Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, but their backgrounds within this fic *are* mine. So are my original characters and the magicky bits I put in! And "omae o korosu" to anyone who hurts them! *over-protective mother face*
Warnings: eventual shounen ai, swearing, some OOC, heaps of magic
Notes: As always, I LUV reviews!!! So thanks to all my reviewers. *bounces around the room, then crashes into the monitor* And here goes my replies:
Braided Baka Girl: That would be telling, wouldn't it? *grin* But the story will end with the couples I approve of. And as a hint, read the warning - there will be exactly one relationship of the type mentioned. *wink*
Finny: *revives Finny with a bucket of freezing water*... hehe, j/k! I'm not altogether sure what you mean by trouble, but both the "dumping" and the magic will definitely continue!
Landlady of the Universe: I'm updating often because I live in Australia, and it happens to be the Summer hols right now. *grin* I'm trying to get a *lot* more info on Treize and Duke Dermail (right down to the little personality things, like whether they snore, or whether they like little fairies painted on their sinks... then again, maybe not O_o), so any good links will be appreciated :) . And about Suri - she'll change too, somewhere along the way. So yup, you'll just have to wait!
$!$!$!: Oh well... can't blame a gal for trying :). And strictly, this doesn't count as a prologue (aren't most prologues one chapter? oh well...) - more like Part One, actually, but I like the word. *grin* And reviews aren't counted as wasting space - you can rev. a hundred times if you like! (by the way, cool name ^.^)
Duo's ONLY Chick: Suri's going to be fun to write, what with her sharp tongue and all. And the commoner/noble thing has something to do with the political system - after all, no monarchs can be perfect. And with Oz pressing on them all the time... more on that soon!
Part VII: Protégé
"Hey Suri!" A rap sounded from the doorway. "You coming?"
The girl grinned as she opened the door of her assigned room; she had been looking forward to this evening. I guess I shouldn't complain, but it isn't easy finding friends when all the other people in my classes are *years* younger than me. And too many of them fit into the "spoilt highborn brat" category - rich, stuck up and convinced that their parents' money makes them superior. Which, in short, means bad company. I'm actually surprised Duo and the rest of them are any different. "Hi Hormone. You're early."
Duo stuck his tongue out at her. "You *have* to use that nickname, don't you? Seems like the world is intent on insulting me these days. And I assumed you wouldn't take hours getting dressed up like the other people around here."
Suri wrinkled her nose. "You're right about the last bit - if I had to sit around fluttering my eyelashes all day, I'd die. Not that I have anything to get dressed in."
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, several girls appeared from the hallway and swarmed around the braided boy. Suri fought to keep from laughing out loud, and Duo sent her a quick smirk. "Whoa! Hey, steady there, ladies. Never seen a good looking guy before?"
Giggles erupted, and Duo gently pulled his arm away. "Can't go with you today, I'm afraid - Mili wants me. But if anyone is free tomorrow..." He winked suggestively, sending the 'ladies' into fits off giggles once more.
After several rounds of conversation along the same lines, the braided boy finally succeeded in getting away. "Whew. That *was* fun, you must admit. I'm kinda popular around here, you know?"
Suri snorted. "If that kind of company is what 'popular' highborns get, I think I prefer life on the streets. Though I wouldn't mind having a bit of money - hell, one of their dresses can buy a week's worth of board and food!"
Duo smirked. "Jealous of me, are you?" She's more conscious about her station than she lets on... I'll have to get Mili to work something out. A part-time job, maybe. No charity, though - she'll get offended.
"As if. And are there any maps around? It seems kind of stupid to have someone walk me to and from this place all the time."
The braided boy narrowed his eyes. "Is that a roundabout way of saying you don't like my company?"
Suri gave a mock sigh. " It was a straightforward way of asking for a map. Has it ever occurred to you that some people around here actually say things that don't include a romantic message?"
Duo replied cheerfully, "Nope."
