FACING FATE
By: Alithiel
Disclaimer: HEY ALL! Here's Chapter 9! It's hard to believe I'm almost to Chapter 10 already.Anyway, thanx to Morkeleb for reviewing! (I'm assuming that you're a black dragon? ^.^) Here we go, so R&R please!
Bye!
Alithiel
Chapter 9: Closer
Trowa glared disconsolately out of the high window in his room. Grey clouds scuttled across a paler grey sky, ocasonally divulging a small glimpse of cerulean blue.
He had been in the castle for more that four days now. Representatives of various armies and indepedndent nations were arriving daily. Her Majesty Relena was gracious, housing many within the castle. Many of the rooms were filled to capacity, and even into the night crowds wandered the halls. In all, it made Trowa very uncomfortable. Being a rather solitary person made living within the court unpleasant. He found himself longing for the quiet days he spent with the gypsy caravan. Of course, Her Majesty had been most kind to him, listening to his story in that sympathetic way most women had, even providing him a room within the ore private section of the castle. But.he needed to get out. He quickly made a decision. Throwing on his thick cloak, he left his room and made his way to the queen's council chamber. She was currently in a small discussion with Peygan and Heero, the man who had helped him through the gates. He politely waited.
"And who shall arrive next?" Relena asked as she scribbled on a piece of parchment with a feather quill. A merry fire crackled in the grate as the three clustered at the end closest to it.
Peygan folded his gnarled hands upon the smooth tabletop. "We received a message of the approach of the Cephiran contingent."
"Cephiran?"
"A small island country, Highness. The inhabitants are very gifted in magic. The messenger told us that the Prince of Cephiro, Ferio, is leading the force himself, with the assistance of his three female generals and his High Mage Clef."
"Three women Generals? Really?" Relena looked eager.
"Magic Knights, my lady, elemental magicians by name of Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu. They are bringing 300 soldiers within the next few days."
"Excellent!" Relena write the figure down. "Anything else?"
Heero cleared his throat. "The Starlight army will be within our territory in one day."
"Starlight? I've heard of them! More women generals."
"Yes. One of their messengers sent word that their leaders, Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten, were bringing 500 soldiers a piece."
"1500 from one group! Wonderful!" Relena scribbled that number down.
Trowa cleared his throat. The woman looked up from her parchment, startled by the sound.
"Ah! Sir Trowa! What do you need?"
"I ask your permission to go into the city." He said without preamble.
"I can see." Heero smiled thinly, "That you are uncomfortable idling among large amounts of people?"
Trowa merely nodded.
"Of course you may. If you will." Relena smiled as she twirled her feather. "Could you find someone you deem trustworthy to be hired as my assistant? I find arranging so many arrivals tedious and very nearly beyond my capabilities."
Trowa immediately thought of Catherine. "I will do my best." As he left the room, he heard the princess' voice drift to him.
"Now, if you will, please tell me about the Knights of Ronin.I hear that their leader, Lord Ryo, is very gifted at swordsmanship."
* * * * *
"Left!"
The tall, rough wooden pole inched slowly to the left. Canvas rippled, roaring in the chill wind, and the pounding of hammers punctuated the sound. Catherine looked with satisfaction at the newly erected tent. The gypsies made their way around the square without hesitation, despite the many stares directed their way. Finally, she thought, we can finally stay still for a moment.
A cold hand dropped on her shoulder. She whipped around with a yelp, ready to clobber whoever it was.
"Trowa!"
He was actually smiling.sort of. At least, his visible green was twinkling. She couldn't see the other through his shock of brown hair.
"Hello, Catherine."
"What are you doing here?"
He shrugged. "I am on an errand for the princess."
Her face fell, the sparkle of her eyes fading. Trowa immediately felt the need to make her feel better. "Actually, Her Majesty charged me with finding a trustworthy person to assist her. Would." He choked a moment. "Would you be interested?"
Catherine's heart thudded painfully, but she tamped it down. "I'm not certain.I do love the Gypsies."
"Oh." Trowa said, disappointment marring his face.
"However, it will be much more interesting to work at the castle."
This time, Trowa couldn't keep the smile from his face. "Then."
