Disclaimer: Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, Mili, Treize, Relena, Hilde, Catherine, Dorothy, Sally, Noin and Une aren't mine... every other thing is! And omae o korosu to *everyone* who steals them! *curls finger around trigger*

Warnings: eventual shounen ai, swearing, some OOC, heaps of magic

Notes: Did I mention I love reviews? And I always reply to them:

Mariel Yuy: So do I! And Duo's cool, I agree. And hand-drawn will be great... *anything* at all will be great! *grin* (I wouldn't be able to draw anything decent even if my life depended on it... *sigh*) And take your pick of the surroundings... I can't wait for a piccie to come out! *jumps up and down*

Misty: Thanks! And since here's the next chapter, you can find out for yourself what happens!

Rokjai: Thanks - I'm glad you like it! And I'll try to update often. *grin*

Landlady of the Universe: Hehe, here's another box of chocolate for BOb... hope he enjoys it! And I'm sure going to have fun pairing Suri off... *cackled evilly* That chapter was meant to be light-ish, in preparation for this one. And I got the daggers idea from one of my Christmas presents. But sorry about the magic - or lack thereof... there will be more, in the coming chapters. Hope you can wait that long! *grins* And thanks for the recommendation! *snaps fingers, winking as a bag of gold appears from nowhere* (Does that count as payment? hehe) Please keep reading!

Finny: Did you notice the 'bucket of freezing water' in the last chapter? *grin* And by the way, Quatre - Q-ball - is cute anytime! Hehe...

Part IX: Zechs Merquise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Two years later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slightly more than two years have passed since Suriku first spilled coffee on Milliardo Peacecraft, the crown prince of Sanq. Since then, she has been breezing through the various stages of Elementalist training, passing the Master Examination in record time. Her telepathic gift, too, has developed into something quite powerful. The money she earns from her part-time job goes towards lessons at the Bardic Collegium, where she continues what Wufei Chang's Zolt'é gift started two years earlier. Her friendship with six boys has deepened, and the nightly 'meetings' have become as much a part of her schedule as her lessons.

Heero Yuy, too, has become renowned for his magical talent. Constant training has honed his control to perfection, and the Master Magic Examination undertaken one month ago was passed in flying colours. Even so, his yearning for vengeance has remained unchanged, and he has estranged himself from anything that could possibly distract him from that goal.

Duo Maxwell has not changed much - his endlessly cheerful personality and increasing charm has attracted female admirers from all the Collegiums. His knack of falling asleep during certain classes, too, has remained unchanged, much to the annoyance of his father.

Trowa Barton has gained a reputation for stealth; indeed, he is rumoured to be able to sneak a dagger within an inch of companions' faces without their noticing. Some say he is being secretly trained in the use of assassin-weapons, but he himself refrains from responding to the claims, choosing instead to ignore all common gossip.

Quatre Winner, the sweet-faced prince, has discovered in himself a rare healing ability, and has spent the last two years learning to control those powers. His gentle nature and ability to use his empathetic powers to complement his healing gift has made him a favourite with several Adept Healers.

Wufei Chang of the Dragon Clan has recently been married to Meiran, the daughter of clan elder Ron Shirin. Much to his wife's dismay, he does not enjoy the fighting arts, preferring instead to study battle tactics. Their arguments over honour and justice can often be heard - while Wufei believes that there is no justice except in individual circumstances, Meiran persists in debating otherwise. [1]

Milliardo Peacecraft still retains a dislike of being treated differently because of his rank, but has grown used to it throughout the last two years. In doing so, he has developed a quiet confidence and maturity, and is slowly beginning to master the art of leadership. To his father, the King, that is a relief, especially since the possibility of war is looming closer than ever...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suri yanked a brush over her raven-coloured hair, cursing the tangled curls for what must have been the millionth time that day. I can't believe it's Zolt'é again already - it seems as though only a month has passed since the last celebrations. She glanced over to the door - it was almost noon, so whoever Duo sent would be arriving soon. The Zolt'é messenger had become something of a tradition after the first year, and Suri knew that Duo, at least, had fun preparing surprises for her.

It's weird, to tell the truth - he still walks me over to Mili's quarters every night, though I sure as hell know the way by now. Even the guards have gotten used to me. But on Zolt'é and the other two nights of the Goddess, he sends messengers. And if I'm not mistaken, the person should be arriving - she peered out the window, noting the position of the sun. Just about... now.

Sure enough, a rap sounded at the door. When she opened it, she grinned. "Hi, Poruel."

