Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 11/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

Disclaimer: They aren't ours....but we can sure as hell play with them!!!

Note: Things get majorly angsty in this one…dun kill!! Please Review!!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

+++++++++++++++++++

*Three days out and it's already starting...I hate this.* Looking around the forest, Shay pushed the dizziness back as she continued watching out for her King. *At least I have plenty of practice*

Wufei stopped his horse for the third time that day, wiping his sweating head with his hand. He couldn't stop the vertigo that swept over him and he tilted in his saddle. 'What's going on?' he wondered as he shook his head.

Moving quickly up beside Wufei, Shay reached out a hand and steadied him in the saddle. "Your Majesty? Are you alright?"

"Yes...I think so." Wufei whispered softly, bracing his head with his hand as he tried to breathe slowly. "It's just the sun I think...it's been a while." he tried to reassure her.

Nodding, she motioned to a group of trees up ahead. "Let's stop and rest there, then."

Nodding, Wufei directed his steed over to the trees. He more or less fell from his saddle and moaned softly. "What's happening..." he whispered softly, trying to still his dizziness.

Jumping from Shetan's back, Shay moved to catch him before he hit the ground. "Your Majesty?"

Panting softly as he tried to stop the world from spinning, Wufei leaned against her. "Shay...my head...so dizzy..." he murmured.

*He hasn't eaten anything we haven't cooked, so it can't be poison. He's not running a fever...* "King, what exactly do you feel?" Shay asked softly.

Not even thinking as he replied, Wufei leaned his head back. "Dizzy...aching....almost sick, but not...like part of me is tearing apart." he murmured.

"It can't be..." Shaking her head, Shay looked upon her King, amazed. *That's...That sounds like what Shalon and I face...when WE separate. It can't be, can it?*

"Can't be what, Shay?" Wufei asked wearily as he opened his eyes and gazed at her steadily. "What's wrong with me?"

"Well, what you described...sounds a lot like Shalon and I." Smiling wryly, she eased him back against one of the trees. "If so, the teas I have will help some. Besides that you just have to bear with it and push it to the back of your mind."

"The separation that you experience? This is what it's like? How do you survive it?" Wufei asked as he let her lean him back. His head pounded in time to his pulse and dizziness, making him moan slightly.

"With a lot of headaches and so on. First time is the worse. Second comes close and the longer the distance the worse you get." Grimacing, she moved about setting up camp and a fire to fix the tea on as she talked.

Closing his eyes, Wufei silently wondered how his mate was doing. 'If the farther we get makes it worse...than it's going to very bad soon.' He concluded, knowing that their travels took them to the farthest edges of his land.

Beginning to brew the leaves, she turned back to glance at him, noticing his posture. "Duo will be feeling the same as well. Shalon's with him. He'll look after him. He'll be ok, Your Highness."

Sighing softly, Wufei opened glittering eyes and smiled sadly at her. "My weakness shows itself once more, huh?" he whispered softly. Looking away, he closed his eyes again, trying to will away the dizziness so he could continue the journeys. Or else...they'd be gone longer than anticipated...

Turning back to the tea, she spoke softly. "Only to those who know you. It's not a weakness...to care. It's the greatest of strengths."

Wufei smiled slightly. "That's what Duo said as well...too bad my father never said it." he said, sighing softly.

Grimacing, she turned to face him. "Your Majesty, your father, though he was a good King and Ruler, failed at the emotional side of life, even when it came to raising you, Your Highness. I'm glad you found Duo. He's a very wise person. He knows how to live as well as do his job. He's the best thing that ever happened to you."

Smiling slightly, he gazed back at her. "For once we are in agreement." he said softly. Smiling back she turned around to continue tending the tea. Leaning his head back again, Wufei sighed, closing his eyes. His hand came up automatically and went into his pocket, holding on to the small note and lock of hair there.

Pouring them both a cup, she settled down next to him before handing Wufei his cup. "Here. This should help."

