Disclaimer: Though all the GW characters from the series aren't mine, the story is, and so are the other characters. I'll send Heero after anyone who steals them!
Warnings: eventual shounen ai, swearing, magic
Notes: Kay', I'm back!! I'm sooo sorry it took so long... my comp stuffed up, though. There was a virus of some sort and I had to reformat the whole thing. Which meant I had to rewrite this chap. Anyway, thanks to everyone who stuck with me - love u all!
Mariel Yuy: No, I haven't (seen any of GW or EW). Thx for the link - you're right, the info is good. And don't worry about the pics your cousin flushed out... I know what it feels like to lose something you spent effort on. Sux, ne? My hand still hurts like hell... this time, it's from overstress. That's what happens when you have to redo a billion assignments in two days. Hey, and can you send me the first Suri pic again? I had the second one backed up fine, but the first one won't open, for some reason. Thanks!
Blaze: Well, the duel is out, but if you're impatient, think about what happened in the series (I've read the episode summaries, and based the duel on something similar). *wink*
Finny: I'm glad you liked the convo - btw, where's this collab you mentioned?
Mystical Ceres: I love magic too, hope you keep reading!
Stephanie Yuy: A fortnight is two weeks... though now, it's turned into a month and two weeks. Gomen! And I like Wufei too much to make him OOC - same goes for the other guys.
Landlady of the Universe: Hmm... well, I did mention somewhere that there'd be exactly one shounen ai pairing. *wink* And no, the Maguanacs will definitely appear. For a hint, reread the first part of Ch 14 - there should be a hint as to when they'd appear.
Rokjai: Thanks for the review... I hope you keep reading!
Rei: There are so many good fics out there that it isn't really that hard to understand the characters - it's the frequently bashed characters that are harder to make sense of. I'm glad you like it!
Heather: Did you leave two reviews? If you didn't, gomen - tell me and I'll respond properly. For now, I'll just assume the two 'heather's are the same person. And don't worry, I love this fic too much to stop it - as soon as my fingers are up to it, I'll get the next chap out. Thanks for reviewing!
Shadowofdragons: I like both names! And where are you going with Quatre?
Starlight Gundam: My reflexes suck too much to play any type of D&D game. I guess I'll just spend my time writing instead! *grin*
Tori Sakana: I'm glad you like Suri. I started reading ML books after somebody mentioned her in a review in Ch 10, but still haven't seen the word Windrider/s yet. Which book/s is it in? But you're right - the Collegiums etc. are eerily similar to what I've done... *shivers* I did read fics before that, but I don't think the fics had all that much magic in them. Oh well!
Emcron: Truth is, I probably couldn't have stuffed the characters in a non-magical universe other than Earth cos I mainly read fantasy. I love Wufei too!
Heather: No, I'm not stopping - seemed like it though, ne? Gomen. Thanks for reviewing, and please do ask/plead with/bribe your friends to read this! :)
Extra Note: I've changed the formatting, and now the italics actually show up. If you read this before it was updated and had to go to another site to read it, sorry for the inconvenience!
Part XV: Debt of Honour III
Wufei had always preferred moving first in sword fights, but he had not fought bare often enough to arrive at a preference for the latter. The same rule applied either way, the rule stating that the first move of any fight could be the most crucial, with the last move being the only exception. Both were important, but the first, when used well, could set the direction for the remainder of the battle.
Onyx eyes surveyed the scene around him, taking in the poised stance of his opponent before staring into the prince's blue eyes - eyes were often the best indicators of an attack. Even so, he barely managed to roll out of the way when Treize suddenly lunged forward and sidestepped into a punch. He fast, Wufei thought as he followed through with the roll, rising smoothly and retaliating with a kick of his own. And he has skill; I can tell by the way he minimised resistance by bending slightly. The prince dodged, leaping in to attack again with terrifying speed, and the Asian parried, sending a riposte that forced Treize back.
For a moment, the prince stumbled, but almost immediately, he regained his balance, and Wufei found himself on his back with a hand at his throat. Shocked, the Asian replayed the last moves in his head. Treize had lashed out with his fist, he had blocked it, then aimed an attack at the prince's blind side... forgetting that though the energy behind a blade would not be sensed, his fist carried a different force that could be detected by an experienced opponent. [1] The prince had merely stepped aside before tumbling him with a sweeping kick.