Catherine raised a hand to his cheek, giving it a gentle pat. "Let me get my things."
* * * * *
Treize set his wineglass down, gazing at the woman hunched over a bowl of water. "Are you certain, Une?" He asked, knowing full well the answer.
"I am, Trieze." Une lifted tired eyes to her husband. In the course of her reading, her brown hair had fallen and now hung in scraggly locks around her face.
"So, the legend of Zero is indeed true." Trieze rose from his chair and meandered toward the window. "That of course means that we are on the losing side."
Une rose from her crouch, moving toward her lover. "Any side that you are on is guaranteed to win, my lord."
He gathered her in his arms, holding her close and resting his cheek on her hair.
"No win is guaranteed, but.I feel that this has only just begun."
* * * * *
In another room in the same castle, Dorothy was speaking to her General, Tuberov.
"Is the army equipped with the modified armor?" She demanded insolently, turning the disk of Libra stone in her hand. It winked and flashed in the light from her candles.
"Almost, my lady. As of now, only a small portion of the force is unequipped."
"Do not tarry. It is imperative that we be ready to move at a moment's notice. And.the preasants?" She asked sweetly.
"The distribution of the stones is taking place as we speak." Tuberov said with a small bow.
"Excellent. Soon, all my citizens will be under my control. They will obey.or die."
* * * * *
Wufei crossed the log carefully. It was mossy, and slick from the morning rain, but he still walked it like it was a stone path. Said log was the only way to cross a wide, deep ravine that cut across their chosen path to Cinq. There was no other route, and the only bridge had rotted away many years ago, but having to rely on the rotted carcass of a dead tree.
"Are you alright?" Sally called from ahead of him.
"Silence!" Wufei roared unintentionally, wobbling slightly. Sally tried to turn her head to snap back, but lost her footing, sliding off the log. A scream was ripped from her throat as she tumbled off the side. Luckily, she was able to latch onto a branch that stuck out from the tree.
"WUFEI!" She screamed as a resounding crack split the air.
Wufei felt an odd surge of power in his system, and he dropped to the log, slithering like a serpent to where Sally clung to the stick. Her eyes were frightened, and he couldn't tamp down his own as he gazed into the emptiness of the gorge. He gripped her hand with his own.
"Let go of the branch, Sally!" Another crack.
Sally's eyes squeezed shut. "I cannot!"
"I will catch you."
Her eyes opened, and her blue gaze caught his onyx one. He saw gradually dawning trust there. Slowly she released her death grip on the flimsy stick. Wufei caught her other arm and dragged her up onto the log, hauling her across until they were both on solid ground. She immediately collapsed in his arms, clutching him tightly. He pulled her closer, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
"You saved my life."
"Yes I did." He slowly stroked her hair, waiting as her heartbeat slowed to a more natural rhythm. She sighed.
"That was very close."
"I think we should stay away from high places." Wufei said with a small laugh, releasing her reluctantly. Sally blinked puzzled at him.
"I think that was the first time I've heard you laugh."
Wufei shrugged, then shouldered his pack. "We should get going." He said brusquely, throwing his shield up as fast as he could. "Do not fall behind, onna."
Sally mentally kicked herself. "For just a moment, I saw the real Wufei.and he wasn't bad at all."
* * * * *
Duo, Hilde, and Brynn stood just within the gates of the city. The city seemed to be preparing for war.
"I got here just in time." Duo said with some relief.
Hilde just nodded. "I suppose this is where we part ways."
An uncomfortable silence stretched for a moment, punctuated by the clopping of horses' hooves.
"Well, Bye, Hildain. Maybe I will see you around?" Duo held out his hand.
"Maybe." Hilde shook Duo's hand, quickly letting go. "Bye, Duo." Within seconds, she had vanished into the crowd. Duo sighed, then turned to Brynn, who was watching him with eyes that knew too much. He offered her his elbow. "Shall we?"
Brynn sighed, taking his elbow as they wove through the crowd. It was no mystery to her. Hilde loved Duo dearly, but felt that if she said anything, he would feel betrayed at her deception. It had dismayed her to see Hilde's violet aura fade as she walked further from Duo. However, where there is a will, there is a way.