The man bowed. "Lady Suriku."

Suri's lips quirked - so he *still* insists on calling me that. Never mind that this is the tenth time he's been sent on these 'errands'. "What did Duo tell you to do this time?"

Poruel flushed slightly. "I'm not an escort this time, Lady. Master Duo asked me to deliver you this message."

Taking the piece of parchment, she almost laughed out loud as she deciphered Duo's scrawl.

Do you trust me? If you do, go straight to the bowers. Wear casual clothing. You'll understand when you get there.
~ Duo

Hell, that's almost identical to his first message... and the eight that followed. If I didn't know him, I'd think he was deliberately trying to provoke me. "Thanks, Poruel."

The girl watched as Poruel bowed and withdrew, then glanced down at the sheet of paper. With a thought, she sent it bursting into flames, then tipped the ashes into a small container. I never understand the point of this precaution, but Master Tumi recommended it, so... I guess I'd better go. Suri changed quickly into a set of black clothes and headed out.

The walk to the 'bowers' didn't take long - it was a small, hidden garden just north of Mili's quarters, and about a half-candlemark away from her room. As with quite a few areas on the Palace grounds, it was private, and in this case, it belonged to the prince. And that means Mili is involved as well. Unsurprisingly enough. It isn't as though I don't enjoy the suspense, though - and they'd have figured *that* part out as well, no doubt. Sensing a small movement beside her, she turned quickly, letting her eyes narrow in a mock glare. "Get out, Duo. I known you're there."

A cheerful laugh sounded from behind a bush as a braided figure emerged, raising his arms in mock surrender. "I should've been more careful, ne?"

Grinning, the girl answered, "No - then I wouldn't have heard you. What's up this time? You don't usually show yourself this early."

"Well, to tell the truth, Mili, Trowa and Heero didn't want to go to the party much - and nobody will make them, since it's an informal part of the celebrations. The female attention is getting irritating, apparently."

Suri smirked. "It's their fault they're fifteen - or sixteen, in Mili's case. But I thought Heero didn't mind Relena?"

Duo rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't know - he only ever says 'hn'. But at least he never made good on his threats to kill her."

"True. And the three of them did mention it some time ago, come to think of it. So what have you got planned?"

"Well, you're free to join the party, if you want, but we're holding a small private party elsewhere... away from the palace. You're free to come to that as well."

The girl paused, her face thoughtful. I *do* normally enjoy the party, but without the rest of them... and besides, there's always next year, ne? "I'll go with the rest of you, then."

Duo's face broke into a grin. "I knew we could count on you. All the rest of them are coming."

"Where is this party, anyway? And isn't Wufei meant to stay with Meiran?"

"I would've told you the location earlier, but we weren't sure ourselves - and by the way, nobody knows we won't be at the party. But anyway, it's that clearing in the Suv'lia Woods. Half a candlemark away. And Meiran is still mad at Wufei because he beat her the other day, so she's going by herself."

Suri nodded, hiding a smile - the Asian girl was, in her way, perfect for Wufei. At least she doesn't let him get his own way all the time. But she doesn't understand him - he doesn't fight because of his beliefs, not because he's too weak to do so. She just provoked him a bit too much; the result of that fight... was not unexpected. "So are we going separately?"

"As far as I know, yes."

"Then let's go." The girl began walking, and Duo quickly fell into pace beside her.

Sure enough, they were standing in the clearing about half a candlemark later. The other four had already arrived, and by the looks of things, were well on the way to finishing the preparations.

"How on earth did you get all this out here?" Suri gestured at the decorations - which, now that she thought about it, bore quite a resemblance to the ones used at the actual party.

Mili winked at her. "Let's just say that being a prince isn't totally useless."

The girl rolled her eyes. "I think I realised *that* a long time ago." Glancing around, she couldn't help smiling - stacks of delicacies lay neatly in various containers, and soft glows illuminated the darkening area. "You guys have done a good job, at any rate."

The prince mock bowed. "Anything for a lady."

Suri snorted. "If I'm a lady, you're a cowherd."

Quatre shook his head and sat down on the grass, smiling as Trowa quietly did the same. Suri couldn't help grinning once more - the friendship between the two had deepened considerably, though it hadn't yet blossomed into anything else. But Quatre's smiles became sweeter when Trowa was nearby, and Trowa's emerald eyes carried a certain light around the blonde. I wonder if they realise they care about each other? It wouldn't matter much, I guess - Quatre's not even of courting age anyway. But perhaps it's a good thing that Quatre isn't the heir.

