head. Of course he could feel, more than Heero if she guessed right. So why wasn't he in her head too? Why was he closed off? Maybe it was a gradual thing. She hadn't been able to feel any of them when she'd first arrived, and now they were all there. Maybe it would take a little longer before she could feel Trowa too. That must be it. That's all it was.
Trowa's low growl brought her from her puzzled thoughts. What now? She looked up and saw Hotohori coming over to them. Was Trowa jealous of the emperor? Or was he noticing something that she hadn't and didn't trust him? But why wouldn't he trust him?
"Lady Ayden," the emporer. "Are you ready to join us?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw Trowa's glare, saw the coldness in his expression. She was going to have to be careful in both relationships if she wanted to keep them. Respect for the emperor, and gentleness for Trowa, and that's all she could do.
"Yes," she gave Trowa a smile. "We're ready to discuss what we'll do now, Majesty." He looked ready to correct her use of the appellation, but one glance at Trowa and he closed his mouth before saying a word. In a nervous group they made their way over to Chichiri and the twins where the emperor offered her a seat next to him with a gracious and elegant sweep of his hand. And once she had sat down, Trowa immediately folded his long legs crosslegged right next to her. Chichiri gave them all a knowing stare and smile, then he shook his head and spread a map in the center of the circle.
"Kutou is congregating in large groups around us here, you know," he pointed to a boundary with a finger, tracing along. "The emperor wouldn't be doing that if he had everything he needed to win, so we have a little time. But we must be very careful, you know. If he thinks we have more than they do then he will bring down every soldier he has into the capital, you know."
"The coward," Tasuki growled, hand clenched. Heero nodded his agreement to the statement from his standing position behind the scarlet haired bandit. "He knows there will be no way we can raise enough forces to match him, not even if we take every able bodied man from fifteen to sixty!"
"We can't do anything without the last warrior," Suboshi murmured as he watched the invisible enemy line surrounding the eastern boundary of the land of Konan. "But now that you're here," he paused to give Ayden a hopeful smile. "We should be able to find him in no time." Chichiri shook his head no.
"We need some help, you know," he said. "We can't just march out of the capital and announce that we're searching for the last warrior. If we let them know that the Miko is here then we won't be out the gate before the entire army is on us. Konan is too large. We wouldn't even get started before someone would find out. And how long do you think it will take for them to execute her?" Ayden felt a shiver run through her. Execution? She was the priestess, of that she was sure, but now she wasn't sure that she really wanted to be. Trowa's hand clenched and he moved it closer to her without seeming to be aware of the motion. She looked down at it, then up at him, finding him staring at her intently with such an expression in his eyes that it was clearly read that he would protect her as best he possibly could. It was comforting, if slightly.
"So what do you suggest, Chichiri?" Hotohori questioned in a deep voice. "How do we make a search without any interference?"
"Well, we can't conduct a poll, you know. No advertisement. I'd suggest making a visit to Taitskun. She'll be able to help us." Suboshi snorted, gaining himself a disapproving look from Chichiri.
"What good will she do us if we can't find her?" He defended his outburst.
"What choice do we have?" Amiboshi asked his brother, fingering his flute nervously. "We can't put Lady Ayden in danger, or the capital," he blushed as he looked at the emperor and added the last. "And if he's grouping his forces he doesn't mean to wait long before attacking anyway, even if he hasn't found his Miko. We have to move fast and silent."
"Any relative location known for Taitskun?" Heero questioned softly, yet with enough purpose in his voice to make everyone turn to consider him seriously. "Or are we moving blind again?" Ayden forced her mouth to close. Heero was going to help them! He wanted to be a part of their mission. Chichiri cleared his throat to hide his surprise.
"That is the problem, you know," he began slowly. Everyone spoke carefully around Heero, Ayden was finding out. "The mountain of Taitskun moves around, you know. It's never in the same place twice."
"And what exactly is she supposed to do for us that would be more profitable than conducting the search?" Heero still stood stoicly with arms folded, a formidable presense.
"She has Suzaku's scroll in which is documented characteristics of all of the Bird God's warriors," Chichiri explained softly. "Once we have that scroll we will be in a better position to find the last warrior. It won't take as long and we'll have more time to prepare ahead of Kutou's army. And the scroll also contains the spell needed to summon Suzaku."
"And have you ever been to this mountain?"
"Once."
"And where was it when you found it?" Chichiri licked his lips and pointed to country just beyond the boundary of Kutou enemy. Hotohori closed his eyes and Tasuki groaned loudly. But Heero just nodded.
"Then we'll head that way and she'll find us. Trowa and I will go, along with you, you, and you." He had chosen Chichiri, Tasuki, and Suboshi as his traveling companions.
"I'm going too," Ayden chimed in before she knew what she was saying. She didn't want to walk into danger, necessarily, but she also didn't want to stay at the palace with the emperor and without Trowa.
"And I," Hotohori nodded determinedly, but Heero shook his head.
"You're needed here to run your kingdom and make preparation for war, Sire," he explained in such a matter of fact tone that not even the emperor could dispute with him. "And as for you," he looked at Ayden and she knew there would be no way she could argue her way into going once he had put the final argument towards the negative.
"She has to come, you know," Chichiri broke in, the only one brave enough to interrupt Heero. "Who else would be able to read the writing of Suzaku? Who else would recognize the last warrior when she found him?" He shook his head. "None of us can do that, you know. She'll have to come."
"You can't take Suboshi without me," Amiboshi suddenly said once it was sure that Ayden was going. "We work in a twin set. Besides, that will bring it to the lucky number seven like it always should be." Heero looked about ready to protest the number. In fact, Ayden didn't doubt that he probably could have found the mountain and translated the script alone, but was simply taking them along for sake of appearances. Yet he eventually nodded his agreement to the addition.
"Seven then." His attention then turned to the emperor. "We'll need horses and provisions and weapons. We'll leave tonight."
"As you say," the emperor agreed, then rose in a graceful motion, as if this new plan had been his idea all along. "Lady Ayden, if you would come with me. I'd like to discuss something further with you." He gave a deadly glance in Trowa's direction, then raised an uncertain-looking Ayden to her feet. They had gone together before Trowa could say anything in protest.
He watched her leave on the arm of the most powerful man in the kingdom. He was nothing to the power of the throne, he knew. He was nothing to her in the first place except a target. But hadn't she called herself his partner? Or didn't that mean anything now that they were here, far from the circus grounds? Words were only sounds. Almost useless really when it came down to truth. But the way her laughter echoed down the hall and back to him once she was out of sight was far more powerful than anything she might have said. He shook his head. They barely knew each other! And yet. . .that man. . .with her. . .Trowa felt his hand clench tightly.
