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: shounen ai, swearing, magic
Notes: Thanks for the reviews, and I hope they keep coming!
Mariel Yuy: Heya! I got your email today, but I've got to run... it's almost Christmas, and we've gotta go celebrate, right? But I'll email you back tomorrow night with all the details. Sorry for the delay! And thanks for the long review.
Stephanie Yuy: No life? You're telling me that you're some macho, back-from-the-dead spirit? *faints* Nah, I doubt that, and nope, I'm not waiting three months this time. Good ol' me! *pats self on back* I think I've been drinking too much...
Corbin: The quote does fit, doesn't it? Duo says lots of cool stuff, though all I've heard are from websites. *grin* Thanks for the review!
hikari hime: I hope you haven't had to wait too long. This is the next chapter, hope you enjoy it!
Silent Storm: Hehe... poor eyes! I'm glad you liked it, and thanks a lot for your review!
Part IXX: Reunion
He paused outside the tent, listening intently. The breathing of the youth within was indeed uneven, and after several moments, he heard a soft, muffled sigh and the sound of a body rolling over. The noises were barely audible, but Trowa could recognise them; being a naturally observant person, he had a mental catalogue of most of his closer friends' movement patterns, and could discern what they were doing simply by listening. When it came to Quatre, his knowledge bank was particularly extensive.
Quatre... Suri's words echoed in his mind repeatedly, and much as a part of him wanted to shut them out, to ignore them, another part clutched on to them almost desperately. He wanted to believe, but he didn't, couldn't. This is so confusing...
// When I'm lost in the rain //
He reached out and lifted the flap, stepping inside. Instantly, the breathing slowed and evened out. Trowa hesitated, then called softly, "Quatre?"
Aqua coloured orbs peeked out from beneath the covers, followed by the rest of Quatre's face. The Healer sat up, giving him a sheepish smile, somehow calming him down in spite of everything. "Hi, Trowa."
// In your eyes I know I'll find the light to light my way //
The taller youth entered, folded his knees together in a single, graceful movement and sat down. He searched his mind for things to say, finally venturing, "You were waiting up... for me?"
Quatre's eyes widened - the question caught him by surprise. With a slow nod, he responded. "Yeah. I couldn't sleep, and... well, I... "
He was worried, Trowa realised, then thanked the gods that Heero's shields blocked even Empathy when a wave of warmth coursed through him. His own heart began pounding again, but this time, it wasn't from nervousness or confusion...
// And when I'm scared and
losing ground
When my world is going crazy, you can turn it all around //
When he didn't speak, Quatre finished quietly, "I still haven't gotten used to the fact that you're back, I guess."
He met the blonde's eyes. "I'm glad to be back." With you.
Quatre's face lit up, and he leaned over to brush Trowa's hand briefly. "So am I, my friend." His face was so close that it fanned the taller youth's brown bangs. Trowa tensed, almost pulling back, but with a supreme mental effort, he held himself still. Quatre wasn't a Healer trainee for nothing, however; he sensed the other youth's discomfort almost immediately and pulled away with a blush. Mumbling an apology, the blonde turned away and concentrated on straightening his blanket.
Awkwardly, Trowa retreated to his own pillow and waited. When the silence lasted too long, he murmured, "It's okay, Quatre." A pause. Can I risk it? His friendship and his trust... I can't lose either... but Suri, if what you say is true... He took a deep breath. "I didn't mind."
A soft, startled noise escaped, and the Healer covered his mouth in a vain attempt to stifle the sound. There was a silence. "Do... do you mean that?"
Trowa gave a single nod, trying not to reveal his agitation, but beneath the thin blanket, his nails bit deeply into his palm. Blue eyes peered into emerald for a long while, and Trowa cursed his mouth mentally. Damn, I knew I shouldn't hav- huh? His eyes flew open when he felt arms wrapped tightly around him. Quatre? His own arms came up of their own accord, and in an amazingly smooth, practiced movement, they reached around and circled the blonde. My gods... this feels so *right*...
// And when I'm down you're
there; pushing me to the top
You're always there; giving me all you've got //
Neither of them were willing to move apart, but soon, Quatre raised his face from the taller youth's shoulder and inhaled deeply. Trowa realised then that both of them had forgotten to breathe. He heard a soft chuckle and realised belatedly that the sound came from himself, but for some reason, he didn't care - there was no longer any need to hide. Not any more. He'd never hurt me... I see that now...