Beside her, Mili seemed to be thinking along similar lines - his face had softened, and his eyes bore a smile. Heero was expressionless, as usual, but the mere fact that he had come spoke more than any words could. Wufei's was sitting in meditation, though his robes were stained slightly; he had probably been at weapons practice earlier. Duo, unsurprisingly, was rummaging around the food containers, and after a moment of thought, Suri moved to help him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside the palace, several men stood on alert. One of them, a man of about twenty, turned to the youth beside him. Shields checked, Your Majesty.

The brown-haired youth nodded. Lucrezia?

The girl shook her head, brushing back the locks of dark violet hair. Please, cousin - call me Noin. In a war, gender doesn't matter. The fields are clear.

The youth glanced at her, then nodded once more. Very well. Noin, Ronterdo, proceed as planned.

Yes, Your Majesty. Several figures disappeared into the shadows.

Blue eyes checked the surrounding area carefully, then the youth, too, retreated. As he moved, the harshness in his face faded, and the youth looked back somberly. I hope this is worth it, father... I really hope this is worth it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** One hour later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hell, I'm full." The braided boy plonked down on the grass.

Suri snorted. "Anyone would be if they ate half as much as you did - it's a wonder you can even move."

"Hey, I'm a growing lad." Duo lay for a split second more, then bounced back up. "Any of that cake left?"

Quatre chuckled. "I thought you were full, Duo?"

"I was a moment ago - hey, what was that?"

Even as he spoke, the other six had spun around in the direction of the sudden explosion - just in time to see the smoke as it wove through the air in the distance. The prince's face paled, his blue eyes reflected concern. "We have to get back to the palace."

Within an instant, Heero had summoned a reservoir of energy. His face was grim as he wove the power into the shape of a doorway. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, "Get through. Hurry."

Suri's eyes widened as she looked at the glowing lines of energy. "A portal," she breathed.

Cobalt eyes settled her for an moment, then Heero nodded. "To the palace."

The girl nodded and stepped through, feeling slightly awestruck as she felt the energies shift, then all went blank as her body, too, shifted... and emerged seconds later just outside the palace grounds. Hell - he's good. But there's still going to be energy residue... What *did* Master Tumi say? The powers, at the deepest level, are the same... it's all a question of will. That means I can use my Elemental gift... With that, she gathered her own powers and started to remove the energy traces left by the portal. As she worked, the others stepped through, with Heero coming last and closing the portal behind him. Cobalt eyes searched silver ones for a moment, then the boy nodded in silent thanks and merged his powers with hers, finishing what she started.

Then, Heero pulled back. "We'd better move - most traces are cleansed, but some will remain, and someone may have sensed them already."

The prince nodded, his face worried as he glanced in the direction of the palace. "It's too smoky; I can't tell what's going on." He paused for a moment, thinking, then spoke again, his face taking on the aura of command. "Heero, you're a mage - you, Duo and Quatre will come with me to the palace. Suri, go with Wufei and Trowa to the hall, and see if you can be of any help. Meet in the woods afterwards."

The prince and his group moved off, and Suri glanced quickly at Trowa. The youth's expression was carefully blank as he said, "Come. It's quickest through the gardens."

Suri and Wufei followed as he wove quickly through the bushes, arriving at the threshold of the hall minutes later. There, cloaked in the darkness, they all froze - before them was a scene that could only be classified as mass destruction. The hall lay in ruins, partly charred, partly hidden in the smoke that still blanketed the area. Small fires still blazed, but did nothing to burn away the stench in the air - stench born from the hundreds of corpses scattered on the ground.

The trio remained so for a long moment - frozen in shock - then the Asian youth's face suddenly contorted with fear. "Meiran!"

Suri and Trowa exchanged a quick glance. In that instant, Wufei had sprung up and was darting between the bodies, onyx eyes flickering over the victims' faces. The other two understood and did the same, though the girl's face was pale with terror. The older youth's expression was blank, but the emerald eyes that scanned the bodies for Wufei's wife held the same anxiety. Then, a soft cry escaped - "Meiran!"

The two looked to where the Asian boy knelt beside a fallen figure, and hurried to stand beside him. Meiran lay cradled in her husband's arms, but her breathing was erratic, and her eyes dim. "Meiran - hold on. If we can get you to Quatre..."

His wife shook her head weakly. "It's no use, Wufei... I-I'm sorry."

Wufei grit his teeth. "Meiran..."