Wufei lay still for what seemed like an eternity, then raised his head slightly, meeting the prince's eyes. Drawing a deep breath to calm the his sudden fear, the Asian said quietly, "You beat me fairly. Do what you will." With that, he tilted his head back, exposing his neck.
Treize's arm tensed as though he was about to bring it down, then slowly relaxed. Wufei watched in slight bewilderment as the hand withdrew, returning to its place at the prince's side. The prince stared at him for a long time, his face thoughtful, then shook his head. "I didn't beat you." Catching Wufei's frown, he continued calmly, "You were fast, your balance was superb, and your moves spoke of years of experience. Had you used a blade in the last lunge, I would be dead."
The Asian shook his head. "But I agreed to a bare fight."
"Because you didn't want to inconvenience me by having me request your blade. I did win, but not fairly." The prince paused for a moment, then his blue eyes flashed with something similar to anticipation. "I would like an opportunity to fight you when you have your blade. Until then, fare well, anonymous soldier." Tossing a long, well-wrapped object at Wufei's feet, the prince moved away, disappearing into the bushes before the youth had the chance to reply.
Wufei blinked, then closed his mouth; somehow, it had fallen open while the prince spoke. Rising, he picked up the object, raising an eyebrow when its weight settled in his hand. Is that? Unwrapping the object, a small glint of relief flashed across his onyx eyes at the sight of his katana. He unsheathed it, smiling slightly at its unharmed state. Then, he stared into the bushes, saying softly, "Yes, Treize Khushrenada - we will meet again. But until then, I am in your life-debt."
Suddenly, a humourless chuckle sounded from behind him. Wufei spun around, eyes widening at the sight of the lady to whom he had surrendered. Quickly gathering his nerves, the Asian bowed slightly. "Colonel Une, I believe. I am honoured to meet you."
"I'm sure you are." In two quick strides, the brown-haired woman crossed the distance between them. When she spoke again, her eyes held a dangerous glint. "But let me tell you this - I'm only letting you go because his Majesty wishes it. Cross my path again, however..." Her glare spoke the rest.
How on earth did she get so close without me noticing? ... Ah, she's a Mage - I wish Heero was here; he'd be able to tell how strong she is. She seems to be on good terms with Treize... a bit young for a colonel, but still. Wufei kept a careful hold on his anger, answering calmly, "I will bear that in mind."
Une nodded curtly and walked away. Then, almost as an afterthought, she glanced mockingly at Wufei, adding, "Is it not ironic that the citizens of Sanq have to rely on their enemy's mercy for survival?" With that last comment, Une muttered a word and disappeared.
Wufei stood in silence for a long moment, the wind rustling the tendrils of hair that had become loose during the fight. His body was still, his face expressionless, but the onyx eyes were dark with inner turmoil. She's right... if I can't beat him, how will I ever kill him? And even if I was strong enough, I wouldn't be able to... I'm in his debt... He looked down at the scar on his palm before clenching it into a fist. I'm sorry, Meiran... I failed my duty. I am an unworthy member of the clans.
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"Treize!"
The prince turned, smiling slightly as the woman approached him. "Une." Then, a suspicion rose in his mind and he stared into his companion's eyes. "You were watching?"
She nodded. "Of course. You must have known I would - after all, you did ask for his sword."
"Katana," Treize corrected automatically. Blue eyes glanced at her. "And did you speak to him afterwards?"
"Yes, but that was all I did." She looked straight at him. "I trust you, Treize, even when I might not agree with all that you do." Her lips quirked. "You're too honourable, for one thing."
The prince remained quiet for what seemed like an eternity, then sighed. "There are those who would disagree with you - myself included." Facing her, he smiled again. "But your support means a lot to me."
"Then you will always have it." Une took his arm and they walked slowly back to the camp, the expression on her face nothing like it had been a mere half-candlemark ago.
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Do we go after him?
Another silence. Then, Quatre sent, Can we do so without compromising his honour?