"Better take care what you look at with that kind of expression," Heero's voice whispered the caution in his ear. A gentle elbow in his side made him unclench his hand and give Heero his attention. Heero's knowing eyes were also following the path that Ayden and the emperor had taken from the room, but when he turned to look at Trowa there was a faint trace of amusement to them as well. It was surprisingly embarrassing.
"What do you mean?" Trowa hid his shame by pretending to be very interested in watching Chichiri fold the map. Heero switched to Japanese since the twins were very close and looking rather eager to listen in.
"I mean you should remember who that man is and where we are before you worry on whether he's courting her or not. Once we leave the city you'll have her all to yourself. We owe him a lot, remember. He took us in readily and without question. Now is not the best time to get into a possession battle, especially when she hasn't made her choice yet." For the first time since he had met him, Trowa hated Heero's observation abilities. And what would he know about it anyway? Trowa hadn't even figured out his feelings himself yet. What would make Heero so knowledgeable on the subject? What did he mean she hadn't made her choice? What choice? Heero the unfeeling was giving him advice on how to feel. . .it was utter nonsense. So to save face he decided on the best possible course of action, changing the subject.
"Maybe we should both worry less about me and more about what we're going to be doing. I know you can get across any boundary you like and not think twice, but seven people with horses? How are you going to manage it?" Any topic change was a good one and even though Heero raised a quick eyebrow he eventually shrugged and said nothing more about Ayden and the emperor.
"You won't have to worry so much about the secrecy. I want you to protect Ayden, and have Tasuki with you. He seems to be a good fighter and I doubt you'll have any problems with him as you would with the twins." Tasuki looked up from the other side of the room as he heard his name in the jumble of Japanese. He smiled broadly, bowed, and went back to talking with Mitsukake. Yes, Heero was definitely right about him. He was always on alert, and he did seem very quick and worthy of praise in a fight. And he was older and more experienced than the twins. Tasuki as a companion was an excellent choice.
"Fine," he agreed. "But what will you be doing?"
"Duo isn't the only one who can make himself invisible. If he can hide a Gundam from all radar that OZ controls, then I can hide seven warriors on horseback from an army." And that was all Trowa could get him to say of the matter. With a normal person that would mean that they had no clue how to accomplish the goal, but this was Heero. He had the plan already mapped out in perfect detail, right down to the last muddy hoofprint. Heero gave him a last nod and then went over to Chichiri to ask him for the map to study more carefully, leaving Trowa to himself.
"It really is a beautiful language," whispered an awe filled voice somewhere to his right. Deciding he didn't really want to think anymore, he turned to find Amiboshi seated on a scarlet cushion, looking up at him with wonderment. "It was spoken here once, but we've lost the lore from that age." He seemed disappointed. "I was wondering," his words grew rapid and he splurted out the last in a rush. "I was wondering if you could teach me."
"Heero is better at it than I am," Trowa muttered, wondering how he had gotten into this in the first place. "It is not my native language."
"But you know it. I'd be willing to pay for my lessons, and it is going to be a long trip to the border. Won't you teach me?" Teaching Japanese was the last thing Trowa had ever suspected he would be doing, but Amiboshi looked so earnest and genuine about wanting to learn, and it was a useful thing to know.
"Why do you want to learn so badly?" He had to know at least this before he would agree. Amiboshi turned scarlet.
"I was hoping," he faltered, looking down at the embroidery of the cushion. "That if I knew it. . .then maybe the Lady Ayden." Trowa groaned and turned to leave by the nearest door he found, which happened to lead into an open courtyard. Did everyone want her attention? Granted she was special, but shouldn't she belong. . .No, wait, he stopped himself thinking that. She didn't belong to anyone, so technically she was free to do as she pleased. But did he really want to teach the boy a language for no other purpose than to impress a girl?
"Trowa! Wait!" He stopped short, but didn't turn around. "I know you're closer to her than I'd ever be, but for my entire life I've always wanted to be with her. I want to know everything about her and where she came from, and that includes the language. I'll never come between you, I promise, but please, won't you teach me so I can at least say a proper good-bye when you leave?"
"You don't need an entire language to say good-bye!" Trowa was feeling marvelously vicious, and taking out frustrations on Amiboshi was doing wonders for him. Even though he really wanted to be taking them out on Hotohori. "What's the real reason?" Amiboshi blushed again, and fingered the flute at his belt.
"I wrote a song for her," he finally explained in a half whisper. "But it doesn't have any words yet because I wanted them to be in your language to make it special." He was almost crying, and it made Trowa realize how important Ayden was to these people. She carried all their hope in her smile. She carried all their lore and prophesy in her accent. He found that he couldn't even tell the boy that she didn't even know Japanese because of what it would do to his hope. Trowa knew what it was like to have all hope stored in something. He knew what it felt like to have it taken away. He didn't want anyone to have to go through that, even someone he didn't know.
"Fine then, but in return," Amiboshi looked hopeful. "I want you to teach me how you play the flute like you do." He smiled happily and quickly brought out a small knife.
"You hollow out an apple branch while we start." Trowa was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to laugh. It was safe here, and Amiboshi was certainly no one who he should feel threatened by. In fact, the way the boy's eyes followed him with such admiration as he secured a suitable apple branch, he was certain that they might even end up as friends. Perhaps staying here wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps they were brought here for a reason. Either way, he was not going to fight it anymore.
He was just teaching Amiboshi the basics of grammar and simple greetings while carving away at the branch when the unmistakable sound of a dagger thwacking into wood cut his "konnichi wa" up short. Amiboshi considered him, waiting for him to continue. Trowa was on his feet, the branch left behind but the small knife still in his hand. There were no screams, but still the sound of weaponry made him again uneasy. He was supposed to be protecting Ayden, and that meant from everything, even a threat from within the palace grounds.
"What is it?" Amiboshi was suddenly next to him, his head cocked as he listened for whatever Trowa had heard. Trowa motioned him to be silent with a hand, the other still holding the dagger. The sound came again, this time with a small shout. He knew where it was coming from now. . .just over the wall.
Amiboshi was still looking at him, half in awe and half as though Trowa had lost all sense. Trowa, however, was paying no attention to him. He was concentrating on the wall. With only a few steps backward he launched himself up, landing in a crouch at the top. He took swift aim and let the dagger fly, ready to jump down and continue to fight if by some odd chance he had missed.
