Disclaimer: I own nothing I tell you, nothing! Why must you torture me with repeating it?


Warnings: This chapter contains slight yuri, yaoi and may contain scenes of epic violence. If you do not wish to read any of these things well, what the heck are you doing here? Go away.


Part 5: Arrivals


Heero stared at the castle below. "Easy, Wing, just a little farther. Then you can rest." Spurning the horse onward Heero tore down the hill to the Sanq castle.

On the turrets above the guards called back to open the gate for the messenger. The Daemons had arrived at Sanq.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Woman, can't you move any faster?" Wufei grumbled. "At this rate, Merian will return before me."

Sally glared at him. "Like I care. I'd move faster if you hadn't tied my hands together and attached this demeaning leash."

"Hah! I'm not falling for that." Wufei said. "I will not traipse halfway back to the Drog Mountains to retrieve you once again."

Sally smirked. "What? Little old me? But I'm just a helpless female how much trouble could I 'cause?"

Wufei glared at her. "I do have a sister you know, so I know exactly what women are capable of."

"Suuure, Wuffie you keep telling yourself that." Sally snorted trying to release the ropes on her hands.

"I wouldn't bother twisting those knots anymore, it just makes them tighter." Wufei said blandly.

Sally looked down blankly at her hands. "Crap." She sighed. "So, how much further to Sanq?"
"A day and a half, if you can keep a better pace."

"To be rid of you? Sure thing, lets get moving."

Wufei raised an eyebrow. "You've decided to cooperate?"

Sally rolled her eyes. "I'm not stupid, I know when I'm licked. But don't think I'll remain peacefully at the castle."

"Once I get you to the castle that is no longer my problem."

"Just so we understand each other. Now can you please untie me? This part of the forest is dangerous and I'd rather have my sword ready."

Wufei stopped. "That is a good point. Alright, you promise not to run? I do not wish to spend any more time chasing after you."

Sally grimaced. "Agreed. I believe the next step would be you carrying me, and I'd rather avoid that."

Wufei rolled his eyes. "As would I." He slit her bonds and handed her back the light sword he'd taken. "Watch your back."

Sally grinned. "I always do."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dorothy stared coldly at the operative in front of her. "Yes Une?"

"I am leaving on a mission, I should return in three days."

"Really? I haven't planned any missions lately. Are you aware of something that you are keeping from me?"

"No mistress Dorothy." The blond said bowing lightly. "It's just a hunch I have that I would like to explore."

"Well since you have done so well for me in the past I will allow this. Just remember, my operatives are loyal, by pain of death."

"Yes mistress."

"Dismissed." The girl kneeled before her and saluted before leaving the office. Dorothy sighed and twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"She was lying."

Dorothy turned to face Merian stationed behind her. "Of course she was lying. She works for Dekim."

Merian scowled. "If you know that why don't you get rid of her?"

Dorothy smiled. "Why? So Demaile can kill her and replace his so-called spy?" Dorothy shook her head. "You really don't understand the workings of this do you? Middie is a good operative. She has done excellent work, and on occasion I allow pertinent information to leak to Dekim. He thinks he has an edge and I have a pipe line to him should I need it."

"I feel dirtier the more time I spend here."

Dorothy rolled her eyes. "You're so antagonistic. What I would like to know is why she has to leave now. What exactly is Dekim up to?"

This time it was Merian who rolled her eyes. "I'm sure you have a way of finding out."

Dorothy smirked up at her. "You're learning. As it happens I do, if it was important I'm sure Walker would have sent me a report." Turning back to her desk Dorothy switched modes. "So, where would you like to spend lunch today?"

Merian sighed. "Well I did enjoy the Red Dragon before that assassin jumped me."

"Yes, it was rather rude of him to attack before we'd finished eating." Dorothy commented. "However, I do hate to be in the same place twice in a week, so repetitive."

Merian scowled. "Whatever. Why'd you ask then?"

Dorothy smiled blandly. "Because you're oh so fascinating, I so rarely know what your thinking. In my business that can be fatal, however intriguing."

Merian continued to scowl. "Whatever."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heero calmly walked into the throne room ignoring the guards attempting to block his entrance. Once inside he found two elves seemly having an argument. "I need to speak with King Millardo immediately. Fetch him at once."

Both turned their attention to the interloper. The shorter of the two, a female, glared at him. "And who are you that you think you can command an audience with his highness?"

"Noin!" The other reprimanded. "That is not the way we treat guests. Even rude ones."

"You listen, Zechs ..."

"Noin!"

Turning her glare to him she stormed off.

"I apologize for my guards rudeness, we were in the midst of a personal quarrel." The man smiled at him. "You may call me Zechs. What business do you have with the King?"

"My business is my own."