The girl rolled her eyes and walked on, keeping her eyes out for landmarks. He's fun to be with - I just hope he remembers the map. If he doesn't, I'll make sure I drop a comment about hormones around those female friends of his. Suddenly, she felt Duo's arm tugging on her own. "Huh?"
The braided boy shook his head, point silently at a small field hidden by a cluster of trees. Following his gaze, Suri stifled a gasp - standing in the field was Heero, and an amazing network of iridescent streaks surrounded him. It's energy, she thought in awe. But... it doesn't feel like the Elements. And wasn't his gift terminated?
Quietly, Duo led her away, and once she thought they were a safe distance off, she asked, "Duo, exactly what type of energy was that?"
His voice was soft as he replied, "Magic. When Heero was eight, he had been accepted into both the Elementalists' and Mages' Collegium - that was amazing enough in itself, because any type of Magical power is rare. What's more, he had equal potential in both, and was one of the youngest ever to pass both exams. But he always liked the Elements better, so after he finished the Journeyman Magic exam, he quit and concentrated purely on Elemental studies. Now I guess he has taken up Magical studies again."
Suri glanced quickly at Duo, noting the unusual seriousness in his face. He cares a lot about his cousin, doesn't he? Outwardly, she asked, "What's the difference between the two?"
"Well, you have heard about Elemental energy, right?" She nodded, and he continued, "Magical energy is like that, except it's more like raw Elemental power than anything else. And by that, I mean it *stays* raw when you handle it. Magical energy is pure power, and if you are an Adept Mage, you can do some of the basic things Elementalists do, though it takes more effort. For example, if you want to light a fire, you take the energy and send the energy particles moving around a small area really quickly, and the friction makes sparks appear."
"So in its way, Mages are the most powerful."
"Yeah - and definitely the most uncommon."
They walked in silence for a while, and when Duo spoke again, it was in his usual teasing manner. "But you know, even if you had a map, you wouldn't be able to get past the guards."
"Huh? Oh. Where are you taking me, anyway?" Suri caught the change of topic, but kept quiet about it - some things, after all, are private.
"Mili's private sitting room. That's where we were yesterday - that's basically where we all go, each night. It has been a tradition for years."
"You've known each other for that long?"
"Since we were born. We were all born within two years, after a period of 'no-baby-ness'. Funny, really - a whole mob of ladies decided to get pregnant, then we appeared. I can imagine the look on the Palace nurses' faces."
For some reason, the simple statement made Suri self-conscious again. By implication, that means they were *all* brought up by palace nurses. Hell, what have I gotten myself in to? "You must all be important, then."
It was a statement, not a question, and Duo took it as such. She's feeling awkward again - damn all the crap about station and rank. To hell. I mean, she's the first girl I've met in ages who doesn't giggle at every word I say! Widening his grin, he answered simply, "Wasn't that what you were going to find out tonight? I'd hate to spoil your surprise."
Suri rolled her eyes, but before she knew it, Duo had led her past the guards and into a mansion which she took to be Mili's quarters. Hell - Mili's rich. I mean, I know he's the prince and all, but with this building, he could buy the entire town I grew up in! And to think I didn't even notice when he took me here yesterday - then again, I guess I was still in shock at having been accepted into the Collegium. "Hey, but where do you find the time to meet every night? I mean, nobles have duties and that sort of thing, don't they?"
Duo grimaced. "Tell me about it. Meetings, court sessions, parties, so-called 'informal' gatherings... the parties are okay, mind you, if you're like me and enjoy female company, but for Wufei, they're as bad as hell. It's funny, actually, if you watch his reaction. See, as a rule, when a noble family has more than one daughter, the daughters are encouraged to find a suitable match - the higher the guy's station, the better. So all of us are stuck with girls swarming around us. But back to your question, it is considered appropriate for to-be-monarchs to have a group of people he can trust - we just happen to be those people. These meetings are as much a part of his formal schedule as anything else. Mind you, basically anyone can ask Mili to bring them up here, and he wouldn't be able to refuse, but if the person is bad company, we generally pretend to be bad company until they get sick of us and leave." With that, the braided boy walked through a doorway, dragging Suri along with him.