The girl rested her head on his shoulder with a soft sigh. The silence was deafening for a moment, then she whispered, almost inaudibly, "Be strong, husband... Nataku." A last deep breath, then she lay still. [2]

The three of them stood motionless once more, then Wufei stood, ever so carefully, and lowered his wife's body to the ground. The boy's face was as expressionless as Heero's and Trowa's but the onyx eyes, filled with anger, spoke a different story. Slowly, deliberately, he curled his fingers in the sign of an oath. "By my wife's name and my own, I swear that until the day justice is obtained, I, Chang Wufei - will fight." In a fluid motion, he unsheathed a small dagger and drew it across his palm, watching coldly as the blood dripped from the cut onto the ground.

Beside him, Suri stifled a gasp and Trowa's brows creased in an almost invisible frown, but they remained still - but wary. Only when Wufei wiped the blade clean and resheathed it did the taller youth say, softly, "We should check who else has been killed."

Both Suri and Wufei nodded and they moved off, grimly searching the bodies. After several moments of silence, Wufei turned to his companions. "Several nobles, and the rest are students. Some are too charred to make out."

Trowa nodded. "Similar." He hesitated, then continued, "And the Foreign Minister."

Suri raised an eyebrow. "Relena's father?"

"And mother."

They stood quietly for a while, surveying the scene, then Suri bit her lips. "Should we go back to the forest? It doesn't feel... safe, somehow."

The brown-haired youth nodded. "It isn't. And we did agree to meet back there."

Walking past the bodies once more, Suri uttered a quick prayer for the lives taken. Hell... and on a night of the Goddess as well. That's the worst part of it - everyone was unharmed. This was slaughter. She glanced quickly at the Asian who was several paces ahead of them. Poor Wufei... nobody deserves something like that.

Suri!

The mind voice made the girl start. Heero?

A mental affirmative. What is happening?

...The hall has been destroyed. Casualties... they include Meiran and the Foreign Minister, as well as most of the people in the hall.

There was a 'nod' of acknowledgement, then Heero's sent. Come to the meeting room in the palace.

Suri tensed at the tightness of the mind voice. Roger. Turning to her halted companions, she said, "Heero says to go to the meeting room." [3]

Trowa's eyes flickered towards her as they started walking once more. "Did he say what was wrong?"

She shook her head. "I doubt it is good - even he was showing signs of tension."

The boy quickened his pace slightly. "I think you are right - their Majesties and several other important nobles were in the palace at the time."

As they approached, Suri suddenly felt her stomach churning, and slammed up Empathetic shields. "They're distraught. I sensed that much before I put up my shields."

This time, they were not met with a scene of total destruction - then again, Oz wouldn't want to have to rebuild a palace. Suri followed as her companions ran up the stairs, then froze for the third time that evening. In front of her, the two boys had done the same, but Trowa recovered quickly, moving to kneel beside Quatre who was sitting on the ground, aquamarine eyes bright with tears. "Quatre?"

The blonde stared up at him for a second, then pointed wordlessly at two figures beside Mili, then at Duo and Heero, who were crouched at the other side of the room.

"Oh gods..." Suri and Wufei moved to the prince's side, the girl noting that Mili, too, had unshed tears in his eyes. "Mili..."

The prince nodded without looking up, then brushed his palm lightly over both his parents eyes, lowering their eyelids. "They were targeted." A long pause, then he gestured to the cousins across the room. "As were their parents."

Suri looked at him uncertainly, then gave him a brief hug, saying softly, "I'm sorry... sounds dumb, hey?"

Mili's lips turned slightly in what could have been the beginning of a grimace. "I think we all are." He took a deep breath, glancing quickly at his parents' corpses. "Trowa, Wufei, your parents aren't here - we don't know what happened to them."

Both boys nodded solemnly, and Wufei said, "Mine celebrate Zolt'é differently; it is custom. If they are alive... they will take care of themselves." Then, formally, "I am sorry for your loss."

The prince looked at him, tired but dignified. "As I am, for yours."

Suri would have cried, watching them both, had the situation not been so desperate. This... oh gods. I can't believe they can be so strong, even when... A muffled sob interrupted her thoughts, and she moved quickly to kneel beside Duo and his cousin. The braided boy gazed up at her, violet eyes bright. "Suri..." His voice choked and he gestured blindly at the four bodies before him.

