Disclaimer: The story is mine, and so are about half of the characters. I'll send Heero after anyone who steals them!
Warnings: eventual shounen ai, swearing, magic
Notes: I finally got this out! Gomen for taking so long, but I didn't realise typing is so difficult with a broken finger O_o. Anyway, Ch. 12 is out!
Mariel Yuy: Um... I got the fanart you emailed me, then I sent a reply gushing over it. Then, after Ch. 11 came out, I emailed you through my new account - but I'm not sure whether that one got through. Can you send an email to my new account? I have no idea whether it works. And am I allowed to put your piccie up when I get the site uploaded? (It isn't uploaded because envy.nu has stuffed up, and I haven't got a new host yet.)
Katie: Nup, things didn't go well, did they? I'm evil... but yeah, at least they met the gypsies. Please keep reading!
Vilanda: You'll find out about Trowa's partner soon, I think. And part of the reason I put Suri as part of the group was because there aren't enough girls! (I mean, the only *main* female character is Relena, and I can really see her grabbing a sword and slashing some heads... not.)
Finny: Umm... yeah, Quatre's in trouble. Hehe - I did promise, right? But now he's gonna be sad... *sniff* Oh well, I'll blame it all on you! *grin*
Liliku: Thanks for reviewing - and I'll get around to Trowa. Sometime. *evil cackle*
$!$!$!: Hi again! About the characters... the ones I had in mind (besides Sally) are a group of people, but are probably less important than the scientists (who I'm going to leave out cos' they're cruel). Less important than Dr J, anyway. I think. And since you're the fiftieth reviewer, I'll give you a box of Italian food I was hiding. By the way, it would be 'Midii'... but I'll feel weird having Treize call her that. Treize was the reason for my question, though.
Landlady of the Universe: I'll get around to explaining Quatre - but yeah, poor guy. You'll find out about what happens to all of them below, though. And yep, Cathy and Hilde have finally appeared!
Rokjai: I know... the chapters are getting shorter, aren't they? They're still longer than my earliest ones, though. Blame it on school, at any rate. But how could Quatre ever be evil? (Well, maybe he was the tiiiniest bit bad, but still... see, if you say he's evil, that means I'm evil too, cos' I wrote him!)
Patadragon: Fight scenes... body parts... blood... grrrr. *shivers* And guts as well, come to think of it. Freaks me out. *grin* And thanks for the review!
*** To those who have read the unrevised version of Ch. 12 ***
I have corrected a few really stupid mistakes in this chapter, and have also added a large section to the end. Sorry for doing this, but it was really late the other night, and I couldn't get the entire chapter written. I was going to shift the remaining events into the next chapter, but today, as I started Ch. 13, I realised that wouldn't work half as well. I am really, really sorry about this - next time, I'd finish the whole chapter before updating it. *grrrrr* (Hint: the section I added begins at "two weeks later".) And to the great people who reviewed - you don't have to re-review... I won't get offended if you don't. *grin* My responses will be in the next chapter!
Part XII: Answers... and Questions
"Your Majesty."
The brown haired man turned around. "Taasum. What is it?"
"Lady Une and Lieutenant Noin have returned."
"Thank you. Have someone send for them once they are rested."
"Yes, your Majesty." Taasum bowed and made as though to leave, but stopped at the sound of the young monarch's voice. "Your Majesty?"
"Is Anokiv Ronterdo in the common rooms?"
"I have not seen him today, Your Majesty."
The prince nodded and dismissed the man. Only when the doors closed once more did he allow his eyes to flicker in an almost invisible frown.
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"Hilde?"
Blue eyes lit up. "You remember me?"
The raven haired girl closed her eyes, trying to ease the headache she got from the assault of previously nonexistent memories. Do I? I think so, but... A flood of emotions suddenly penetrated her weakened shields, and she jerked before slamming a cover over her Empathetic gift. Then, certain that her feelings were under control, she reached out and searched for the source of the emotions Telepathically. They didn't take long to trace - obviously, no effort had been made to shield them. Quatre! But why would he... oh. The memories of the fight came back, providing an explanation for the overwhelming grief... and guilt. Turning quickly to the girl beside her, Suri asked, "Where is Quatre? He's the smaller blonde."