Zechs smiled. "Fair enough. You must forgive my curiosity, but it's not often a Daemon comes with business for the King."

"Will you fetch him or not?"

"There is no need. I assume you've come about the King's proposal?"

Heero's gave narrowed. "You're Millardo."

The taller man smiled and nodded slightly. "Yes I am that, has your leader accepted?"

"I am the leader."

Millardo frowned. "You are very young."

Heero smirked slightly. "We are not quite as long lived as your people."

"Yes, well. Have you made your decision?"

"I have. Where is the Princess?"

Millardo frowned. "My sister is occupied at the moment. Why don't I show you to your rooms. Are the rest of your group waiting outside?"

"I only brought one, and he was waylaid. A griffin attacked us along the way."

"God! Is he alright?"

"I'm sure he is fine. He will be meeting me here."

"As you wish. I will arrange a council meeting directly."

Heero nodded and moved into his room.


Elsewhere in the castle, Hilde skidded to a stop outside the study. "Lena!"

Relena and Trowa looked up from their game. "Hilde? What is the matter?"

"You'll never guess who's just arrived!"

"Who Hilde?" Relena asked a tad apprehensive.

"Quatre! The Maganac ship just docked at the pier." Hilde said almost jumping with excitement.

Relena stood a bright smile on her face. "Quatre? I wonder why he's here. Oh, it'll be so good to see him again. Come on Hilde, we'll meet them at the boat." Relena grabbed Hilde's hand and started to move toward the door.

Hilde grinned. Reaching behind she snagged Trowa and dragged him behind them. "You're coming too."

At the docks Noin was surveying the disembarking. "Hey Miss Noin! Have you seen Quatre yet?"

Noin turned at the call. "Relena? What are doing down here?"

Hilde popped up beside Relena. "We came to see Quatre of course."
Noin sighed. "I should've expected this. No I haven't seen Quatre yet. You know how he gets when he sails."

"Hilde! Relena! Noin!" A voice called laughing.

"Iria?" Hilde whooped. "What the heck are you doing here? Where's Quatre?"

Iria ran towards them and hugged them both. "He's inside, gathering our things. I hope Millardo doesn't mind a few unexpected guests."

"What are you doing here Iria?" Noin asked. "And why did you two come in a Maganac ship?"

"Because we've left home."

"QUATRE!" Relena cried turning to him and clasping him in a tight hug. "Oh, I've missed you!"

"Relena." Quatre said smiling, returning the hug. "I missed you too."

"Alright, alright, that's enough of that." Hilde said pouting. "I'm starting to get jealous."

"Hilde!" Relena cried.

Hilde grinned. "What? Oh you thought I meant you?"

"Hilde!" Relena groaned. Noin and Iria snickered.

Noin turned to Iria. "Is that true? You've left home?"

"Yes. Father refused to send aid to the Sanq Kingdom." Iria answered softly.

"But we haven't asked for any." Noin said puzzled.

"Yet. But you would have." Quatre stated.

"Quatre?" Hilde said. "You saw it didn't you?"

"Yes, and when I told father he said the Jinns would close themselves off on the Island."

"But the treaty!" Noin said.

Quatre shook his head. "Jinns will not fight."

Hilde sighed. "This should have been expected. Damnit!" Hilde fumed. "I was counting on that help."

"Well you'll have to make due with two Jinns and forty Maganacs." Quatre said wearily.

Relena looked up. "If you mean you and Iria I think we still come out ahead. You two are very powerful allies."

"Lena's right, Cat. You've always been a fierce competitor." Hilde commented, before smacking her forehead. "OH! Shoot where's my head! Iria, Cat, I wanted you to meet this guy, this is Trowa. He's a forest elf."

Trowa bowed lightly. "It is a great honor to meet two of the royal Jinns."

Iria exchanged amused glances with HIlde. "Isn't he a cutie? Don't you think so Quatre? Quatre?"

Quatre stared wide eyed at the tall elf. Dimly he heard his sister calling him but could not seem to answer, all his attention was caught up in green eyes. Slowly as if in a daze he walked toward the vision. "It's you, I found you. One of the five and the only one I truly wanted to find."

"Are you alright?" Trowa asked confused.

"I'm fine." Quatre said beaming. "I'm with you."

The other three girls turned perplexed to Iria, "Do you have any idea what's going on?" Hilde asked quietly.

Iria shook her head softly. "No, not really. Quatre never had time to discuss what exactly he saw in the last couple of flashes he had. It had to be pretty big important to cause this kind of reaction." The Iria gasped. "Oh no! No, no, no, no, Quatre stop!!!!!!!!" Too late Iria realized what Quatre had planned and he was already starting to reach up.

"Oh crap. Please tell he's not doing what I think he's doing." HIlde said groaning.

"I think it's cute." Relena said smiling. "And it's too late now anyway."