"Hi to both of you - you're early." Quatre waved at them from his position on the couch. The boy next to him nodded a greeting.
"Hi Quatre, hi Trowa." The pair walked in and Duo pulled Suri down on the opposite couch. Then, the braided boy smirked. "Not like you aren't."
Trowa fixed his emerald stare on the boy, and said quietly, "You're the one who is always late."
Quatre smiled at the taller youth, then turned to the Suri. "Mili and Wufei should be here soon." He hesitated, then added, "Heero too, if he's coming."
Duo's tensed slightly, but Trowa's face remained calm as he said, "He'll come."
Suri glanced at him quizzically. "You seem certain."
The tall boy gave a small smile. "I am. He won't say much, but he'll be here."
The girl nodded, taking his word for it. He's quiet, but as Granny used to say, "If people don't watch you, you can watch them." I have a feeling he notices more than he lets on. Sure enough, within minutes, the mentioned trio entered and took different positions in the room.
After greeting them, Duo turned to his cousin. "Did training go okay today?"
The cobalt-eyed boy nodded curtly. "The Masters say I will be able to take the Masters Exam within two years."
Shock flashed across all the boys' faces, though some of them hid it better than others. There was a moment of silence, then the braided boy grinned once more. "You seem to have a knack of breaking all the records. I mean, the youngest Mage taking the Masters Magic Exam was eighteen - you'll only be around fifteen! Talent lies in our blood, hey?"
Suri turned to Heero in time to catch the almost invisible quirk of his lips, but it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. He *is* powerful, then. Really powerful. But he makes me uneasy... too damned inhuman. I mean, sure Trowa is quiet, but he *does* speak a tad more than absolutely necessary. Heero... well, he may be perfect in terms of ability and talent, but he's about as approachable as that bed I sleep on. And it, at least, is *soft*.
Turning to her, Mili asked, "So. You're here to find out about us - what do you want to know?"
Suri frowned for a second, then replied, "Well, firstly... I want to know what you are. I mean, the only thing I know is that Mili's the heir. And... probably something about your families. You know, who your parents are, whether you have siblings and all the rest of it."
The prince nodded. "Fair enough. My parents are the King and Queen, but you know that. I don't have any full-blood siblings, but," he grinned at the blonde, "I do have half-brother. Quatre's mother is Father's second wife, an Arabian named Quaterine Winner."
The girl raised her eyebrows. *Another* prince? Hellsfire, you'd think that they'd actually *tell* you this sort of stuff when you meet. "So Quatre, are you the next in line after Mili?"
The blonde shook his head. "Only children of their Majesties can claim blood-ties to the throne; all other children have to go through council votes like the rest of the nobles." He tilted his head reflectively. "I can't say I'm sorry about that - there's too much protocol you have to follow. And I don't like being the centre of attention, which isn't exactly good for any sort of heir."
Suri grinned. "True. But what's your name, then? Quatre Peacecraft or something else?"
"Heavens, no. See, a person's name pretty much states his position - if I were Quatre Peacecraft, I *would* be the second-in-line. This system is quite effective, actually, because it stops the wives from murdering each other, simply due to the fact that killing would achieve nothing. Children of the King's other wives usually take their mother's last name, partly to convince any nobles and assassins that they aren't as important, and partly in honour of their mother." Quatre's eyes grew sad. "My mother died when I was born, so my name is all I have."
The girl felt suddenly uncomfortable. This conversation might just get a bit too personal for my liking - but I do appreciate their honesty. Somehow, / doubt that many get to hear these guys' stories this way... so I owe it to them to listen. Softly, rather hesitantly, she said, "Then bring honour to it. If you can be proud of yourself, I have a feeling your mother would be too."