The young gypsy looked confused for a moment, but upon seeing her companion's urgency, nodded and hastened out of the tent, beckoning for Suri to follow. The gypsy camp was like Suri remembered, with tents set in circular rows around a central campfire, surrounded and sheltered by trees and, most probably, with watchmen set at regular posts around it. Some gypsy camps had less than ten tents, she recalled, but from what she could see, this one had over thirty. The pair hastened to a standstill when they reached a tent surrounded by a small group of gypsies. [1] Frowning, Hilde motioned for her people to move, and upon seeing the violet-haired girl, they parted and let the Suri through. She made a mental note to ask her companion what her status was, but threw all thoughts aside when she caught sight of the young Healer.
Quatre was huddled at the edge of a makeshift bed, normally calm aquamarine eyes wide and blank. Duo was kneeling beside him helplessly, while Heero and Wufei stood by, their postures alert. A gypsy herbalist was murmuring to the blonde in a low voice. A quick probe told Suri that Zechs was still under a herb-induced sleep, and Trowa was nowhere in sight. For a moment, the girl frowned, concerned at the absence, but at the herbalist's glance, she slowly approached the older youth. Gently, softly, she asked, "Quatre? What's the matter?"
When the Healer ignored her, the girl frowned and motioned the herbalist away, taking the woman's place beside Quatre. He didn't notice me coming in, and even now, he seems only half aware of my presence. I wonder whether that's because of drugs or something more? With that question in mind, she mindspoke the herbalist, hoping that the gypsy was a Telepath. Excuse me, but is he drugged?
The woman's eyes flickered towards Suri as she replied, No. He is in shock - it comes from exhausting any type of gift. You lock yourself in your mind. His case is made worse because his emotions and memories are anything but pleasant, and I cannot get through to him - I don't have Empathy.
The girl gave a mental nod of acknowledgement; she knew that as well, because it was one of the first things any new student learnt. That was the reason they all used their gifts sparingly - going into shock could be dangerous, especially on enemy territory. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady herself as she slowly removed her own Empathetic shield. Instantly, a flood of emotions reached her and she shuddered, almost losing her balance. Silently, Heero moved to support her. Suri almost winced away - physical contact always enhanced Empathy, and she wasn't sure what the boy would be feeling. No sudden feeling rushed into her, however, and belatedly, she realised Heero was shielded - Psychic shields, when combined with Magical ones, could defend against almost all types of undirected power, Empathy included.
She sent him a quick nod of gratitude, then, carefully keeping her conscious mind away from Quatre's thoughts, concentrated on projecting calmness. Slowly, very slowly, colour returned to the pale cheeks and the glazed eyes cleared. Quatre. Suri, her gift alert, caught the wave of mental dread before the blonde automatically shielded himself. "Suri?" She nodded, watching as he took one more look around the tent. He hesitated, then whispered, "Where is Trowa?"
Suri turned to the other boys, her eyes pleading with them for an answer. Heero's cobalt gaze was as inscrutable as ever, though the tension in his posture told her more than anything else. Wufei avoided her eyes, and Duo turned away, staring at the hardened earth beneath his feet. She bit her lips - the news couldn't be good, and the tightly reined tension in the air was as heavy as it had been on Zolt'é, though she hadn't noticed it before. Dreading the worst, she looked at the herbalist.
The wizened face softened in sympathy but she replied, bluntly, "Your friend was dead by the time we arrived."
Suri's eyes widened. No! I was expecting that answer, but... but he can't die. None of them can. We've been through so much, and they're my only family... She shook herself out of her thoughts, repressing her emotions behind a taut shield, knowing she would pay for that later. The blonde beside her had paled once more, and though he kept his Empathetic shields around him, the guilt and pain was clear in his eyes. An almost inaudible moan escaped from his throat and Suri saw Duo clench his fist, wanting to help but unable to - the braided boy knew he wouldn't be able to calm the blonde long enough to comfort him, much less alleviate his guilt.
The girl fought down her panic - gods, I've *never* been good at comforting people! My tongue gets me in trouble more often than not. And now I have to pacify a friend - hell, if this is supposed to be some sort of divine test, the Goddess has a *really* bad sense of humour. But I'm the only one who can stop him from suddenly going insane with guilt... what wouldn't I give for someone else to have Empathy as well. But gods... here goes nothing.