There was a clank of colliding metal as his dagger was thrown off course. It fell harmlessly into the dirt. It was then that Trowa saw who he had been aiming at. The emperor was standing in the courtyard, and Ayden only a little ways away. The sounds he had heard had been her, practicing her aim with her own new daggers. What he had taken for an attack had been no more than a practice session. And what's worse, he had almost injured Hotohori. If he hadn't drawn his sword so quickly there would have been no chance for him.
"Trowa!" Ayden screamed his name and he looked down at her. She was standing in shocked horror at what he had done. Indeed, he was shocked at himself. Surely he should have more control of himself than this. Intending to apologize, he dropped down on their side of the wall, landing in what he hoped would be taken as a humble kneel. Ayden was beside the emperor now, her hand on his arm as she studied his face. Was she so concerned over him? Trowa hadn't hit him. He'd done marvelously in defending himself, that was certain.
"What is the meaning of this?" Hotohori asked nodding at the fallen knife. Trowa looked up, looked at the shock on Ayden's face. That alone was what made him ashamed.
"Reflex, Your Majesty," he muttered in his defense. "I heard the daggers and suspected something. I let fly before I thought, and you have my deepest apologies." The emperor looked on him as if he had lost his mind.
"He means you no harm, Hotohori," Ayden was now intent on bringing Trowa back into favor. "I assure you. From where we're from Trowa is a great fighter, and as most warriors do he often acts before his mind can catch up to what is happening. It's been trained into him so intensely that I wouldn't doubt him springing to action when he hears anything like a fight." The emperor gazed at Ayden; Trowa's heart raced, but he held still in the kneeling crouch with head bowed against the sight.
"Is your world so harsh that it needs such fighters?" His voice dripped with sympathy.
"Right now it is, but not forever."
"How bold of you to leave your world of war for another world just as fierce. You are both strengthened in my eyes." Trowa stayed still until he could no longer hear the footsteps of the emperor. In the end he decided it all worth it just to be alone with Ayden.
She, however, didn't share his opinion. In fact, she looked as though she wanted to slap him, or throw that knife straight at him. Her eyes flashed like the glint of the blade, and he wondered if he dared even stand up. Truly, he hadn't meant to anger anyone against him.
"What do you think you're doing?" She hissed softly, bending to pick up the dagger he had thrown. "Do you mean to get yourself executed? I'm sure there's some 'punishable by death' law about drawing a weapon on the emperor. Or had you forgotten who he is?" No, thought Trowa. I seem to be reminded who he is at every turn. There is no way I could possibly forget now.
"Ayden, I. . " he paused, hating that look in her eye. Hating the disapproval of her gaze. "I'm sorry." She sighed, shaking her head.
"I guess it doesn't matter. I think he's forgiven you this time, but please Trowa, try to remember where you are and what we're doing here." She knelt beside him, tucking Amiboshi's knife back into his hand and stroking her fingers over the slit at his temple. He bent his head down, unable to look at her for the shame he had caused her.
"Oh, Trowa," she whispered next to him. "If only we could get out of this place. I'm sorry for bringing us here." He raised his eyes, trying to find some small word of comfort for her. She was just as alone here as he was, possibly even more so. They expected so much out of her. He opened his mouth, hoping that something would find its way out of it.
"There you are, you know," rang a sweet tenor from the shadowed entryway of the palace. "We've been looking for you. Come on, we need to make preparation for the journey, you know." Trowa shot a glare at poor Chichiri. Not that he had been able to say anything, but still.
"What is needed?" Ayden asked as she stood in a graceful sweep of her new clothes. In another second she was far away from Trowa and walking back into the palace with her blue haired warrior.
"Just you." Trowa followed at a little distance, watching her every movement and wondering why he couldn't say anything when in her presence.
When they arrived back in the meeting area, everyone was there already. Even Amiboshi had abandoned his courtyard and was now standing next to his brother, waiting. Trowa decided to be safe and stand next to Heero. The Japanese pilot acknowledged him with a quick nod. Once Trowa was in place, Heero gave the group a quick lookover. Hotohori was no where in the company, and Trowa was just as glad.
"The sun is setting," Heero announced, watching everyone at once. "We'll be off very shortly. Everyone is to understand that I am in charge of this mission and my authority is not to be questioned in anything. Is that clear?" Several nervous nods from the company. "All right. Once we get clear of the capital gates we're fair game to the enemy. Chichiri is going to lower our life force to avoid unneccessary attention. Tasuki and Trowa are to protect Ayden so no going off without either of them." Ayden nodded solemnly as Tasuki stepped behind her. He put a quick hand on her shoulder. If he had been anyone else, Trowa would have been enraged, but as it was Tasuki he didn't even acknowledge the action. "As for you two," he pinned the twins with one vicious stare. "Keep alert and ready. I'm going to need you both later. . especially your flute." Amiboshi turned bright red, but bowed in ready acceptance of the unknown mission. Heero stood with arms folded, surveying them all one last time.
"Let's get going," he commanded and led them out of the room. He moved as one who had lived in the palace all of his life, having memorized every turn they had taken to get into the room. He now led them deftly and without error into the front courtyard, where six horses were standing. Trowa recognized the tall bay he had ridden into the city and immediately went to it. The horse remembered him too and nuzzled his shoulder fondly.
"Lady Ayden," came Hotohori's unmistakable voice from the entrance to the palace. Trowa watched her turn quickly and hurry to his side. He knew he was glaring as he watched the emperor drape Ayden in a concealing brown cloak and pull her close into a tight embrace. What was he saying to her that made her flush like that? When he finally released her, she met Trowa's eyes and flushed ever redder. She looked to the ground with a guilty expression. What had the emperor said to her?
"Ayden," Heero called her back down to the horses. Tasuki was already in the saddle, his horse dancing excitedly in anticipation of the journey. "You're riding with Trowa so he can keep an eye on you." She jumped at the sound of Trowa's name, but obediently went to his side. Trowa tried to think of something to say, but somehow just couldn't. If he wasn't careful the emperor would take her away from him, and he knew he didn't want that to happen. But what could he say?
"Hey Trowa, you coming with us or what?" Tasuki joked from his mount, smiling broadly. He was having way too much fun with this little adventure, but then Trowa was sure that Tasuki made his own fun out of everything.
Gently and hesitantly he took hold of Ayden's waist. She automatically moved closer to him, making him smile softly. In any case, she was still his partner. With practiced ease he lifted her to the saddle, following her up. They nestled together comfortably and he found himself sliding his arm around her. She leaned back slightly and he was reassured that no matter what the emperor said to her, she was still with him for now.