Quatre turned to her slowly, then a smile crept over his face. "Yes. I have a feeling she would. Thank you, Suri."
The girl blushed slightly, but nodded. I wonder if I should press the topic... but I do want to know. And sometimes, it's better *not* to avoid uncomfortable topics... that only makes it worse. I should know. "So you're the only child?"
Surprisingly, the blonde laughed. "Good grief, no. I have twenty-nine older sisters, to be exact. I'm the baby of the family."
Suri's eyes widened. Good grief, indeed. Hellsfires - that many sisters can drive *anyone* crazy. At least he would have had someone mothering him... that's more than I ever had. Shaking herself clear of her thoughts, she turned to Duo. "What about you?"
The braided boy grinned. "My father is the Prime Minister, and I'm his only child. Shame, really - I think the complaints about my falling asleep in class are starting to get to him."
The girl rolled her eyes. "I'm not surprised. So you haven't any siblings... but Heero's your cousin, isn't he?" She turned to the silent boy expectantly. I wonder if he'll bother replying?
There was a long pause, but Heero nodded curtly. "Our mothers are sisters. My father used to be a merchant, but now manages trade and taxes for His Majesty."
Suri nodded, grinning to herself. At least he said something. "Trowa?"
Unexpectedly, there was a silence. Then, the emerald eyes flickered, and Trowa said, "I don't know who my birth parents are. Duke Barton adopted me as an infant, and brought me up as his own. He is in charge of the Collegiums." He hesitated, then stopped, leaving whatever he was going to add unsaid.
He isn't telling me everything... but I can understand that. No past... I can understand that too. Maybe that's why he told me even that much. It would have been the truth if he said his father was the Duke. Turning to the last person, Suri asked, "Wufei?"
The Asian boy nodded. "Our family moved here generations ago, though we still follow our own customs. My father is His Majesty's Chief General. I have no siblings, but I... I am to marry in two years time. When I'm fourteen."
Again, Suri's eyes widened. "Who's your bethrothed?"
"I won't know until one month before the wedding." At the girl's frown, Wufei explained, "It's part of our culture. The marriage of the clan's elder's son - that's me - is decided by the clan. The girl deemed worthiest one month before my fourteenth birthday becomes my partner."
What kind of arrangement is *that*? I know I for one would never become married that way. Then again, if he had been brought up knowing that was his future, I guess it wouldn't be *that* bad. Outwardly, she merely asked, "Clan?"
"We used to move around in clans, before kingdoms started evolving and began to overpower us. The clans decided to split up. Some disbanded and lived in communities as separate families, while others, like the one I belong to, formed agreements with various kingdoms."
Suri nodded. "I see. Um... can I ask you guys about what you do? I mean, I know I go to the Elementalists' Collegium. What about the rest of you?"
Quatre smiled. "Sure you can - I'm training to be a Healer. I'm also an Empath, so I take classes at the Psychics' Collegium."
"Empath?"
"That's the gift of receiving and transmitting emotions, as opposed to telepathy, which deals with the receiving and transmitting of thoughts. Speaking of which, have you been tested yet?"
Suri frowned. "Tested for what?"
"Psychic gifts. We all have telepathy - it is one of the most common psychic gifts. Others include empathy, coercion and psykinesis."
The girl shook her head. "I don't think so... but come to think of it, I think I sensed something once." She turned to the prince. "Do you remember the day we met? We went outside the stadium and argued for a bit, then I stopped because I felt something. If my memory is correct, it was similar to hatred... hatred and malice. Would that be what empathy is about?"
The Arabian nodded slowly. "I think it would be. And that means a Psychic will have to test you as soon as possible. Do you object?"
If you had asked me that two weeks ago, I'd have said you were crazy. As it is... "No, that's fine. What other stuff should I look out for?"