"Quatre," she said, carefully keeping her voice unthreatening. He looked up, blue eyes pleading; for what, she didn't know. Suri caught his gaze flickering towards the other people in the room, and, in a flash of inspiration, asked, "Do you want to go somewhere else?"
At his muted nod, Suri glanced at the herbalist, who silently opened the flap of the tent and gestured a small trail leading off behind the tents. The girl took Quatre's arm with a silent message of thanks and they walked quietly towards a small clearing in the distance. She continued sending calmness towards her friend, but by the look on the blonde's face, he was using his gift to filter out all the positive emotions. Great - I'll bet anything that he's so guilty he doesn't even want to accept help. Making her way towards the shelter of a large tree, she glanced at him in question. Quatre took the hint and sat, leaning heavily against the weathered trunk, and Suri settled beside him, unsure of how to begin. She was saved the trouble when the blonde suddenly whispered, more to himself than anything, "It's all my fault..."
Suri felt her heart clench as she replied, just as softly, "No, Quatre, it isn't. I'm not sure what happened, but your gift was out of control - nobody blames you."
Agonized aquamarine eyes turned to stare into silver ones. "It is! Don't you see... it was my gift. I was too weak to control it. My weakness... it killed my closest friend."
The girl couldn't think of a reply - had she been in the same situation, she, too, would be taking all the blame onto herself. What can I do to make him believe me? What would I have done to make *me* believe me, if the situation was reversed? Her mind flashed quickly back to the events of the previous day, and something occurred to her. "But Quatre, you only acted because you felt the pain the children were feeling - the only difference between you and them was that you had the power to do something. So you rescued them. It wasn't your fault."
"But I should have shielded myself better, and kept myself under control..."
"Then we wouldn't have found them." Suri responded, hoping that the blonde could hear the logic behind her words. "Quatre, listen to me. *Anyone* would have lost control, me included - that's why I didn't dare unshield myself in the first place." The girl blanched as she realised the truth of what she had just said. "Oh gods... if I *had* tried releasing my shields, maybe..."
Quatre turned to her, his expression firmer than it was before. "No, Suri. Remember what you just said - nobody with a heart could have stayed unaffected. It wasn't your fault either. But Trowa -"
Suri shook herself mentally, and interrupted, "Trowa wouldn't want you doing anything to harm yourself, and that includes wallowing in guilt. Quatre, the best thing you can do is to keep fighting for what he was trying to protect - the people of Sanq." Belatedly, Suri realised something - while the war did not directly affect her before, it had hurt her friends, and that was why she fought with them. But now, it had become personal. The war was hers as well - and she was going to fight. For Sanq. For Trowa. For... myself. Taking a deep breath, Suri added gently, "It may seem difficult, but I'll be beside you. So will Duo and Mi-Zechs, and Heero, and Wufei. Don't stand alone... I need you. We all do."
She saw the struggle on the boy's face, and prayed silently that he would listen to her. After what seemed like an hour, a look passed fleetingly over Quatre's eyes - one of resignation, but also one of determination. Suri gave a mental sigh of relief - maybe, just maybe, they'd be able to pull through.
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He opened his eyes. Brown bangs covered his face and he reached up carefully, brushing them away. The motion seemed familiar, as though his body remembered it well, but when he tried to draw up some memories, he found a blank wall. Slowly, he took in the steady jolt against his body and the small, enclosed chamber of wood - a wagon of some sort, something in his mind told him. Emerald eyes glanced around quickly, then the youth reached up again, this time to unwrap the white covers from around his body. He stared for a moment at the bandages, then winced slightly as a bolt of pain lanced through his entire being.
Then, he felt a slender arm against his back, supporting him as a person helped him sit up against the pillows. The touch didn't hurt - whoever it was obviously knew where his injuries were. He began to turn but the person stopped him by moving into his line of vision. It was a girl - slightly younger than twenty, he estimated - with brown curls and blue eyes. The youth observed the girl for another moment - her clothes are bright; she is probably a performer of some sort. But who am I?
Almost as though she responded to his thoughts, the girl spoke up softly, as though she did not wish to startle him. "Hi, I'm Catherine. Catherine Bloom. I work with a circus troupe, and we found you lying at the edge of the forest last night. The Healer says your insides are damaged - you'll need to rest for a while before you recover. Will you tell me your name?"
The boy cleared his throat, which felt dry after a day of silence, then replied quietly, "Thank you for your assistance - but I am afraid I do not remember."