Yes - we don't have to do anything. We have to know what's happening.
Zechs glanced at each of them. Then let us go.
The group broke off at a run, with Trowa in the lead. Once they were in the city, the prince sent, Trowa, what happened, exactly? How much do you remember?
There was a pause, then Trowa answered, Of the past, not much, and not in detail. Enough to know whose side I'm on. He gave a brief description of his time with the circus, then added, This place is what we're looking for. They all halted, listening intently - some distance away, they could hear the laughter and shouts of soldiers, but aside from that, all was still. Trowa bent slightly, inspecting the bushes, then pointed at a cluster of displaced leaves. Stepping lightly across the forray, he stopped once more beside a marked circle on the grass, asking, Heero, do you sense magic around?
The Mage frowned slightly, gestured towards the leaves. A cloaking spell was used there, but that is all I can sense.
Then I think Wufei has left.
Why?
The scratches on the ground are from various attacks, which means his opponent was not a female and he did actually fight, but there is no blood, so he must be alive. However, I doubt he has been taken prisoner - unless he was forced or unconscious, he would never go willingly.
Zechs nodded. And it is next to impossible to knock him out without magic. Okay, so he's alive - where could he have gone? And why has Oz not followed?
Suddenly, Heero raised his hand for silence. "Who's there?"
A shadow emerged from the bushes, and the voice that spoke was calm and neutral. "Be assured that I do not intend harm in any way. I assume you are searching for an Asian youth of about fifteen?"
Zechs stepped forward, his expression carefully polite. "And if we are?"
"Then you may like to know that he left almost a candlemark ago, in a north-eastern direction."
The Sanq prince studied the figure before him. "May I ask how you came by this information?"
Blue eyes returned the gaze, then the person answered, "I trust my own eyes." He gave a slight nod, then turned, stepping back into the bushes. [2]
"Wait!" Heero's eyes were narrowed with suspicion. "You still haven't answered my question."
The figure paused. After a moment of silence, he replied quietly, "You may have heard of me as Prince Khushrenada of Oz."
Shock flitted through each of their faces, remaining on some longer than others. Though Trowa and Zechs remained outwardly composed, Heero's frown was edged with anger. In a swift movement, the Mage leapt towards the bushes the prince disappeared into, but his head snapped back when a hand gripped his, restraining him. The normally monotonous voice was deadly as he said, "Trowa, let go."
Calm emerald eyes met his. "Wufei didn't fight him to the death. Don't you think you should trust his judgement?"
Heero scowled, glanced at the bushes, then directed his glare at the taller youth who delayed him. "How do you know he even saw Treize?"
"He was in this area, which I presume is an Oz camp. The soldiers would not have been bandits - therefore, it would be fair to say that Wufei was captured by Oz. I doubt they would have hidden that fact from him. It would not have taken Wufei much to deduct that Treize was who he was, but he still left without killing him, or giving his life up in the process."
"And you trust what Treize says?"
Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Did you not run a truth spell on him?"
Heero hesitated, then nodded curtly. His voice was controlled and determined once more when he spoke, "I cannot let him go." The boy turned away. "He's done too much to Sanq... and to me."
They were all silent - the charred buildings and bodies were still etched all too clearly in their memories. Then, Quatre said softly, "We all remember, Heero. That's why we can't kill anybody more than we need to."
Something sparked in the cobalt eyes as Heero turned to the blonde. "The innocent villagers - don't you remember the fear in their eyes? Or are you so weak you'd spare the one who killed our parents?"
Quatre looked as though he'd been slapped. One glance at the downturned aquamarine orbs was all it took for Suri to shake herself free of the painful memories. "We've all been hurt, Heero. Attacking one another won't do anything!"
Heero turned on the girl, scowling. "This has nothing to do with you - or have you forgotten that it was our families and home that were destroyed on Zolt'e one month ago? Don't speak about things you know nothing about... you'll never understand. You're not one of us."
Suri's expression froze, then something similar to shock flashed in the silver eyes. Almost to herself, she whispered, "I just realised what day it was..." She fingered something tucked in her pocket, then glanced briefly at Zechs. "You don't need me for the moment... could I be excused?" Before anyone could stop her, she disappeared into the shadows in the direction of their camp.