"Cute?" Hilde said incredulous. She turned to the Princess. "That is cute?"

"Love at first sight is sweet."

Hilde rolled her eyes. "There's that romantic streak of yours again."

"What is going on anyway?" Noin asked quietly.

Iria sighed. "My little brother has apparently decided that that elf is his bonded one. Jinns bond with one person and one person only. That will be their mate for life." Iria said troubled. "We tend to be very selective because once the process starts it can never be reversed."

Quatre took no heed of the conversation behind him. He removed the necklace that had hung around his neck since birth and placed it around the elf's neck, the charm glowing lightly. Reaching up Quatre put his hands on either side of the other's face and brought it down a bit. Smiling Quatre leaned forward and kissed the stunned elf. The charm glowed brightly, almost blindingly then faded. Quatre moved back and smiled at the elf.

"Hi, I'm Quatre."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Middie packed silently and efficiently. "But where are you going, Sis?" Franco the youngest of her brothers asked.

"I have an errand to run. I'll be home before you know it." Middie said smiling at him. "Now you take care and listen to John and Armand."

"I will." Troubled, Middie leaned down and hugged him. "Middie!" Franco cried embarrassed.

Letting him squirm free Middie picked up her bag and moved out of the room. John and Armand were in the kitchen waiting for her. "How long Middie?" Armand asked.

"I don't know. A week at least."

Armand clenched his fist. "Please quit. I'm old enough to work now, we could make an honest living."

John looked up from the table. "It's too dangerous Middie. Especially now."

Middie glanced down and bit her lip. "I can't, you know I can't. They're watching, Dekim would have all of us killed."

"He's going to anyway!" John said firmly. "You know he is."

Middie ignored him. "Please watch over Franco, and make sure Father takes his medicine. Be careful, he has spies everywhere."

"Middie!"

"I have to go now." Middie said and quickly left. "Middie!" Armand called after her. "Be careful!"

"I always am." She whispered softly.

"Are you all set now?"

"Walker!" Middie said startled. "I didn't see you there."

"Middie..."

"You going to report me?" Middie asked bitterly. "Dekim would love that."

Walker shook his head. "I thought you knew me better than that. I just came to let you know the rendevous point." Middie nodded. "Wait!" Walker said grabbing her arm. "I just wanted you to know that I'll keep an eye on the house for you."

"Is that a threat!" Middie shouted. "Because I've had enough of them! Catalonia threatens me, Dekim threatens my family! If you all want me dead so bad then fine!" Middie pulled out a knife.

Walker grabbed her arms and pinned them to her sides. "Middie! Stop it! It's okay, I'm sorry that wasn't meant as a threat." Dropping the knife Middie collapsed to the ground.

"Then you're the first." Middie said tearfully. "Even my brothers are threatening me."

Kneeling beside her Walker drew her into his arms. "It's okay, I know, I know." Gently he rubbed her back. "I'll watch over them, they won't be harmed if I can help it."

"Promise?" Middie asked softly.

"Promise. Now you better compose yourself, the guide is waiting."

Middie nodded and wiped her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. "Thank you. Despite it all, they mean everything to me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dorothy sighed as she lead her bodyguard back into her room. "Sorry about this, I really thought the tea room would be fun. Here sit down I'll have a look at that."

Merian scowled. "I'll be fine. NO! Don't touch it!"

Dorothy glared at the girl. "Oh stop being such a baby. I've already said I'm sorry. I hardly expected it to be hosting an assassin convention. You have to admit though it was an interesting experience. Who knew they actually kept a union?"

"Interesting? I don't call fighting fifteen trained assassins interesting. Especially when it's only to save your hide."
"You're exaggerating. You hardly fought all fifteen. At the very least there were three who I sat down and had a very nice chat with. They were former clients after all." Dorothy said flipping her hair back. "Now quit whining and move that hand so I can treat your shoulder."

Merian grumbling but moved the hand wincing as the salve can into contact with the wound. "I can take care of it myself you know."

"I have no doubt about that, however I own Master Long a great debt and I can hardly repay it letting a prize pupil bleed on my expensive carpet." Dorothy said calmly. "Nice fighting by the way. You must have studied very hard, even when I was training at the Temple I never saw anyone move the way you do. You'd almost think you were one of the legendary dragons."

"What do you know of dragon legends?" Merian said fiercely. "Those are clan secrets!"

Dorothy arched an eyebrow, "Since when has that ever stopped me? I make it my business to know everything about the five tribes. Besides I always found that one particularly interesting. Your clan believe in fighting ability regardless of gender, it's very rare. Altron, the two headed dragon both male and female combined into a formidable team. I always wondered if the dragon was metaphorical."

"Metaphorical?" Merian said eyebrows raised.