Catherine gave a slight frown. "Do you remember anything? Like how you were injured?"
The boy searched his memory but it gave him no answers. Silently, he shook his head. The looked at him for a long moment, then asked, almost shyly, "Can I call you Triton?"
The youth raised his emerald eyes, paused slightly in consideration, then nodded. "You are welcome to. May I ask why?"
Catherine hesitated, then answered, "It's a long story. Do you feel well enough to hear it? You have just woken up."
The boy - Triton - gave a silent nod, so she began, "Well, years ago, when I was only four [2], Oz ran several raids against Sanq. I was travelling with my parents and younger brother at that time - he had just been born, and we were going to visit mother's relatives. But some soldiers cornered us. I was away at that time, having gone off to look at some toys on display, but I watched from the windows as my parents were... killed, and saw the bastards take my infant brother. Sanq retalliated soon after that, I think, but I never knew what happened to him. A man at the store took pity on me and brought me with him - that's how I ended up with the circus." The blue eyes hardened. "And that's how I ended up with a lifelong vengeance against Oz."
Triton noted the hesitation before Catherine said 'killed', and his memory supplied him with fleeting images of torture and rape. He did not speak about the topic, however, instead saying, "Your brother's name was Triton."
Catherine nodded. "And you're about as old as he would be, if he is alive - and you look slightly like father as well. I doubt I will ever find him again, but I have always wanted a brother. If you don't mind, that is."
The boy shook his head. "That's okay - I don't mind." He paused slightly, sensing *something* from his memories, but when nothing surfaced, he continued, "And I will help you fight against Oz."
The girl's face brightened, then she glanced quickly at the bandages covering his body. "Wait here - I'll go get the Healer." With that, she walked lightly out of the chamber [3]... dropping a small, silver object on the way. It clattered a few times against the bounce of the wagon, then settled at Triton's bedside. The boy slowly leaned forward and picked it up - it was a silver locket, the shape of a jaana leaf. Engraved on it was a small bloom of jaaniva. He stared at it for a long moment, searching his memories for something that just eluded him, but when nothing surfaced, he sighed softly and placed the object into his pocket.
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The Mage turned. "Are you sure about this?"
The blonde beside him nodded. "Grievos is dead too. Somehow, the mysterious Windriders were able to defeat the blood magic."
Anokiv Ronterdo frowned. "I hope Treize doesn't know about this?"
The girl shook her head. "I made sure the men weren't in Oz uniform. The Windriders must have guessed it - I'm not sure how. But their declaration, according to rumours in Zhahalivar, was that they were against Oz, so they would have no reason to attack unless they knew the soldiers were from Oz."
The Mage sneered, "Who else would attack Sanq cities? But as long as Treize is in the dark, it should be okay."
Dorothy nodded. "And there is *some* news that would make our job easier..."
"What?"
The girl gave a smug smile. "He has been called back by the King, who wants a full report. Lieutenant Noin is left in charge here."
Slowly, the Mage's eyes narrowed in an almost maniac glee. "That is good news... very good news, indeed."
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Suri sighed softly - the blonde had fallen asleep in exhaustion, leaving her tired and alone with her thoughts. In fact, she was so tired that she didn't even notice as four figures approached until a hand fell on her shoulder.
"Are you okay, Suri?"
The prince's voice was gentle and she sat up, startled, then smiled wearily. "You've woken up."
"Yeah. How are you feeling?"
She gave a light chuckle. "Shouldn't I be asking you? But yeah, I am, and I want to find out... find out what happened to Trowa. And why Quatre lost control like that."
Zechs nodded. "That's why I asked whether we could speak to the leader. Are you up to it?"
Suri groaned slightly as she stood up, replying, "We'll just have to see, right?"
They walked in silence towards a large tent - obviously, someone had made good use of the time she spent talking to Quatre. A guard by the tent nodded slightly at them, then lifted the flap and allowed them entry. Zechs entered first, then they followed. Inside, an old man sat next to Hilde, and they both stood up as the group approached. The man spoke up, his voice carrying an aura of one used to command. "Greetings, Windriders, and Goddess bless. I am Luiordo Schbeiker, leader of the gypsies, and this is my daughter, Hilde. She is the one who noticed and asked that we aid you."