For a long moment, nobody spoke. Then, Trowa quietly asked, "Was that really necessary, Heero?"
"Damn well it wasn't!" The braided boy beside him exploded, fury evident in the normally cheerful tone. "Suri understands what happened as well as we do, and she's been with us every step of the way so far. But you, cousin - I wonder if you'll ever realise how much you hurt people who care about you?"
Silence reigned once more. Finally, Zechs looked at Quatre. "Can you sense anything?"
The blonde shook his head mutely. "She strengthened the shields on herself almost as soon as Heero started speaking."
Sighing, the prince glanced upwards, then spoke, "Well, at least it's almost morning - the sun's peaking from the east. I'm going to look for her." He stared hard at Heero. "But I wonder if, in your efforts to reach perfection, you have lost sight of your humanity?"
Heero didn't answer, but Zechs did not expect one - he and Duo were already on two separate trails leading south. Quatre glanced at the Mage, opened his mouth, then closed it again, motioning for Trowa to follow as he went after Duo. Neither of them glanced backwards, but if they had, they may have noticed the flicker of internal struggle in the cobalt eyes. The Mage stood silently for several minutes, the anger visibly seeping out of him, then headed southwards after the prince.
An hour later, Heero heard a muffled noise closeby, and paused to tighten his shields. Crouching down, he parted the bushes and surveyed the scene, before stepping back quickly - the prince, standing a bare ten paces away from him, was silently watching a figure perched on a jagged rock another short distance away. Just as Heero was about to stand, a soft melody stopped him.
Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About the home I'll never see...
It may sound absurd, but don't be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won't you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream...
It's not easy to be me.
Suri's voice was accompanied by the sound of a flute, and with a start, Heero noticed the minute workings of wind Elementalism, and half-smiled in spite of the melancholy of the song - not everybody would have thought of using a gift to play music. Then, the girl looked up, glancing in his direction, saying quietly, "I know you're there, you know."
Shock flitted across his face. How does she know? I'm too far for her to see me physically, and my shields are as strong as they could be. Just as he was about to admit to his presence, however, Zechs stood and walked towards her, asking, "Are you okay?"
Heero was too far away to see Suri's expression, but her reply was quite composed. "Yes - don't worry, I wasn't running away in a tantrum." A hint of a smile could be heard in her voice.
The prince sat down beside her. "Then why did you go?"
Heero could see Suri turn away as she replied, "Heero's mention of Zolt'e reminded me of someone."
Zech's voice was gentle. "Will you tell me who?"
The girl looked down. "A close friend... she died five years ago today. That song was hers."
If the prince was shocked, it didn't show on his features. Instead, after a silence, Zechs said softly, "The song was beautiful - she must have been a special person."
"Yes, she was." Suri took a deep breath, then continued, "You know I had lived with my granny since I was five. At the beginning, I was basically ignored because all the other kids had formed their own friendship groups already. Then I met Lianne. I don't remember exactly how. She was just there. We were almost like sisters for the earlier parts of our lives, though she was four years older than me, but things started changing when someone appeared."
For a moment, a look of anger seemed to flash on her face, but it was gone before Heero could be certain. Zechs didn't seem to notice; instead, he prompted, "Who?"
She turned to face him. "I still don't know. See, she really liked fantasizing about princes and fairy-tales and happily-ever-after endings, so when she told me a noble had started courting her secretly, I thought she would be happy. She certainly seemed to be, and he appeared to treat her well... there were presents or flowers hidden in her yard every day. I always knew where they were because I could always hear her singing with him accompanying her. But one day, about a month after they met, she just disappeared - it was strange because she used to tell me everything. I looked all over the village for her, but nobody knew where she was."
Suri swallowed visibly, then turned away once more. "A week later, I found her lying at granny's doorstep. Her clothes were torn and dirty, and so was her hair - and there was blood on her body. Granny wasn't home, so I tried to clean her up - she begged me not to tell anyone, and I didn't have a heart to. It took a full month before she told me something of what happened."
Heero saw Zechs take Suri's hand, silently encouraging her to continue. After a pause, she did, pained silver eyes belaying her controlled tone.