"Thank you." he said softly, gratefully taking the cup and sipping at its hot contents slowly. He recognized some of the ingredients as soothers of both stomach and head and smirked. He didn't realize that he had brought the note and lock of hair out of his pocket when he had taken the cup and they waved lightly in the breeze as he slowly drank.

Catching sight of her note and the strands of hair she smiled slightly. *So he did keep it and read it.*

Putting his cup down after finishing it, Wufei leaned his head back and sighed. He placed his hand into his pants pocket, replacing the note once more into it then looked at her with an unreadable expression. Setting her cup down, she waited for him to speak. Looking away, Wufei sighed softly again. "I am feeling better, thank you. Let's get moving. We have a long way to go before we can stop and this has slowed us down." he said softly, getting up slowly as he looked back at her.

Nodding, her smile slipped a little. "Of course. The faster we accomplish this the faster we can return home."

Nodding once, Wufei walked a bit unsteadily to Shenlong. Soothingly, he stroked his fingers through the silky mane before mounting. He smiled slightly over at Shay. "Get the lead out, Shaya..."

Mounting Shetan, she patted his neck, scowling good-naturedly she grumbled. "Why? WHY must people torment me..."

"Cuz it's easy." Wufei replied lightly, a slightly impish smirk on his lips. Not giving her a chance to respond, he kneed Shenlong and took off at a gallop.

"I wouldn't be if people didn't know my name..." Calling to her dark mount, Shay sent him after Shenlong.

+++++++++++++

Raising a hand to his forehead, Duo paused in the book he was reading to the children. Three days since 'Fei had left. He'd spent most of his time here. He hadn't "worked" persay with any of the young ones, but he had and was working to gain their trust. This incessant pounding and tearing of his head though wasn't helping! Trowa walked into the children's' wing and looked around. "Ah, Duo...just the one for whom I was searching for." He said softly, smiling at the children who looked over at him.

Moving closer to their friend, the children watched the new but old one among their midst. Duo had said he was one of the Good people. But they knew Duo, not the banged one. Smiling softly, Duo turned to Trowa. "It's alright guys. Yeah, Tro? What ya need?"

Smirking, Trowa looked at Duo. "Shalon and Larak actually sent me to find you. They said it has something to do with your symptoms." he said, shrugging in feigned ignorance.

"I just have a headache Tro. Had 'em before. It'll go away." Shrugging, Duo turned back to the book, scowling as the lines blurred in his vision.

"Uhhuh....sure. Hey kids...want to help me get Duo to come with?" Trowa said softly, smiling gently at the kids.

Nodding as one, they sat for a moment before Tia, the youngest of the group being only four, stood up and, hands on hips, proceeded to tell Duo why he had to follow the Banged One. "Mr. Duo. You gotta go, 'cause you got sympmums and when someone has sympmums they're sick and when someone's sick they just GOTTA find out what's wrong, 'cause sympmums are BAD. So you Have to follow the Banged One 'cause if you got symptoms you gotta beat 'em up and make 'em go away. 'Cause if ya don't you'll die and we won't get any nice stories or funny stuff and tickle fights and pillow fights anymore, so you gotta beat up those sympmums!"

Raising his hands, Duo set the book down. "Alright, you lot of cute littles. I surrender. I'm going." Grinning he stood unsteadily and motioned to Trowa. "Lead on, The Banged One."

Trowa rolled his eyes good naturedly at Duo and led the way to the Medical ward. He chuckled as he saw Heero pestering Larak, in one of his moods, as Shalon stood nearby. "I brought him." Trowa said in announcement.

Arms crossed, Duo leaned against the wall, sticking his tongue out at Trowa. "I believe that was obvious, O' Banged One."

Chuckling, Shalon smiled slightly. "Aye, so it was. And these headaches?"