The prince bowed - one bowed to the leader of gypsies, who were, in their own right, a rather powerful force. "We are grateful for your assistance, Elder Luiordo, and for your daughter's." As gypsy custom demanded, he addressed the Elder and not his daughter - she was, after all, his property. "I would be further in your debt if you could tell us what you know of the incident."
The man nodded, and motioned for everybody to sit. When they had all settled, he looked at his daughter, who formally began, "I was in Zhahalivar when Oz attacked - in fact, I had followed them there. But as you know, gypsies do not interfere with any political struggle, so I stayed in the shadows. I did, however, see what you did, and out of curiosity, I followed. That night, I was in the bushes when you sat around the campfire. When Suri turned to offer food to the two children, I caught a glimpse of her face - it reminded me of a childhood friend I once had."
"That's when I headed back to camp and asked permission to track you further. That, I obtained, but at the next town, I saw go after the children, and watched as your friend revealed your presence. By then, I was convinced that Suri was who I thought she was, and for that reason, asked for the council's assistance. They agreed, but we arrived too late to save your other friend."
They all sat silent for a long moment, each with varying questions swimming through their minds. Then, Zechs spoke up. "Can you tell us what happened... to his body?"
When the man answered, his eyes held just the slightest hint of confusion. "That is where I cannot help you - see, because you were all injured and your friend was beyond our help, we brought you back to the Healers before returning for his body. But when we got back... he was no longer there. I am unsure of what happened to him."
The prince swallowed, then looked up abruptly, as though reminded of something. "And the children?"
"We sent them back to the village. The men who took them back were dressed in black, as you were."
Zechs nodded, then looked at Suri, who looked up at the elder for his permission to speak - after all, leaders addressed leaders, but she didn't know what her position would be in gypsy societies. When he gave a slight nod, she asked, "Hilde mentioned that she knew me, and I have memories of living with gypsies. Do you have any clues about my past?"
Luiordo sighed, his face suddenly showing signs of age and weariness. "I have some, but I am afraid they won't be what you are looking for."
The girl raised an eyebrow, but prompted, "It would be better than nothing, I think."
The elder glanced at her, then spoke. "Very well. Fourteen years ago, when I had just become the elder, the most powerful gypsy Mage went by the name of Hawkesiur. He is easily equivalent of an Adept, and often travelled to foreign places - we never knew where he went. But one day, he suddenly materialised during a council meeting, his face aged decades beyond his time, with you in his arms. He made us swear to look after you, then passed away. We never discovered any more about his travels, or your origins, but we brought you up as one of our own."
The prince nodded slowly. "Then, when the rumours suddenly started that gypsies were stealing children, you were forced to leave Suri somewhere, so you chose to leave her with a lady."
"Yes." Turning to Suri, Luiordo added, "And that is what I meant."
Suri's mind swam with all the new ideas, but she managed to reply, "I thank you for your answer, Elder Luiordo. I still know more than I did previously, and for that, I am grateful." Then, she remembered something, and asked, "Do you have any idea how our blonde friend attacked the soldiers?"
The man said, "That, I can answer. Your friend is a Healer, but power always goes both ways. One can heal, or one can 'unheal' - that is precisely what the youth did. Instead of mending organs, he imploded them; instead of keeping blood within flesh, he led it out. Because he was angry and wanted to attack, but had no idea how, his gift responded the only way it knew how - by 'unhealing' all the people who stood in the way of his goal of rescuing the children. But I am guessing that you are all tired - rest now, and ask questions tomorrow. You are welcome to stay at us for as long as you need, to recover."
The prince thanked him and they all exited, their minds in a swirl of questions - questions that were totally different to those they had entered the tent with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Two weeks later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suri sat, her silver eyed reflecting the dancing flames of the campfire before her. Zechs and Duo sat to her right, engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with several gypsy seniors. Their debates flew through a seemingly impossible range of topics, from politics to magic to gypsy culture. On the other side of the campfire, Wufei was waging a mock strategic battle with another gypsy, having learnt the rules of the game several days ago. Heero was using the opportunity to practice a new technique mentioned by a gypsy Mage, and Quatre... Suri turned slightly, peeked at the blonde out of the corner of her eye, then sighed. Though the Healer had accepted that Trowa's death was not entirely his fault - at least, Suri hoped he had - none of them had been able to ease him out of his melancholy. Through Empathy, she saw a fair bit more than the others did, and Quatre's pain was as raw as it had been two weeks ago.