"Ready Ayden?" He whispered into her ear. She nodded and they made their way to the front gates of the palace. Heero led the way with Chichiri at his side, confident and deadly. The twins were right behind, ever ready for his instruction on how they would be needed. Tasuki rode behind Trowa, bobbing his head to some unheard tune and every once in a while spurring his mount to catch up to Heero and then falling back to the very end of the procession. Ayden sighed, leaning against him, and they made their way east as the sun set behind them.
Beautiful, was the first thing Ayden thought of as the little company entered the palace courtyard. It spread out to either side in lovely Chinese style, a flight of steps covered in red carpet leading up to the main entrance. The gate had two large bronze statues of perched phoenixes, tails sweeping downward to beckon any who wished to enter. Fountains whispered excitedly in the yard, echoed by the guards and nobles who were standing about. All eyes turned to the band, more specifically to Ayden who was riding at the head on Chichiri's paint, and then to Trowa and Heero. Murmurs followed them like shadows, pieces of "the priestess" and "she's finally here" floated up and around them, and by the time they were all inside the gate the emperor himself was standing at the top of the staircase robed in scarlet glory.
Chichiri leaped from off the horse, allowing the reins to dangle as he bowed before the emperor. Mitsukake was already in a kneeling position, and Amiboshi and Suboshi were moving identically to follow the healer's action. Tasuki gave a cry of "your highness!" as he ungracefully slid out of the saddle. Heero remained mounted, but Trowa was suddenly at her side, reaching up to take the paint's reins. His hand reached up for hers to help her dismount. She slipped down easily into his arms, smiling immaturely at him. He didn't say anything, and as soon as she was safely out of the saddle he took his hands away and stepped back.
"Welcome to my palace, priestess," came the royal invitation of the emperor, making her turn her attention away from Trowa and back to what was going on. All of her warriors, that sounded so odd, her warriors, were kneeling now and she wondered if she should do the same. No, he had his hand extended. Oh why hadn't she asked Chichiri the protocol of this place? "We have awaited you."
The trek up those red carpeted steps was so long Ayden was sure she'd never reach the man at the top. She had to fight not to look over her shoulder at her kneeling warriors, wanting to see Trowa and Heero, wanting to know if they were kneeling too. Fighting herself every two steps to keep herself from running back down, grabbing Trowa's hand, mounting that horse and galloping off into the mountains, back to the Gundam and seeing how far it would take them on however much fuel was left, if any.
"Whatever I have is yours," came a whispered voice that made her realize that she had finally gotten to the top. The emperor, the emperor himself, had just offered her anything! She trembled with a strange mixture of fear and excitement. Up close she noticed just how beautiful the emperor was. His eyes, she didn't know where she found the courage to look into them, were sparkling gold. His smile, that was how she'd found the courage, was soft and friendly. He took her hand and raised it to his lips in a courtly gesture. She felt herself blush. Had Trowa seen that?
"Thank you, Majesty," she stuttered, unsure if that was the appropriate response. He was smiling expectantly. What did he want her to do? The entire court was holding its breath collectively. They were waiting too. But waiting for what? Should she kneel like the others? Say something? Do a tap dance? She looked up to the emperor for help, but he only smiled encouragingly. She bit her lip, then glanced over her shoulder, meeting the eyes of all the court.
Just as she was about to ask the emperor exactly what everyone was waiting for she heard the voice of Chichiri ring out over the tense silence. "Long live the priestess, you know!" The court erupted into applause and she turned to beam at the blue haired man. She made a mental note to thank him for that when she saw him next. He stood, smiling at her, his hand raised in a fist. Tasuki did the same, making it a sort of pledge. Amiboshi and Suboshi, mirror images of each other, repeated the gesture. Mitsukake nodded as he rose his fist high above the others. Even Heero, though the action was stiff, raised his own clenched hand up. But Trowa, her own, sweet Trowa, was standing beside his horse, his hands at his sides, eyes focused oddly on the emperor. What was he thinking? There was nothing else about his stance to give her any clues. She turned to ask the emperor if she could go back down to him, to ask him what was wrong, but she never got the chance.
"Come with me, Lady Ayden," the emperor whispered, offering her his arm. "We have much to talk about." The doors shut out the sound of excited applause, the warriors of Suzaku, and Trowa, completely.
If the outside of the palace was incredible the inside was inspiring. Scarlet carpets ran trails down the halls, the ceiling rose high in gilded splendour. In the center of the court, a phoenix fountain gurgled faintly, the only sound in the place. Ayden gaped about her, at the gilded throne, at the carvings on the walls, and then back at the emperor himself. She found him gazing at her with the same sort of awe that she knew must be on her face. Smiling nervously, she clawed her blonde hair away from her face, aware once again that she was indeed the only blonde girl in the entire country. Once she got over her relief of being away from the crowd, she was again nervous as to how to act around the emperor. Was this to be an informal meeting? She decided to remain on her tip-top best behavior until she could get back to Trowa. She could be herself around him, at least, she thought she could.
The emperor led her to a small room toward the left of the throne, a secret door that could not be seen in the perfect camoflauge of the scarlet wall. Inside the room were only two small cushions on the floor. The emperor took one, settling himself on his heels in a perfect example of what a Chinese leader should look like. With an elegant gesture he held his hand out to the other cushion, indicating she should also take a seat. Stiffly, she lowered herself, realizing that her ribs had begun aching again. No time to worry about that though, she was alone in a secret room with the leader of an undiscovered country. And a circus girl had no idea how to act around royalty, and when one got right down to it, priestess or no, she was nothing but an acrobat.
At first there was no speaking, she didn't know what she was supposed to do or say, and he wasn't in a hurry to give her any information. He just sat there, looking at her. Every once in a while she would look up into his golden eyes, only to blush and look hurriedly down again. He was so beautiful, but it made her guilty to think that. Then it made her blush because she felt guilty that she thought that a beautiful man was indeed beautiful. And it was then that she discovered that she didn't understand herself at all, and the silence went on.
"I can't believe you're actually sitting across from me," the emperor finally whispered in a rich tenor voice. She looked at her hands resting on her knees, and felt herself blush again. The shadow that fell on the floor from the candle behind him made her see him shake his head. "You're so beautiful." She turned as crimson as the carpet.
"Thank you, Majesty," she stuttered, wondering why putting together three words was such a difficult task all of a sudden. "But I don't know why I'm here or what I'm supposed to do."