"You know the meaning, so don't play dumb. It doesn't become you. I wondered if they meant a team, a man and woman working together harmoniously." Dorothy laughed ruefully. "But I really don't believe that's possible. Men are scum for the most part. And those that aren't are very easily manipulated, and I don't like easy."

"You're a cynic." Merian accused.

"I never said I wasn't. Cynicism is an unfortunate by product of my line of work. Of course I was a cynic long before I started, my Grandfather saw to that." Dorothy patted the dressing and stood up. "There all done. And since you didn't whine too much, you deserve a treat." Dorothy moved over to a cabinet. "Here this sword was my father's."

"Your father's? I can't accept that."

Dorothy sighed. "It truly has no sentimental value for me, I do not remember him well enough to have any sentiment. Besides I don't use it much, I prefer a fencing foil to the short sword, you however would find it quite useful. Especially if we run into any more conventions." Dorothy said smirking.

"Fine. But I'm not keeping it."

"Of course not. I will expect it to be returned when your services are terminated." Dorothy said with a half smile. Then softly added. "and if."

Merian examined the blade. "It's a good sword. Has a nice weight to it. It might come in handy." Merian looked over at Dorothy. "Thanks for the patch up. What?"

"Nothing." Dorothy answered amused. "I just like you. Your so delightfully different then most people I know, it's...refreshing."

Merian narrowed her gaze at the other woman suspiciously. Dorothy just laughed and lead her downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well this is fun." Sally said glaring.

"Shut up, woman. This is all your fault."

Sally raised an eyebrow. "My fault? How is being surrounded by harpies, my fault?"

"It was you who started the argument that distracted us." Wufei said tightly.

"Oh no, you started it with your pissy attitude. I just pointed out that the Sanq capital is due east from here. And since I did LIVE there I should know."

"It also is the current mating grounds for the griffins, which I assumed a sensible person would want to avoid. My mistake."

Three ear piecing shrieks cut their argument short. Now griffins in general are peaceful, if you do not startle them or make threatening motions toward their young. However, on their breeding grounds they can and do defend their territory with tooth and claw. Harpies on the other head are very very dangerous ALL of the time. They eat meat and hunt in packs of three or more, what's more they're cunning. Which is why Wufei and Sally steered all their concentration on the fight.

Since both were experience fighters they held up very well, but the pack was larger then they had thought and it was clear that they would not be able to hold out long. Suddenly a third attacker joined them and the Harpies fled.

"Whew! Man those things never give up. Name's Duo, uh, you wouldn't happen to know which way to the Sanq Kingdom would ya? I'm kind of lost."

"Yeah, I can see that." Sally said amused. "Definitely don't see many Daemons around here. I'm Sally."

She shot a glare at Wufei. "And that's Wufei. as it happens we're headed there ourselves."

"Woman! What do you think your doing?" Wufei cried.

"Being polite?" Sally suggested while Duo snickered.

"That is the enemy!"

Sally rolled her eyes. "Sure he is. That's why we haven't fought in over four years and he just helped save our hides."

Duo laughed and slung an arm around Sally. "I like you, you're cool."

Wufei glared at both of them. "What business could you possibly have with the Elves?"

"Now clam down Wuffie, I don't have any business with them. But my boss does. And by now he's probably already there. My boss isn't exactly the most friendly guy in the world. Actually he's quite the opposite, so I figure that if I don't get there soon, we might have ourselves an international incident instead of a peace treaty."

"A peace treaty?" Sally asked. "I hadn't heard about that."

"It's fairly new. The Peacecraft king sent an envoy to the Daemon colonies, and Heero jumped on it. The man can move when he wants."

Wufei frowned at them. "This is all extremely fascinating I am sure, but unless you two want a rematch I suggest we start moving." Wufei sighed. "I suppose you may come if you stay out of my way."

Sally leaned over to Duo. "He's a little cranky, just ignore it."

Duo grinned back at her. "Trust me, I live with Heero, there's no body cranky then that guy. I'm sure I can handle one little dragon."

Sally frowned at him. "Don't push your luck."



Author's notes: Well we've reached part five. What did everyone think? The Quatre and Trowa thing may seem a bit forced but well, give it a chance 'kay? I'm thinking of changing Dekim's and Catherine's relationship to that of cousins, I think it will fit better with ages that way. Also I've decided that Merian and Dorothy look cute together and so do Middie and Walker, so two more couples to add to the list. I haven't made a definite decision on any pairing for Catherine or Iria so if you have suggestions (keeping in mind I am NOT breaking up any previous pairings) please suggest away. I might even use it. Everyone can thank Rei(Darkangelpe) for giving me a push to restart this. Also if there are any out there who read any other fics of mine, (And why aren't you?) AM should have another chapter or two up soon. The muse is on, for how long is anyone's guess. Till next time!