And Brynn knew that Hilde would find a way.
* * * * *
Alithiel~ Whoo.The MKR people, SM people, and RW people own their part. I own Brynn!
Duo~ Are you sure it's ok to use them?
Alithiel~ Yup. And I'm not stopping there. But the time I'm done with this thing, there will be all sorts of people in it!
Quatre~ That's cheating!
Alithiel~ No it's not! *Playfully slaps Quatre on the back. *
Quatre~ Woah! *Wobbles and falls into a reeeellllyyyy big puddle, and disappears beneath the surface. *
Alithiel~ Whoops.
Brynn~ Aaahhhh!!! Quatre! *Runs toward pool while Sally and Catherine try to hold her back. *
*The surface of the pool churns, and a big white duck hops out. *
All~ O.O
Duck~ Aflac.
Heero~ Quatre?
Girls~ CUUUTTTEEEE!!!
Duck~ *Glares at Alithiel. * Aflaaac!
Relena~ It has aqua eyes!
Alithiel~ WOW! It's Mousse! *Sparkle *
*Duck Quatre starts chasing Alithiel, firing homing missiles from under its wings. *
Duck~ AFLAC!!!
Alithiel~ Aaaaaaaaiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Trowa~ O.\\\ What happened?
Wierd Chinese Man~ *Pops out of nowhere. * He fall in spring of Aflac Duck, very sad story of duck that drown in spring three year ago. *Vanishes *
Wufei~ I do not think I've heard that one.
Hilde~ How in the hell can a duck drown?
Duck~ AFLAC!! AAAAFFFFLLLLLAAAAACCCCCC!!!!!!!!!!
Alithiel~ HHHHHHHEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP MMMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!!
* Heero, Duo, Trowa, Catherine, Sally, Relena, and Hilde start to chase Aflac Duck Quatre around the room as missiles explode. while Wufei starts to look up the spring of drowned duck.*
A's Note: Thanx for the Aflac Idea, Arlyssa!
*BOOM *
A~ Yikes!
Disclaimer: HEY ALL! Here's Chapter 9! It's hard to believe I'm almost to Chapter 10 already.Anyway, thanx to Morkeleb for reviewing! (I'm assuming that you're a black dragon? ^.^) Here we go, so R&R please!
Bye!
Alithiel
Chapter 9: Closer
Trowa glared disconsolately out of the high window in his room. Grey clouds scuttled across a paler grey sky, ocasonally divulging a small glimpse of cerulean blue.
He had been in the castle for more that four days now. Representatives of various armies and indepedndent nations were arriving daily. Her Majesty Relena was gracious, housing many within the castle. Many of the rooms were filled to capacity, and even into the night crowds wandered the halls. In all, it made Trowa very uncomfortable. Being a rather solitary person made living within the court unpleasant. He found himself longing for the quiet days he spent with the gypsy caravan. Of course, Her Majesty had been most kind to him, listening to his story in that sympathetic way most women had, even providing him a room within the ore private section of the castle. But.he needed to get out. He quickly made a decision. Throwing on his thick cloak, he left his room and made his way to the queen's council chamber. She was currently in a small discussion with Peygan and Heero, the man who had helped him through the gates. He politely waited.
"And who shall arrive next?" Relena asked as she scribbled on a piece of parchment with a feather quill. A merry fire crackled in the grate as the three clustered at the end closest to it.
Peygan folded his gnarled hands upon the smooth tabletop. "We received a message of the approach of the Cephiran contingent."
"Cephiran?"
"A small island country, Highness. The inhabitants are very gifted in magic. The messenger told us that the Prince of Cephiro, Ferio, is leading the force himself, with the assistance of his three female generals and his High Mage Clef."
"Three women Generals? Really?" Relena looked eager.
"Magic Knights, my lady, elemental magicians by name of Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu. They are bringing 300 soldiers within the next few days."
"Excellent!" Relena write the figure down. "Anything else?"
Heero cleared his throat. "The Starlight army will be within our territory in one day."
"Starlight? I've heard of them! More women generals."