Duo smirked at her. "A lot, girl. Think about it this way - you have Elementalist gifts. That accounts for what? About three hours of training per day, excluding breaks. Then, you're going to have another two hours of academic-type lessons... you know, History, Geography, Politics, theory work and ethical studies regarding your gift. After that, two hours of self-defence lessons. You never know when you might be grateful for *those*, but at this point of time, all you'll know is that they're exhausting. And that's seven hours already. Throw in two hours for meals and that's practically half a day gone. If you end up with Psychic talent of any sort, you can basically kiss goodbye to any notions of 'free time'."
Suri scowled at him, then half-groaned. And I thought this life was going to be *easy*. Oh well... I'll bet Mili has a lot more than I have. And he still has time for these 'meetings'. "So what do you do?"
"I'm a Light-worker, but since I'm not a full Elementalist, I only do about an hour of training per day. But I have more in terms of other lessons - etiquette, languages, taxation... that sort of stuff. Comes with having a Prime Minister father. I also have to train in close-range fighting."
Mili sighed. "At least you don't have to sit in half as many court sessions. I've got stuff like leadership, *heaps* of politics, tactics... basically anything and everything that might be useful to a future monarch. And that includes *really* long sessions in the company of courtiers, ladies and other nobles. As well as that, I happen to be a Water-worker... but at least you actually learn stuff at the Collegium."
Suri grinned. "Like they say, everything has a price. What about you, Trowa?"
The youth glanced at her. "Stealth and long-range fighting, mostly. Assassin tricks. I'm also a low-level Ice-worker."
The girl raised her eyebrows at the mention of assassins, but turned to Wufei, who said, "I train in all aspects of fighting, though I prefer studying military tactics. But like father says, I'll have to be close to the fighters to command them, and it would be hard to do that when I'm half dead."
Suri grinned. "I think I get that. Heero?"
Again, there was a silence before the cobalt-eyed boy replied. "I'm a Mage and a Psychic. My gifts include telepathy, coercion and mental combat."
"Mental combat? What's that - fighting with your mind?"
The boy nodded curtly. "You tell the other person their mind is blowing up. It believes you, and acts accordingly. It's a branch of coercion."
Suri absorbed this, thinking, he's totally involved in different types of magic, isn't he? No wonder he was attacked that day. Cos' I'm not a fool - I know that somebody was intent on hurting him. They won't tell me who or why, but I doubt it will remain secret for long. Suddenly, she felt herself yawning. "Shit... it's kind of late, isn't it? Thanks for telling me... um, all this."
Mili smiled at her. "That's fine - I think you're the best 'new' person to come up here for a long time. Maybe you can come up some of the time, after you've settled in."
The girl nodded. I can't believe I actually enjoyed myself - but I think I did. But I wouldn't dare hang out with them too much... they're all too important. And I bet they have private things to discuss. Things that don't involve just any old commo- stop it! There's no point complaining about *that*... it won't help, it won't change. I'll just have to work my way around it. "I'd like that... thank you."
Duo stood, and offered, "I'll walk you back. And when you're free, look around for me a bit - I have lessons at the Elementalists' Collegium as well."
She grinned. "I'll do that. Thanks."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** One week later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Class dismissed. Suri, would you stay behind for a moment?" The Master stood and opened the door, closing it once more after the students filed out.
"Uh... sure." The girl brushed back her raven-black hair and gathered her belongings. Shit - I'm in trouble *this* time... and I'm seriously doubting what they say about me having any potential at all. I mean, it shouldn't be that hard to filter the energy and channel it in, then out. At least, the other students don't think it should.
"Sit." Master Tumi perched on top of the table, and beckoned for the girl to do similar. After she did so, he asked, "Suri, are you having problems with what we're learning at the moment?"
You're too damned diplomatic to add that it is totally basic stuff, aren't you? Oh well, I appreciate that, at least. "I'm not sure why. I can filter correctly, but whenever I start channeling, things just don't happen the way they should."