"She was raped, Zechs. The noble she fell in love with took her away and raped her, then abandoned her half a day away from our village. It took her three whole days to find her way back."
Almost against his will, Heero had inched closer. Is this what I sensed she was hiding when she told us about her past? How did she manage to keep it inside for so long?
In a half-whisper, Suri continued, "It broke her heart... she wasted away before my eyes. Her parents had no idea; we told them that she had been helping out on a trader's caravan, then fell asleep and found herself at another village when she woke up. But she didn't laugh or sing anymore. Two months later, I found her in the garden where the noble used to sing with her. She was dead."
Her voice grew shaky, and Zechs pulled an arm over her shoulder, saying gently, "It's okay, Suri - you don't have to keep going. I understand." The girl's face was hidden below the curtain of black hair, but after a moment, she shook her head.
"In her hand lay a flute - one that he had given her - and a note. The words on it were the lyrics I just sang, and they fitted perfectly with one of the melodies he had taught her. I knew straight away who she had composed it for." Her last words were barely audible. "It was for him - I never even knew who he was. And even if I had... well, it couldn't have saved her." She looked at Zechs, her voice becoming a plea. "She was only fourteen - younger than I am now. How could anyone do that?"
The prince held the trembling girl, who buried her face in his shoulder. After a long silence broken only by low, muffled sobs, he said softly, "I don't know, Suri. People are cruel sometimes, aren't they?" His voice sounded far away, as though engrossed in memories of his own.
That brought Suri back to the present. She brushed the tears away carelessly, looking back at Zechs. Heero caught a smile on her face - a shaky one, but a smile all the same. "Thanks, Zechs. For caring."
The prince, too, snapped out of his reverie, and gave her a quick hug. "Anytime - that's what friends are for, right?" He hesitated slightly. "And Suri... I know Heero doesn't mean what he said. We need you as part of our team."
The girl looked down briefly, then met his gaze. "I'm with you as long as you need me... you guys are my only family. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone what I told you."
Zechs' blue eyes were concerned. "Are you sure? They'd understand."
"I know. But you guys have been through even more, and I don't see you complaining."
The prince tilted his head slightly. "I have a feeling that even if you went through exactly the same things as we did, you'd still try to remain strong. But I'll leave it, for now." He stood, facing her earnestly. "But tell me if you're upset, okay?"
She gave him another brief smile and nodded. "Do you need me for the moment? I want some time alone... to sort everything out."
"Sure, go ahead. None of us have had any sleep anyway. We'll meet back at camp, right?"
Suri nodded once more, and the prince patted her on the soldier, then left. As soon as he was gone, Heero saw the smile fade from the girl's face as she withdrew once again into her own thoughts, fingering the flute every once in a while. Should I go out? I don't want to seem like I eavesdropped... and I wouldn't blame her for being angry at me for what I said. But I should apologise... she *is* a member of our team, and even though I may not agree with all she says, she deserves respect. And I may have to consider other peoples' feelings, even if I don't think emotions are necessary... especially when people hide so much more than they let on...
Notes:
[1] - I don't mean "sensed" in a magical way; I'm thinking more about sensing the force of the attack just as you sometimes sense a person standing behind you or watching you.
[2] - Yes, I know he was with Une - I doubt they would do anything once they returned to the camp, though. There is a certain thing called protocol, ne? :)
[3] - Lyrics were from 'Superman - It's Not Easy' by Five For Fighting
Three parts on honour... I can't believe how long that took! Wufei got a role, though, and Treize actually appeared properly. About time, I say.
I really don't trust myself to stick to schedules any more - things just seem to happen against me. Let's just say the next part will be out as soon as I can manage it - prob is, all my notes are gone along with my story, so I have some replanning to do. Still, it'll be out ASAP, and certain characters will definitely appear. Anyone guessed who the mercenaries are yet?
I've extended the virtual cruise onto a five-dayer... after all, everyone deserves a reward for sticking with me so far. Anyone who's reviewed this mini-arc, here's a ticket! *waves colourful tickets* There's buffet on board... it's Italian cuisine first night up. Yummeeee!