"Yes. One of their messengers sent word that their leaders, Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten, were bringing 500 soldiers a piece."
"1500 from one group! Wonderful!" Relena scribbled that number down.
Trowa cleared his throat. The woman looked up from her parchment, startled by the sound.
"Ah! Sir Trowa! What do you need?"
"I ask your permission to go into the city." He said without preamble.
"I can see." Heero smiled thinly, "That you are uncomfortable idling among large amounts of people?"
Trowa merely nodded.
"Of course you may. If you will." Relena smiled as she twirled her feather. "Could you find someone you deem trustworthy to be hired as my assistant? I find arranging so many arrivals tedious and very nearly beyond my capabilities."
Trowa immediately thought of Catherine. "I will do my best." As he left the room, he heard the princess' voice drift to him.
"Now, if you will, please tell me about the Knights of Ronin.I hear that their leader, Lord Ryo, is very gifted at swordsmanship."
* * * * *
"Left!"
The tall, rough wooden pole inched slowly to the left. Canvas rippled, roaring in the chill wind, and the pounding of hammers punctuated the sound. Catherine looked with satisfaction at the newly erected tent. The gypsies made their way around the square without hesitation, despite the many stares directed their way. Finally, she thought, we can finally stay still for a moment.
A cold hand dropped on her shoulder. She whipped around with a yelp, ready to clobber whoever it was.
"Trowa!"
He was actually smiling.sort of. At least, his visible green was twinkling. She couldn't see the other through his shock of brown hair.
"Hello, Catherine."
"What are you doing here?"
He shrugged. "I am on an errand for the princess."
Her face fell, the sparkle of her eyes fading. Trowa immediately felt the need to make her feel better. "Actually, Her Majesty charged me with finding a trustworthy person to assist her. Would." He choked a moment. "Would you be interested?"
Catherine's heart thudded painfully, but she tamped it down. "I'm not certain.I do love the Gypsies."
"Oh." Trowa said, disappointment marring his face.
"However, it will be much more interesting to work at the castle."
This time, Trowa couldn't keep the smile from his face. "Then."
Catherine raised a hand to his cheek, giving it a gentle pat. "Let me get my things."
* * * * *
Treize set his wineglass down, gazing at the woman hunched over a bowl of water. "Are you certain, Une?" He asked, knowing full well the answer.
"I am, Trieze." Une lifted tired eyes to her husband. In the course of her reading, her brown hair had fallen and now hung in scraggly locks around her face.
"So, the legend of Zero is indeed true." Trieze rose from his chair and meandered toward the window. "That of course means that we are on the losing side."
Une rose from her crouch, moving toward her lover. "Any side that you are on is guaranteed to win, my lord."
He gathered her in his arms, holding her close and resting his cheek on her hair.
"No win is guaranteed, but.I feel that this has only just begun."
* * * * *
In another room in the same castle, Dorothy was speaking to her General, Tuberov.
"Is the army equipped with the modified armor?" She demanded insolently, turning the disk of Libra stone in her hand. It winked and flashed in the light from her candles.
"Almost, my lady. As of now, only a small portion of the force is unequipped."
"Do not tarry. It is imperative that we be ready to move at a moment's notice. And.the preasants?" She asked sweetly.
"The distribution of the stones is taking place as we speak." Tuberov said with a small bow.
"Excellent. Soon, all my citizens will be under my control. They will obey.or die."
* * * * *
Wufei crossed the log carefully. It was mossy, and slick from the morning rain, but he still walked it like it was a stone path. Said log was the only way to cross a wide, deep ravine that cut across their chosen path to Cinq. There was no other route, and the only bridge had rotted away many years ago, but having to rely on the rotted carcass of a dead tree.
"Are you alright?" Sally called from ahead of him.
"Silence!" Wufei roared unintentionally, wobbling slightly. Sally tried to turn her head to snap back, but lost her footing, sliding off the log. A scream was ripped from her throat as she tumbled off the side. Luckily, she was able to latch onto a branch that stuck out from the tree.
"WUFEI!" She screamed as a resounding crack split the air.