"Hotohori, Lady Ayden," he corrected gently. "I am yours, not the other way around. To them I am the emperor, to you I am your warrior." He reached an elegant hand up to pull at the collar of his scarlet robes to reveal a red Chinese character tattooed into his neck. It was that signal that made all her doubt drop away. Everything that had been said to her was true. And the way she could feel the energy from that Chinese character, she also knew that she was supposed to stay here and fulfill the prophesy.
"Okay," she murmured, eyes fixed on the character. Hotohori looked puzzled. "I'll do it. I'll be your priestess. Only. . ." He raised an eyebrow. "I need some daggers." He smiled.
"That can be arranged," he sounded amused. "And then we can get started." She had no idea what he meant by started, but figured it might be safer to just nod and ask Chichiri later. He seemed to have all the answers, and be willing to share. Besides, she didn't want to appear stupid in front of the emperor, especially since she had just admitted that she was indeed the priestess he had been waiting for. They all had such perfect faith in her. Hotohori looked on her as if he expected her to glow with some angelic glory, or fly away. There was no way she could disappoint him by asking what she was supposed to start. She shifted uncomfortably on the cushion, trying to find a position that would ease her aching ribs. Hotohori, intent on every move she made, noticed it immediately.
"Is something wrong, Lady Ayden?" He questioned anxiously, a hand outstretched as if he wanted to touch her, but holding back as if afraid of hurting her. She opened her mouth, ready to tell him about her injury, but he didn't let her speak. "But of course, I've been rather rude bringing you here first without allowing you to rest and eat. Come, we will rejoin the others and you may refresh yourself." He rose, a graceful sliding motion upwards, and she found herself oddly admiring the strength of the emperor's knees. As a typical performer, she always watched the way people moved. And the way the emperor moved reminded her of a snake. Not the way one usually thinks of snakes, no, he was far too kind for that sort of connotation. No, just the way he moved, every part of his body as one, everything graceful, smooth, and slow. Yes, Hotohori was a snake. . .but a good one. He offered his hand to her to help raise her from the cushion, apologizing again for his inconsideration. She didn't mind the assistance, her ribs hurt enough that she probably needed it, but he kept her hand on his arm, escorting her as all proper gentlemen should, all the way to the parlor.
At least, she thought it might be a parlor. It was as large as the entire big top tent, with another phoenix fountain gurgling pleasantly in the center. Around the room were placed cushions of various colors and sizes, and small tables piled high with platters of fruit. She thought it was fruit anyway. Like the rest of the palace, all the walls were a dazzling scarlet, while the floors were a sand scrubbed white. All of her warriors, she found that term coming easier to her now, were seated on cushions about the room. The moment she entered, Trowa stood quickly from where he was kneeling next to Heero. . until he saw Hotohori behind her. Then he took a step backwards and went back down to the floor. Heero looked up, nodded, and then returned to his conversation with Trowa. . .whatever it was they were talking about.
"Ah, there you are, you know," Chichiri spoke up from where he seemed to be giving the twins a lecture of some kind. "We've been waiting for you, Priestess." The twins looked up with eager eyes, hopeful eyes. And Mitsukake looked at her with concerned and knowing eyes. "And you too, emperor. We need to make preparations for the journey, you know." Hotohori nodded sagely, coming to join the blue haired warrior. Just as he sat down, Mitsukake stood up, coming to Ayden's side and placing a cool hand on her ribs.
"Come over here," he commanded in his soft, gentle voice. "We'll let them talk for a moment while I heal your poor ribs. I've only just received my power back after your guardian. . ." he looked behind his shoulder, but Heero was not paying attention. Trowa, however, was, and immediately came over to them as if Mitsukake had summoned him. He sat down next to Ayden, closer than Hotohori had been. She heard herself sigh. Trowa was back, and next to her, and it was all right.
Warm, green light poured into her from Mitsukake's hand, easing the ache, fading it into nothing. He really was a healer; his power was real. She gasped as her fatigue vanished into the green light and evaporated away. As the green light dimmed, she finally saw the character on the palm of Mitsukake's hand. That was her signal. This was how she would know them. They all must have one. Hotohori on his neck, Mitsukake on his hand. She looked up at Trowa, wondering if he could be one of the warriors too. As the pain faded she found herself marveling at Mitsukake's strange power once again. He had healed Heero when he was at the point of death, and now he had healed her. She looked up to find him smiling gently down at her.
"You can heal anything," she muttered in awe. Of course she had seen him heal Heero, but it made it more real to have him heal herself. He just smiled, gave a knowing look to Trowa, and rose to join Chichiri and the emperor.
"What did he do?" Trowa sounded almost worried, watching her as if he expected her to fall apart. Indeed she had never felt better in her life, but she had had more explained to her than Trowa had.
"It's ok, Trowa," she assured him. "He's a healer. He won't hurt anyone." Trowa still looked doubtful. "He was the one that healed Heero." Trowa bit his lip, his hands nervously playing with the lace of the shirt they had given him. "So what are we doing, Trowa?" She had been away from them for a long time, they must have talked over this whole thing by now.
"We're going along with you. We're your guardians, for now. They have the advantage here, so we're going to have to follow until we can find a way home. Do they still believe you are the priestess?"
"More than ever." She wanted to tell him that she believed it too. That she really was the priestess. She wanted to tell him that she could feel the life energy of every person in the room. She could feel Tasuki's discomfort at being in the fine palace. She could feel Chichiri's concern over the details of the journey, and Hotohori's for the safety of his people. Mitsukake's weariness from healing her was there faintly. Even the twins' energy was there, excited and vibrant. She could even feel Heero's distrust. She could feel them in her body, pulsing through her. All of them were there. Everyone except the person she should feel closest to. Everyone was there in her head, except the one sitting right next to her. She couldn't feel Trowa. His feelings were sealed, foreign and cold. Didn't he feel? She shook her head. Of course he could feel, more than Heero if she guessed right. So why wasn't he in her head too? Why was he closed off? Maybe it was a gradual thing. She hadn't been able to feel any of them when she'd first arrived, and now they were all there. Maybe it would take a little longer before she could feel Trowa too. That must be it. That's all it was.
Trowa's low growl brought her from her puzzled thoughts. What now? She looked up and saw Hotohori coming over to them. Was Trowa jealous of the emperor? Or was he noticing something that she hadn't and didn't trust him? But why wouldn't he trust him?