She herself was feeling strange - a few weeks ago, she had no clues about her past except for the gypsy robes granny found her in; now, the the robes were explained, but she still had no idea about her birth. Before this, I had accepted the fact that I wouldn't be able to find out much about me - it didn't even bother me that much. After all, the past is the past... the future is the future. But it's come back to haunt me. Gods, it's so frustrating! I've come so close to finding answers, but they are still so far away...
Zechs turned to her and flashed a brief grin, making her smile back in spite of her tiredness. In the past two weeks, the prince had been talking with most of the gypsies - as far as she could see, the conversations unearthed quite a few interesting opinions on both Sanq and the current political system. That's one good thing about the gypsies. Their neutrality contracts with all the countries lets them travel over the whole continent, so they sometimes know a lot more than even the monarchs themselves. But Hilde hinted at rumours the other day... something to do with gypsies disappearing near Oz territory. I wonder if it has anything to do with the invasion in Sanq.
The sev- six of them had not revealed their identity - they were merely a group of people who had a grudge against Oz and their actions. She felt bad hiding the truth from Hilde, but like Duo said, it was necessary. She looked up, glancing to where her friend sat beside Luiordo, feeling sorry for the daughter of the gypsy elder. The two had re-established their childhood friendship, but from what Suri could see, Luiordo believed heavily in the old traditions - Hilde longed for the freedom she did not have. She hid it well, though, and acted with all due respect and submission - until Duo made a typical "Duo-remark" on the third night. Before Suri had the time to smirk, the two were already engaged in something that could not quite be called an argument, but involved a fair bit of muted yelling all the same.
Hilde must be what? The second girl to actually stand up to him - and she's in her own territory as well. I could almost feel sorry for Duo. Almost. While the prince had earned the respect of the gypsies in the camp, Duo had charmed them all into liking him - especially the cooks. The boy could rarely be seen without some delicacy or another in his hand. All of them played their roles to perfection, managing to hide their grief beneath varying masks - but they were masks all the same.
But in the dead of the night, within the privacy of the tent they shared - though Suri's sleeping quarters was separated by a flap - their emotions were as clear as day. Each of the five boys had known Trowa since infancy, and Suri sometimes opened her shields enough to sense what they were all going through... their feelings, added to her own share of grief, would have overwhelmed her had she not known she was needed. But she had her role, just as Zechs and the others had theirs. And this time round, she would have to be the strong one.
The prince was guilt-ridden - he kept wondering whether he should have given different orders, and somehow prevented Trowa's death. He blames himself for anything that happens to us... Mili needs someone who understands what it feels like to be in command. Suri suspected that Heero, too, felt guilty, but because of the boy's shields, she could not read his emotions the way she could read the others'. But there was an almost fanatical feeling to the way he practiced Magic lately - and she could just imagine him wondering what would have happened if he had been more powerful.
Duo, the braided whirlwind, was bending under the stress of having to be cheerful for so many people. She caught exhaustion in those violet eyes more often than before, and had dragged him aside for a talk several nights ago - she hoped it help, but she wasn't sure of much anymore.
Quatre was perhaps the most open with his feelings, even in public... then again, he had always been so. The difference was that while the blonde used to be their group's emotional strength, he now needed their support most of all. Another worry was that the blonde had been weak, lately - physically weak. He had fainted three times within fourteen days, and had painful headaches all the time. Suri had wondered whether the ailments had been caused by the loss of will to live, but the blonde, like the rest of them, had been brought up to take responsibility seriously - he would play his role the best he could. And inside, Suri suspected that he had strength he hadn't yet shown. Even now, he was working on gaining control of the darker side of his Healing gift.
Wufei, too, was under an attack of guilt - in his eyes, Trowa had saved his life, and the Asian was therefore bound by the life debt. The older boy's death had, however, made the repayment of that debt impossible, and from what Suri understood of Wufei's culture, the boy's ideas of self-worth were determined by a strict honour code. He was now worthless in his own eyes, having failed a duty to a friend. Only constant occupation of his mind kept him from tormenting himself even more than he currently did. Upon realising that several days ago, she had enlisted the help of Hilde, who, in turn, had persuaded several gypsies to engage in a strategy game in front of Wufei. After observing a few games, Wufei had quietly asked permission to join in, and since then, had progressed through the ranks until today, he had the opportunity to battle one of the seniors.