Lightly capturing his mate's prodding fingers, Larak tried to glare, but managed only an amused smile. He loved it when Heero was in a playful mood, but now other things must be attended. Though once all was taken care of... Trowa rolled his eyes at Duo and sat down near the fire, watching Shalon. Heero grinned slightly as he played with Larak's fingers, then went back to playing with some of the non-essential herb jars. He knew all there was to know about herbs thanks to his lover.

"They're headaches. So what if they won't go away?" Scowling, Duo rubbed his forehead lightly.

Nodding, Larak watched the movement and telltale signs of pain. "That is known, but what of a description? What does it feel like?"

"Because if it feels anything like what I have, then it's NOT going away." Grimacing slightly, Shalon pushed carefully away from the wall.

Heero went over by Trowa and sat down, leaning against the chair as he and the other guard watched Shalon and Larak deal with the king's mate. "I'd listen to them, Duo...they know." Trowa said soothingly.

Glaring slightly, Duo went back to rubbing his forehead. With the kids he had to be careful; no sense frightening them just because he was grumpy. "Know what? It's a headache. Just feels like I'm being pulled in a direction I'm not going and makes me dizzy somewhat."

"Well, if that's the case, we know what's causing it and how to help a bit. Shalon more so than I." Motioning to his older brother to come forward, Larak beckoned Duo closer. Moving closer to Larak, Shalon sat down in one of the empty chairs. How he hated this time. It was bad enough he missed his twin, much less having to live through this experience.

Judging the distance, Duo pushed away from the wall quickly before gritting his teeth, eyes closing tightly as he fell back against it with a thump. "How about I just stand here? Standing is good." Trowa and Heero looked at each other, then back at Duo. Getting up together, they went over to the longhaired man and scooped him up into a sitting position in their arms, then carried him over to where Larak had wanted him. Dropping into the chair, Duo glared at the two, grumbling. "I'm not an invalid..."

"Yes you are." They both replied, smirking as they went over to their original spots to watch, smug.

"Hmmph." Leaning back against the chair, Duo opened one eye to watch the two. "Well, I'm here."

Smiling, Larak winked at his beloved. "So you are."

Chuckling softly, Shalon nodded slowly. "That's a good thing. Well, reason you're here is because your symptoms match some of my own. And they're not fun. In fact, without careful watching, they can become downright dangerous to one's health. And you're not sick, persay. It's an affect because of the strength of your bond with Wufei. Shay and I experience the same when we are separated. It's not very fun."

"It will only increase as the days and distance occur, getting somewhat better as they return. But...that won't be for a while." Heero said as he crossed his arms across his chest.

Sighing, Duo slumped further into the chair. "Just great... It was mentioned something to help?"

Nodding, Shalon relaxed into his own chair. "Mainly teas. They hold back the headaches to keep them from becoming blinding and sooth the stomach so you can manage food to a degree."

"That's about all that can be done. Though, with the level you are at right now, it is somewhat concerning." Trowa said softly, gazing over at the longhaired boy.

Raising an eyebrow, Duo turned to Trowa. "And what pray tell does that mean?"

Heero sighed softly. "What he means....is that Shay and Shalon never experience this level of pain until they are on the outer lands. For you to be experiencing this now...after only three days....shows the future." he said softly, gazing at Duo steadily.

Looking at Heero, Shalon raised his hand slightly. "Aye, he's got a point. It's always worse the first separation, but to be this far along after only a few days is disconcerting. And foretells a great deal more pain later. "

Nodding, Larak leaned in and placed his hand on Duo's knee. He let his energy flow through and placed a small block on the pain that was radiating there. Sighing in relief, Duo fully opened his eyes to watch his companions. "In other words I'm going to feel like hell frozen over soon, right? And another option?"

Nodding, Larak removed his hand, leaving the blocks in place for the time being. "Yes, there is a better one. A type of mind-touch. It's one healers can create, but rarely do because most patients refuse it. It's a pain-sharing mind-bond and leaves both participants minds open to each other. In other words, you would not be able to hide your thoughts from the one who shares it, nor would they. Your deeper thoughts and memories would remain unseen unless you brought them to the surface. Only surface thoughts are completely shared. It's not a permanent bond and is removed when its purpose is done. Shalon has offered to create this should it become necessary, since he is also a Healer. I cannot because a healer sharing this bond can not use his powers for anything but this."

