FACING FATE By: Alithiel

Disclaimer: Sorry for the long wait, all, but I haven't been exactly motivated to write too much.and I was taking a Suikoden 3 break. As for what's coming in the New Year, expect a lot of new fics! Read and review, please! And, did anyone get GW for Christmas? Cause I sure didn't.

Chapter 10:

Wufei peered anxiously through the trees. "Well? Can you see the leader?"

"Shhhh." Sally hissed quietly, crouching lower behind the hazel bush.

The large campsite before them was filled with men. Large and heavily armed, they stalked through their camp with the confidence of those who knew their abilities. Merry fires crackled before the multitude of tents. A pale haired man sat in front of one of the tents, speaking earnestly to the giant man beside him.

"The leader is sitting in front of the largest tent.he appears to be a young man. should we approach?" Sally asked as she backed up slowly. Damp leaves clung to her pale hair, noticeable even in the dark of night.

Wufei sighed. "We do not have really any choice. Our food supply is low."

"All right." Sally immediately stood up. "Ho, the camp!" Before she even had a chance to close her mouth, they were surrounded by heavily armed men.

"Stupid onna." Wufei murmured a quick prayer in Chinese.

An incredibly mellow voice spoke. "Do not fear. My men will not harm you." A young man approached them, and Sally recognized him as the flaxen- haired leader she had seen moments before. "We knew that you were watching us. What is it that you want?"

When they didn't answer, an enormous, bear-like man approached. "Speak!" He bellowed.

Wufei bowed politely. "Forgive us the intrusion, but could we ask a bit of food? We are low on provisions."

"Say no more!" The blond man said cheerfully. "I can see that you are ill accustomed to asking for charity, friend! You shall dine with me tonight. Rashid," he turned to the big man, "please take our guests to a tent, and get them some clean clothes and water to wash with."

The man tilted his head in acquiescence. "Of course, Master Quatre."

Wufei bowed again, as did Sally. "Thank you, sir."

Quatre just smiled. "I will see you soon."

* * * * *

Feeling much refreshed after a wash and a change of clothes, Sally and Wufei made their way to the large tent. Though rather too large for them, the desert garb provided was loose and very comfortable. The tent flap was raised, and Wufei was surprised at the asture interior. Though these men were obviously Arabian, their dwellings did not hold any of the ostentatious decorations that many others did. A low wood table was set for three in the middle of the single room, and several pillows were scattered around as well. A single iron brazier and several oil lamps lent warmth and light to the room. There was a plain screen in the corner, probably separating the sleeping area. A brass incense burner pervaded the air with a sweet cinnamon scent. Sally breathed deeply as she entered.

"Lovely."

"I should hope so." Their golden haired host emerged from behind the screen. He had washed as well, and changed clothes. "Please, have a seat. Is the clothing satisfactory?"

"Yes, very." Wufei nodded. There as an easy manner around this young man that made him feel at ease.

"Ah, good. I have not introduced myself. I am Quatre Raberba Winner." He picked up a small kettle and began to pour tea into their cups.

'I am Chang Wufei. It is an honor to meet you." Wufei said stiffly.

"And I am Sally Po."

"May I ask, where do you journey so far from the Orient?"

Sally looked at Wufei in alarm. Could they trust this man? Wufei nodded.

"We go to Cinq Kingdom, on a mission for our master." He provided finally, taking a cautious sip of tea.

Quatre looked up, stunned. "So, we have the same destination. What a strange coincidence."

Wufei watched as the young man thought for a moment. It could have been a trick of the light, but he could swear he saw a bright golden aura surrounding Quatre. He forcefully blinked. Only an illusion.

"Is it possible, then," Quatre leaned forward eagerly, aqua eyes sparkling boyishly "that you go to see the queen?"

"How do you know this? Are you a seer?" Sally blurted out.

"Onna!" Wufei exclaimed, socked at her rudeness. Quatre only laughed heartily as he served them fruit.

"Its fine.and she's very close.Actually, I am an Avatar."

Wufei nearly choked on his fruit. Avatars were humans gifted with unnaturally potent magical power. Most of the known Avatars were old men and women, and yet here was one, just over twenty, and SERVING HIM DINNER!

"Please, you look as if you've been hit. Worry not! I will cast no magic on company.though there was that time I turned one rather rude guest into a squash."

Wufei began coughing furiously, choking on his own laughter.

Quatre changed the subject. "Well, if you wish to, you could travel with my companions and I, since we have the same destination.'

"Many thanks." Sally made a slight bow as Wufei continued to sputter.

The trio made light conversation over their dinner of bread, fruit, and a stew made from dried meat. As the meal came to a close, Quatre looked at his guests seriously.

"Tell me, friends.have you encountered any strange warriors I your travels?"

"Strange?" Wufei asked, nonplussed. "How so?"