"Lady Ayden," the emporer. "Are you ready to join us?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw Trowa's glare, saw the coldness in his expression. She was going to have to be careful in both relationships if she wanted to keep them. Respect for the emperor, and gentleness for Trowa, and that's all she could do.
"Yes," she gave Trowa a smile. "We're ready to discuss what we'll do now, Majesty." He looked ready to correct her use of the appellation, but one glance at Trowa and he closed his mouth before saying a word. In a nervous group they made their way over to Chichiri and the twins where the emperor offered her a seat next to him with a gracious and elegant sweep of his hand. And once she had sat down, Trowa immediately folded his long legs crosslegged right next to her. Chichiri gave them all a knowing stare and smile, then he shook his head and spread a map in the center of the circle.
"Kutou is congregating in large groups around us here, you know," he pointed to a boundary with a finger, tracing along. "The emperor wouldn't be doing that if he had everything he needed to win, so we have a little time. But we must be very careful, you know. If he thinks we have more than they do then he will bring down every soldier he has into the capital, you know."
"The coward," Tasuki growled, hand clenched. Heero nodded his agreement to the statement from his standing position behind the scarlet haired bandit. "He knows there will be no way we can raise enough forces to match him, not even if we take every able bodied man from fifteen to sixty!"
"We can't do anything without the last warrior," Suboshi murmured as he watched the invisible enemy line surrounding the eastern boundary of the land of Konan. "But now that you're here," he paused to give Ayden a hopeful smile. "We should be able to find him in no time." Chichiri shook his head no.
"We need some help, you know," he said. "We can't just march out of the capital and announce that we're searching for the last warrior. If we let them know that the Miko is here then we won't be out the gate before the entire army is on us. Konan is too large. We wouldn't even get started before someone would find out. And how long do you think it will take for them to execute her?" Ayden felt a shiver run through her. Execution? She was the priestess, of that she was sure, but now she wasn't sure that she really wanted to be. Trowa's hand clenched and he moved it closer to her without seeming to be aware of the motion. She looked down at it, then up at him, finding him staring at her intently with such an expression in his eyes that it was clearly read that he would protect her as best he possibly could. It was comforting, if slightly.
"So what do you suggest, Chichiri?" Hotohori questioned in a deep voice. "How do we make a search without any interference?"
"Well, we can't conduct a poll, you know. No advertisement. I'd suggest making a visit to Taitskun. She'll be able to help us." Suboshi snorted, gaining himself a disapproving look from Chichiri.
"What good will she do us if we can't find her?" He defended his outburst.
"What choice do we have?" Amiboshi asked his brother, fingering his flute nervously. "We can't put Lady Ayden in danger, or the capital," he blushed as he looked at the emperor and added the last. "And if he's grouping his forces he doesn't mean to wait long before attacking anyway, even if he hasn't found his Miko. We have to move fast and silent."
"Any relative location known for Taitskun?" Heero questioned softly, yet with enough purpose in his voice to make everyone turn to consider him seriously. "Or are we moving blind again?" Ayden forced her mouth to close. Heero was going to help them! He wanted to be a part of their mission. Chichiri cleared his throat to hide his surprise.
"That is the problem, you know," he began slowly. Everyone spoke carefully around Heero, Ayden was finding out. "The mountain of Taitskun moves around, you know. It's never in the same place twice."
"And what exactly is she supposed to do for us that would be more profitable than conducting the search?" Heero still stood stoicly with arms folded, a formidable presense.
"She has Suzaku's scroll in which is documented characteristics of all of the Bird God's warriors," Chichiri explained softly. "Once we have that scroll we will be in a better position to find the last warrior. It won't take as long and we'll have more time to prepare ahead of Kutou's army. And the scroll also contains the spell needed to summon Suzaku."
"And have you ever been to this mountain?"
"Once."
"And where was it when you found it?" Chichiri licked his lips and pointed to country just beyond the boundary of Kutou enemy. Hotohori closed his eyes and Tasuki groaned loudly. But Heero just nodded.
"Then we'll head that way and she'll find us. Trowa and I will go, along with you, you, and you." He had chosen Chichiri, Tasuki, and Suboshi as his traveling companions.
"I'm going too," Ayden chimed in before she knew what she was saying. She didn't want to walk into danger, necessarily, but she also didn't want to stay at the palace with the emperor and without Trowa.
"And I," Hotohori nodded determinedly, but Heero shook his head.
"You're needed here to run your kingdom and make preparation for war, Sire," he explained in such a matter of fact tone that not even the emperor could dispute with him. "And as for you," he looked at Ayden and she knew there would be no way she could argue her way into going once he had put the final argument towards the negative.
"She has to come, you know," Chichiri broke in, the only one brave enough to interrupt Heero. "Who else would be able to read the writing of Suzaku? Who else would recognize the last warrior when she found him?" He shook his head. "None of us can do that, you know. She'll have to come."
"You can't take Suboshi without me," Amiboshi suddenly said once it was sure that Ayden was going. "We work in a twin set. Besides, that will bring it to the lucky number seven like it always should be." Heero looked about ready to protest the number. In fact, Ayden didn't doubt that he probably could have found the mountain and translated the script alone, but was simply taking them along for sake of appearances. Yet he eventually nodded his agreement to the addition.
"Seven then." His attention then turned to the emperor. "We'll need horses and provisions and weapons. We'll leave tonight."
"As you say," the emperor agreed, then rose in a graceful motion, as if this new plan had been his idea all along. "Lady Ayden, if you would come with me. I'd like to discuss something further with you." He gave a deadly glance in Trowa's direction, then raised an uncertain-looking Ayden to her feet. They had gone together before Trowa could say anything in protest.
He watched her leave on the arm of the most powerful man in the kingdom. He was nothing to the power of the throne, he knew. He was nothing to her in the first place except a target. But hadn't she called herself his partner? Or didn't that mean anything now that they were here, far from the circus grounds? Words were only sounds. Almost useless really when it came down to truth. But the way her laughter echoed down the hall and back to him once she was out of sight was far more powerful than anything she might have said. He shook his head. They barely knew each other! And yet. . .that man. . .with her. . .Trowa felt his hand clench tightly.
"Better take care what you look at with that kind of expression," Heero's voice whispered the caution in his ear. A gentle elbow in his side made him unclench his hand and give Heero his attention. Heero's knowing eyes were also following the path that Ayden and the emperor had taken from the room, but when he turned to look at Trowa there was a faint trace of amusement to them as well. It was surprisingly embarrassing.