Wufei felt an odd surge of power in his system, and he dropped to the log, slithering like a serpent to where Sally clung to the stick. Her eyes were frightened, and he couldn't tamp down his own as he gazed into the emptiness of the gorge. He gripped her hand with his own.
"Let go of the branch, Sally!" Another crack.
Sally's eyes squeezed shut. "I cannot!"
"I will catch you."
Her eyes opened, and her blue gaze caught his onyx one. He saw gradually dawning trust there. Slowly she released her death grip on the flimsy stick. Wufei caught her other arm and dragged her up onto the log, hauling her across until they were both on solid ground. She immediately collapsed in his arms, clutching him tightly. He pulled her closer, enveloping her in a comforting embrace.
"You saved my life."
"Yes I did." He slowly stroked her hair, waiting as her heartbeat slowed to a more natural rhythm. She sighed.
"That was very close."
"I think we should stay away from high places." Wufei said with a small laugh, releasing her reluctantly. Sally blinked puzzled at him.
"I think that was the first time I've heard you laugh."
Wufei shrugged, then shouldered his pack. "We should get going." He said brusquely, throwing his shield up as fast as he could. "Do not fall behind, onna."
Sally mentally kicked herself. "For just a moment, I saw the real Wufei.and he wasn't bad at all."
* * * * *
Duo, Hilde, and Brynn stood just within the gates of the city. The city seemed to be preparing for war.
"I got here just in time." Duo said with some relief.
Hilde just nodded. "I suppose this is where we part ways."
An uncomfortable silence stretched for a moment, punctuated by the clopping of horses' hooves.
"Well, Bye, Hildain. Maybe I will see you around?" Duo held out his hand.
"Maybe." Hilde shook Duo's hand, quickly letting go. "Bye, Duo." Within seconds, she had vanished into the crowd. Duo sighed, then turned to Brynn, who was watching him with eyes that knew too much. He offered her his elbow. "Shall we?"
Brynn sighed, taking his elbow as they wove through the crowd. It was no mystery to her. Hilde loved Duo dearly, but felt that if she said anything, he would feel betrayed at her deception. It had dismayed her to see Hilde's violet aura fade as she walked further from Duo. However, where there is a will, there is a way.
And Brynn knew that Hilde would find a way.
* * * * *
Alithiel~ Whoo.The MKR people, SM people, and RW people own their part. I own Brynn!
Duo~ Are you sure it's ok to use them?
Alithiel~ Yup. And I'm not stopping there. But the time I'm done with this thing, there will be all sorts of people in it!
Quatre~ That's cheating!
Alithiel~ No it's not! *Playfully slaps Quatre on the back. *
Quatre~ Woah! *Wobbles and falls into a reeeellllyyyy big puddle, and disappears beneath the surface. *
Alithiel~ Whoops.
Brynn~ Aaahhhh!!! Quatre! *Runs toward pool while Sally and Catherine try to hold her back. *
*The surface of the pool churns, and a big white duck hops out. *
All~ O.O
Duck~ Aflac.
Heero~ Quatre?
Girls~ CUUUTTTEEEE!!!
Duck~ *Glares at Alithiel. * Aflaaac!
Relena~ It has aqua eyes!
Alithiel~ WOW! It's Mousse! *Sparkle *
*Duck Quatre starts chasing Alithiel, firing homing missiles from under its wings. *
Duck~ AFLAC!!!
Alithiel~ Aaaaaaaaiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Trowa~ O.\\\ What happened?
Wierd Chinese Man~ *Pops out of nowhere. * He fall in spring of Aflac Duck, very sad story of duck that drown in spring three year ago. *Vanishes *
Wufei~ I do not think I've heard that one.
Hilde~ How in the hell can a duck drown?
Duck~ AFLAC!! AAAAFFFFLLLLLAAAAACCCCCC!!!!!!!!!!
Alithiel~ HHHHHHHEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP MMMMMMMEEEEEE!!!!!!
* Heero, Duo, Trowa, Catherine, Sally, Relena, and Hilde start to chase Aflac Duck Quatre around the room as missiles explode. while Wufei starts to look up the spring of drowned duck.*
A's Note: Thanx for the Aflac Idea, Arlyssa!
*BOOM *
A~ Yikes!