// For a shield from the storm;
For a friend; for a love
To keep me safe and warm,
I turn to you. //
At the unusual sound, Quatre sent him a smile, then shifted and settled next to him. After a moment, he murmured, "Trowa... you know I care about you, right? ...As more than a friend?"
Trowa hesitated, then bobbed his head in a nod. "I can... feel it. I'm not sure how..." He met the blonde's eyes. "I didn't believe it, before."
"But now you do." Quatre smiled, somehow conveying joy and encouragement with the simple movement. "I'm glad, Trowa. I... I wasn't sure how you felt, and I couldn't bring myself to tell you... " The blonde looked up curiously. "But why now?"
The youth stared up at the top of the tent. "I was talking to Suri. She... she said my past doesn't matter to you..."
Shock flitted through Quatre's face. "Of course it doesn't!" He opened his mouth to add something more, then paused, his expression growing thoughtful. "It's been gnawing at you, hasn't it? Ever since you realised Catherine was your sister... before that, even." He met the other youth's gaze. "Trowa, please listen to me ... I don't care what your name is, who your parents are, or where you were born... the only thing that matters is that you're the person I care about more than anything..."
Trowa closed his eyes. The silence stretched into eternity, but he didn't notice; his thoughts were focused inwards, turning each and every word over and over, disecting them and trying to understand the confusion that they brought. Finally, he simply asked, "Why?"
This time, Quatre didn't hesitate. "I feel safe when I'm with you. I know you'd always be there to support me, and you make me stronger than I am by myself. You don't say much but I can feel it... and sometimes, it's the only thing I'm sure of - your strength and your support... "
"Strength?" He felt surprise and hid it automatically, then reconsidered and let a flicker of it show on his face. He shook his head. Softly, the youth responded, "I get my strength from you, Quatre. Without you, I..."
// For the strength to be strong //
He paused, searching for words. "Without you, I wouldn't be able to go on..."
// For the will to carry on //
Quatre's eyes swam with some undescribable emotion, but he didn't speak, so Trowa continued, "You... you're not afraid of caring, and you care so deeply about everything..." He glanced at the blonde. "I don't know how to describe it, but you're pure, incorruptible. Even when I'm not sure about myself, I know you can find the right path..."
// For everything you do
For everything that's true, //
Trowa took a deep breath and finished, "That's why I need you."
// I turn to you //
Quatre wrapped his arms tightly around his friend, who lifted his own blanket and tucked it shyly around the two of them. That night, their dreams were peaceful, as though they were nowhere near the warring, uncertain reality that surrounded them... [1]
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In the reddish glow of dawn, Luiordo of the gypsies was conferring closely with his advisors. The messengers this morning had brought disturbing news; they would have to act this time, and the thought made the Elder decidedly uneasy. As a leader of nomads, one should not break any contract, because any type of trust would be harder to come by in the future. At the end, it all depended on the strength of the exiled prince - on whether he would be strong enough to reestablish Sanq rule in spite of the Ronterdo family's deeply rooted plans.
From what he heard, Bocherik had already gained a considerable amount of control over the reigning monarch of Oz, which meant that the contracts would soon be void, unless a puppet king was deemed useful. That could well be the case, however; at least the Ronterdos would not have to control Treize or stall civil unrest. The uncertainties were what made Luiordo hesitate. On one hand, he could do nothing, and respect the conditions of the contract. On the other, he could take what remained of the gypsy fighters to Maxwell Cloister in Mt Sera, where one of Oz's strongest secret operational teams was scheduled to attack within two days...
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It had been decided the previous night that they would continue towards Oz because the Maguanacs had a hidden stronghold of supplies near the border. The decision suited their original plans, so all were satisfied; the gypsies did not answer to Zechs, of course, but as allied leaders, Hilde and the prince had reached an agreement, and the party would remain together for a while yet. There had been some talk of contacting other gypsy elders, but the matter was still vague, and Hilde had seemed unwilling to comment on it.