"Very odd. They make no battlecries, and perish without a sound. Also, they all fall if their leader should be killed."

"Very strange indeed.but we have seen none by that description."

"I have. We fought them not six days past. I slayed their leader." Quatre's kind eyes grew fierce, and Wufei suppressed a shudder. "They fell as one, soundless."

"Though it may sound ill, I would have liked to see one of these creatures, examined it." Sally stated thoughtfully.

"Sally knows much about medicine." Wufei offered in way of explanation.

Quatre looked to Sally curiously. "Would you like to see one?"

* * * * *

Duo and Brynn were admitted to the palace immediately.

Duo was surprised.

How odd that they had been allowed to enter so freely, he thought as one of the guards led them through the winding corridors toward the council chamber. It must be most profitable to be a spy in this place.

"Are you well?" He asked Brynn kindly.

"I am fine.but you are not. You miss Hildain, do you not?" Brynn said slyly.

Duo blinked. She was right, of course. For some odd reason, he missed his companion horribly. Fear filled his heart. Was he one of those strange men who preferred the company of other males? He suppressed a shudder. Not possible.

Brynn smiled as they stopped outside the chamber. "Worry not. There was much more to your friend than it seemed."

Duo was still unsure.but it was not her duty to tell him Hildain's secret. Hldain would have to do it herself.

The guard opened the doors.

"Milady, the Sweeper representative has arrived."

"Good! Allow him in!"

Duo and Brynn entered the room. The princess was seated at the table, and a dark-haired man stood behind her chair. The to were deep in conversation, and Duo had a feeling that the pair did indeed belong together. Beside the princess sat a redheaded girl, and there was another, very tall man standing by the window.

Moments later, Duo's head began to pound. In his mind, he thought he saw brilliant light pulsing from each person. Pink, orange, deep green and pale blue they shimmered. He lifted his hands to cover his eyes, only to nearly scream in terror. A bright green glow surrounded them!

"And so they gather."

Duo turned to look at Brynn, brightly glowing white as she looked at the flabbergasted children of Zero.

* * * * * Zechs galloped over the hill, Noin following just behind. Their pursuers followed them across the planes. Catalonia apparently wasn't pleased with their decision to depart.he thought bitterly as another arrow whizzed by his shoulder. Through the gathering twilight, he could see Noin raise her little finger. Zechs nodded, recognizing their signal that there were only five men chasing them. Reaching behind his back, he took hold of Tallgeese, the huge bastard sword that was his gift and his curse. He heard the whistle of steel as Noin drew her own blade. A sharp kick and a one handed tug on the reins made the horse whip around, sending it galloping toward the men. He could see them in the dim light as they drew their weapons and raised them soundlessly. Zechs had no time to puzzle over their strange behavior as he sent the first man's head spinning across the dry winter grass. Noin fought just to his right, and had felled one man already and had started on her second.

"Something's not right!" She cried over the din of ringing steel.

He acknowledged her with a brief nod, and he felled the next man, sending him crumpling across the neck of his horse. The smell of blood sent the horse wild, making it flee across the dry earth. The third bore down on him. Zechs raised his blade to counter, but the man threw himself forward, running himself through on Tallgeese. Zechs nearly dropped the blade in surprise.

"Not very professional, eh?" Noin commented dryly.

"No." He looked down at the man still spiked on his blade. The fading sunlight twinkled off something in his neck. Zechs bent to take a closer look. Embedded in the side of his neck was a brilliant green shard of crystal. It glimmered venomously it the dimness, and a strong stench of decay and death permeated the brisk air.

Noin made a sign against evil as Zechs kicked the corpse from his blade. "Whatever that is, it's evil. We should go."

He wiped his sword off on the dead man's cloak and nodded. "Yes. Let's get to Cinq as soon as we can."

The pair turned round their horses and made their way over the hills again.

* * * * *

"Damn it!"

Trieze slammed his wineglass down so forcefully that it shattered into tiny shards.

"How dare that.bastard leave!"

"Now, cousin!" Dorothy said smoothly, raising cruel eyes to him. "All is not lost! Soon, the entire populace of this country will be outfitted with the Libra stone."

"I don't give a damn about your petty war!"

Dorothy paled angrily. "What!?"

"This is foolish, and you know it! If legend is to be followed, you'll loose this fight, and badly, too!"

"I will write my OWN legend, cousin." Contempt curled her lip as she rose from her opulent chair. "And if you value your continuing good health, you would do best to remember that.

In a flurry of silk, Dorothy stalked out of the room.

* * * * *

Alithiel~ Oh, another down.sorry it took so long, but I've been very depressed lately. I can't find a job.or a cheap car.

Duo~ How sad.

Quatre~ And it took you long enough to change me back, too.

Alithiel~ Gomen, Quatre-chan! *Glomp*

Quatre~ Can't breathe!!!

Alithiel~ Oops.

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