Sighing, Duo frowned slightly in thought. "Do I have to answer that now? I'd like to think it over a bit."

Heero and Trowa both nodded. "It is a difficult situation to consider. But just know that it is available." Heero said reassuringly.

Trowa smirked down at Heero. 'He's in a very good mood...' he thought to himself in amusement, then said, "And Shay is available if it gets to be too much for his majesty."

"Alright. That sounds fair and I will think about it. Most likely accept it if it keeps getting worse. Just one warning. I don't always have nice thoughts and my memories rarely stay put and they're rarely nice." Watching from hooded eyes, Duo remained relaxed in his seat. Trowa and Heero glanced at each other in concern. Their eyes seemed to be saying the exact same thing: What had their king gotten into? Biting back a sigh at the sight of the glance between the two, Duo frowned slightly. His past, his damned bloody past. *Literally bloody. After all, how many did he kill? Everyone I ever dared call friend. Only Jor and Q survived, though they're probably dead now too. Damnit...why?*

Nodding, Shalon rested a hand on the young Shinigami's knee. "Not everyone is gifted with a life of ease. For some life is anything but."

Reaching for the steeping teapot residing in the middle of the table, Larak poured a cup for both Duo and Shalon. "He's right, Duo. And try this, for I have to remove the blocks now. I'll wait for a bit longer to give the tea a head start then allow the blocks to fade." //Gently, love. Remember how he came to be here. Running from a Father who hunted him as one would a deer. I doubt his life has been as sheltered as our young King's.//

Heero shot his love a look and shrugged. He began to unlace Trowa's shoes subtly and retied them together, smirking slightly. Trowa looked over at Duo. "Just get better, Duo...and be strong. We are there for you." he said softly and reassuringly.

Nodding, Duo accepted the tea. "This does taste good, right?"

Chuckling, Shalon accepted his own cup, settling back in his chair. "Kind of, but not really. It's worth it though."

Sighing, Duo eyed the dark liquid warily before gulping it down, grimacing slightly at the after taste. "Not too bad. Bearable."

"Good, since you'll come to be drinking a lot of it." Smiling slightly, Larak stretched a hand out above Duo's knee, not quite touching." The blocks will fade completely within the hour. Are there any questions you need ask, Heero? Trowa? About the political side of life?" Heero cocked an eyebrow at this and glanced over at the other three. Trowa leaned his chin on his hand, watching silently.

Chuckling, Duo glanced over at them. "I'm guessing that either means no, or should it be discussed?"

Shrugging, Heero said lightly, "Up to you...we are available."

Trowa snickered, as he looked down at Heero, then frowned as he saw his laced up shoes. "Heero..." he growled out as he bent down to undo them. Heero just grinned innocently.

Peering under the table to see what Trowa was growling about, Duo snickered. "Nice one. Too bad it didn't work." Trowa tossed a glare at the longhaired man as he sat back up. Heero snickered and leaned back, hands behind his head. "Hmm. Let's see. What's the most likely reaction among the court going to be about me?" Arms resting against the chair, Duo waited for their most likely correct observations.

Heero smirked. "Disbelief, certainty that our king has 'lost it', and disgust. Our courts maybe open...moreso than some other countries, but some of the advisors are rather..." he trailed off.

Trowa obliged him and said, "Full of it. They will also point out the necessity of an heir to the throne."

Shrugging, Duo grinned. "Easily settled, that last. 'Fei said there were ways. And I like kids. For the rest they can go jump in a ditch for all I care. I'll even be nice enough to help 'em if they upset 'Fei."

Grinning Shalon nodded. "I'm sure that will go over well..."