It was mid-afternoon, and once again, the sun was belting down upon them, but this time, increasingly immense mountains towered on one side and provided them with some shade. Zechs mentioned quietly that they were passing the Fort Ranges, a physical border partially seperating Pierot in Oz and Sahkron in Sanq. [2] They would probably reach Maxwell Cloister that night, he told her, and because the establishment had been built on the flat, expansive cliffs of Mt Sera, they would most definately have a place to camp. Suri had been grateful for his consideration in relieving some of her hidden concerns; setting tents on a narrow path did not seem particularly wise, and neither did sleeping on sloping ground.
Once again, nobody talked much. She was still tired, and was more than inclined to conserve her energy, though Duo was chatting animatedly with Hilde and another gypsy and Quatre and Trowa seemed... close. She hoped that they had discussed certain issues; maybe the others had not been aware of it, but some tensions were hard to shield from Empaths. A sudden, cool gust of wind whipped up her hair and Suri closed her eyes in relief. The ground now fell sharply to one side, and the heat was no longer intolerable, so maybe she would survive after all.
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He knocked once. After a moment, the door opened, and a face peeked out. "Wufei!" The girl stepped from the room. "You are leaving?"
The youth nodded. "I came to say goodbye."
"Thank you for remembering." Sally gave him a smile, then closed the door behind her. "Can I walk you out?"
Wufei's expression flickered with mild surprise. "If you wish." They made their way through the cloister, passing through its front door and going up a mild slope to the mountain path.
"Do you have any plans?"
He glanced at her, then turned away. "I'm not sure."
She was silent for a moment. "Why not stay for a while, then?"
Wufei shook his head. "I don't want to meet.." He halted abruptly, ducking behind a protruding boulder and gesturing for her to do the same. In a low voice, he told her, "Don't move." A hesitation. "Please."
Sally looked at him in some confusion, but focused her attention on the narrow road when she noticed the dust cloud and the mumble of treading feet. A large party slowly came into view, with a black-clad, blonde-haired youth at its head. She shot a sharp look at Wufei, whose calm expression warred with clenched fists and darting eyes. Before she could react, however, two outlandish people materialised on either side of them and pressed a dagger into their necks The weapons were not quite drawing blood, but their positions made it clear that the two of them were trapped.
One of the gypsies - or so she assumed they were - raised his arm in a signalling gesture, but before he could say anything, Wufei interrupted grimly, "Wait." Raising his voice, he called, "Zechs!"
The leader started, fixing ice-blue eyes on the two of them; they were now standing, thanks to a pair of rather insistent daggers. "Wufei?!"
Five other people stepped up beside him, all showing varying degrees of surprise and relief. With a wave of his hand, the leader indicated for the gypsies to release them, and within two seconds, the six were beside the boulder. One of them, a dark-haired youth, stepped forward and raked cobalt eyes over Wufei's body before stating, "You're not injured." The leader remained silent.
"No." Wufei looked at each of them for a long moment, then suddenly kneeled and the ground with his head bowed. Sally caught the leader jerking his hand forward involuntarily. After several seconds, the Asian began to speak. "I apologise for deserting without notice, and for any worries you may have had. I will accept any form of punishment you deem appropriate." The leader opened his mouth, but Wufei forstalled him with a raised hand. "However... I am no longer worthy of being part of the group. Therefore, once I have received the punishment, I beg your permission to leave."
Silence met his proclamation, though Sally saw that two other people were now standing behind the group - a gypsy female, and some kind of fighter. Finally, the blonde-haired leader responded, "Wufei, I accept your apology for causing us concern. However, I do not think you would have acted the way you did without reason. Therefore, I will first require an explanation for your actions... and for your desire to withdraw from the group."
Her companion rose, his face momentarily betraying a weariness that seemed too old for his years. "Very well." Wufei stood for a while, organising his thoughts, battling his demons... Sally's heart ached for him. She could sense the inner struggle behind the youth's mask, being a Healer, and had she possessed the ability to heal broken hearts, she would have done so in a heartbeat. As it was, she knew it was none of her business, so she listened in silence as the youth spoke.
"Once Trowa left, I gave the woman my katana; I couldn't fight a female who had not attacked first. She was Colonel Une of Oz. She took me to see Prince Treize Khushrenada," He looked up, then, and Sally thought he was mildly surprise at their lack of shock, but he continued, "who offered to duel with me. If I defeated him, I would be released; if he defeated me, I would die."