The Adept nodded. "I've noticed that. It's strange, because you have caught on to the other basics more quickly than most other students. I think it has something to do with the sensitivity of your channels - after all, they have touched more raw energy than perhaps they should have. You may like to try relaxing more. But unless you can safely channel the energy, I'm afraid you will not be able to do much."
Suri swallowed. "Yes sir. I will practice it once my other lessons are over for the day."
Master Tumi smiled. "Good luck, then. Do not be late for you next class."
The girl read the dismissal and bowed, then turned to leave. Hours later, she stood on some of the shielded practice fields, ready to scream in frustration. This is simply not working! Every time energy even comes *close* to my channels, they block up or 'move' away... if that's even possible. And I haven't the damnest idea why? Taking a deep breath, she began the process again. Reach, filter, ch- oh shit, it happened again. What's with my stupid channels anyway?
"That isn't going to work." A monotonous voice sounded behind a cluster of bushes.
Suri spun around. "Huh? Come out, whoever you are. What the..." The girl blinked, trying to hide her surprise as Heero stepped out and walked towards her. What the hell is *he* doing here? And speaking, of all things?
Cobalt eyes returned her stare. "I said, that isn't going to work. It is a physical instinct. Your channels have been damaged once by energy, thus they avoid it. Your gift can't control those instincts."
Suri was feeling too tired to keep the annoyance out of her voice. "Then what do you suggest I do?"
Heero remained impassive. "Reprogram your body."
"And how on earth will I do that?"
The boy's eyes flickered, then he commanded, "Listen, and do exactly as I say." At her nod, he continued, "On the count of three, reach and filter. On four, let the energy touch your channels. On five, pull your channels away."
"But my channels won't..."
"Just do it."
"Fine."
"One. Two. Three."
Suri reached for the energy with her gift, then filtered until only one type of energy was being 'held' by the gift.
"Four."
The girl took a deep breath and channeled, fighting the urge to scream as the energy brushed her channels.
"...Five."
With a sigh of relief, Suri released the energy. Hey, I actually touched it! This might actually work. But before she could comment, the voice commanded, "Again. One. Two. Three."
She did as the boy said.
"Four... five. Again. One, two, three. Four. Five. Again. One..."
Suri couldn't remember how many times the monotonous voice uttered 'again', but she could feel her channels relaxing as energy touched them briefly, but repeatedly.
"Now hold the energy until count five, and release on six. One. Two. Three."
The girl reached and filtered again, then let the energy channel.
"Four. Five."
Hey, I can hold it!
"...Six. Again. One..."
Another infinite number of repetitions, then she was commanded to hold the energy for three seconds. Then four. Five. Six... finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she felt her energy channels accept the power with no sign of rebellion. Sighing with relief, Suri grinned at her 'teacher'. "Thanks, Heero. Gods know where I'd be without you. How did you do that, anyway? I thought those channels were never going to listen to me."
The boy's face was emotionless - at it had been, all through the night - as he replied, "Fear of the energy got in the way. The counting turned the channeling into a routine. Routines don't have time for emotions. Good night." With that, he disappeared into the darkness, leaving one surprised girl staring after him.
Notes:
And oh yeah, sorry about the late update. I was staying at a hotel for a couple of days, and I couldn't exactly bring a computer along. (Can't afford a laptop either... damn.) This chapter was written mainly to explain the backgrounds of the other characters, and to clarify their relationships. The part about Quatre was kind of weird, I know, but "Quatre Peacecraft" sounds utterly wrong. So does "Milliardo Winner".
Let's see... today is the 17th of January. I should be able to get the next part out by the 20th. A Christmas-like celebration is coming up (in the story), so you can expect parties, presents and the rest of it. I might explain some things about this world's culture, season etc. Also, a GW girl will appear. Any guesses?
"Omae o kisu" seems to have worked the best so far, but since $!$!$! didn't enjoy that much (how about a big hug instead?), I'll switch to something else - *waves a gigantic pack of chocolate in front of all the readers' faces*... reviews, anybody?