"What do you mean?" Trowa hid his shame by pretending to be very interested in watching Chichiri fold the map. Heero switched to Japanese since the twins were very close and looking rather eager to listen in.
"I mean you should remember who that man is and where we are before you worry on whether he's courting her or not. Once we leave the city you'll have her all to yourself. We owe him a lot, remember. He took us in readily and without question. Now is not the best time to get into a possession battle, especially when she hasn't made her choice yet." For the first time since he had met him, Trowa hated Heero's observation abilities. And what would he know about it anyway? Trowa hadn't even figured out his feelings himself yet. What would make Heero so knowledgeable on the subject? What did he mean she hadn't made her choice? What choice? Heero the unfeeling was giving him advice on how to feel. . .it was utter nonsense. So to save face he decided on the best possible course of action, changing the subject.
"Maybe we should both worry less about me and more about what we're going to be doing. I know you can get across any boundary you like and not think twice, but seven people with horses? How are you going to manage it?" Any topic change was a good one and even though Heero raised a quick eyebrow he eventually shrugged and said nothing more about Ayden and the emperor.
"You won't have to worry so much about the secrecy. I want you to protect Ayden, and have Tasuki with you. He seems to be a good fighter and I doubt you'll have any problems with him as you would with the twins." Tasuki looked up from the other side of the room as he heard his name in the jumble of Japanese. He smiled broadly, bowed, and went back to talking with Mitsukake. Yes, Heero was definitely right about him. He was always on alert, and he did seem very quick and worthy of praise in a fight. And he was older and more experienced than the twins. Tasuki as a companion was an excellent choice.
"Fine," he agreed. "But what will you be doing?"
"Duo isn't the only one who can make himself invisible. If he can hide a Gundam from all radar that OZ controls, then I can hide seven warriors on horseback from an army." And that was all Trowa could get him to say of the matter. With a normal person that would mean that they had no clue how to accomplish the goal, but this was Heero. He had the plan already mapped out in perfect detail, right down to the last muddy hoofprint. Heero gave him a last nod and then went over to Chichiri to ask him for the map to study more carefully, leaving Trowa to himself.
"It really is a beautiful language," whispered an awe filled voice somewhere to his right. Deciding he didn't really want to think anymore, he turned to find Amiboshi seated on a scarlet cushion, looking up at him with wonderment. "It was spoken here once, but we've lost the lore from that age." He seemed disappointed. "I was wondering," his words grew rapid and he splurted out the last in a rush. "I was wondering if you could teach me."
"Heero is better at it than I am," Trowa muttered, wondering how he had gotten into this in the first place. "It is not my native language."
"But you know it. I'd be willing to pay for my lessons, and it is going to be a long trip to the border. Won't you teach me?" Teaching Japanese was the last thing Trowa had ever suspected he would be doing, but Amiboshi looked so earnest and genuine about wanting to learn, and it was a useful thing to know.
"Why do you want to learn so badly?" He had to know at least this before he would agree. Amiboshi turned scarlet.
"I was hoping," he faltered, looking down at the embroidery of the cushion. "That if I knew it. . .then maybe the Lady Ayden." Trowa groaned and turned to leave by the nearest door he found, which happened to lead into an open courtyard. Did everyone want her attention? Granted she was special, but shouldn't she belong. . .No, wait, he stopped himself thinking that. She didn't belong to anyone, so technically she was free to do as she pleased. But did he really want to teach the boy a language for no other purpose than to impress a girl?
"Trowa! Wait!" He stopped short, but didn't turn around. "I know you're closer to her than I'd ever be, but for my entire life I've always wanted to be with her. I want to know everything about her and where she came from, and that includes the language. I'll never come between you, I promise, but please, won't you teach me so I can at least say a proper good-bye when you leave?"
"You don't need an entire language to say good-bye!" Trowa was feeling marvelously vicious, and taking out frustrations on Amiboshi was doing wonders for him. Even though he really wanted to be taking them out on Hotohori. "What's the real reason?" Amiboshi blushed again, and fingered the flute at his belt.
"I wrote a song for her," he finally explained in a half whisper. "But it doesn't have any words yet because I wanted them to be in your language to make it special." He was almost crying, and it made Trowa realize how important Ayden was to these people. She carried all their hope in her smile. She carried all their lore and prophesy in her accent. He found that he couldn't even tell the boy that she didn't even know Japanese because of what it would do to his hope. Trowa knew what it was like to have all hope stored in something. He knew what it felt like to have it taken away. He didn't want anyone to have to go through that, even someone he didn't know.
"Fine then, but in return," Amiboshi looked hopeful. "I want you to teach me how you play the flute like you do." He smiled happily and quickly brought out a small knife.
"You hollow out an apple branch while we start." Trowa was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to laugh. It was safe here, and Amiboshi was certainly no one who he should feel threatened by. In fact, the way the boy's eyes followed him with such admiration as he secured a suitable apple branch, he was certain that they might even end up as friends. Perhaps staying here wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps they were brought here for a reason. Either way, he was not going to fight it anymore.
He was just teaching Amiboshi the basics of grammar and simple greetings while carving away at the branch when the unmistakable sound of a dagger thwacking into wood cut his "konnichi wa" up short. Amiboshi considered him, waiting for him to continue. Trowa was on his feet, the branch left behind but the small knife still in his hand. There were no screams, but still the sound of weaponry made him again uneasy. He was supposed to be protecting Ayden, and that meant from everything, even a threat from within the palace grounds.
"What is it?" Amiboshi was suddenly next to him, his head cocked as he listened for whatever Trowa had heard. Trowa motioned him to be silent with a hand, the other still holding the dagger. The sound came again, this time with a small shout. He knew where it was coming from now. . .just over the wall.
Amiboshi was still looking at him, half in awe and half as though Trowa had lost all sense. Trowa, however, was paying no attention to him. He was concentrating on the wall. With only a few steps backward he launched himself up, landing in a crouch at the top. He took swift aim and let the dagger fly, ready to jump down and continue to fight if by some odd chance he had missed.
There was a clank of colliding metal as his dagger was thrown off course. It fell harmlessly into the dirt. It was then that Trowa saw who he had been aiming at. The emperor was standing in the courtyard, and Ayden only a little ways away. The sounds he had heard had been her, practicing her aim with her own new daggers. What he had taken for an attack had been no more than a practice session. And what's worse, he had almost injured Hotohori. If he hadn't drawn his sword so quickly there would have been no chance for him.