"True there are ways. Mainly involving magic, but then most things do." Smiling, Larak looked over at his mate. Heero grinned widely back at his love. He knew what they were going to be discussing that night...

Trowa grinned at Duo. "Well...I'd be careful on some of those, but otherwise I'm with you on all of them. Anything else?" he asked politely.

"Let's see. Do you think any will try to take action against us?" Duo asked almost casually, belying the slight tensing of his shoulders.

Trowa and Heero looked at each other thoughtfully. "Bellani....Dousin...and maybe Hasindo." Heero said slowly. Trowa nodded in agreement as Heero looked over at Duo. "They were in the previous reign's council and...Well, let's just say if Wufei...I mean, his majesty, hadn't been so strongly supportive of myself and Larak, we wouldn't be together." he said, his hand clenching into a fist.

Growling slightly, Duo's eyes narrowed. "Damn close-minded fools. Well, if they go too far, they can always be reassigned somewhere, maybe even permanently so. Who knows, it might be amusing, playing with them." He grinned, an unpleasant glint in his eye. "Hmm. Mind games. So well I know them."

Watching the change in the other's calm demeanor at the announcement, Shalon nodded. *He will protect 'Fei and end the problem if he must. Hopefully we may work together on the ending. I believe the mice would prefer it that way...*

Trowa smirked as an almost evil grin crossing Heero's lips. 'Oh yea...definitely a good mood...' he thought to himself, chuckling as Heero said, "That'd be just fine with me. But they are wise in other places, so the king may fight you a bit. Just...don't let him roll over."

"As if. I'm not losing 'Fei because of a bunch of idiots. And with our bond it seems the consequences could end in his death. That I refuse to even contemplate allowing." Nodding, Duo grimaced at the distasteful thought. "And as for their wisdom… Wisdom is held by many, but rare and better is the one who holds compassion and understanding with that wisdom. They can be replaced. Probably by better people."

Heero and Trowa grinned. "Indeed...our king chose very wisely in his mate....for he had said he would chose someone who would rule by his side equally." Trowa said with a hopeful grin.

Nodding, Shalon smiled. "I do believe your right. Now the rest of the Council and Nobles have to be convinced. And knowing them, that shall take the best of diplomatic skills and still fail, but so long as His majesty is happy and the land ruled well, they'll have very little to stand upon besides their own fears."

Rising to set to rights the herb shelf Heero had played with, Larak smiled. "I'm just glad it worked out right. There was something between them even before the bond. I saw it as soon as I met Duo. And I'm sure you and Shay felt it Shalon. Otherwise you would have most likely sided with Heero in his suspicions."

"And of course tried to Glare me into oblivion." Chuckling, Duo winked at the remaining twin. "Either way it happened. Ruling. Huh. Hadn't really thought of that. Guess its part of it though. AH! Just remembered. What's that armband thing? I felt it when 'Fei put it on. Damn thing hurts. Can still feel it. And it still hurts. Just not as much."

Heero had tossed a glare at Larak for his words, but then had looked over sharply at Duo. "Armband? What armband?" he asked, somewhat evasively.

Trowa caught on to the caution in Heero's voice. If Wufei hadn't mentioned the reason for the armband, they in no way had a right to say anything. He glanced at Larak and Shalon in warning before looking over at Duo.

Taking unprecedented interest in the ceiling above them, Shalon began seeing which shapes and creatures presented themselves in the swirl of stone.

Humming to himself, Larak focused on placing a jar of Kelph just so upon the shelf.

Sighing, Duo stuck out his tongue. " I know there's an Armband. I know 'Fei's wearing it and I know the damn thing isn't necessarily good, but it has something to do with his Guardianship. And I also know I'm most likely not going to like the damn answer. And "Fei's being a stubborn piece of granite. I also know I'm going to find this answer, whether or not any of you or 'Fei tells me. Never could resist a challenge."