The girl looked down at what he indicated. Both cousins' parents lay side by side, their faces portraying what could only be described as terror. Gently, Suri repeated Mili's action, smoothing the eyes closed, and wrapped her arms around Duo. The braided boy trembled then began to shake in earnest as the unshed tears began to fall. Suri held him for what seemed like hours, then he pulled away, the normally animated face dull as he stared at his parents' corpses.

The girl turned to Heero, who's cobalt eyes were as impassive as ever. How does he hide it all? I mean... those are his parents, his uncle and aunt... Impulsively, she enveloped him in a hug, feeling the youth tense and relax slowly before he withdrew from her embrace. ...I'm okay.

Suri glanced at him sadly, then sent him a quick wave of reassurance and did the same for the others. If that helps at all, I'll be eternally grateful for my gift... She stood, slowly, and looked around. Is it safe to stay here? I know they'd want to, but...

As though he caught her thoughts, Mili rose and said, "We should get out. Oz didn't do all this for fun - they are invading Sanq for good. The lack of security is partly to blame."

Duo, too, stood up, his face incredulous. "We're just going to let them?"

Mili turned to him. "Think, Duo. We can't win. They're fresh, unburdened by shock and grief. Definitely powerful, if they were able to pull this off. And they probably outnumber us by more than ten to one."

"But..."

Heero interrupted him in his usual monotone. "They don't know we aren't dead."

This time, they all looked at the boy, then Mili nodded slowly. "You know, you're right." Blue eyes flickered quickly across each of their faces. "And we should keep it that way."

Trowa spoke up quietly. "There are enough indistinguishable bodies in the hall to make sure of that."

The Asian boy nodded. "And once we rest... we can plan revenge."

The prince glanced quickly at his half-brother, whose face hardened. "I'm fine. And I agree - too many innocents have died. Let us go."

Heero understood and began shaping a portal once more, then they all stepped through. Cobalt eyes scanned the room quickly, as though memorising the exact details, and hardened, before Heero, too, followed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All went as according to plan, Your Majesty.

Aye. Definite victims include the King and Queen and all six of the ministers.

The brown-haired man nodded. And their children?

Lucrezia Noin answered, We suspect their bodies are part of the ones which are burnt beyond recognition.

Good. Une, go with Noin and report to His Majesty. Ronterdo, stay with me - I have to officially declare Sanq conquered and under Oz rule.

The two women sent affirmative, and the long haired one added, Be careful... Treize.

He nodded. And you. Trying to ignore the cold triumph in the eyes of the Mage beside him, he continued, Ronterdo, re-establish the shields, and send a quick message to the kingdom with a report of our success.

Your pardon, Majesty, but I already have.

Treize raised an eyebrow, then quickly removed the frown from his face. Then you may rest. Be on alert.

Yes, Your Majesty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Hours later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seven figures crouched in the shelter of some bushes. "Are we far enough?"

A boy with platinum-blonde hair paused in consideration, then nodded. "We should rest."

"Mili..."

The boy stood abruptly. "Don't call me that - I can't afford to have anyone learn my identity."

A female voice spoke up softly. "Then what should we call you?"

Blue eyes closed, recalling the sight of what had been his home for the past sixteen years, then opened again and hardened. "Until I get revenge for what happened to my people, I do not deserve the name Milliardo Peacecraft. Oz struck at six. Let me be called - Zechs. Zechs... Merquise."

Notes:

[1] - I got most of the info on Wufei's marriage from the manga scans of Episode Zero, which can be found at . You may like to go and look at them sometime - Wufei is so cute with his hair down!

[2] - Nataku = 'strong one'... at least, according to someone else (I don't remember who - blame it on my memory), it does. But unlike the part about Wufei's marriage, the details about Meiran's death were made up.

[3] - If you recall, I did say they were all telepaths. But just as it takes effort for a voice to carry over long distances, it takes effort for a telepath to communicate when the other/s are far away. Therefore, Heero chose to communicate with Suri, who had the telepathic gift.

And the story has *finally* begun... it took a lot longer than I expected, to tell the truth. But the prequel ended at Chapter Eight, in case anyone was wondering. *peeks out from behind the screen* How did that go, anyway? Lots of dying, I know - but that happened during the war as well.

School is starting again (I was on holidays before), and I also have relatives over, so don't expect the next part in a hurry. I've got it planned and all, but it still won't be easy to write. And I don't like short chapters because those usually end at cliffhangers. I'll try my best to get it out by February 3rd.

Chocolate, ice-cream... what other foods are there? Um, does anyone like pizza? Lasagne? Pasta? Reviews? *grin*