Just as Suri was about to excuse herself for the night, a shadow darted out of the bushes and approached Luiordo. It moved with all the stealth and subtlety of the gypsies; had she not been signaling goodnight to Hilde, she would be missed it. As it was, she caught the almost invisible frown as it crept across the elder's face, and signaled for her companions to silent themselves as Luiordo stood and looked directly at them. After the crowd quietened, he began to speak. "Our spies have just received the news that Prince Treize Khrushrenada of Oz, upon receiving a message from his father, is returning to his country. He is within two days' riding distance. Be ready to travel by the morrow's seventh candlemark." Turning to the prince, he added, "Would you remain for a moment?"
Zechs nodded and the rest of them, too, stayed behind as the other people returned to their tents to pack. They exchanged glances - this meant they would have to leave, unless they stayed with the gypsies. Suri frowned slightly, then sent, Why do they have to leave?
The prince replied, They are no longer sure about their neutrality with Oz - there have been rumours of strange things happening near Oz territory.
Suri 'nodded' - that tied in with what she heard. The elder waited until most of the gypsies had left before beckoning for them to go to his tent. Once they were settled, Luiordo asked, "What are your plans, Windriders?"
Zechs took a deep breath, glanced quickly at each of them, then stated, "We will continue to fight Oz whenever we can, and in whatever ways we can."
Luiordo nodded as though he had been expecting that reply. "You would appreciate that once you leave, our neutrality contracts prevent us from providing any assistance to you."
The prince, too, nodded, hiding a sigh - he knew this would happen, but like the rest of them, had hoped the gypsies would aid them. Outwardly, he merely bowed and said, "We are grateful for your assistance as it is - should you have need of aid in any way, contact us. If it be within our ability, we will help you."
The elder stood and opened the flap, answering, "Thank you. Luck be with all of you." He hesitated minutely, then added softly, "And to you, Prince Milliardo of Sanq."
Suri jumped, but if the prince had been shocked, he gave no sign of it; he simply nodded and returned the blessing. Then again, I should have expected it. After all, the gypsies *do* have spies everywhere... The six of them left, going back to the tent for a final night of peaceful sleep before they had to move on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The next morning *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We're leaving today. The prince had wanted to make a discreet exit so they had woken early, bid the elder farewell a final time. As they parted, Luiordo took her aside, pressing a small item into her palm. "This is yours, Suriku. It may be a link with your past. Look after it well." Before she could reply, he had turned back into his tent. The girl glanced around her - the others had gone to do a last-minute inventory check. Slowly, she opened her clenched fist, staring down at the object in her palm.
It was made of a material she had never seen before - transparent, like glass, but lighter and less fragile. The object was perfectly spherical, with a hole near the top for stringing. Shaking it lightly, she gave a small gasp as small, shining flecks swirled around the inside of the sphere before fluttering lightly to the curved inner 'ground'. Gods, what is this? I don't remember anything like it... if it wasn't perfectly unmagical, I would have sworn a Mage created it. Hawkesiur... if he *is* as powerful as Luiordo claims, he may have created this... or he may have gotten it from one of the places he travelled to. If only he was still alive...
"Suri?" A soft voice called.
She turned around, then smiled. "I didn't think you could make it."
Hilde rolled her eyes. "I thought you trusted me more than that." Then, the girl's face turned serious and she lowered her voice to a whisper. "I know that father cannot help you... but I'm not sure I believe in those neutrality contracts with Oz any more. They had been broken once, decades ago; they can be broken again. I can't act against father's wishes without being denounced, but I can tell you something - Treize Khushrenada is heading north, passing Sahkron, before cutting through the Fort Ranges to Pierot in Oz. Anokiv Ronterdo is in charge of matters in Sanq while he is gone."
"The Mage?"
"The one and only. Be careful. He doesn't like Sanq."
Suri gave a wry smile. "Zechs told me about him. Thanks, Hilde... and good luck until we meet again."
The violet-haired girl gave her a hug. "You too, Suri. Now go - your friends will be waiting." With that, she disappeared into the bushes.