Shrugging as nonchalantly as possible, Heero replied stiffly, "Even if we knew, we couldn't say. So, no point in asking us." He smirked at his lover's antics and considered getting up to 'help'.

Trowa sighed softly, and looked down at his hands, gazing at the ring of service he and the other bodyguards wore. 'Why did he keep that one a secret? One would think he should tell his own mate of that fatal bargain.' he wondered silently.

Sighing, Duo chuckled. "No loss. As I said, even if none here will or can tell me I know others to ask. And they will tell me or tell me one who will. Either way the result is the same."

"Duo...I would suggest that you don't ask around." Trowa said quietly as he brought his gaze up to meet Duo's. His face was blank as he spoke. "Some things...need to stay hidden for protection. If...his majesty didn't tell you, then there is a reason."

Raising an eyebrow, Duo grinned. "Who said I was asking around? Those I ask won't tell any that can cause harm. After all, the majority of those who meet them never speak to any they knew again. I wouldn't put him in danger by asking around and about here. And I know there's a reason. Why I want to know."

"Duo..." Trowa groaned softly as his head fell back, exasperated. 'That man is incorrigible!'

Watching the amusement in those violet eyes...*Violet eyes...* "What do you mean by not around and about here? You cannot return to your own lands..."spoke Shalon softly.

Heero rolled his eyes. "We aren't worried about people finding out about that. It's a matter of personal preference. Think about it before you hurt his majesty by snooping more than you should." Heero said with an icy glare at the braided man.

"You mean there's a limit to snooping?" Still grinning, Duo turned back to Shalon. "My own lands? Ask someone there? Heh. The only two people there I trusted were probably killed right after I left. Blackheart has a temper and gets rough with his toys when it's incited. Even if they were alive, they would most likely know nothing of this matter. I was speaking of another place entirely." Listening to the ongoing conversation, Larak remained silent. The clues were there, but he would wait to voice his suspicion.

Heero listened to the other talk, then got up, growling angrily. "Damn it Duo...don't you DARE go snooping in the underworld for answers!!" he snarled in anger.

Trowa stared up at Heero in surprise. 'How the hell did he figure THAT out?' he wondered.

"And whyever not? Nothing wrong with the other realms. Some are quite nice. Hell of a lot nicer than reality ever was when I'd visit." Fingers steepling, Duo eyed the angry guard.

Heero glared at the other man, barely being held back by a suddenly concerned Trowa. "You bastard....you are bonded with the king. If you go there, then he'll go there. And he isn't like you!" he snarled out in rage.

Moving beside Heero, Larak rested a hand upon his shoulder. "Love, calm down. He knows he's bonded to the king. HE made the bond. He loves Wufei and I doubt he's going to jeopardize his life."

Moving to stand from his share, Shalon spoke calmly. "Hear him out."

Sighing, Duo shook his head, a frown replacing his grin. "I know that! And don't speak against something you know little to nothing of. He doesn't have to be like me! Heero, he'll be fine. I normally don't walk in the Underworld. I walk in the little known place called the Shadow Realms. People go there all the time and survive perfectly fine. They just don't realize they are there. Only a Shinigami or one whose time in life has ended is awake in the Shadow Realms. 'Fei will simply find himself deeply asleep and before I go about my business, I'll see he's in one of the more pleasant areas to rest in."

Sneering as he tossed off his lover's hand, Heero glared at the other man. "And would you know if he is near sleep? What if he is in battle for his life when you pull that little stunt? And what if he finds out that you are going against what he asked you NOT to do!? The lack of trust would kill him!" he shouted at the other man.

Sighing, Duo raised a hand to his forehead. "You can stop shouting. I hear perfectly fine. The first two questions are easily answered. I simply ask Sleep himself if he has entered his domain. And he didn't ask me not to. I do trust him. I DON'T trust that band. There's something about it that rubs me wrong. It sets of every single damn self-preservation instinct I have, and that my furious gentleman, worries me."

