Silent Road

The Road Less Traveled:

Trowa wiped soot from his eye and choked from the thick black smoke traveling up over the hills. He did not need to look to know that the Estate was crumbled and blacked, its occupants scattered outside, alive with very few injuries. It had been a slow fire, but the dry region of former Asia had no means of halting its spread. The lives of the people had been spared in exchanged for their home. But it wasn't they the silent boy was worried about. He moved, with grace that was his second nature, to the side of the slight boy he had only recently become to know as a true friend.

"Oh, Trowa. What have I done?" cold tears left trails down Quatre's cheeks.

~ It wasn't your fault, Quatre. Don't you see? You're pure of heart, you couldn't have done this. It was that dark thing inside you, the one that pulls you to keep moving, to run and never stop... ~ Unable to express the contortion of his thoughts, Trowa merely placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder, as if the contact alone would allow the smaller boy to understand.

"YES! Uh, I didn't mean that the way it sounded, Q-man, really..." receiving permission in the form of a shaky smile, Braided Baka the Tactless continued "We're finally out of that prison! Common you two, I know you're spoiling for adventure as much as I am. We could get away from here for a while, explore, find out *why*, y'know?" Quatre opened his mouth to argue, but was brought up short by a slight squeeze from the hand on his shoulder.

He considered. "I suppose Father could use some time to calm down..." a pained expression. "Guys?"

"Don't worry," Duo whispered, suddenly earnest, "I was playing with matches. Just what your old man threatened to kick me out for."

Trowa nodded. Their journey would now begin.

*flashback*

Quatre watched the fire burn cheerfully in his hearth, smiling at the way it snapped and hissed. Duo was snoring loudly on Quatre's bed, and Trowa was staring out the window at something only he could see.

Suddenly, the blonde Arab couldn't breath. The air was smothering and harsh, the walls were closing in.

"No!" He cried, struggling to his feet, his cry rousing his friends from their separate reveries. "No!" His hand shot out, striking at the choking heat. A log fell, sparks flew...

*end flashback*

As it turned out, they didn't leave immediately. Supplies were gathered and preparations made, as secret as they were. Quatre, predictably, wanted to say goodbye to some of the older staff. None of them knew what was going to happen after they set out, so a whole inventory of clothes and food was packed into a small wagon pulled by one of the Winner horses.

Riding away, Trowa frowned and placed a hand over an old bullet wound on his arm.

*****

Dark cerulean eyes glared at the small wagon from a hidden crag of rocks. These eyes slid over their former banged target, a mark that would not yet be hit. They focused on a lithe, talkative figure. A boy much more useful now, alive. Yes, thought the blue-eyed boy. This would be a challange.

**************************************************************************** *****

Whee! The first actual chapter is finished! Sorry I haven't gotten to any yaoi parts yet, but they're coming, I promise! Please review, this is my first fic and I do like to know what you kind readers think.

Daybreak-chan