"Trowa!" Ayden screamed his name and he looked down at her. She was standing in shocked horror at what he had done. Indeed, he was shocked at himself. Surely he should have more control of himself than this. Intending to apologize, he dropped down on their side of the wall, landing in what he hoped would be taken as a humble kneel. Ayden was beside the emperor now, her hand on his arm as she studied his face. Was she so concerned over him? Trowa hadn't hit him. He'd done marvelously in defending himself, that was certain.
"What is the meaning of this?" Hotohori asked nodding at the fallen knife. Trowa looked up, looked at the shock on Ayden's face. That alone was what made him ashamed.
"Reflex, Your Majesty," he muttered in his defense. "I heard the daggers and suspected something. I let fly before I thought, and you have my deepest apologies." The emperor looked on him as if he had lost his mind.
"He means you no harm, Hotohori," Ayden was now intent on bringing Trowa back into favor. "I assure you. From where we're from Trowa is a great fighter, and as most warriors do he often acts before his mind can catch up to what is happening. It's been trained into him so intensely that I wouldn't doubt him springing to action when he hears anything like a fight." The emperor gazed at Ayden; Trowa's heart raced, but he held still in the kneeling crouch with head bowed against the sight.
"Is your world so harsh that it needs such fighters?" His voice dripped with sympathy.
"Right now it is, but not forever."
"How bold of you to leave your world of war for another world just as fierce. You are both strengthened in my eyes." Trowa stayed still until he could no longer hear the footsteps of the emperor. In the end he decided it all worth it just to be alone with Ayden.
She, however, didn't share his opinion. In fact, she looked as though she wanted to slap him, or throw that knife straight at him. Her eyes flashed like the glint of the blade, and he wondered if he dared even stand up. Truly, he hadn't meant to anger anyone against him.
"What do you think you're doing?" She hissed softly, bending to pick up the dagger he had thrown. "Do you mean to get yourself executed? I'm sure there's some 'punishable by death' law about drawing a weapon on the emperor. Or had you forgotten who he is?" No, thought Trowa. I seem to be reminded who he is at every turn. There is no way I could possibly forget now.
"Ayden, I. . " he paused, hating that look in her eye. Hating the disapproval of her gaze. "I'm sorry." She sighed, shaking her head.
"I guess it doesn't matter. I think he's forgiven you this time, but please Trowa, try to remember where you are and what we're doing here." She knelt beside him, tucking Amiboshi's knife back into his hand and stroking her fingers over the slit at his temple. He bent his head down, unable to look at her for the shame he had caused her.
"Oh, Trowa," she whispered next to him. "If only we could get out of this place. I'm sorry for bringing us here." He raised his eyes, trying to find some small word of comfort for her. She was just as alone here as he was, possibly even more so. They expected so much out of her. He opened his mouth, hoping that something would find its way out of it.
"There you are, you know," rang a sweet tenor from the shadowed entryway of the palace. "We've been looking for you. Come on, we need to make preparation for the journey, you know." Trowa shot a glare at poor Chichiri. Not that he had been able to say anything, but still.
"What is needed?" Ayden asked as she stood in a graceful sweep of her new clothes. In another second she was far away from Trowa and walking back into the palace with her blue haired warrior.
"Just you." Trowa followed at a little distance, watching her every movement and wondering why he couldn't say anything when in her presence.
When they arrived back in the meeting area, everyone was there already. Even Amiboshi had abandoned his courtyard and was now standing next to his brother, waiting. Trowa decided to be safe and stand next to Heero. The Japanese pilot acknowledged him with a quick nod. Once Trowa was in place, Heero gave the group a quick lookover. Hotohori was no where in the company, and Trowa was just as glad.
"The sun is setting," Heero announced, watching everyone at once. "We'll be off very shortly. Everyone is to understand that I am in charge of this mission and my authority is not to be questioned in anything. Is that clear?" Several nervous nods from the company. "All right. Once we get clear of the capital gates we're fair game to the enemy. Chichiri is going to lower our life force to avoid unneccessary attention. Tasuki and Trowa are to protect Ayden so no going off without either of them." Ayden nodded solemnly as Tasuki stepped behind her. He put a quick hand on her shoulder. If he had been anyone else, Trowa would have been enraged, but as it was Tasuki he didn't even acknowledge the action. "As for you two," he pinned the twins with one vicious stare. "Keep alert and ready. I'm going to need you both later. . especially your flute." Amiboshi turned bright red, but bowed in ready acceptance of the unknown mission. Heero stood with arms folded, surveying them all one last time.
"Let's get going," he commanded and led them out of the room. He moved as one who had lived in the palace all of his life, having memorized every turn they had taken to get into the room. He now led them deftly and without error into the front courtyard, where six horses were standing. Trowa recognized the tall bay he had ridden into the city and immediately went to it. The horse remembered him too and nuzzled his shoulder fondly.
"Lady Ayden," came Hotohori's unmistakable voice from the entrance to the palace. Trowa watched her turn quickly and hurry to his side. He knew he was glaring as he watched the emperor drape Ayden in a concealing brown cloak and pull her close into a tight embrace. What was he saying to her that made her flush like that? When he finally released her, she met Trowa's eyes and flushed ever redder. She looked to the ground with a guilty expression. What had the emperor said to her?
"Ayden," Heero called her back down to the horses. Tasuki was already in the saddle, his horse dancing excitedly in anticipation of the journey. "You're riding with Trowa so he can keep an eye on you." She jumped at the sound of Trowa's name, but obediently went to his side. Trowa tried to think of something to say, but somehow just couldn't. If he wasn't careful the emperor would take her away from him, and he knew he didn't want that to happen. But what could he say?
"Hey Trowa, you coming with us or what?" Tasuki joked from his mount, smiling broadly. He was having way too much fun with this little adventure, but then Trowa was sure that Tasuki made his own fun out of everything.
Gently and hesitantly he took hold of Ayden's waist. She automatically moved closer to him, making him smile softly. In any case, she was still his partner. With practiced ease he lifted her to the saddle, following her up. They nestled together comfortably and he found himself sliding his arm around her. She leaned back slightly and he was reassured that no matter what the emperor said to her, she was still with him for now.
"Ready Ayden?" He whispered into her ear. She nodded and they made their way to the front gates of the palace. Heero led the way with Chichiri at his side, confident and deadly. The twins were right behind, ever ready for his instruction on how they would be needed. Tasuki rode behind Trowa, bobbing his head to some unheard tune and every once in a while spurring his mount to catch up to Heero and then falling back to the very end of the procession. Ayden sighed, leaning against him, and they made their way east as the sun set behind them.