"Live with it, Duo. It's something we've had to live with since he took up his duties." Heero spat out, then stalked out of the room.

Trowa frowned and sighed softly, rubbing his own head. "So much for his good mood..." he murmured softly.

Muttering, Duo crossed his arms, his voice slowly rising as he shouted at the quickly retreating figure. "I'm not good with things that threaten those I care for. Buried too many and I refuse too bury anymore. Oh, yeah that's right. I've never buried any! That damn son of a bitch I happen to be related to fed them to his dogs before they'd finished dying. I'd forgotten about that. Guess this would be the FIRST time I'd get a chance to BURY someone! Now is there a difference I wonder?" Laughing bitterly, he stood up, shaking slightly.

Trowa got up to help, but then gasped as Heero came back into the room. Not slowing down, he slammed Duo into the wall, pinning him there with an arm across the other man's neck. "What would you know of burying the dead?! We've had to watch as countless others before Wufei had to die in order to fulfill their duties to our country!! And now we have to watch him die as well! I will not in this lifetime nor the next ALLOW you or anyone else to endanger him JUST because you can't HANDLE keeping your nose out of his business!!" He snarled in absolute rage.

Still laughing, Duo whispered softly, brokenly. "Bury? Oh, I know nothing of that. You're right. I just know the screams, and the blood, and the pain. I just know watching them die, watching them tortured as I'm spellbound, made to watch. I just know torturing them, as my body becomes a tool. I know nothing of burying. I know his laughs as they echo about the room over riding the screams. I know being bathed in the blood of one I called friend. I know nothing of burying though. But what's the difference? It's losing. They always die. They always will. You should have killed me, you know. All I care for will die. He'll die. You'll die. All will die. I'll still be here. All will die. I know nothing of burying. Nothing..."

Snarling in fury, Heero spun on his heel and threw Duo into the opposing table, breaking it in two. "COWARD!!! You are nothing more than a COWARD!!" He screamed, his own fears of losing someone he loved giving his rage fuel easily. He shook off Trowa as he tried to stop the furious man as he stalked towards Duo. "You claim to love him...gave him HOPE and LOVE and EVERYTHING he never had!! AND NOW YOU DARE TO BACK AWAY AND COWER LIKE A DEAD MAN?! How DARE YOU!!"

Shakily, Duo pushed himself up from amongst the remnants of the table, waving off Shalon, who moved to help him, ebony-violet eyes devoid of the constant laughter, meeting Heero's angry gaze. "I'll not leave. I never do. They do. They always do. Always they go. I carry them to the Gates of the Underworld and always they leave. They feel no pain once they pass. Always I hope one will stay. I hoped he would, but you answered my question. There is no hope. There never was. But that's ok. So long as he's happy. Its all that matters." Moving slowly, Larak knelt next to the young man, raising a hand to one shaking shoulder.

"Then you DON'T know Wufei. For even after all this time, he never gave up hope. He has always searched for a way to escape his destiny...always searched for the one to complete him and his soul....it's a pity that that one doesn't have the same love or hope as he." Heero said softly, all of his anger draining him, but turning him cold. He turned away and said, "You, Shinigami...disgust me. I hope that Wufei NEVER learns of your lack of faith....for that beyond all else will kill him indeed." He walked out of the room.

Trowa sighed softly as he looked down at his feet. "Heero...has never called his majesty his real name since we became guardsmen. Love....does strange things to make one realize...just how valuable life is." he said softly, gazing at the stones beneath him.

Watching the other leave, Duo called out. "No! Stop! Please stop! He's dying! Jon! Please, Father, no! Let him be...I'll be good. I'll be good..." Curling into himself, away from the comforting arm, he sobbed. "Jon...I'm sorry. My fault. Always my fault."

"What in the...?" Standing above the sobbing figure who sounded more child than man, Shalon turned to Larak. "What in the hell is going on?"

TBC

1. Ns: My Neighbor's kids did this to me when I had a bad cold once...