There was a pause, then Wufei finished, "I lost." His voice was low, edged with shame, and Sally saw a raven-haired girl wince and put her hand on a blonde youth's shoulder. The blonde's expression was pained. "However, because I did not fight with my katana, he told me that he did not win fairly, and spared my life."
Wufei raised his eyes. "Instead of avenging the deaths of my wife and the others who died on Zolte, I live now at the mercy and in the life debt of the one who ordered their deaths. I am honour-broke. I am not worthy of fighting beside any of you." He glanced away, then, and refused to meet their eyes.
There was a long silence. At last, the leader said, "Wufei... believe it or not, I understand why you believe that you should leave. However, I feel otherwise; if you could not defeat him in the fight, and cannot harm him in the future because of the life debt, you can still use your skills to protect those in Sanq who need protection. You can still benefit our cause. Therefore, I wish for you to stay. You can take it as your punishment, if you so desire."
Wufei thought the words over; not in consideration, because he had promised he would accept any form of punishment, but because he could not promise more than he felt able to give. Finally, he gave a single nod. "I accept your request. However, there are two other things you should know. One, Prince Khushrenada said that he did not know anything about the slaughter in the cities. I do not know if he was telling the truth. However, he did not deny his part in the Zolte slaughter, so I suspect we will have to look into the attacks on the cities more closely. Two, Relena Darlian is alive. She is at Maxwell Cloister, but I have not seen her since I informed her of her parents' deaths."
The cobalt-eyed youth asked sharply, "Relena?"
Wufei nodded. "As I said, I haven't seen her around. She may have left." He looked at Sally, then, as though suddenly remembering her presence. He paused. "It seems that I have been amiss. Zechs, this is Sally Po, a member of the clans who is now working at the Maxwell Cloister." The youth glanced at her for permission, and she nodded, so he explained her past briefly. Then, he introduced the six of them - Zechs, Heero, Duo, Suri, Quatre, Trowa - before pausing.
Zechs stepped in when he noticed the lapse. "Wufei, Sally, this is Rashid of the Maguanacs," he gestured towards the fighter, who inclined his head, ignoring Wufei's startlement, "who is now our ally. The Maguanacs were originally sent to capture us, but due to some events which I will explain in detail later, they are now travelling with us." He gestured to the female, who gave them a smile. "And this is Hilde of the gypsies, who I believe Wufei has met. She, too, is now travelling with us with a group of gypsies under her command."
Wufei bowed slightly to each of them. Then, Zechs continued in a raised voice that carried to the back of the party, "And although I do think we should look into the city slaughter, there is now considerably more information, both from the gypsies and the Maguanacs, " he nodded slightly at the two allies, "and from Wufei. Discussing the matter will take some time. Therefore, I suggest that everyone unpack and set up for the night before we begin any serious study."
Sally suggested quietly, "The Maxwell Cloister is larger than it looks; perhaps you would like to sleep there instead?"
Zechs gave her a smile, but declined politely. "We do not wish to inconvenience anybody, especially when we can do nothing in return. Besides, if we are attacked, we can defend ourselves better in the open, and there will be less risk of injury to bystanders.However, do you think there is a room we could use for a meeting? Campfires aren't ideal for writing, but Mage or Elemental lights will require energy, and we may not have much to spare."
She considered, then said, "I'll ask."
Zechs looked satisfied. "Thank you. Would you mind if we question you further on what happened with your clan when the need arises? I feel there are links between the events we experienced."
Sally nodded once more. The group, she noticed, was almost set up; the efficiency surpassed that of her clan. It surprised her, and she vowed to find out exactly who the Maguanacs were. She waited for a while, then gestured for them to follow. "I'll introduce you to Father Maxwell and Sister Helen. I'm sure they will let you use a room, but you would need their permission, not mine."
"Of course." Zechs responded. "I'll be glad to meet them."
The ten of them walked towards the building, and Sally opened the door, smiling a conversing pair in the reception room. The name was rather too fancy for the room, which was merely a small chamber separating the main part of the building and the doorway, but Sally thought that it may once have been furnished rather prettily. Some renmants of stain glass and paintings remained, though there were visible gaps where some had disappeared; she had sometimes wondered idly whether they had been stolen or sold to supply for difficult times. "Father Maxwell, Sister Helen, this group is passing by, and I invited them in for a rest." She introduced them in turn, then continued, "They would like a small room for a meeting. Would one be available?"