Suri glanced after her for a moment, then turned back to the tent. She told them what happened Telepathically, leaving out the gift from Luiordo - she didn't feel like sharing just yet. Especially when she, herself, was unsure of what to do. As she 'spoke', cobalt eyes flickered quickly towards her, and she had the uncanny feeling that Heero knew she was hiding something, but he didn't say anything and neither did she. The prince decided that they should follow Treize at a distance and try to uncover more of his plans, so they moved north.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Hours later *** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quatre kept a careful shield around his emotions - Suri had enough to deal with without his feelings burdening her. The shock of learning about her past before realising she still had no idea about her origins must have been disheartening, to say the least. The need to shield was becoming tiring, though - that was why he had retreated behind the shelter of the trees after dinner.
They had set up tents a short distance away from the city of Sahkron, not wanting to waste credits on inns when they had slept well for the past two weeks. In the quiet of the night, he could let his shields rest slightly, and let himself feel the emotions he had kept at bay for what seemed like a century, and face the memories of happier times...
*** flash ***
... the shock on Trowa's face as a two-year-old Quatre decked his barely existent fringe with flower petals, claiming it was 'pretty'...
*** flash ***
... the awkward arms that comforted Quatre after he realised how his mother had died...
*** flash ***
... the quiet days when they had sat together, sharing their thoughts and dreams...
*** flash ***
... the trust in the emerald eyes as Trowa handed him a silver, leaf-shaped object on his fourteenth birthday...
*** flash ***
... the sudden wave of pain as Trowa collapsed, sending a fleeting 'message' of forgiveness before he drew what must have been his last breath...
*** flash ***
... the blank confusion of one who had no idea about his identity or his past...
The blonde started, brushing the tears away from his aquamarine eyes, wondering whether he was imagining things. No... there it is, I can sense it. Gods, the Empathetic aura is so similar to Trowa's... Almost unconsciously, he had stood up and was moving towards the city. Guided by the persisting surges of emotions, Quatre roamed the half-deserted streets, then stopped as he reached a cluster of colourful wagons.
Several men were busily heaving boxes and circus props onto a wagon - a quick Empathetic glance told Quatre that they were not who he sought. Others were checking cages and bringing food for the animals, exchanging playful insults as they worked. One - a tall youth - worked alone, accomplishing his tasks with a quick efficiency, but sparing a few pats for the smaller creatures. The blonde gasped and moved closer - no, it can't be! He's supposed to be dead... I killed him...
Some strange force must have taken over the blonde's body - he felt himself approaching the stranger, though every part of his mind advised otherwise. Belatedly, he heard himself ask, "Trowa?"
Emerald eyes looked up and locked with blue. They stood motionless for what could have been a century, then the youth straightened, stating politely, "I'm sorry - you must be mistaken. I am Triton Bloom, a worker with this circus troupe."
Quatre felt his heart contract. He blinked back tears, then, drawing on his years of self-discipline, managed to whisper, "I'm sorry. Good night." Turning, the blonde stumbled blindly back through the streets, his emotions in turmoil.
He didn't see the brown-fringed youth clutch his chest and sink to the ground, emerald eyes confused...
Notes:
[1] - The gypsies were around not because they could sense Quatre's turmoil, but because they were curious about the new strangers. Not surprising, really, but I really wanted to make this clear.
[2] - I don't know the exact age of Catherine when this happened. But she is nineteen, while he is fifteen, so there is a four-year age difference, and I said that Trowa was adopted as an infant, so it fits, right? And yes, that will be further explained.
[3] - The wagons I'm referring to are like caravans, except they're mad of wood. They have a dividing wall against the centre (yes, each resulting 'rooms' are small, but *can* fit a narrow bed). Trowa - Triton - is in the inner room.
That wasn't particularly eventful, I know, but you really don't want mutated intestines in *every* chapter, right? And muses are demanding salary now, which makes things a lot harder, considering my not-yet-existent financial state. But yes, I *will* explain the bit about Trowa! Honest.
As I said at the top, I've broken a finger, and typing is as difficult as hell - it's annoying to type at what? About 30 wpm when I normally type at 80. Add that to the horrendous assignment load coming up, and I'd say I was being a bit too optimistic in hoping I'd get the next chapter out in a week. I'm aiming at a fortnight, but however long it takes, but I'll try to make the chapter a good one, 'kay?
*shakes a few coins out of purse* Guess what - I've been working overtime this fortnight, so any nice reviewers out there will get a free meal at Maccas (McDonalds). And thanks to the people who reviewed last time when I was broke! *bounces happily*