Sister Helen smiled warmly. "Of course. Would you not like a place to stay for the night?"
Zechs declined with a gracious shake of his head. "Thank you for your kindness, but we'd hate to interpose. Tents have already been erected outside. However, firelight is rather difficult to read or write by, so if you have a chamber available, we would be very grateful if you let us use it."
The priest nodded. "As you wish. But you'll stay for a meal, at least? We have food to spare, and visitors are always welcome.".
Zechs paused; there seemed to be no polite way to refuse the hospitality, not when it was so earnestly offered. "We thank you, then, for your kindness, and accept your offer of a meal."
The Sister smiled. "It is no bother, I promise you. Come, follow me - you must all be weary from your journey."
She led them into the dining chamber, with the Father behind her. Once they were all seated, the Sister left, evidently to prepare some food. The priest then asked casually, "So what brings so many people this far north?"
Zechs explained briefly about how he and the rest of his companions were people opposed to Oz's control of Sanq, and how they wished to protect Sanq citizens from further Oz attacks. Then, Sister Helen returned, and the matter was dropped as they ate and talked about inconsequential things, though Father did, in response to a question, tell them some facts about Maxwell Cloister. Sally found herself smiling when he described the Prayer Chamber - his aging, lined face grew decidedly more animated with each piece of artwork he discribed. One boy - Duo, his name was - listened raptly. When the priest finished, he said, "I've always art... do you think I could take a look some time, Father?"
Heero spoke up curtly. "Duo, we have a meeting."
The braided boy made a face. "There's time after that, or in the morning before we leave. I won't take five years, you know."
The cobalt-eyed boy merely glared. "You will need all the rest you can get."
Duo looked at him, slightly defiant. "I'll survive, Heero. Besides, why can't I do what I want when it doesn't endanger or affect anyone?"
Heero thought for a moment, his glare still strong, his expression still inscrutable. "Your physical state is important in fights. If you are tired, it will affect everybody."
"In fact," Father Maxwell interposed lightly, "I would be honoured if this young man visits the chamber; it has been quite a while since any person has appreciated the art in there, and artwork unappreciated is artwork lost. Sister Helen, would you take Duo there now? I think he has finished his meal, and some people haven't yet done so." He smiled at Heero. "I'm sure he will be back before he is missed."
Heero's lips thinned when Duo smiled gratefully at the priest, but he didn't argue against his host. The braided boy noticed and turned to him. The normally cheerful voice was edged with frustration as Duo demanded, "Heero, why can't I have a life besides our mission? I've never let our cause down, and nor has anybody else here - everyone tries their best. But we're humans too; sometimes, we need a break, a chance not to think about the responsibilities we have. Even if you don't, can't you just let it be..." He took a deep breath, hesitating, then finished quietly, "Can't we matter as friends and not as objects that serve a mission?"
There was a silence. Heero fixed his attention on his food. Then, Suri spoke gently, "Go, Duo... I haven't finished. I'll keep stuffing myself until you come back, okay?"
Quatre nodded, his hand brushing Duo's for a fleeting moment. "Don't worry about hurrying back. I understand."
Duo glanced briefly at each of them, expressing his thanks without unnecessary words. Then, he followed the standing Sister out of the room. After he left, Suri turned to Heero, but before she could speak, the door slid open and a figure stepped in. They all looked up as a female voice exclaimed, "Heero!"
Notes:
[1] - Song: 'I Turn to You' by Christina Aguilera
[2] - If anybody has been keeping track of the geography, it should all work out; Hilde in Ch 12 had mentioned both these cities, and many of the events in the more recent chapters have happened in or between these places. I just wanted to ask anybody who notices inconsistencies to drop me a note, either in review form or email form, because I seem to have lost my original log of the places, their respective locations and the distances between them, and what happend in them. Thanks!
The next part will have to wait until mid-January, I think, because I've got to do a whole pile of notes (several dozen pages) for this holiday workshop. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone, and thanks for your support... it's almost been a year!
If anyone wants alerts in the future, drop a note in a review. I'll also send out notices if I can't write for any prolonged period of time, ie. a month or more.
¡@
